Tequila Train
Take a cue from Grand Velas Resort Riviera Maya (866-314-9347; grandvelas.com) and bring a mobile cocktail cart around to diners before or during dinner. In the cart, the resort stocks a variety of tequilas and juices on ice, plus shakers, limes, and salt, either regular or chili-flavored.
Ear Candy
When your cell phone rings, pull the YUBZ Talk Mobile ($40), top, out of your bag, and everybody will be talking. The retro handset attaches to just about any phone or computer and comes with either a coiled cord or a Bluetooth transmitter. The Clipo ($50), on the other hand, is an inconspicuous retractable Bluetooth earpiece that can hide in a front pocket when not in use. (866) 533-9829; yubz.com
Light Brigade
Wrap this blinking LED ribbon around a gift, or festoon them at a party. Some are battery-operated (and last up to 24 hours); others plug into the wall. The ribbons are nine to 18 feet long, and costs range from $6.25 to $15. (909) 595-3111; meilocreation.com
Wine Couture
These faux leather-encased, hard-shell wine totes aren't cheap, but they make a great gift, even without a bottle of the vino. Wine Purses range in cost from $35 to $40. (800) 669-5628; www.picnicgift.com
Tea With a Twist
It's hard to believe, but tea dissolves better in alcohol than it does in water. Tea Forte makes special tea blends that work well in cocktails. The drinks could be the centerpiece of a mixer at a wellness event (watching the infusion happen is a form of theater), or the tea could be given as a gift. Eight infusers costs $12; bulk discounts are available. (800) 721-1149; teaforte.com
Talk Time
Get people connecting by sprinkling Conversation Confetti on tables. The set of 24 questions, specifically tailored for corporate events (for example, "If you could have one famous person join your company, who would it be and why?"), can be custom-printed with the name of the event on the back. The first set costs $25; additional sets cost $10. Also available are tins of question cards, great as gifts. (773) 569-0945; conversationconfetti.com
Light My Fire
Assuming burning candles are allowed in an event space, check out these French scented ones that look eerily similar to fruits and vegetables, plants, rocks and animals. Put together a fruit basket of candles as a centerpiece, or give them as unique gifts. The apple-shaped example shown costs $19.95. Call (401) 619-3339 or e-mail info@comptoirdefamille.net for a catalog.
Invite Growth
When guests get a potted plant in the mail, they'll be sure to open it. Inside will be a short event reminder or save-the-date, plus a package of soil and seeds for a plant, such as basil, sweet pea or pansies. Plants cost $5 each, with a minimum order of 24. (800) 465-1818; eco-culture.ca
The Spice of Life
For spice-related gifts, the Clay Co. wins hands-down. Gourmets might appreciate this reusable porcelain salt cellar, left, that holds three curiously colored salts ($26) or this collection of herb mixtures ($12) designed to bring out the flavors of various wine varietals. (707) 542-1423; clay-company.com
Something's Brewing
To use the Teastick (919-834-0079; gamilacompany.com), top, scoop some leaves into the barrel and let it steep in a cup of hot water. A gift set that includes one Teastick and a 2-ounce bag of premium tea costs $30; a less expensive version costs $12. The Tea Pin (teapin.com), on the other hand, is a simple and beautiful object used to suspend the tea bag. A pin plus 25 paper infusers costs $14.
Board Stiff
These bamboo dry-erase magnet boards by design house Three By Three Seattle are far more appealing than the standard white variety. The three super-strong neodymium magnets included can hold up photos or to-dos. The boards typically cost $13, but prices for bulk orders are negotiable. E-mail info@threebythree.com for large and custom orders. (206) 784-5839; threebythree.com
Metal Gear
Wallets are an awfully personal item, but the Ogon metal wallet could be useful no matter who's receiving it -- and it's female-friendly, too. The lightweight aluminum case has seven pockets for cards or cash, and it can be easily engraved. Wallets cost about $40 and are available online, including here. For large orders, call CH Marketing (877-246-2758; chmarketingllc.com).