Tropical Paper Garden, a subsidiary of Trendtex Fabrics in Kalihi, has given reusable bags a designer look with images of reef fish, jungle plants and ethnic tattoos. The bags are also insulated, too. "You zip it closed and it becomes a cooler bag," said JoAnn Tengan, manager of Tropical Paper Garden. "They have an aluminum lining inside to help them maintain the temperature nicely."

During the holidays, consumers grabbed up the company's first batch of 5,000 in about month. A second batch — 25,000 this time — is expected sometime in April. They come in two sizes and sell for about $5. To find them, call Tropical Paper Garden at 842-1356.

- Mike Gordon

MIGHTY WALLET

A STURDY WAY TO STASH YOUR CASH

The Mighty Wallet, on sale at the Honolulu Academy of Arts' gift shop, is made from Tyvek — the recyclable, super-durable material used in express mail envelopes, and it's water-resistant. Its ingenious origami design reinforces that strength by using a single-fold stitchless construction that allows the wallet to gradually expand to meet your storage needs.

When Academy Shop's Martha German met Mighty Wallet designer Terrence Kelleman in New York, Kelleman said one design is based on his grandfather's wallet. It also comes in a vintage comic-book design; $14.95.

- Advertiser staff