The spring issue of GIFT SHOP magazine ran a feature on organic and sustainable products, and noted that the organic market is estimated to reach $2.6 billion in sales–a tenfold increase over the last seven years–by 2008.

So as I walked around the gift shows this summer, I paid careful attention to some of the new options in this category. Here are some really fun and innovative products that I came across:

green 3
A really terrific line of super-soft, organic cotton T-shirts with clever slogans ("chicks rule") and a wonderful line of Asian-inspired T-shirts with Chinese characters and American translations ("happiness" and "love").

The News
Wonderful handbags, belts, etc., made from recycled LA & NY newspapers.

Twist, Inc.
Adorable line of frames and wine stoppers that incorporate recycled bottle caps as part of the design.

Zambezi Studios
Incredible products made in Africa from recycled newspapers and electrical wires. All their products are Fair Trade certified and/or produced by workshops and co-ops that practice Fair Trade principles.

Bungalow
Colorful line of doormats made from recycled coconut husks.  

Tivi
Upscale line of jewelry (necklaces, belts, bracelets, cufflinks) made from recycled Jack Daniels barrels.

ecosource Home & Garden
Eco-friendly line of flowerpots and decorative containers made from rice hulls, bamboo and other natural fibers. Styles range from traditional to modern and the price points start at only 99¢, so the margins are great!

Eye Kandy
Cute line of handbags made from recycled food containers such as candy wrappers, potato chip bags, beer boxes and bubble gum wrappers. Available in 25 styles.

Sukie Ltd.
Great line of travel journals made from recycled paper. Each journal also has envelopes made from recycled brown paper… handy for storing special mementos from the trip.