Technology Gifts Show Trend at Hong Kong Fair

Blurring the line between technology and traditional gifts was the single biggest trend at the fair. Debuting products were less reflective of dramatic technological advances than technology that’s been given a design makeover and crossed into home decor. Retro radios by Hedworth Ltd., Hong Kong represent the home decor trend.

Other trends included technology that reflects personal fashion, and multi-functional designs that do several clever things at once. The show has a substantial consumer electronic section, but tech gifts were popping up all over, no longer as a separate category but part of the general gift selection.

USB memory drives turned up joined to everything from watches by Lattitude Ltd., Hong Kong, to home (or office) fragrance delivery by Debreu Ltd., Hong Kong. In addition, there were USB-powered devices that do everything from clear the air to warm a cup of coffee. MP3 players embedded in sunglasses from Xonix Electronics Co., Hong Kong, drew a crowd, and other popular items included technology add-ons such as wire-managers for earphones in the form of fish or dog bones by V.33 Design & Marketing Co., Hong Kong; “tough boxes” to protect fragile electronic gear; and digital “pets” that play or move to music.