All Thumbs?
As we type more and more e-mails and text messages on our portable devices, our fingers get more and more strained. This Bluetooth keyboard, therefore, should come as a welcome relief. Users can type quickly and with both hands instead of hunting and pecking, and it folds down to the size of a deck of cards for transport. Note that this model is specifically for the iPhone and iPad. The Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard retails at $79.99. Buy one here for less. verbatim.com
Whisker Fixer
Gentleman's Tonic, a renowned London barbershop company, sells its manly products to all. A shaving gift set, which includes a cleanser, shave cream and aftershave cream, costs $81. A version formulated for dry or sensitive skin is available for the same price. gentlemanstonic.com
Seaweed - Gift From the Sea
Voya products, made from seaweed harvested off the coast of Ireland, are used at the exclusive K Spa at Ireland's K Club (kclub.ie), among others. The scent and packaging have a unisex appeal, and the products can be gifted at any meeting or venue. The Body Gift Set ($48) contains Softly Does It body cream and Squeaky Clean body wash. (Note that these bottles are too large to be taken on airplanes.) (011) 353-71-916-8956; voya.ie
Spreadably Soft
Trial sizes of Lather products appear in upscale properties like Loews Hotels & Resorts and Wynn and Encore Resorts, but the company really rolls out the red carpet with its gifts. The Pamper Pack contains four small jars of sweet-smelling lotion, including hand cream with evening primrose, lavender and eucalyptus foot cream, bamboo lemongrass foaming body scrub, and manuka body butter with grapefruit and juniper. Cost, $25. (877) 652-8437; lather.com
Flight Reviver
The Skin Authority offers a number of travel kits containing its high-end products, including this one, designed for men. GO! Man includes a small tube of face wash, sunscreen moisturizer and a night revitalizer that uses glycolic acid to make skin look younger and fresher after a long-haul flight. Cost, $52 retail; for orders of at least 10, the price drops to $29. Also, recipients can call in to get personalized advice. (866) 325-7546; www.skinauthority.com
Apothecary Kit
Legendary apothecary Kiehl's offers a number of products that make perfect welcome gifts. For male attendees, consider the Kiehl's Delights Set ($39), a travel kit with lotions for the body, face, hands and eye area. Bulk discounts and customized selections are available. (212) 460-8221; kiehls.com
Badges Without Badgering
Collecting badge holders after an event saves money and reduces waste, but it's not easy to get all of them back. This year at IMEX America, a meetings industry trade show debuting in Las Vegas, Oct. 11 to 13 (imexamerica.com), attendees can trigger a donation to one of a choice of local charities by depositing their badge into the proper charity-labeled box.
Frozen Drinks
After a big meal, attendees often are too stuffed to eat a heavy dessert. Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships has created something light and sweet that can be enjoyed standing up: frozen cocktail push pops in three gourmet flavors -- peach bellini, green lavender-tini and crushed cherry rosé. (212) 696-4076; abigailkirsch.com
Table Art
Motel Deluxe's Tablescapes place cards are whimsical yet business-appropriate, and they're less expensive than most custom-made place cards. They cost $3.75 per pack of 10, with a minimum order of six packs. (718) 237-4421
Worldly Confections
Handmade French-style bonbons, crafted of South American chocolate and organic spices, nuts and fruits, are the hallmark of Derry Church Artisan Chocolates. Among the company's exquisite gift-pack offerings is this Japanese Bento box filled with 20 scrumptious pieces. Cost, $79. (717) 602-8963; derrychurchartisanchocolates.com
Prints Charming
These etoile print tablecloths, available in six sizes, lend a fresh, airy feel to any table. For extra punch, complement the look with red-and-white checked napkins and rattan chargers. All available in the U.S. through Party Rental Ltd.; call for prices. (201) 727-4700; partyrentalltd.com
Hotel at Home
Fans of guest-room décor at Sheraton or Westin hotels can get that checked-in feeling at home, thanks to the hotel brands' home-furnishings lines. Among the offerings: a table, bench, lamp and throw pillow. Cost, from $60. westin.com/store; sheraton-hotelsathome.com