Gift vendors at the 2015 International Christian Retail Show displayed a significant quality of artistry and passion for the message that their products carry. Prayer and a commitment to God’s Word were themes the vendors got behind.

Official licensees for products based on the August film War Room, including Carpentree, DaySpring and Kerusso, debuted gift items with the theme of prayer intended to have an extended shelf life. 

During a presentation and giveaway Tuesday at the Kerusso booth, Alex Kendrick, creator of the movie with his brother Stephen, stirred those gathered with a timely message.

“We are praying that God uses these products to call God’s people back to an intense time of prayer and warfare to bring an awakening to our culture,” Kendrick said. 

The effects of social media on culture were also obvious with products stemming from successful bloggers. For example, DaySpring’s "(In)courage" line resulted from a blog (incourage.me), which has 2 million followers and features a host of writers, including Lysa TerKeurst and Holley Gerth. The company's brand of high-end home décor items is expected to move into books as well.

Likewise, pastor’s wife Shanna Noel launched the Illustrated Faith company as a way of documenting what she was studying in the Bible. Her first Bible journaling video went viral with followers increasing from 4,000 is 20,000 in less than a year. Noel offered hands-on demonstrations at her booth to boost retailers' confidence in adding paint, tape, stickers and other journaling tools to their Bibles to personalize their faith journey.

Fair Trade, showcasing artisans’ work from other countries, is still on the rise. Mark Fangue, co-owner of Gifts With a Cause (distributed by STL) , features 350 handcrafted items from 20 countries all with the Fair Trade Federation’s logo. Each scarf, jewelry or handbag has a story of helping artisans in need of making a living.

Many gift vendors reported an upswing in international clients from Brazil, South Africa, Dubai, Egypt, India and the Caribbean islands.

“It’s good to see how Christian products are penetrating into markets that you would have never thought they would,” said Amelia Nizynski of Lighthouse Christian Products. “The need for Scripture products is growing, and everything that we have has God’s Word on it.”

Susan Lewis, co-owner of Logos Bookstore in Dallas, spotted products at ICRS and also at the Dallas gift mart that have feathers, including the “Under His Wing" line from Christian Art Gifts. Products from Glory Haus use arrows as a design element along with the word “Brave.”

A rustic trend was evident on the show floor as companies competed for a younger crowd with home décor designs incorporating wood, sometimes reclaimed or in pallets. Andy Yost, sales director of P. Graham Dunn, said the company is able to offer lower pricepoints because items using lath or pallet don’t require as much wood. Vendor Tetelestai uses handpainted reclaimed wood from barns 50 years or older to create its "Message Blocks." 

Melamine dinnerware products are on the rise with Abbey Press’ "Happy Blessings” line and Divinity Boutique’s “Inspirational Party Cups” serving up convenience and affordability for consumers.

One of the most unusual new vendors raising eyebrows at the show was Hallelujah Hot Sauce with the slogan, “Praise the Lord and Pass the Hot Sauce.” Distributed by New Day Christian Distributors, the 5-ounce bottles of hot sauce retail for $10 and feature a Bible verse and wood cross keychain.

Making people smile was easy for Jason Kimmet, whose company Subtle Verse drew attention for its farm animal photography, including a smiling goat with the message, “Be Joyful Always.”

“When trying to influence people, photographs that make people laugh or smile can help soften the message,” he said.

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