Best known for distributing DVDs and books, Wesscott Marketing is expanding its inspirational gift offerings with a new line of eight wall crosses, released for fall.

Handcrafted in the U.S.A. by LaVern's Wooden Crosses, the crosses are made of premium red oak, with two of them—the 3-Layer Curved Rope Cross and the 3-Layer Reverse Curved Rope Cross—featuring a middle layer of black walnut. Catholic customers may be interested in the Straight Rope Cross with Corpus, which bears a pewter representation of the body of Christ.

"Today people are looking for the basics and they're looking for them at affordable prices," said Tim Hetchler, founder and president of Wesscott Marketing, an 11-year-old independent Christian sales and distribution company. "Crosses make a really great statement of faith and they're powerful in their message."

Available in varying sizes, the crosses have different features; one comes with a dove and another with praying hands.

The only small cross available, the Straight Rope Cross, retails for $9, and the only large cross, the Straight Rope Cross with Corpus, is priced at $23. The medium-size crosses, which vary in dimensions, retail as follows: Jesus Cross ($13), Straight Slotted Cross ($11), Straight Slotted Cross with Dove ($15), Straight Slotted Cross with Hands ($15), 3-Layer Curved Rope Cross ($21) and 3-Layer Reverse Curved Rope Cross ($13).

"Going into gifts wasn't an overnight decision, although it did come quickly once we found what we were looking for," Hetchler said. "I've been thinking about a gift strategy for over a year, and although selling gifts is new to Wesscott, it's not something I'm unfamiliar with."

Prior to founding Wesscott, Hetchler worked with Billy Graham's World Wide Pictures and World Wide Publications, where he sold Joni Eareckson Tada's artwork. Today, Wesscott sells Joni's annual planners.

The Minneapolis-area company will continue to add to its gift lines in the future. "We're not overly aggressive moving into gifts, but we are starting to look at gifts more from various vendors," Hetchler said.

For more information or to order the wall crosses, go to www.wesscottmarketing.com or call 800-375-3702.

Vermont Christmas Company is expanding its offerings for the Christian gift market, with advent calendars that feature religious themes and Bible text—and a piece of chocolate behind each window.

Nativity (8-71241-00124-4)—by far the most popular of the chocolate advent calendars—is offered again for 2009, presenting a manger scene that features Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus surrounded by shepherds and the three kings. New designs for this year are Behold (-7-5) and The Stable (-8-2).

The chocolate-filled advent calendars, available now, contain 2.65 oz. of milk chocolate and retail from $5.95. Each case of 32 matching chocolate advent calendars ships in a Christmas-themed retail displayer.

"The advent calendar can represent a meaningful countdown to the birth of Christ," said Kathy Navarro, sales manager for Vermont Christmas Company. "Moreover, the enjoyment of advent calendars becomes a much-loved family tradition, returning to a simpler time and the core meaning of Christmas. Older folks recall fond memories of Christmases past, and children form memories that they'll treasure forever."

The advent calendars offer parents an opportunity to discuss the nativity story with their children during the season's 24 days, from Dec. 1 through Christmas Eve. Children hunt for the correct numbered window on the calendar, learn the true meaning of Christmas from the scripture and enjoy a chocolate treat.

For more information and to order, visit www.VCCwholesale.com or call 888-890-0005.

Gregg Gift Co., a division of Enesco, is introducing a selection of Easter collectibles in its "Legacy of Love" brand, inspired by the eternal love of God and designed by renowned artist Kim Lawrence.

Consisting of six sculpted-stone, resin pieces, this new collection is designed to serve as a reminder of Christ's resurrection. The centerpiece of the collection is a 9.5-inch tall Cross figurine (0-45544-29072-2) proclaiming the message from Luke 24:34. Incorporating symbols of Christ's sacrifice and ascension to heaven, the figurine has 360-degree detailing and inlaid crystal accents. It retails for $25.

Other items include a wall cross, a tabletop centerpiece depicting Christ's ascension and three Easter ornaments. Gregg is also releasing three new "Legacy of Love" figurines that focus on family, fatherly love and unconditional love.

The "Legacy of Love" brand has décor-neutral color palettes and incorporates hints of stone and metal in the sculpting and painting.

Introduced in January 2008, "Legacy of Love" started as a celebration of Christmas. With strong support from retailers, an everyday line quickly followed in the spring. With a fall launch, the new products will be available for February delivery.

Also debuting this season is Gregg's first foray into functional garden merchandise. The garden accessories, available to ship in December and January, are designed to bring the inspiration and beauty of the Scriptures to indoor and outdoor spaces.

As part of Gregg's "In God's Garden" brand, the "Grow with Love" collection includes a three-piece planter set (0-45544-26606-2). The set includes two small herb planters and a water-collecting tray and has a suggested retail price of $14.99.

An art style reminiscent of stained glass was used to capture an image of nesting birds. This scene is accompanied by the sentiment, "All things grow with love" and a reference to Eph. 3:17.

Products include planters, bird feeders and houses, suncatchers, wind chimes, garden banners and heavy-duty garden aprons. Retail price points range from $9.99 to $24.99.

Gregg also offers a prepack containing 56 pieces of these items and a free floor-display (0-45544-26761-8).

These products are available by calling Gregg at 800-447-3440, faxing 800-453-0936 or by visiting www.gregggiftcompany.com or www.enesco.com. All Enesco products can be viewed at www.enesco.com/business.

Luke Harding is director of sales and marketing for the inspirational channel at Enesco LLC and Gregg Gift Co.