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Focus On... Licensed Giftware
Brands New Licensed giftware continues to surge ahead in leaps and bounds, with a myriad of licences coming out for Spring/Summer and in the run up to Christmas. Think comic book heroes, gaming, retro, award winning TV shows and Harry Potter, for a flavour of what will be appearing on shelves in the coming weeks.
Puckator: Asterix Brand new for 2021, Puckator has launched an Asterix range featuring three of the most popular characters - Asterix himself, his associate Obelix and furry friend Dogmatix - with brightly coloured, highly illustrated products paying homage to the work of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. There are over 30 different products available, ranging from drinkware and lunch accessories to homeware and stationery. “We are also releasing a new line of comic book-themed storage bags and large shoppers, which are eco-friendly and reusable, to help with the worldwide push to reduce waste,” confirms Puckator’s designer Laura Billingham. During March, and throughout April, Puckator will also be introducing a handful of new products that will join the Asterix range. These include items created using the company’s popular bamboo, rPET and stainless-steel materials. The bamboo is created from the recycled offcuts from chopsticks, while the rPET bags are created using recycled plastic bottles. “The stainless steel bottles provide the perfect opportunity to make the switch to something more reusable and eco-friendly,” says Laura. “All the products are perfect for eco-conscious people of all ages, with the Asterix range one for the whole family.” Above: Some of the licensed giftware available in Puckator’s Asterix collection.
Widdop And Co: Various licences Widdop And Co has introduced a myriad of new licences this year to include Harry Potter, Disney, Warner Bros, DC Comics and That’s Not My… “Harry Potter has become a big hit with not only children but also adults too,” says Widdop’s creative director Stephen Illingworth. “This year, we wanted to inject the same excitement into our range of products and gifts so that everyone can enjoy a magical Christmas. From colourful baubles to fun lights and printed stockings, our range of Harry Potter gifts and accessories look fabulous in modern homes, adding a nostalgic, fantasy touch to the festive season.” In addition, Warner Bros licensed product can be found within the company’s 12 Dreams of Christmas Guest List, which features ranges of gifts and accessories based on famous Warner Bros characters. The DC Comics Christmas collection includes hanging decorations, boxes, lights and stockings, while The Grinch range features keepsakes and decorations. Also new are two Paddington collections, one with art from the box office hit movies, and another for baby’s first Christmas featuring the classic Peggy Fortnum illustrations. There is also a new addition to the Disney brand - Disney Christmas Winnie The Pooh range - showcasing festive themed 3D mugs, figurines and dinner sets. Non-Christmas licensed product sees That’s Not My... featuring fun gifts and bedroom accessories that include dinosaurs, lions and unicorn designs. Above: Keepsakes and decorations in Widdop And Co’s The Grinch range.
University Games: Subbuteo “We have some great new products joining our licensed ranges at University Games this year and top of the list has to be the first-ever all female Subbuteo Main Game,” comments University Games’ sales director Mark Jones. “The highly anticipated Official England Lionesses Subbuteo Main Game will launch this May, with the England Lionesses a true inspiration to young players over the past few years. England's success at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup has helped a growth in participation across all levels,” highlights Mark. Left: University Games’ all female Subbuteo Main Game.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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