New York, NY – Jan. 29 –Feb. 3, 2011: We all know the old adage, “It is better to give than to receive,” and with the impressive array of gift options at this year’s New York International Gift Fair, these words of wisdom have never rang truer.

First up was Mudpie, an Upper West Side-inspired clothing line (think Charlotte York from Sex and the City) that has something for everyone, from bride-to-be to bouncing baby. Great gifts ideas from Mudpie are the personalized piggy banks for the wee one or the monogrammed totes for your bridesmaids.

Trinkets were definitely the dominant trend this season. Jewel-encrusted jewelry boxes ranging from red, green, black, ivory and blue were seen from booth-to-booth. Miniature statuettes of lady’s handbags were prevalent as well as small figurines that double as necklace and earring holders. Small replicas of shoes would make great stocking stuffers or add flair to any gift basket.

Some of the top places to track down your trendy trinket are the Splendid Music Box Company, Welforth, Inc., Vikolya and Art East. Jacki Design also dominates this area with girly jewelry holders, printed makeup bags and fashionable brushes. These pretty presents can be found in the Ballet Series Collection, Urban Glam Collection and Daisy Love Collection.

For a more unique and sustainable gift idea look no further than The Tunes Co. This throw-back to the 1960s company offers coasters donning vintage record covers. These groovy giftables are even made from recycled albums. The Tunes Co. also boasts a collection of worn-in tees inspired by California, musical icons, Woodstock and England.

If there’s a game player on your list then opt for chessboards, poker sets or Dominoes kits from Gatogi. All of the games are available in wood, steel and even pink. Don’t forget to check out their 7-game traveler’s set edition.

Need a gift that’s both smart and fashionable? Then Assouline has exactly what you need. This iconic publishing house is the authority when it comes to coffee table books from fashion, travel, lifestyle, architecture, art and photography. Some notable titles include Condé Nast Traveler’s Where Are You?, a follow up to best seller, Room With a View, along with Dior, 60th Anniversary, American Fashion Cookbook and Hotel Stories. My editor’s pick is the new Survival Kits, where you can choose from fashion, lifestyle, art and design.

If you are in the market for housewarming gifts, then peruse Impulse! for acrylic chandeliers that can be hung or used as a centerpiece and modern plate sets in gold, silver or prints. Design House Stockholm has some amazing light fixtures, lamps and glasses. Artenica’s light fixtures are moldable and has a line of bags made from recycled billboards. Each bag is individualized and holds up to 33lbs.

For gifts for the body and soul, Love & Toast by Margot Elena provides lust-worthy items like tasty lip balms, scented lotions, sugar scrubs, shower crèmes and pretty perfumes. Give the gift of relaxation with Lafco‘s scented candles, oils and fragrances.

Images clockwise from left: Assouline, Jacki Design, Impulse!, Mudpie, Love & Toast.

I originally wrote this article for FashionEdits - you can view here.