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                                                                     Exhibit 2


                HOME PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL ADOPTS SHAREHOLDER
                  PROTECTION RIGHTS AGREEMENT; ALSO PROPOSES
                        "STAGGERED" BOARD OF DIRECTORS


CHICAGO, AUGUST 15, 1997-HOME PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NASDAQ: HPII), a
diversified housewares products company, today announced that its board of
directors has approved the implementation of a stockholder rights plan.
Specifically, the board declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase
right for each outstanding share of common stock.  The company said that "the
rights are designed to enhance the ability of all shareholders to realize the
long-term value of their investment."  The dividend will be paid to
shareholders of record on August 20, 1997.

Each right entitles common stock shareholders to purchase one-hundredth of a
share of new Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, with each financial
share of preferred stock equivalent in voting power to one share of HPI common
stock.  The rights would be exercisable only if a person or group becomes an
"acquiring person" by becoming the owner of 15 percent or more of HPI common
stock, or announces a tender or exchange offer which would result in ownership
of 15 percent or more of HPI common stock.  The rights are not triggered by
present beneficial holders of 15 percent or more of common stock.

The board also adopted a proposal to create a "staggered" board of directors
consisting of three classes of directors, each class being elected for a
three-year term.  The proposal will be presented to shareholders for approval
at the next annual meeting in May 1998.

Home Products International, Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq National Market
System under the ticker symbol HPII.  The company is an international consumer
products company specializing in the manufacture and marketing of quality home
organization and home improvement products sold through virtually all domestic
and international retail trade channels.






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