DENVER, CO (May 3, 2024) –The Greeting Card Association (GCA) held *Noted: The Greeting Card Expo + Gifted: The Creative Gift and Home Expo, the exclusive West Coast market for creative gifts, stationery, greeting cards, home decor, and more, April 17-18 at the Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion in San Francisco. This expanded wholesale marketplace continued to follow GCA’s vision as a show by the gift and stationery community for the gift and stationery community.
*Noted+Gifted welcomed hundreds of buyers from across the country and an array of exciting exhibitors. Upon check-in to the event, buyers were given a ballot card to cast their votes for the exhibitors they thought were the best in the following categories: Best Vibe, Most Sustainable, Most Innovative, Best Use of Color, and Favorite Overall for the inaugural Best of *Noted+Gifted Show Awards. Ballots were turned into one of the six voting boxes created by Universal Presentation Concepts.
The ballots have been counted and six exhibitors are taking home the Best of *Noted+Gifted Show Awards.
The award for the exhibitor with the Best Vibe went to *Noted exhibitor, Mitzi Bitsy Spider. At Mitzi Bitsy Spider, they believe that in our messy, fast-paced, overwhelming world, snail-mail matters. Sending a greeting card is a small act with incredible impact. There is nothing quite like the feeling of opening the perfect card that lets you feel seen, heard, understood, and loved. They craft exquisite, hand-illustrated cards for those unforgettable moments.
The Most Sustainable award went to Gifted exhibitor, Elana Gabrielle. Elana Gabrielle is an illustrator, maker, and designer of printed textile and paper goods for the body and home. Using natural fibers and renewable materials, each design is created with form and function in mind. The shapes and colors are inspired by wild and varied landscapes from foggy beaches to desert dunes and invite mindful connection with the natural world both in the home and out in the wild.
First-time *Noted exhibitor, Sticks that ahh, took home the Most Innovative award, “Who would have thought stick figures could be innovative, I mean, besides us? We are over the moon to be selected MOST INNOVATIVE by *Noted+Gifted 2024 attendees!”, said Daniel Molina, Founder and Creator. Sticks that ahh uses augmented reality technology to make their stick figures come to life, creating powerful “wow” moments that will leave a lasting “ahh” impression. With a focus on the healing power of a great greeting card, their physician founder is delivering medicine in an entirely new way.
PIER SIX PRESS, a *Noted exhibitor, was awarded the Best Use of Color award, “Thank you for this honor! We’re so grateful for the color palette appreciation (more is more around here). We *love* color and are super stoked that it resonated at the show!”, said Karen Sawyer-Meehan, owner of PIER SIX PRESS. PIER SIX PRESS is an award-winning print studio located in their hometown of Bremerton, Washington. They create cards, stationery, posters, and art prints combining old-style printing, modern design, and a whole lot of neon. They’re inspired by community and everyday moments deserving of recognition.
The show award for Favorite Overall was a tie between *Noted exhibitor, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Gifted exhibitor, Retro1951. Spaghetti & Meatballs is a home-cooked greeting card company made with love and a pinch of sass. “I feel so honored and humbled! I truly had the best time at this show. It doesn’t even feel like work, it feels like “I’m in flow”! And having my Dad there for the first time ever, and everyone being so welcoming and kind to him- it was probably my favorite show.”, said Marie Castiglione, CEO. Retro1951 focuses on unique gifts with an emphasis on fine writing instruments and the accouterments of life. Retro 1951 pens are popular among collectors, pen enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-made writing instrument. “Participating in our first *Noted+Gifted was a wonderful experience. We truly enjoyed meeting all the great attendees and exhibitors. Being voted FAVORITE OVERALL by the attendees is a fantastic honor and a testament to the dedication, creativity, and collaborative effort of everyone at Retro51. Thank you to everyone who voted.”, said Karen Langley, Wholesale Account Manager.
The full list of *Noted+Gifted attendees can be found on the GCA website here and exhibitors here.
The Best of *Noted+Gifted Awards:
- Best Vibe: Mitzy Bitsy Spider
- Most Sustainable: Elana Gabrielle
- Most Innovative: Sticks that ahh
- Best Use of Color: PIER SIX PRESS
- Favorite Overall: Spaghetti & Meatballs and Retro1951
