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Issue 82 March/April 2014

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Show previews • London Stationery Show • British Craft Trade Fair

Finishing touches Women’s jewellery

SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY

Candles and home fragrances

On home turf

Awards round up

• Gift of the Year • Scottish Trade Fair Best Product Awards

PLUS • Father’s Day • Stationery • Plush

WIN!

Flying the flag for British manufacturing

A trip to David Marshall’s gallery in Benahavis, with return flights and one week’s self-catering

41

March/April Issue 82 Managing Editor Georgina Cassels [email protected] Deputy Managing Editor Lauren Dowey Chief Sub Editor Louise Prance Editor Lyndsey Dennis +44 (0)1376 535 614 [email protected] Sales & Marketing Manager Robert Clark +44 (0)1376 535 606 [email protected] Sales Executive Sharon Connelly +44 (0)1376 535 607 [email protected] Production +44 (0)1376 535 616 [email protected] Production Manager Scott Brothwell Deputy Production Manager Sarah Barnes Senior Graphic Designer Vicky O’Connor Graphic Designers Samantha Lock, Rebecca Clarke Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley Production Assistant Aimee Smith Subscriptions Kay Tilbury, Tammy Watt +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Media Publishing Ltd Pantile House, Newlands Drive Witham, Essex CM8 2AP UK www.giftfocus.com Cover image courtesy of: Ashleigh & Burwood Gift Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Gift Focus, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP UK. Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of:

Average Net Circulation: 7,292

contents features

news&events industry news

6

on with the show

10

14

big softies

get britain writing

68

pen to paper

Catch up on what’s new in the world of licensing

stationery trends

competition

and the winner is...

95

Win a trip to David Marshall’s studio in Benahavis, with return flights and one week’s self-catering

47

54

59

Ideas for Father’s Day

focus on... 52

finishing touches

All the latest from The Giftware Association

Women’s fashion jewellery

company profile

cream of the crop

71

Giftware giant Enesco

q&a

44

Scottish Trade Fair Best Product Awards

who’s the daddy? the ga

41

National Stationery Week

Latest launches and hot new products

hot property

33

The world of plush

Trade fair dates and news

brand spanking new

on home turf made in britain

All the latest from the world of gifts

75

78

Gift of the Year Awards

86

Our experts tackle your retail related queries

retail technology

88

David Mackley brings you a guide to omni-channel retailing

anti copying in design

90

How to protect your designs

insurance

75

shows 93

stay ahead

the written word

special feature scents and sensibility candles and home fragrances

28

BIG + BIH Bangkok

Brokers TH March answer your insurance-related questions

50

London Stationery Show

21

the big one

56

Ambiente round-up

(01/07/12 to 30/06/13) MEDIA SUPPORTER

21

head east

62

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair

ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN

made with love

64

British Craft Trade Fair

chinese inspiration

92

The 28th Jinhan Fair giftfocus 3

www.alljoydesign.com

spring is in the air Spring is here, and that means the London Stationery Show and British Craft Trade Fair are on the horizon. As a proud stationery fan, I love nothing more than seeing what’s hot in the marketplace. The show takes place during National Stationery Week, and this year the Post Office has agreed to partner with the event’s Get Britain Writing campaign. Turn to P44 for details of National Stationery Week and how to get involved in-store. We bring you a round-up of stationery delights on P47, followed by a preview of the London Stationery Show on P50. My other passion is crafting, so a visit to the British Craft Trade Fair to see the wonderful creations on show is equally enjoyable. Turn to P64 for all you need to know about the show. This event champions British production and also features a Newcomers Gallery comprising 72 new makers that are under two years old – BCTF is a great buying event for sourcing one-of-a-kind, hand-made giftware. Speaking of which, our special feature this issue is gifts that are made on home turf. Flick to P33 for our pick of crafted delights. We also explore the huge market of candles and home fragrances on P21, bring you some ideas to stock for Father’s Day on P59, look at the hottest trends in women’s jewellery (P75) and review the latest offerings in plush on P41. And finally, it’s awards a plenty in this issue, with the Scottish Trade Fair Best Product Awards on P54 and a review of The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards on P78.

Lyndsey

Lyndsey Dennis Editor

Editor loves… Winner of the Home & Gift category at the Scottish Trade Fair Best Product Awards in January, this notecard and envelope set from Tartan Twist had instant appeal to us judges. There are 10 notecards in the set, featuring some really charming designs. The cute Scottie dog and pretty ribbon add great finishing touches to this gift set. VISIT US ON Facebook www.facebook.com/giftfocus Twitter @gift_focus Pinterest www.pinterest.com/giftfocus

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industry news Catch up on all the latest in our news round up Congratulations! The winner of the competition in our November/December issue is Stephen Holmes of Shabby Chic Boutique in Leeds. Stephen wins a fully stocked Kringle Candle DayLight Hutch worth £540 RRP. Turn to P95 for this month’s competition, where you can win a trip to David Marshall’s gallery in Benahavis, with return flights and one week’s self-catering included.

BJA Cocktail Rings on the Catwalk award winners showcased at Jewellery & Watch Birmingham

Exciting plans ahead for the Ashleigh & Burwood brand The past few months have seen much business deconstruction, planning and reconstruction taking place behind the scenes at Ashleigh & Burwood, as John Nettleton steps aside to become Chairman and son Andrew takes up the reins as Managing Director. One of the fragrance industry’s well-known faces, Clive Harper, ex-Managing Director of Yankee Candle Europe®, has been brought on board as a consultant to help steer Ashleigh & Burwood into the future. New senior staff members have been appointed to strengthen the managerial team, product collections have been systematically assessed and refined, branding and marketing communications ramped up and becoming more sophisticated, new premises purchased to double the size of the existing head office and warehousing, and a huge £2 million investment to fund the global growth strategy. This spring will see the launch of a brand new newsletter, newly designed point of purchase displays, a new look brochure, fresh photography, seasonal look books, an intensified marketing communications campaign, new Ashleigh & Burwood is rolling product collections and out fresh new point of purchase packaging designs. display units as part of its £2 million investment. 6 giftfocus

The winners of the 2014 British Jewellers’ Association’s Cocktail Rings on the Catwalk Awards were announced at Jewellery & Watch Birmingham, with Silver Service and Rosie Sanders taking home prizes for their designs. Silver Service’s winning design, Wings of Desire, took the top prize in the non-precious category. The yellow bronze ring features a Rosie Sanders wing design that wraps around the finger with a hand-carved skull set into the centre. Emerging designer Rosie Sanders scooped the award in the precious category with her Kaleidoscope ring – an elaborate gold vermeil design that forms part of her wider Renaissance Rebel collection, set with a beautiful large London Blue topaz. To find out more about the BJA, visit www.bja.org.uk Silver Service

The London Studio relocates Award-winning publisher, The London Studio has completed a much-needed move into larger offices. Soula Zavacopoulis has moved more than 200 miles from London to Devon. The company’s email, telephone and fax numbers remain the same, but the new address is: Studio 1, Chestnut Court, Chawleigh, Chulmleigh, Devon EX18 7HH.

news&events

Collectables on the up Although the Collectables chain of 14 independent gift stores went into administration before the end of September, the Lewis family opened two new small stores before Christmas – one in the Dalton Park outlet centre on the outskirts of Sunderland and the other store in Middlesbrough. David Lewis, Managing Director of Collectables, says he plans to open two more stores in March, taking back all but one of the three that the family had in the Metrocentre in Gateshead. Collectables will be employing some of the staff that previously worked for the retailer. The focus of the new-look stores will be on cookware and candles. “We feel that they’re a good fit, bringing together the elements of the home and entertaining with gifting. We’re very excited about the 8,500sq ft store in the Metrocentre, which we’ll freshen up by using primary colours and making it relevant to cookware. All the headers will tie in, the fixtures will be tall and the bottom shelf will look like a butcher’s block. The floor will be wooden,” says David. He says that it will then be time to take stock of the business before deciding whether to open another Collectables store, possibly in September. David adds: “It’s been a tough time but we’re in a good place now and we’re enthusiastic and ready to get going again.”

Arthur Price welcomes Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Julie Dodsworth at Spring Fair Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen joined Arthur Price at Spring Fair to promote his MugLove range of bone china gifts. The range has been refreshed with four new designs with the names Glamitor, Harlequeen, Miami Beac and Selangorgeous. Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price said: “I’ve known Lawrence for nearly 15 years and his imagination continues to astound me. The new MugLove range is testament to his long-standing appeal and with a set of ten patterns, the designs will be ‘the’ talking point over coffee.” Lawrence said: “I love designing for Arthur Price. We have lots of fun together but ultimately they get what I do and interpret my designs into beautifully crafted gifts.” Artisan designer Julie Dodsworth has been working with Arthur Price to create a new range of cutlery. Julie discovered her love of narrowboat art when she and her husband purchased a barge called Calamity Jane. Using a festival of colour and vintage patterns that make canal boats so individual, Julie now easily transfers her artisan folk designs into homes of all types and styles with ease. With bold floral designs and deep bright colours, Julie and Arthur Price have created three original design patterns – Strawberry Fair, Rose Cottage and Vintage Mulberry – for a four-piece cutlery set including table knife and fork, dessert spoon and teaspoon for everything from al fresco dining to other relaxed and informal indoor occasions. Visit www.arthurprice.com to find out more.

New spring launches from Woods of Windsor

Miss Milly wins a Scoot Headline Award

Woods of Windsor has unveiled a new contemporary fragrance for spring 2014 and broadened its fragrance portfolio by extending the Bergamot & Neroli and Cedar Woods ranges with new eau de toilettes. Due to popular demand, the brand is also reintroducing drawer liners in the True Rose fragrance. Celebrating the trend towards sweet fruity floral scents, the new Pomegranate & Hibiscus line is presented in eye-catching packaging with hand-drawn illustrations that depict the key ingredients and reflects the brand’s home-grown heritage. It joins the existing line-up of contemporary fragrances in the range including Blue Orchid & Water Lily, Bergamot & Neroli and Cedar Woods, which sit alongside the four core floral fragrances – True Rose, Lavender, Lily of the Valley and White Jasmine.

Miss Milly, wholesale jewellery and fashion accessories supplier, has won a Scoot Headline Award in the national campaign to find Britain’s most successful companies. The company will be presented with a trophy and certificate at a presentation ceremony in Millbank Tower, London on 28th April, 2014. Sarah Watmore, Managing Director of Miss Milly, is delighted with the announcement: “Miss Milly is a relatively new business competing on a national level and servicing customers all around the UK and overseas. I’m really excited about this award, which proves that it’s possible for anybody to build a successful business if they’re dedicated and passionate enough. “We’re incredibly positive about 2014 with the launch of our brand, Little Miss Milly, offering jewellery and accessories for girls, along with new jewellery collections and brand new packaging. This award is absolute proof that we’re going in the right direction.” As a result of this Scoot Headline Award success, Miss Milly has been invited to have its winning paper published in The National Business Leaders Yearbook, the leading work of reference on successful business techniques and best practice, so that others can follow its lead and learn from its achievement. See more about the business and its products on the company’s website, www.missmilly.co.uk

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industry news

Yardley London launches fresh new ranges Yardley London has introduced Jade, a contemporary green floral scent that captures the free-spirited energy of the Swinging Sixties, created by perfumer Anne-Sophie Chapuis. Reflecting the crisp green notes of the scent, the name Jade also pays homage to Sea Jade, the brand’s first fragrance of the ’60s. It’s presented in a contemporary round glass flacon with silver casing that mirrors the clean, minimal lines of this period and is housed in white and multi-tonal green and grey packaging with an eye-catching, graphic block print. For the male market, Yardley London has introduced its first premium male fragrance, Chrome. Created by master perfumer Christian Provenzano, this is a modern, clean and fresh scent that exudes the classic design and style of the ’60s. To find out more, visit www.yardleylondon.co.uk

Tractor Ted™ launches in-store children’s play unit with POS Tractorland, the brand owner of Tractor Ted™, the pre-school farm character, has launched a comprehensive range of merchandising systems alongside a Tractor Ted Children’s Play Unit, into which merchandising can also be incorporated, offering a complete solution for retailers. Retailers can now select from three systems: Correx, Rustic Wood and Slatwall in sizes to suit both compact and large-scale environments. The Tractor Ted Farm Play Unit with farm-based pre-school activities incorporates a DVD for running the Tractor Ted™ Real Life Farm Action films. Merchandising is integral to the Play Unit, which is expected to be a regular draw to young children and create significant uplift in sell through. Newest to the range of merchandising units is the Tri-side Island. This white slat-wall tower unit dispenses the full Tractor Ted™ ranges of giftware, books, DVDs and clothing. The unit is available with product ordered to the trade value of £800. Solid in construction and sophisticated in design, the Tri-side Unit fits well into all retail environments and can withstand the wear of Shed locations. Tractorland reported that targets for sales of the new merchandising systems were exceeded during the Spring Fair. Visit www.tractorted.co.uk to find out more about the brand.

Rainbow Designs Limited acquires the Air Puppy Cuddle Crew Brand Rainbow Designs Limited has acquired the Air Puppy Cuddle Crew Brand from the mid-tier soft toy and gift specialist Air Puppy Limited. The agreement combines the strengths of Rainbow Designs and the established Air Puppy Cuddle Crew Brand, leveraging Rainbow Design’s well-established infrastructure, global network and resources and Air Puppy’s one-of-a-kind design, inspiration, marketing positioning and IP to deliver an unparalleled product offering. To find out more about Rainbow Designs, visit the website www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Personalised Memento Co celebrates 10 years in business Congratulations to Personalised Memento Co, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year. The company celebrated in style at a drinks reception at Spring Fair with bubbly and cake. The brand specialises in creating a range of personalised products, with a range of more than 1,000 items. Visit www.personalisedmemento.co.uk to find out more.

Classic Canes celebrates 25 consecutive years at Spring Fair This year’s Spring Fair marked the 25th consecutive appearance of walking stick specialist Classic Canes at the show. Founder Partner Diana Porter has attended all 25 exhibitions and celebrated this year with champagne and by having her photograph taken with many longstanding customers. Diana said: “Our business has grown a lot since we first attended the Spring Fair with a much smaller range of walking sticks and a backdrop I ran up on my sewing machine. Spring Fair has been of great importance to us during the last quarter of a century in finding suitable stockists for our products in the UK and around the world. This year, it was a great pleasure to see so many old friends and customers at the fair, many of whom remember us from those early days.”

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on with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad

diary dates London Stationery Show when 1st - 2nd April, 2014 where London website www.stationeryshow.co.uk British Craft Trade Fair when 6th - 8th April, 2014 where Harrogate website www.bctf.co.uk BIG + BIH Bangkok Show when 19th - 21st April, 2014 where Bangkok website www.bigandbih.com Jinhan Fair for Home & Gifts when 21st - 27th April, 2014 where China website www.jinhanfair.com Giftionery Tapei when 24th - 27th April, 2014 where Taiwan website www.giftionery.net Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair when 27th - 30th April, 2014 where Hong Kong website www.hktdc.com

Optimism high at this year’s Spring Fair International This year’s Spring Fair International welcomed more than 66,500 retail buyers, including over 5,250 from overseas – a two per cent increase on last year’s show. As the largest retail trade event in the country, Spring Fair serves as a crucial barometer for the economic health of the sector. What has been widely billed as the most successful show in years revealed a clear upswing in the home and gift trade. The positive atmosphere on site at the show is supported by major industry research carried out by the Local Data Company on behalf of the show at the end of 2013 that reveals a dramatic uplift in retail optimism. Along with tens of thousands of independent retailers, senior buyers from the biggest multiples, supermarkets and department stores – including Fenwicks, Debenhams, Bentalls, John Lewis, Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason and Tesco – turned out in force. A new development for i2i Events Group that positively impacted Spring Fair is a strengthened partnership agreement with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), designed to inspire and support UK-based SMEs in their efforts to succeed in overseas markets. UKTI helped Spring Fair achieve a two per cent increase in overseas visitors attending the show compared with the 2013 event. The partnership boosted international representation at Spring Fair, helping to provide British suppliers with an entry point to international markets and featuring prominent Best of British showcases and Exporter trails throughout the exhibition. Five UKTI Villages were located around The NEC with a total of 50 hand-chosen exhibitors, all entrepreneurial British companies with a particular strength in export business that are new to the show. The next edition of Spring Fair International will take place from 1st - 5th February, 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham. The Volume halls open one day early on 31st January. For more information, visit www.springfair.com

Home,Top Drawer and Craft 2014 attract record number of buyers and exhibitors Top Drawer, Home and new show Craft attracted a record number of buyers and exhibitors. The three complementary events presented more than 1,000 British and international brands and designer-makers to eager buyers of design-led homeware, gifts, accessories and craft. As the first event of the year, the shows provide an indicator for the outlook for 2014, and early signs are positive; visitor numbers enjoyed an increase against 2013 and trading was brisk. Buyers across the board commented on the calibre of exhibitors this year and were inspired by the stylish, contemporary offering at the shows. This year, Top Drawer, Home and Craft saw a surge in VIP buyers travelling from all over the world to visit. Eminent retailers including Selfridges, Liberty, Harrods, Fenwicks, John Lewis, Achica, Amazon, Debenhams, Asos, Brown Thomas, Fenwick, Laura Ashley, House of Fraser, Hallmark, Heals, Scribbler and hundreds more booked their tickets to be part of this year’s show. Brand new event Craft offered a rare opportunity for retailers to meet and source covetable one-off pieces from more than 100 leading UK and international artisans and makers, including collectives of design groups such as Craft Northern Ireland, Emergents Makers and Handmade Japan. Each group nurtures new and existing craft talent and brought with them a handful of their most talented makers, who offered their own interpretation of the hand-made. The show drew a new audience of galleries, museums and collectors to the London buying event. The spring/summer shows take place on 14th - 16th September, 2014 at their new home at London Olympia. Find out more by visiting www.topdrawer.co.uk, www.home-london.net and www.craft-london.com 10 giftfocus

news&events

First edition of HOMI hailed a success

61st annual Toy Fair finished on a high London’s Olympia was taken over by the toy world in January for the 61st Toy Fair. Technology toys such as Vivid Toy Group’s My Friend Cayla, which answers questions by linking to a smartphone, and Revell’s nano Quad, possibly the world’s smallest ever quadrocopter, continued the emerging trend of technology toys in the industry. Coiledspring Games’ Sorgenfresser Worry Eaters showed that more traditional toys can also be innovative, winning the Editor’s Choice Award. Licensed toys also made a strong showing at Toy Fair. Expected to play a major part in the growth of the toy industry in 2014, licenses such as Minecraft as part of a Character Option’s range, a Dennis the Menace farting football from Golden Bear and Union J dolls from Vivid Toy Group were all launched at the show. Toy Fair has evolved and expanded to fully occupy Olympia’s Upper West Hall, accommodating more than 280 exhibitors including 76 brand new ones. The annual Toy Industry Awards moved to the London Science Museum where the industry joined forces to celebrate the best toy in retail and supply for 2013. Toy Fair TV, including the Demo Zone, was expanded to cover all three days after the success of its introduction last year. Hosted by TV presenters Anna Williamson and Gavin Inskip, exhibitors had further opportunity to showcase their products on the 23 screens broadcasting live throughout the fair, as well as on the website. Toy Fair 2015 will take place at London Olympia between 20th - 22nd January, 2015. Visit www.btha.co.uk/toy-fair to keep up to date with show news.

TV presenter Anna Williamson and Olympian Beth Tweedle.

The first edition of HOMI, the new event dedicated to lifestyles and organised by Fiera Milano, introduced the newest trends of 1,500 exhibitors across 80,000 sq m. “The attendance of 94,000 visitors, of which 15 per cent were foreign, at this first edition certainly rewards the initiative of the 1,500 companies that believed early on in the HOMI project,” said Enrico Pazzali, Managing Director of Fiera Milano. “Now, with their support and any others who want to follow us in Italy and abroad, we feel confident in saying that this event is an expression of the excellence of the Italian lifestyle around the world.” HOMI is preparing to make its debut trip abroad. The first of the destinations outside of Italy, HOMI Russia will be held between 15th - 18th October, 2014 at the Crocus Center in Moscow, at the same time as Saloni Worldwide Moscow. This is a new challenge for Fiera Milano, which will bring the event to a market that holds abundant opportunities; during Design Week Moscow expects to welcome 50,000 buyers from around the world. To find out more, visit www.homimilano.com

2014 Wales Spring Fair reports 60 per cent growth The Wales Spring Fair in January reported a fairly significant increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers. The show has been running for 34 years at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. However, last year Venue Cymru brought the running of the show in-house and set about revitalising the struggling event. Both exhibitors and visitors reacted positively to the change in management during the first year and the success of the event spoke for itself. The 2013 show was the busiest for many years and received excellent feedback. However, as the show had been reducing in size over many years, organisers were aware that they needed to continue to work hard to reverse this trend and return the show to its former success. Following last year’s Wales Spring Fair, the organisers responded to buyer feedback and set about attracting more hand-crafted and design-led exhibitors. The demand for starter stands was high with all stands selling well in advance of the show. This year’s show attracted 60 per cent more exhibitors than the year before. This, coupled with a wider marketing campaign, resulted in a similar increase in visitor figures. To find out more about the 2015 event, visit www.walesspringfair.com

Gearing up for 13th Exclusively Housewares It may be unlucky for some, but the 13th edition of leading housewares trade show, Exclusively Housewares, is promising to be one of its best ever. The show has a full line up of exhibitors for 2014 and is already planning ahead for expansion in 2015. Simon Boyd, Show Director, confirmed that plans for the 2014 show were well underway: “We’ve already researched and identified key overseas retailers we feel would be of particular interest to our exhibitors and approached them about attending the show in June; plans for our industry networking summer party are already in action and the updated show website and full exhibitor list is available for all our potential visitors to take a look at. “Like our exhibitors, we know we need to be well organised and thinking ahead to deliver a good show for everyone involved. We don’t take the past success of the show for granted; it’s something we work hard at every year to make sure that all the details come together.” The 12th edition of the show in 2013 attracted its biggest audience to date, with visitor numbers growing by six per cent on 2012. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with the team via email at: [email protected] or call T: +44 (0)121 237 1130. giftfocus 11

on with the show Positive mood at Scotland’s Trade Fair

on with the show

With visitor numbers up and a high quality of buyers attending, the mood at Scotland’s Trade Fair was positive as orders were made and most exhibitors reported a healthy number of enquiries. The number of buyers grew to 4,000 over the three days, but the overwhelming feeling amongst exhibitors was that buyers were more serious and keen to work closely with products rather than just Trade show updates from home and abroad place orders here and there. The Launch Gallery, an area which runs through the middle of the show for new, young companies under two years old, attracted hordes of buyers, all keen to snap up something new and innovative. Launch Gallery exhibitor, Chloe Gardner, who produces cushions, cards and prints said: “I’ve had such a busy few days that I’ve hardly had time to draw breath! I’ve been lucky to take many reasonable orders, some from well-established retailers which is a bonus for a young company, and I have an equal number of high quality leads to follow too. It’ll be a busy year ahead!” Mark Saunders, Director of the show, said: “Confidence is edging back slowly in retail with a growing feeling of optimism. Our show had a varied mix of new and established, Scottish and non-Scottish stands, which allowed most visitors to source both new and existing products. Every business, however big or small, has had to become more efficient and lean in the last few years, but reports from visitors is that Scotland’s Trade Fair provides a perfect platform in a relatively small arena in which to purchase some highly desirable goods.” Scotland’s Trade Fair was run in conjunction with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show which was a bigger and better show than previous years, with a good selection of strong artisan producers of fine food and drink. The autumn leg of the show takes place between 21st - 22nd September, 2014 at the SECC in Glasgow. Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk for more information.

Giving & Living celebrated the big 50 in style

Looking ahead

Giving & Living celebrated its 50th anniversary in January. Thanks to the glorious 2013 summer and all the special golden features at the show, there was a much more positive atmosphere than in recent years, with visitors looking forward to another sunny season of strong sales in the South West region. “A great show this year. The figures are in and we are 34 per cent up on last year; nearly equalling our best year ever at the show,” said Phil Coatham from Pocket Money Plus. Many companies reported recordbreaking sales, and lots of this year’s stand holders have already re-booked. The many visitors to the show enjoyed the warm and friendly atmosphere, often returning several times over the four days. The next show takes place from 11th - 14th January, 2015. To find out more about the event, visit www.givingliving.co.uk or why not follow the event on Twitter at @giving_living?

Pulse

Increased visitor numbers at January's Harrogate Christmas & Gift show Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2014 finished on a high in January with a significant increase in visitor numbers, an atmosphere of positivity and an overall consensus that the recession is finally behind us. Figures confirm that overall unique visitor numbers for the extent of the four days were up almost 12 per cent on last year and 16 per cent in total. This indicates that not only were there many new buyers attending, but they were staying for longer and spreading their visit out over two or three days. Show organiser Simon Anslow said: “It was obvious from the moment the doors opened on the first day of Harrogate Christmas & Gift that 2014 was going to be a busy show. Visitors were literally queuing to get in, and the halls remained packed for pretty much the entire duration. The majority of exhibitors have confirmed that business was brisk and reported that there was a notable upturn in buying attitude.” The 2015 show takes place between 11th - 14th January. For more information, visit the website www.harrogatefair.com 12 giftfocus

when 11th - 13th May, 2014 where London website www.pulse-london.com

Progressive Greetings Live when 13th - 14th May, 2014 where London website www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Exclusively Housewares when 10th - 11th June, 2014 where London website www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk

Jewellery & Watch London when 18th - 19th June, 2014 where London website www.jewelleryandwatchlondon.com

Home & Gift when 13th - 16th July, 2014 where Harrogate website www.homeandgift.co.uk (All dates are subject to change. Contact organisers for more information before making travel arrangements). For further in-depth show previews and reports turn to: P28 BIG + BIH Bangkok Show P50 London Stationery Show P56 Ambiente review P62 Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair P64 British Craft Trade Fair P92 Jinhan Fair

brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market from you to me RRP: Under £10 Rant & Rave will inspire kids to write, draw and doodle about the things they really care about. A one-of-a-kind journal with a fun twist, a double cover lets you rave about the good bits, then twist the journal over to rant and let off a little steam. Available in My School and My Holiday, this journal will not only create relaxed and enjoyable moments, it will help the child to let their feelings flow and discover their own individuality. Lively colour illustrations with lists and spaces to draw make Rant & Rave easy to use and ideal for a wide age range. T: +44 (0)1225 866 225 E: [email protected] W: www.fromyoutome.com

Enesco RRP: Coupe Plate: £39.95; Edinburgh Mug: £29.95 Made by Caverswall China and available from Border Fine Arts Studio, this selection of five commemorative items has been created to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of The Great War during 2014. The 8in Couple, Edinburgh Mug, 3in Round Box and 4in Round Dish will be limited edition pieces of 2,014 each. The thimble is unlimited. T: +44 (0)1228 404 022 E: [email protected] W: www.enesco.co.uk

WoodWick, available from Xystos

Signature Gifts

RRP: £15.99 The latest innovation from Virginia Gift Brands are WoodWick candles which have special blends of premium fragrances that not only smell good but also help neutralise unpleasant odours in the home. There are four candles available from Xystos in 10oz jars – Cool Linen (pictured), Citrus Zest, Flower Garden and Clean Rain, all of which have the distinctive WoodWick feature of crackling when they burn. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 E: [email protected] W: www.xystostrade.co.uk

RRP: £19.99 for sets of three; single bottles from £9.99 This Father’s Day, Signature Gifts helps to add a personal touch to gifts. These novel three packs of Craft beer come in 500ml bottles and feature personalised labels including Dad’s name and a personal message. Grandads are also included in the range. Each bottle contains award-winning, balanced pale ale brewed in Yorkshire. T: +44 (0)844 669 9900 E: [email protected] W: www.signature-gifts.co.uk

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brand spanking new

Gaeltag Keltika

Classic Canes RRP: Just under £20 Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has launched three ladies’ beech wood canes in the fashionable spring colours of peach, lavender and aqua. Retailing for just under £20, they will make elegant accessories for spring wedding outfits as well as for everyday use. T: +44 (0)1460 75686 E: [email protected] W: www.classiccanes.co.uk

RRP: £18 Lolita is launching a new beer glass in the run up to Father’s Day, with Best Ever Dad joining another new addition, Birthday Surprise, to stand alongside established favourites like No.1 Dad. The glasses are 22oz and come ready gift boxed. The launches are part of European licensee Gaeltag’s largest ever selection of new introductions this year, marking the 10 years of success for the Lolita brand from its inception in the USA. T: +44 (0)20 8998 1781 E: sales@ lolitadesigns.co.uk W: www.lolita designs.co.uk

Gillian Kyle

Instant Gifts RRP: £1.99 Instant Gifts’ range of pet signs can be seen at the London Stationery Show in April. The collection features 96 different cats and dogs, featuring top Kennel Club breeds. Visit the company on stand M324. T: +44 (0)1580 765 040 E: [email protected] W: www.instant-gifts.co.uk

RRP: From £2.95 - £19.95 2014 sees the launch of awardwinning designer Gillian Kyle’s brand new Fish & Chips range; celebrating the guilty pleasure that is the good old-fashioned British chippy. The range includes organic cotton kitchen textiles, ceramics and stationery, all made in the UK. Well known in Scotland for her bright and bold prints inspired by Tunnock’s biscuits and other iconic food brands, 2014 sees Gillian poised to establish herself in the English market with these very British designs. T: +44 (0)141 248 8702 E: [email protected] W: www.gilliankyle.com giftfocus 15

brand spanking new

Fox & Lark

Suki Gifts

RRP: £2.10 On trend for a spring of playful patterns in punchy pastel shades, Fox & Lark giftwraps are just the thing to chase away winter blues. These doublesided patterns are printed on high quality paper and are designed and made in the UK. Fox & Lark giftwrap is a quick and affordable way to give your stock a cheery lift these spring and summer seasons. T: +44 (0)7761 734 709 E: [email protected] W: www.foxandlark.co.uk

RRP: £64.99 Silver Tag® Bears are fast becoming a range of sort after collectible teddy bears. Each one is made from luxurious multi-tonal plush fabrics and is limited to just 1,500 pieces worldwide. All bears are fully jointed, heavily weighted with beans and have an exclusive Silver Tag® Bears fabric logo on the left footpad. A hand numbered certificate of authenticity adorns the neck of each bear and they are supplied with Silver Tag® Bears tissue paper and a cardboard carry box. T: +44 (0)1733 842 431 E: [email protected] W: www.silvertagbears.com

The Balagan Group

Lesser & Pavey

RRP: £12 each The Kaolin Spring collection is made entirely by hand from pure porcelain. This is a pretty and delicate collection with cute motifs and illustrations on sterling silver chains; soon to be joined by matching earrings. There are 20 designs in the collection which include animals, love and fashion themes. T: +44 (0)845 260 0925 E: [email protected] W: www.balagan.co.uk

RRP: £39.99 Lesser & Pavey has introduced a range of laminated baby canvas bags. The new dotty bag incorporates a changing mat and bottle holder and is available in a number of colourways. Lesser & Pavey has a wide range of baby items in ceramic and silver plates, forming an attractive line of baby gifts. T: +44 (0)1322 279 225 E: [email protected] W: www.leonardo.co.uk

16 giftfocus

candles & home fragrances

scents and sensibility We sniff out the latest scents in the candles and home fragrance market Lesser & Pavey offers a full range of quality candles in various packaging sizes and fragrances. Larger dome candles are presented in transparent packaging with card base and top and finished with ribbon trim and labelling. Smaller candles are encased in glass and come in gift sets. Home fragrance sprays and reed diffusers complement the candles, all presented in classic fragrance bottling encased in transparent display gift boxes. T: +44 (0)1322 279 225 www.leonardo.co.uk

Ashleigh & Burwood has launched brand new fragrances for spring/summer 2014, leading with the provocative and powerful Red Velvet Rose scent. A heady blend of rose and neroli, with mid notes of lilac, orange blossom and marigold, this scent is underpinned with musk and vanilla extract to deliver a one-of-a-kind, fresh interpretation of the traditional much-loved rose fragrance. This scent is available in 250ml and 500ml bottles for use in Ashleigh & Burwood’s fragrance lamps. T: +44 (0)1932 267 060 www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk The Country Candle Company regularly creates new collections and variations that respond to domestic trends and tastes, and all collections are made in the UK. A line of vacationinspired fragrances has been added to this year’s spring/summer catalogue. This is an extension to the brand’s bestselling Polka Dot collection, designed to spread the feel-good factor with scented reminders of exotic places and classic holiday destinations. Candles are presented in the choice of a tin or vogue jar alongside a matching diffuser. T: +44 (0)844 915 0005 www.thecountrycandlecompany.com

Rosemoore scented candles are designed to offer affordable luxury to customers. These stylish candles are highly scented, made from vegetable wax, and handpoured into an attractive glass with the added luxury of a highly polished metal lid, embossed with the Rosemoore logo. The candles are available in two sizes and a wide choice of evocative fragrances. They form part of a wide range of 12 home fragrance products from reed diffusers to room sprays, pot pourri to scented oils, as well as the new ultrasonic Aroma diffuser. T: +44 (0)1227 806 111 www.rosemoore.co.uk

Busy Bee Candles is now offering its ever-popular, long-lasting Wax Tart melts in new flip-top pots. Very cute and highly scented with a huge fragrance throw, they’re easy to display, use and store. There are more than 200 fragrances available. T: +44 (0)7511 642 733 www.busybeecandles.co.uk giftfocus 21

scents and sensibility

Best Kept Secrets has launched a range of hampers to start 2014, which combine the best scented candles from the Best Kept Secrets range and three soaps from Thistle Soaps. This is the very first combination package of the two seriously scented product ranges, and moves the business into the luxury packaged goods market. The hamper contains a box set of candles from the Three Lites range and two large candle tins, with 40 hour burn time each, alongside three 50g Thistle Soaps. The hampers will follow themes and occasions with hampers available for seasons and special occasions, including Mother’s Day. T: +44 (0)1670 512 222 www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Each of McKenzie Candle Company’s scented candles is hand-mixed and hand-poured using the finest quality natural ingredients and original perfumes created by an expert French perfumer for the company. Each candle is encased in a traditional tartan labelled tin, which is cleverly designed so that when the candle is lit, the tin becomes warm, helping to release the fragrance into the room. With four fragranced ranges that encompass 24 scented candles, customers can choose from: Granny’s Kitchen, The Wee Sweetie Shop, Flowers of Scotland and The Poet. T: +44 (0)1592 669 833 www.mckelviecandles.com 22 giftfocus

The Personalised Memento Company’s extensive range of personalised candle designs offer great keepsakes to commemorate a special occasion. The full range includes Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas. Candles in the wedding range include personalised unity candles, a tradition where the bride and groom use the two taper candles to light the large pillar (unity) candle together as symbolism of the joining of two families. Each personalised candle from PMC is presented in an organza bag. T: +44 (0)1782 744 900 www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Two new candle ranges from Bolsius will be bringing radiant colours and gold lustre to the market for autumn/winter 2014. Forest Home’s core colours incorporate the warm shades of copper and verdigris available as rustic pillars, cork-lidded filled glasses or glass cubed tealight holders. These co-ordinate with filled glasses depicting images of owls and feathers, filled bowls in grey, anthracite and copper, and stackable pillar candle holders which come in two colour combinations; white assortment and copper assortment, both available four to the outer. All other ranges are available in six pieces to the outer. Chique Shine, with its gold sparkle and rich colour palette, is ideal for the festive season and features new gloss finished hand made candles. Additionally lustrous filled glasses in Fuchsia, Bordeaux and Dark Turquoise co-ordinate with tealight holders in Caramel Gold, Bordeaux and Dark Turquoise and fragrance filled glasses depicting richly decorative floral bouquets. T: +44 (0)800 169 5126 www.bolsius.com

scents and sensibility

Xystsos unveiled new flame and fragrance ranges at Spring Fair, including a WoodWick line with men in mind; an innovation that helps neutralise unpleasant odours; candles that focus on personal care, and an attractive new collection from Ribbonwick. WoodWick Reserve candles have been carefully selected based on fragrance notes specific to the male perspective. They feature a substantial piece of glass with stylish architectural detailing and a front label made of stamped leather. The range is introduced with eight products: Spruce, Driftwood, Oak, Mahogany, Ember, Teakwood, Humidor and Leather. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

Potters Crouch Candles are available in a wide variety of floral fragrances, including Lily of the Valley, Magnolia & Vanilla, Daffodil & Narcissus, Rose Geranium, Gardenia & Tuberose, Lavender & Amber, Hyacinth & Bluebell, Dewberry Musk & Rose, Secret Garden and Wild Meadow & Elizabeth. British made, each of the highly scented candles is hand-mixed, hand-poured, hand-labelled and finished using the finest quality ingredients and original perfumes created by an expert French perfumer exclusively for the brand. T: +44 (0)1727 836 454 www.potterscrouchcandles.co.uk

Pintail Candles’ No. 20 range of glass candles and reed diffusers is tipped to be the hot new product range of the season following record sales over the festive period. Designed to commemorate the brand’s 20th birthday, this new range comprises 12 individually boxed glass candles and eight coordinating reed diffusers, and combines stylish design with contemporary colours. New fragrances include the elegant Fleur Du Soir and the dark and mysterious Oudh Noire. T: +44 (0)1539 559 007 www.pintailcandles.com

The new Ribbonwick Scalloped Glass collection from Xystos features flowing curves and 18 of the brand’s most popular speciality fragrances, while Coral Sands, Sweet Embers, Moonstruck and Pink Cupcake are also fresh to the market. There are also extensions to the Décor White and Décor Glass ranges. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk 24 giftfocus

scents and sensibility

The Great Outdoors collection, available from The Fragrance Lounge, recognises the need for escape now the cold winter months are behind us. Paddywax has offered destination candles in previous seasons but this year has a slightly different take on it by honouring the great outdoors as a whole. This range of candle jars in rich earthy tones is ideal for all nature lovers and adventurers. T: +44 (0)1829 730 028 www.thefragrancelounge.com Long established and family owned since its inception in 1869, Root Candles has launched its full range of natural and beeswax candles in the UK and Europe. Because of the company’s involvement in bees and associated by-products – founder Amos Root was a renowned apiarist before he was a candle maker, and the company still has a commercial bee keeping operation to this day – Root Candle has understandably been more environmentally aware. Starter packs are available, as well as point of sale for participating outlets. T: +44 (0)1484 850 059 www.rootcandles.com

Available from Virginia Gift Brands and distributed by Xystos, MIKA Candles are clean burning, highly scented and soy based, and designed to complement your personal care. Available in 10oz jars, there are eight scents: Blushing Belle, Head Over Heels, Plum Struck, In Your Dreams, All That Glitters, Dandelion Daydream, Pink Lace and Sail Away. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

Yankee Candle® has launched a collection that instead of signalling the end of the summer season will extend it. Yankee Candle® fans can welcome in summer with the Fruit-a-licious Classic collection and extend it long into autumn with the new Indian Summer scents of Ginger Dusk, Honey Glow and Wild Fig. Both collections will fill stores with vibrant and luxurious fragrances, inspiring customers to indulge their senses both within the home and garden. T: +44 (0)117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk 26 giftfocus

stay ahead The Bangkok International Gift and Bangkok International Houseware Fair returns to Bangkok this April for the 37th edition

In brief Show The Bangkok International Gift and Bangkok International Houseware Fair Organiser The Department of International Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce and the Thai Lifestyle Products Association Where BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand When 19th - 23rd April, 2014 Website www.bigandbih.com Open 10am - 6pm Twitter @BIGBIHFAIR The Bangkok International Gift and Bangkok International Houseware Fair is back in April for the 37th edition of the show. Organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Ministry of Commerce, together with the Thai Lifestyle Product Federation (TLPF), this regional exhibition brings together thousands of buyers from all over the world and is operated twice a year (April and October). ASEAN Life + Style is the theme of the 37th BIG + BIH, which aims to showcase the design innovation in exceptional lifestyle products – a perfect unification of ASEAN culture and in a position to lead the direction of lifestyle product design industry towards an international platform. Visitors can enjoy a variety of products from more than 600 leading Thai, ASEAN and other worldwide brands, with over 1,600 exhibitors 28 giftfocus

spread across the expansive 40,000 sq m of exhibition space. For those who enjoy trendy products, the fair covers various product categories including gift, souvenir, interior decoration, craft, artificial flowers and plants, perfumery, soap, textiles, stationery, office supplies, Christmas decoration, toys, kitchenware and other environmentally friendly products. The show is open for business entrepreneurs and merchandisers between 19th - 21st April, 2014 and is open to the public from 22nd 23rd April, 2014 from 10am to 9pm. Shuttle buses will be running at regular intervals throughout the duration of the show from various hotels in the area. g

For more information, T: +44 (0)20 7493 5749 or visit www.bigandbih.com

Our Relish Collection honours the iconic vintage storage jar. Striking coloured glass vessels have been filled with delicious fragrances for you to relish. Available in candles, diffusers and now hand washes. Upcycle Paddywax Relish jars and bottles to store all of life’s little treasures

THE FRAGRANCE LOUNGE

T: +44 (0)1829 730028 E: [email protected] W: thefragrancelounge.com

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Konesar Gifts & Decoration Antique tug filled with wheat, dried flowers and lavender Konesar supply the finest hand-crafted door wreaths and swags, utilising natural ingredients, both dried fruit and flowers. In addition we craft beautiful candles, pomanders, pot-pourri and hearts. It is our aim to provide you with a constantly changing selection of exciting new floral home decorating products and gifts; incorporating the latest trends and colour fashions in our designs. Hand made in UK by Konesar Ltd T: +44 (0)1306 712149 W: www.konesar.com E: [email protected]

made in Britain

on home turf The British-made market is buzzing with crafted delights. Here’s a selection of ideas for those who are proud to fly the flag for home grown talent Consumers are thinking more about where products originate from and how they’re made, with many opting to support British-based production. From bodycare products to greetings cards, we bring you a mix of products made on home soil. Since launching in 2012, Beefayre has enjoyed great success with its range of natural plant wax candles, diffusers and body and bath products. New for 2014 is the Bee Garden homeware range, comprising melamine tablemats, coasters, mugs and tea towels. All these items are beautifully illustrated with Sharon Jarvis’s distinctive botanical and bee drawings. Designs include Lavender, Daisies, Lilies, Poppies, Hyacinths and Watermint, adorned with honey and bumblebees. Beefayre donates three per cent of profits to Bee Conservation. T: +44 (0)1858 434 492 www.beefayre.com

Blue Eyed Sun has recently added 12 new designs to its best-selling, award-winning Gorgeous range. The line is based on original hand-stitched embroideries by artist Jo Corner. Printed with beautiful embossed motifs that give the designs a realistic feel, the cards are hand-finished with jewels. They measure 160mm sq, are sold in sets of six and come cello-wrapped with a coloured envelope. T: +44 (0)1273 823 003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk

“Craft influences everything and I can’t see an end to it. People appreciate how things are made, and the hand-made look is here to stay.” Kirstie Allsopp speaking at Spring Fair in February. These bone china Tom Tom jugs are hand-made in Stoke-onTrent. The designs may be contemporary but Repeat Repeat uses traditional techniques to create them, starting with liquid clay poured into a mould by hand. The mug then goes through around 20 hand processes, as well as three firings in a kiln before its ready. In spite of the decline of local industry, the brand is determined to fly the flag and keep the traditions of the English potteries alive. T: +44 (0)1782 845 870 www.repeatrepeat.co.uk

Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio produces beautiful, delicate, hand-made jewellery, fashioned from all kinds of modern and vintage tins including biscuit, coffee, cake and tea tins. These are upcycled into dainty jewellery, which is finished to a high standard with sterling silver and genuine Swarovski crystals by a team of talented jewellery makers on the coast of North Wales. T: +44 (0)1745 826 500 www.katehhstudio.co.uk giftfocus 33

on home turf

Using locally sourced ingredients and expert British suppliers and manufacturers, Rose & Co. is proud to be supporting British business while ensuring the highest quality ingredients and products. Many of its products are still made using traditional, hand-made methods, which means customers are thrilled to have purchased something one-of-akind and carefully made. The dome on the top of each of the company’s bath fancies is the shape of the spoon that was used to hand-fill the pretty paper case. T: +44 (0)1827 280 080 www.graftons.co.uk

Based in Nottingham, Hazel Atkinson is a leading jewellery designer. Her work can be seen in more than 200 galleries and independent retailers throughout the UK, USA, New Zealand and mainland Europe. Each piece is designed and hand-crafted in Hazel’s Nottingham studio. All earrings are fitted with sterling silver hooks and the pendants are supplied with a 16in silver chain. T: +44 (0)115 9411 110 www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk Celebrating 40 years of production in 2014, it’s great to know that Border Fine Art’s Classic sculptures, available from Enesco, are still entirely hand-crafted to exacting standards at its studio in the Scottish Borders. Loved by town and country folk alike, Border Fine Arts represents all aspects of country life, from nostalgic farming scenes to magnificent wildlife studies, and even the odd urban encounter such as a visit from a fox. Pictured here are two new introductions launched in January – Rough Fell Ewe & Lambs and Checking the Hill Ewes. T: +44 (0)1228 404 022 www.enesco.co.uk

For nearly 20 years Daisy Roots UK’s collection of giftware has been made in Britain. Over the past few years this has become an increasingly important factor in why customers are choosing to buy from the brand and why it has also seen an increase in export sales. The company has an attractive range of products including soft leather shoes, organic cotton tops and a variety of elegantly packaged gift sets. All items are suitable from birth. T: +44 (0)1604 880 066 www.daisy-roots.com 34 giftfocus

on home turf

Butterfly Trading Co offers a beautiful range of hand-made and hand-painted wooden quotation hearts in a popular dotty or daisy design. There are five subtle colours to suit every décor and a choice of more than 300 different quotations to suit every occasion in life. They’re displayed on an eye-catching, tall, free-standing pine stand. T: +44 (0)1383 623 482 www.butterflytradingco.com

Janie Knitted Textiles continues to build on the success of its fashion and interior accessories ranges. With an injection of colour in its new knitted patterns and textures this spring, the company uses lambs wool and materials only sourced from British suppliers. All products are hand-made in the brand’s studio at Welbeck with an emphasis on quality of production together with original and contemporary design. T: +44 (0)1909 480 163 www.janiewithers.co.uk

Imperial Blue, Denby’s most iconic tableware range created in the ’80s, is instantly recognisable and more popular than ever in 2014. Made at its pottery in Derbyshire, the range epitomises Denby’s straightforward approach to design to create pottery for well-presented food for all occasions. By popular demand, the range now includes accessories, glassware, cast iron cookware and recently the Kitchenware Collection that’s designed to create a co-ordinated kitchen and tabletop look. T: +44 (0)1773 740 776 www.denby.co.uk

colourful dove makes eye-catching homewares for children. The china tableware range comprises a plate, bowl and beaker, which are all designed specifically for children and hand-decorated in England with four bright and bold designs. New to the range are cork-backed placemats and coasters that are also made in Britain using the same four striking designs. The products are available individually or in gift boxes for an ideal special occasion gift. More products are set to follow in this range and a new line of designs is planned for the autumn. T: +44 (0)7780 603 446 www.colourfuldove.com 36 giftfocus

on home turf

Kutuu’s growing range is full of sweet messages, sentimental sayings and small symbols that spread love, positivity and good cheer. Each design is first hand-made by Hannah using traditional metalwork techniques before going into full production with carefully chosen British manufacturers ready for assembly and packaging. Pictured here is one of Hannah’s latest designs, you’re the bee’s knees, a double-sided keyring with matching double-sided charm. T: +44 (0)1244 346 490 www.kutuu.co.uk

Pintail Candles specialises in the manufacture of fragranced candles and reed diffusers. All products are hand-made in the company’s factory located in the South Lakeland fishing village of Flookburgh, using only the finest quality materials. Taking inspiration from its beautiful Lake District surroundings, Pintail created the Flowers range of candle tins by carefully selecting floral fragrances evocative of a traditional English Garden in the spring, such as Daffodil, Sweet Pea and Wild Rose. T: +44 (0)1539 559 007 www.pintailcandles.com

More Than Bags’ range of luminaire bases and shades are hand-crafted in its workshop in Wales. With more than 50 colours and designs, the company can make all shapes and sizes of shades, ensuring you can build your own collection of lighting to offer your customers. T: +44 (0)1248 717 147 www.more thanbags.co.uk

38 giftfocus

JH Designpoint has produced a new line of mugs featuring UK wildlife. Animals include red squirrels, hedgehogs and hares, with quotes from favourite authors adding to the decoration. These designs are an addition to the large range of animal designs already available from the company. T: +44 (0)141 339 4927 www.jhdesignpoint.net

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Whether it is our striking packaging, our natural fragrancing or our overall product performance, Seascape Island Apothecary is one of the most exciting premium bath & body collections to come out of Britain in a long time. Seascape highlights include: •100% natural essential oil – based formulations for the whole family • maternity – safe collections and formulations for children • no parabens, silicones, petroleums, SLS, artificial colors or fragrances • Seascape is against animal testing and is suitable for vegetarians

SEASCAPE ISLAND APOTHECARY: A 100% BRITISH BRAND web: www.seascapeuk.com e-mail: [email protected] tel: 0845 003 5255

1989, the year Harry met Sally, Black Box were ride on time, a little bit of magic was born (Daniel Radcliffe) and two of our favourite patterns were created.

FOR INFORMATION AND ADVICE CALL US ON

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www.denby.co.uk

plush

big softies Whether they’re for children or collectors, there are plenty of new plush characters to choose from The Imajo Bebi collection continues to grow in popularity as customers are finding increased demand for a traditional style of soft toy. The Bebi monkey, bear, zebra, mouse and elephant are all made from quality knitted fabrics and each has an individual adorable face. The characters are soft to cuddle and available in an appealing range of colours. T: +44 (0)1425 600 600 www.imajo.co.uk The growing popularity of plush toys is thanks in part to innovations available on the market today; exciting new products are widening the appeal of plush toys beyond just young children. A great example of this is Intelex’s fully warmable Hooty™ owl plush toys. The popular and vibrant coloured owls have seen distribution grow into homewares, pharmacies, garden centres and fashion retailers like New Look and River Island, giving an indication as to their versatility. The fact they are both fun and functional and able to be fully warmable in the microwave means the on trend Hooty™ are bed warming companions for children, teenagers and adults young and old. Look out for new Hooty™ ranges this year. T: +44 (0)1933 679 777 www.intelex.co.uk

Personalised Memento Company has reintroduced a long awaited member to its personalised gift family, the super cuddly personalised bunny rabbit. The toy features super soft fur, perfect for petting, and a special touch of personalisation on his feet, ideal for boys and girls. T: +44 (0)1782 744 900 www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

CuddleUpPets and Tummy Stuffers have played a vital part in Flair’s successful Snuggle Pets collection, and the new HideAway Pets will ensure that these soft pals are more than just a cuddly toy. HideAway Pets open up to play and curl up and hide away when playtime is over. These soft pets roll up into a ball to hide and then unfurl for playtime and cuddles. There are six pets to adopt including bunny, husky, cat, monkey, lion and hedgehog, available in hand holding size and larger arm-wrapping sizes. T: +44 (0)20 8643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk giftfocus 41

big softies

Following on from the success of Mr Ringneck Pheasant who scooped a Gift of the Year Award in 2013, the Country Folk range sees another great addition for Spring 2014. Gordon Grouse, looking smart in his navy jacket, joins other great characters in the Country Folk range including Marcus Fielding, Percy Brocklehurst, Dora Mouse, Mr and Mrs Hedges and Lionel Armstrong. T: +44 (0)1733 305 452 www.doradesigns.co.uk

New for 2014, Monsteroos have been added to the GUND boy’s category, available from Enesco. This range of monstrously cute characters are designed to be hugged to take the fear away. The monsters carry this saying: ‘Throughout the night and day, Monsteroos makes the scary monsters go away. With just your hug, his powers get strong, he makes sure the monsters are all gone. So hug him tight with all your might, and everything will be alright!’ T: +44 (0)1228 404 022 www.enesco.co.uk Mousehouse Gifts is now offering 50cm-high Melvin and Matilda mice. These are priced at £22.95 and available from stock from the end of March. All of the company’s plush items are safe from newborn and made of the softest highest quality material and workmanship. Prices start from £2.95 and most are available from stock now. T: +44 (0)1606 868 000 www.mousehousegifts.co.uk

The Aroma Home Cozy Bear has now been joined by the Onesie Bears. These traditional bears – with a tummy that can be warmed in the microwave – have proved a huge success for Aroma Home and are the perfect warming plush with a gentle lavender scent. Now brought bang up to date with their stylish, on-trend onesies and available in two fashion colours, they’re sure to be a big hit with young and old alike. T: +44 (0)1793 487 684 www.aromahome.com 42 giftfocus

'$9,' 0$56+$// www.david-marshall.com [email protected]

Martin Tucker UK 07817 558863 Ireland 00 353 872575655 davidmarshall.uk.ireland

get Britain writing Get involved in National Stationery Week and get Britain writing National Stationery Week takes place between 31st March - 6th April, 2014. One of the aims of NSW is to get people talking about stationery and pens – what they like about them, their favourite products and brands, and even their favourite retailers. And, of course, to encourage more people to write by hand. Gift retailers are being encouraged to get involved with NSW and take advantage of growing consumer and media interest in this ground-breaking initiative.

Post Office onboard The Post Office is preparing for a surge in social mail during the spring, after agreeing to partner with National Stationery Week’s Get Britain Writing campaign to promote the importance of writing by hand and sending hand-written letters and cards. The Get Britain Writing campaign is being

extended this year to include Get Kids Writing, and Post Offices across the UK will be involved 44 giftfocus

in encouraging children as well as adults to pick up a pen. The campaign comes into full focus during National Stationery Week. The celebration of the written word and all things stationery is organised by the London Stationery Show and aims to stimulate the timeless tradition of writing by hand by emphasising its relevance and importance in an electronic age. It’s sponsored by leading brands Post-it, Sheaffer, Faber-Castell, Letts Filofax and Zebra Pen, and supported by the Greeting Card Association, National Handwriting Association, Writing Instruments Association and now the Post Office. John Lewis, Sainsbury's and Ryman are amongst a raft of businesses that've signed up to support NSW. The NSW team has made getting involved even easier, providing predesigned POS display and supporting material free of charge online. High street names such as Paperchase, Ryman, The Pen Shop, Staples, Clintons, Waitrose, Asda and Sainsbury’s were among those who promoted National Stationery Week to their customers last year in-store, online and on social media. Organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan comments: “The Post Office is the hub of traditional communication and the original social media, so to now have it on board helping Get Britain Writing is fantastic news for the campaign. “There’s nothing quite like receiving a letter in the mail for buoying spirits and sharing good news, and with the help of our sponsors and partners who now include the Post Office, we will be able to get the message across to even more people.” g

Aims of National Stationery Week To get more peop le putting pen t paper and writin to g by hand, especially children. To get consumer s talking about sta s tionery, and the st products and brands they like. To get the consum er media talking an d wr w iting about statio nery more often. To increase statione

ry sales.

To get more peop

le spelling stationery with an e!

Follow National Stationery Week on Twitter @NatStatWeek #NSW14 #GetBritainWriting #GetKidsWriting For any help and tips on how to promote NSW in your store, simply contact the team on T: +44 (0)20 8462 0721, E: nationalstationeryweek@firstevents.com or visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com

stationery

pen to paper With National Stationery Week on the horizon, we bring you a mix of goodies to please stationery addicts

This beautiful 3D butterfly bookmark is designed by Alljoy Design. There are nine designs available, and all of them come with a high quality acrylic display box. The bookmarks, which measures 40mm x 135mm, can be made into a 3D butterfly in one simple step. T: +353 (0)1 445 3537 www.alljoydesign.com These new A5 and A6 Loka notelet and envelope sets from More Than Bags are embedded with cornflower petals. Available in sets of 10, Rose Petal sets are also available. They’re ideal for weddings, anniversaries and special occasion invites, or simply as a beautiful addition to stationery offerings. All designs are hand-made in the UK from Lokta paper, a sustainable resource. T: +44 (0)1248 717 147 www.morethanbags.co.uk

Namaste has a great selection of fairly traded eco-friendly paper/stationery items including hand-made notebooks, decorative hangings, greetings cards and storage boxes in different shapes and sizes. The notebooks pictured are part of a new paper range from India. The design is a traditional Sujani print and all are created from hand-made paper produced from 100 per cent recycled cotton waste. No wood is used in the production so the local environment is respected and protected. Namaste is a friendly fair trade company committed to ethical trading. T: +44 (0)1756 700 790 www.namaste-uk.com

The Pocket Notepad and Pen set from All Personal Gifts is from the company’s fine silver-plated range and has a very deep shiny finish to it. The brand provides a comprehensive range of silver-plated gifts that can be engraved for that personal touch, and come in high quality presentation boxes. In addition to the silver-plate range, it also offers top quality metal products that will suit all tastes and budgets. T: +44 (0)800 030 2345 www.allpersonalgifts.co.uk The art of making wooden blocks in India is centuries old and flourished during the Mughal Dynasty. Wooden blocks in particular were used for printing on fine cotton or muslin. Unfortunately with the increase in demand for printed material, the printing process is changing from hand-block printing to screen printing, and hence making new blocks has nearly come to a halt. These elephant blocks from Shared Earth help to keep a dying craft alive. They’re made from Shesham wood by its supplier Aspiration, who works with artisan groups in India who used to make these blocks. T: +44 (0)1904 632 896 www.sharedearth.co.uk giftfocus 47

pen to paper

Books by Boxer is to distribute a selection of humorous products from the Thinking Gifts fun stationery and book ranges. The line includes themed notepads in the form of Dough Notes, Handbag Notes and Handy Notes, sticky notes (Lollypads), bookmarks (Bookbraids, nail marks and zodiac bookmarks), a Bookchair for holding books or tablets and a Little Lamp book light. T: +44 (0)1133 955 593 www.booksbyboxer.com Heaven Sends showed off its new Packing Room range at Spring Fair, where craft meets gift. Appearing alongside Heaven Sends’ range of individual and quirky, design-led gifts, this collection has it all wrapped-up, with products for shoppers to buy, including gift bags and boxes, gift tags, tape and ribbon. The launch follows the success of Heaven Sends’ Counter packaging solutions that launched for Christmas last year. T: +44 (0)121 351 7457 www.heavensends.com

This colourful glitter pen gift set from New Overseas Traders is fairly traded from India. The set includes five biro pens, filled with quality blue ink, as well as the pen pot. Each product is decorated by hand by skilled artisans in Delhi, and comes with an RRP of £9.99. T: +44 (0)1672 851 166 www.newoverseastraders.co.uk

The Little Robot Shop will be launching bright new robots, ray guns and more on greetings cards for spring 2014. Vibrant, bold images of classic Space Race toys are reinvigorated with a modern twist of colour and a great sense of fun. The designs are presented on square format FSC card, measuring 150mm x 150mm with colour-matched envelopes. All images are sourced from toys belonging to Little Robot Shop’s huge retro collection of robots, rockets, ray guns and astronauts. Look out for many more designs for cards, gift wrap and other stationery, as well as a humorous sub-brand of images and classics for birthday, Christmas and other occasions. T: +44 (0)20 8964 9018 www.littlerobotshop.com Neviti’s new Dino Island and Fairy Princess party invitations are a fun and imaginative way to invite guests to pirate or fairy-themed celebrations. The invitations coordinate with both the tableware and decorations within the ranges and offer an easy solution to all party requirements. A line of matching thank you cards are also available in both designs. T: +44 (0)1494 473 211 www.neviti.com

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Pens for all occasions

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