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Yesterday, Lori and I spent the day at the downtown Gift Mart for product research. The Gift Mart is a collection of showrooms -- 12 stories tall -- for buyers and designers to find out what's new and hot, figure out what will sell in their stores, order up that product, get creative inspiration, and stay informed. We're excited about expanding the PRACTICAL WHIMSY line, and always thinking about the goods that families like to have in their homes... and to give as gifts. I'd tell you what we have in mind... but then you'd have to sign on as an investor!

We did come away with a refined batch of ideas, and an appreciation for some new (and old products):  fine china that can be monogrammed; an assortment of animatronic holiday decorations;  snappy, floral earthenware vases... and, for the truly inspired-but-quirky:  vintage black Darth Vader-shaped birthday candles -- with insert your own message cards -- for the Star Wars' aficianado's perfect cake celebration.

While we marveled at some and ogled at others, I tell you with a sense of relief that none of those are products we have currently under consideration. Although I'd order those Darth Vader candles just to see a Star Wars fan's face light up.