The International Housewares Association (IHA) revealed 60 new products have been selected as finalists for the 2026 IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design.
The annual awards program recognizes and promotes distinction in the home and housewares industry, according to IHA.
The 60 finalists — five in each of 12 home and housewares categories — will be featured during The Inspired Home Show 2026, set for March 10-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. A special gia display in the Grand Concourse Lobby of the McCormick Place North Building will showcase the finalists. The products will also be included in New Product Showcases, located in the Buyers Clubs in McCormick Place North and South.
“Each year, our gia award program spotlights retailers, supplier companies and student designers who are raising the bar in the home and housewares industry,” said Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO. “We’re pleased to recognize these innovative brands and offer another platform to elevate outstanding new products for the home.”
Finalists will move on to a second round of judging during The Inspired Home Show. One winner in each category will be named Global Honoree at the invitation-only gia dinner and awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 10.
Entries are judged by an independent panel of industry experts, which includes designers, retailers and buyers from Arizona State University, Artichoke, Cook’s Warehouse, Cunningham Designs, Friedman Design, HTI Buying Group, In the Kitchen, Lekka Retail, Leo & Lulu, National Building Museum, Pampered Chef, Quality Products, RLD Intl, Sign of the Bear and Volume Studios LLC.