The UK’s premier showcase of housewares, tabletop, & small electrical brands
Iwe are delighted to fanfare the ’greatest of the great’, this year’s fabulous Greats Awards 2025 finalists! If you don’t know who they are already, the retailers are listed on pages 22-23. Plus, we’re equally delighted to blow the trumpet for the Gift of the Year 2025 product finalists on pages 46-47. The winners of both competitions will be jointly announced on Thursday May 15 at the fabulous Gift Awards – which will, once again, be uniting the gift industry – with the event taking place at London’s glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel. Everyone who’s anyone in gifts will be there, so make sure you book your tickets to the hottest night on the gift industry’s calendar! Plus, a big shout out to our impressive line-up of sponsors this year who make the event possible. Turn to page 7 for details. In this issue, we also reveal the findings of our latest unique annual Retail Barometer, now in its 19th year, which drills down into what life was really like for gift independents last year. Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis and the October Budget, which threw businesses an unwanted curved ball, 2024 was actually a better than expected year for many gift indies, with business up 6% on 2023, and star performers greeting cards, plush and fashion
greeting cards for gift shops, much loved show Progressive Greetings Live will be back at London’s Business Design Centre on 3-4 June, with over 220 exhibitors unveiling their latest launches, and a wealth of new talent showcasing product at the show. It’s one you
behind the scenes, turn to pages 26-27. Meanwhile, as many gift shops have discovered, gift-led stationery too, is on the up, with the London International Stationery show opening its doors at the Business Design Centre in London on 13-14 May.
LEADER
From notebooks and journals to pens and other writing implements, turn to pages 30-31 to find out what’s trending in 2025. Elsewhere in the magazine, with Father’s Day on the horizon, (Sunday 15 June), we bang the drum for men’s gifts - turn to pages 34-35 – highlighting those that are taking men’s gifting in different directions. We also spotlight the continuing passion for games and puzzles that see families sitting round the table enjoying time together away from their screens. Turn to pages 42-43. In recent years, gift books too, have become a ‘must have’ for many retailers across the retail spectrum, a thoughtful, easy gift to give that taps into a recipient’s interests. So, what makes them such a winner for gift shops? Turn to pages 38-39 to find out. Plus, for all the very latest industry news and views, and to read what our columnist Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s has to say, turn to pages 7-15 and page 25 respectively. Enjoy the issue, and really looking forward to seeing you at The Gift Awards in May!
Sue
and
Sue Marks Editor
The Gift Awards Sponsors 2025
Allsorted, BATF, Candlelight, Cardgains, Graham, Good Results, Harrogate Christmas & Stationery Show, Messe Frankfurt, N Smith and Trade Fair/Springboard Events, Source Home &
Loch Leven’s Larder Celebrates 20 Years
Louise Burton, owner of Country Clutter in Chepstow, stating: “Absolutely over the moon!”
Celebrations were also in full swing at Maybugs. “The team here at Maybugs are overjoyed to be nominated again for The Greats! We can’t wait to join the party in May.” Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, was on holiday, on a beach in Devon, when she heard the exciting news. “We are absolutely thrilled and beyond
Tickets and tables for The Gift Awards on 15 May can be booked via the Max Publishing digital box office event at Max-Tickets.net, or by contacting event organiser Createvents: clare@createvents.co.uk or 0118 334 0085.
To find out more about The Gift Awards and book tickets, visit www.thegiftawards.com; www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
To see the full list of Greats 2025 finalists, turn to pages 22-23.
The Gift Awards Unite The Gift Industry
The fabulous Gift Awards will, once again, be held at London’s glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel, bringing together The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards and The Greats gift retailer awards – currently celebrating their 23rd milestone year - organised and owned by Max Publishing, publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net.
At the glittering awards event, both gift product excellence and retail prowess will be recognised and rewarded.
Tickets and tables for the awards event on Thursday 15 May can be booked via the Max Publishing digital box office at Max-Tickets.net, or by contacting event organiser Createvents: clare@createvents.co.uk; tel: 0118 334 0085.
To find out more about The Gift Awards and book tickets, visit www.thegiftawards.com and www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
Award winning rural destination Loch Leven’s Larder in Kinross – which includes The Larder Gift Shop and 1848 – a Greats Awards 2025 finalist, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Reflecting on the past two decades, cofounder Emma Niven explains: “Since we opened, we have expanded to become one of the area’s biggest employers, with over 85 staff on our payroll. Some of our team have been with us since day one. We’re very central and get huge numbers of people coming to visit us from all over, seeing Loch Leven’s as a central meeting point for shopping and admiring the beautiful scenery.”
Above: Emma Niven, co-founder of Loch Leven’s Larder.
Above: Orange Blossom Home & Gifts’ Shirley MacIver celebrating with a glass of fizz.
Above: London’s 5* Royal Lancaster Hotel.
GOTY 2025 Finalists Revealed
One Of The Most Competitive Years, Says GA
After months of anticipation, hundreds of entries, and two rigorous rounds of judging by a panel of over 120 industry experts, the very best products from the home and gift industry have been officially shortlisted as finalists in the Gift of the Year competition. (For the list of finalists, turn to pages 4849).
“This year’s Gift of the Year has been one of the most competitive yet, with judges from leading retailers, the trade press and industry professionals struggling to select their top choices from a truly outstanding pool of over 900 entries,” commented The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman.
innovation, new design-led vessels for the candles, as well as brilliant new fragrances and box designs really pushing innovation within this sector. The judging panel faced an incredibly tough decision, with so many outstanding products and brands.”
PG&H Retail Barometer Findings
The final round of judging will decide on the Judges’ Choice winner, with the ultimate winner set to be announced at The Gift Awards held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on 15 May, in collaboration with The Greats Awards, bringing together the biggest names in the industry for a night of celebration.
The latest PG&H Retail Barometer – a unique annual survey which tracks the health and wealth of independent gift retailers - revealed that, despite the ongoing cost of living crisis and the October Budget, 2024 was actually a better than expected year for many gift indies, with their business up 6% on 2023. Over a third (37%) of those surveyed invested in their website, with 42% sprucing up their shops with new units.
"Each year we are blown away by the level of talent and creativity within the home and gift industry, and 2025 has been no exception,” confirmed Chris. “The Home Fragrance category, in particular, along with all the others, amazed me with its increased
The People’s Choice Award
Tickets to The Gift Awards can be booked via the Max Publishing digital box office at Max-Tickets.net or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk; tel: 01183 340085.
Tickets cost £230 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or
Once again, The Giftware Association will be announcing the winner of the Gift of the Year People’s Choice award at the Sundowners drinks event, (sponsored by Progressive Gifts & Home), at the end of the first day of Home & Gift in Harrogate (Sunday 20 July). The category is judged by the general public, enabling everyone to vote for their favourite product across all GOTY categories.
To vote, visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk
As with previous years, the GA has opened the category up to all shortlisted products. Votes close on 16 May.
Fenwick Calls In Restructuring Experts
Six years of losses at family-owned Fenwick have led to cost cutting measures put in place following the appointment of restructuring experts AlixPartners, according to a report in the Sunday Times Business News (16 March). The retailer says that there are no plans for stores closures, leading to fears about job losses.
“Like all retailers at the moment, we are keeping a close eye on our costs, especially in light of the tax and minimum wage increases in last October’s budget,” a Fenwick spokesman told the newspaper.
There are currently eight department stores in the Fenwick portfolio, located in Bracknell, Brent Cross, Canterbury, Colchester, Kingston upon Thames, Newcastle, Tunbridge Wells and York.
Above: Fenwick, Newcastle.
Double Success For VENT For Change
Hot on the heels of winning the UK’s Most Sustainable and Ethical Gift Company at the Spring Fair Excellence Awards in February, VENT For Change is also a Gift of the Year finalist, in the Ethical and Sustainable category, for the company’s VENT Luxury Collection of folios, tablet wallets and notebooks made in Italy from recycled leather.
Above: VENT For Change’s founder Evan Lewis with his Spring Fair Excellence Award.
For most independent gift retailers, although not all, Christmas saw the tills ringing, with almost two thirds of respondents (65%) confirming that last Christmas’ trade was better than the previous year, with the average festive spend remaining the same or increasing slightly for 88% of respondents. Across the year, star performing product sectors were greeting cards, (79%), plush, (71%), followed by fashion accessories (61%).
As for business expectations this year, almost two thirds, (65%) of Barometer respondents said that they were hoping to see marginal growth, with 31% saying that they expected things to remain about the same. To read the Retail Barometer in full, turn to pages 17-21.
Beevive Creates A Buzz Faye Whitley and Jake Powell co-founders of Beevive - which won the Gift of the Year 2024 Best Design & Craft Product or Range category for their DIY Bee Hotel Kit –received the invaluable backing of Dragon Deborah Meaden on Dragons’ Den recently, albeit not a monetary one.
The couple asked for £80,00 in return for 8% of their bee saving business, with beekeeper Deborah telling the couple: “I’m very happy to help you find your way into overseas markets and also to expand in the UK.”
Below: Beevive’s Faye Whitley and Jake Powell received their GOTY trophy from Chantelle White
Above: The live GOTY judging took place at Spring Fair.
British Garden Centres Grow Portfolio
Acquisitions Reveal A Commitment To Growth
British Garden Centres, among the finalist in The Greats Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts category (5 or more centres), has been active on the acquisition trail this year, snapping up Dobbies Garden Centres that include Shinfield Garden Centre, Gosforth Park Garden Centre, Morpeth Garden Centre, Havant Garden Centre, Northampton Garden Centre and Rugby Garden Centre. “These acquisitions represent a significant step forward in our continued growth and reinforce our commitment to becoming the leading garden centre group in the UK,” states
Charles Stubbs, founder and director of British Garden Centres. “By integrating these centres into our portfolio, we aim to expand our customer base and provide even more growth opportunities. We look forward to a bright future and continued success with our suppliers.”
British Garden Centres (BGC), launched in 1987, is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 72 centres around the country. The group is owned and by The Stubbs family.
Blue Diamond Acquires
Yarnton Home & Garden
Blue Diamond recently announced the acquisition of multi-award winning Yarnton Home & Garden, a garden centre located north of Oxford, which has undergone significant investment and transformation.
“Yarnton Home & Garden is a business that is much loved by its customers,” states Alan Roper, ceo of the Blue Diamond Group. “The team there has worked incredibly hard to transform the centre into what it is today, and I look forward to driving the business on into the future and welcoming it into our portfolio.”
The acquisition of Yarnton Home & Garden reflects Blue Diamond’s ongoing strategy to expand its portfolio of high-quality garden centres, reinforcing its commitment to further strengthening its presence in the UK garden centre market. The company operates 48 garden centres across the UK.
Freckleface Partners With
Historic Royal Palaces
Freckleface has collaborated with the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces to create the Regal Home Fragrance Collection, a range of candles reed diffusers, wax melts and gift sets designed to capture the essence of the palaces’ rich history.
Comments Tara Carlile-Swift, co-founder of Freckleface Home Fragrance. “We wanted to create a collection that transports people to the grandeur and beauty of Britain’s historic palaces, blending our passion for ethical home fragrances with the rich traditions of royal heritage.”
The Fragrance House Acquires Heyland & Whittle
The Fragrance House recently acquired home fragrance/bath and body company Heyland & Whittle.
“The Heyland & Whittle ethos of using pure natural ingredients to create stunning fragranced products fits perfectly with The Fragrance House,” comments The Fragrance House’s ceo David Brown. “The brand has a great, long-standing reputation in the UK market and will be a fantastic addition.”
Beale’s To Close Its Doors
Beale’s, the 143-year-old retail department store that opened its doors in Bournemouth in 1881, will be closing its final remaining store in Poole's Dolphin Centre at the end of May, blaming the increased tax burdens introduced in last October's Budget.
Cereria Mollá 1899 Launches In The UK
Spanish brand Cereria Mollá 1899 has launched into the UK market, with the company confirming that the expansion is a strategic move to meet the growing demand for premium, home fragrance products. The brand offers a range of candles, reed diffusers and room sprays in signature fragrances which include Bergomotto di Calbari, Amber and Sandalwood and Velvet Wood.
The new collectionRoyal Bouquet; Royal Nights and Palace Garden - has been inspired by the grandeur and stories of some of the historic sites in Historic Royal Palaces’ care to include the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace.
"We believe our values of craftsmanship and luxury will resonate with discerning customers,” states Santiago Mollá, ceo at Cereria Mollá 1899. "With the support of our dedicated sales and marketing team, backed by an extensive trade support programme and integrated marketing activation plan, we are looking forward to forming strong partnerships."
To lead the initiative, the company has established a Cereria Mollá 1899 UK management teamHannah Jenkins, Fernando Sanchez and Mark Taylor - each bringing over 20 years of experience in CPG and luxury goods industries.
"Expanding into the UK marks a significant milestone for our brand, and we are confident that our new UK management team, with their wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for premium home fragrance, will elevate Cereria Mollá 1899 to new heights in this key market,” states Santiago. “We are excited for our next chapter of growth.”
Visit: www.cereriamolla.com or contact Hannah Jenkins, director UK & Ireland. E: hannahjenkins@CM1899.com Tel: +447810 837565.
Tony Brown, Beales' chief executive, confirmed that the tax rises, combined with the uncertainty of future increases, have made the "unviable". The closure will be managed to ensure no suppliers face financial losses.
Trouva Pauses Trading
To the dismay of independent retailers, which include gift and lifestyle stores Lark, Jumping Bean, &Quirky and Distinctly Living, online marketplace Trouva is again looking for a buyer, its fourth in three years, with the company stopping all
Above: British Garden Centres’ Charles and Amy Stubbs.
Above: Beale’s in Poole will be closing at the end of May.
Above: David Brown, ceo of The Fragrance House.
Above: Yarton Home & Garden has been acquired by the Blue Diamond Group.
Below: Part of the new Freckleface collection in partnership with Hampton Court Palace.
Above: Cereria Mollá 1899’s Black Orchid & Lily three wick candle.
Søstrene Grene’s London Flagship
Fifth London Store To Open At Oxford Circus
Scandi-inspired lifestyle and homewares retailer Søstrene Grene is opening its fifth London store near Oxford Circus on Friday March 28, joining other Søstrene Grene stores in the capital to include Tottenham Court Road and Coal Drop’s Yard in King’s Cross.
The new two-storey flagship Argyll Street outlet will cover 441sq m and is set to feature new store concepts including an interactive customer experience room and a room focused on the senses.
2030, with another new store scheduled to open in Canary Wharf in the summer.
PEOPLE
The retailer plans to open 100 new stores by
With over 300 stores across 17 countries and online shops in 14 markets, the Danish brand has established a strong international presence and is setting ambitious goals for the UK where it currently has 45 stores.
One In Four People Witness Shoplifting
Nearly a quarter of the UK population (24%) have witnessed shoplifting taking place while at a shop in the last 12 months, equating to over 16m people. The shock statistics have been revealed by the latest BRC-Opinium survey data. The data also shows 23% of customers have witnessed the physical or verbal abuse of shop staff.
Customers in Nottingham saw the most shoplifting, with just under a third (32%) of people witnessing an incident. London followed close behind at 29%, followed by Southampton (28%) and Leeds (26%). Plymouth and Belfast saw the least at 12% and 13% respectively.
The research comes as the UK experiences record levels of retail crime, with 20m incidents of theft last year, and incidents of violence and abuse climbing to over 2,000 per day.
Crime cost retailers £4.2bn last year, with the figures including £2.2bn as a result of shoplifting, with a further £1.8bn spent on crime prevention measures such as CCTV, more security personnel, anti-theft devices and body worn cameras. The costs add to the wider cost pressures retailers already face, further limiting investment and pushing up prices for customers everywhere.
Primark Home Store Opens In Belfast
New Distributorship For Joe Davies
l Talking Tables has appointed Daniel Fagan as managing director in what is a new role for the company as it breaks new ground. Daniel, previously director of supply chain, has been with the company for 12 years, originally joining as supply chain assistant. He became a director five years ago and in 2022 he steered the company to B Corp status.
l Nick Wilkinson, ceo of Dunelm, is retiring from the company and full-time executive life after seven years in the role. The board has started a formal recruitment process for Nick’s successor, considering both internal and external candidates. Nick will remain in the role until a successor is appointed.
The Art File Adds Plush To Its Portfolio
extension for the award
winning greeting card publisher, with all Bears made from 100% post-consumer waste recycled plastic bottles.
The beginning the retailer’s flagship Bank Buildings store in Belfast. The 8,700 square foot Primark Home stocks an expanded range of homeware essentials, including decorative pieces, soft furnishings, small furniture and quirky kitchen ceramics.
Commented Fintan Costello, head of Primark Ireland and Northern Ireland. “Primark and Belfast have a storied history and we’re incredibly proud the city is the first in the world to experience this exciting new retail concept.”
Joe Davies has been appointed by Star Link Global Group as the exclusive UK distributor for US artist Gus Fink Studios brand of licensed plush, resin and accessories.
A full launch collection, including a large selection of on trend plush, features some of Gus Finks’ most popular characters, such as Numb Bunny, Agony Ann, Skellbo, Grim the Stitchy Bear and Devil Doo.
Comments Joe Davies’ managing director Paul Hooker: “The fun plush collection is a great impulse purchase, very collectable and right on trend for the UK market.”
Orchard Collection Launch Brought Forward
Driven by demand, VENT For Change has brought production forward on its latest launch, the Orchard Collection, following an overwhelmingly positive response at Spring Fair. “We only intended to give our retailers a sneak preview of the new collection at the show, but the reaction was so strong that we’ve brought the launch forward from Autumn to Easter,” confirms VENT For Change’s founder and ceo Evan Lewis.
Made from sustainable apple paper, the new Orchard Collection includes A5 soft covered notebooks and mini sticky note blocks. Reclaimed organic apple waste collected from food and drinks processors is mixed with FSC certified paper and card to create “a stunning finish and intriguing story,” highlights Evan.
Left: Søstrene Grene is opening a new store.
Above: Shoplifting is continuing to escalate.
Above: The new Primark Home store.
Right: A selection of Gus Fink plush.
Above: Nick Wilkinson.
Above: Bear is currently available in two sizes.
Above: The Bear is currently available in two sizes.
THE WALLED GARDEN
A new collection for 2025 of six atmospheric scents, reminiscent of the blooming British countryside. Inspired by floral aromas drifting through a quintessential country garden. This range consists of six floral fragrances, presented in vegan friendly Soy Candles each one in a soft muted palette with reed diffusers in matching fragrances.
Bigger, Better London Stationery Show
See The Latest Launches, Meet The New Exhibitors
With innovative stationery products at its heart, the London International Stationery Show, owned by Max Publishing, is returning to the Business Design Centre on 13-14 May, fanfaring a sell-out show with over 140 exhibitors – up 17% on last year - with exhibitors looking forward to showcasing their newest launches.
Leading brands signed up for 2025 include: Blueprint Stationery, Carousel Worldwide, Craft Buddy, Crayola, Daler Rowney, Edding, Exacompta Clairefontaine, Hahnemuhle, IG Design Group, Jakar International, Kaweco, Leuchtturm1917, Manuscript Brands, Maped Helix, Mitsubishi Pencil Co, Nu:notebooks, Paperblanks, Pentel, Portico Designs, Premier Stationery, Puckator, Pukka Pads, Royal & Langnickel, Royal
Talens, Silvine/Artgecko, Snopake, Stabilo International, Staedtler, Stone Marketing, Tallon International, The Pilot Pen Company and Zebra Pen UK.
Among the first-time exhibitors this year will be The Gifted Stationery Co, Scentos, Quadrigloo, Pebeo, Panac Japan, Oli Olsen, Meraki Notebooks, Main Paper, In Real Life, Wingback, and BlueSky Designs.
There will also be an extensive talks and workshops programme, as well as many exhibitors demonstrating products on their stands. Plus, the finalists of the Stationery Awards will be showcased, with the winners announced at a free-toattend event at the end of the first day.
For more about stationery, turn to Spotlight On . . . Gift-Led Stationery on pages 30-31. Visit www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk.
New Website Launched
With National Stationery Week (12-18 May) well underway, the revamped website at www.nationalstationeryweek.com is making it easier for retailers to take part, and for consumers to find out more about the initiative that ties-in with the London International Stationery Show which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on 13-14 May.
New functionality on the website includes a Google map showing the location of over 100 stationery retailers, as well as a selection of logos, frames and social posts that retailers can download and use. Stationery retailers not on the map, can email Sarah Laker at sarah@nationalstationeryweek.com
Visit www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
Card Sharp
Dedicated greeting card show Progressive Greetings Live will be back at London’s Business Design Centre on 3-4 June, revealing the latest launches and the newest talent in greeting card publishing, alongside well-loved names from the 220+ exhibitors.
As well as the wealth of newness, there is a free lunch, free drinks, free opening night party and limited edition tote bag for all visitors.
Comments Max Publishing’s managing director and co-show organiser Warren Lomax: “With greeting cards such a profitable product area for gift retailers, you’ll be spoilt for choice at PG Live 2025!”
For more about the show, see pages 26-27.
Mi sing Let ers Campaign
The Greeting Card Association (GCA) is looking to everyone involved with greeting cards, to include gift retailers, to add their signature to an all-important petition campaigning for parliamentary scrutiny of changes to Royal Mail’s universal service obligation (USO) and threatened cuts to second class delivery.
The aim of the ‘Mi sing Let ers’ campaign is to push the number of signatories to at least 10,000, forcing the government to respond, with the target being 100,000, which means that it has to be considered for debate in parliament. Visit www.gca.cards
Autumn Fair x Glee To Co-Locate
Driven by industry feedback, extensive research and considered planning to streamline the buying calendar, the debut co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee next year will deliver new opportunities, maximise return on investment and enhance the experience for both exhibitors and visitors, say show organisers Hyve Group.
Taking place at the NEC, Autumn Fair’s dates are 6-9 September 2026, with Glee taking place from 8-10 September 2026. Sitting alongside Autumn Fair, Glee will continue as a dedicated showcase for the garden, leisure, and pet industries, with each show continuing to bring its distinct identity, voice and ethos.
Comments Jackson Szabo, retail portfolio director, Hyve Group: “Looking to the future, the co-location aligns with our mission to support and spearhead growth within the UK retail and garden sectors.” Visit www.autumnfair.com and www.gleebirmingham.com
Products of Change Conference 2025
The 2025 Products of Change Conference will take place on 5 November, where, once again, the brand and licensing industry will gather to curate and secure the sustainable future of business.
Returning to the historic, prestigious Royal Geographical Society in London, the 2025 Conference will feature a stellar line up of speakers, the POC Sustainability Awards, and opportunities for networking among industry peers. Visit productsofchange.com
NEWS IN BRIEF
l British walking stick specialists Classic Canes has confirmed a change of ownership
From 1 June, the company will be owned by its long-term supplier, Gastrock of Germany.
l From Me To You has been awarded Best Small Press in the South West region.
Above: Classic Canes’ founders Ben and Diana Porter with daughter Charlotte Gillan.
Above: In 2026, Autumn Fair will be coloacted with Glee.
Above: Visitors at last year’s London Stationery Show.
Above: The GCA’s ‘Mi sing Let ers’ campaign.
Above: The POC Conference last November.
Above: Busy aisles at last year’s show.
The Punches
How did your business fare in 2024 compared to 2023?
April, they are doing so on the back of what was a better than expected year, up 6% on 2023.
Indies invested in their stores, with 42% putting in new shop units, over a third doing a partial refit or investing in their websites.
For many independent gift retailers, Christmas was a cracker, with some two thirds of respondents (65%) reporting that last Christmas’ trade was better than the previous year. For a massive 88% of respondents, the average festive spend remained the same as the previous year or slightly up, with greeting cards, plush and fashion accessories among the star performers
Looking to this year, the reality is that while few indies anticipate significant growth, the vast majority of respondents – 96% - are still expecting to see marginal growth or the business remaining on a par with 2023 levels.
How was Christmas 2024?
Gift retailers rely on good Christmas trade and, for the majority, as the Barometer findings have revealed, it seems that the 2024 festive season delivered. Some two thirds of respondents (65%) said that last Christmas’ trade was better than the previous year, with just over a quarter of respondents (27%) reporting it was about the same. Only 8% said that their sales were worse.
Average Spend Increased
Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis in 2024, well over half of respondents, (54%), confirmed that the average spend had increased slightly on the previous year, with 4% reporting that it had increased significantly and a further 27% saying it was about the same.
How
did
the average festive spend in 2024
, with the findings revealing that a significant 88%, (compared to 76% the previous year), saw the average festive spend remain the same or increase slightly, with a further 8% confirming that the spend had increased significantly.
Right: The majority of respondents reported a better Christmas in 2024 than in 2023.
How was christmas 2024 compared to 2023
How did your business fare over the last year? (PG&H looks back at seven years of Retail Barometer data)
On The Upside
Which main factors had a positive effect on your business in the last year?
An upsurge in new customers moved up one place this year, seen as having the most positive effect on driving sales. In second place was the ‘Shop Local’ campaigns and support, linked to people choosing to work from home, or simply wanting to support their local independents.
Product diversification continued to be important for half of respondents, followed by the strength of staff (46%), increased promotional activities and initiatives (40%), increased social media activity (31%) and online/website activity. Participating with online wholesale platforms such as Faire, also had a positive effect.
(Last yearÊs figures are shown in brackets)
1 Upsurge of new customers (2=)
2 Shop Local campaigns/support (-)
3 Product diversification (1=)
4 Staff (2=)
5 Increased promotional activity/initiatives (5)
6 Collaborating with local businesses/groups (-)
7 Increased social media activity (3)
8 Online/website activity (1 =)
9= Participating with online platforms (e.g. Faire) (-)
9= Shopfit (-)
10 Winning an award/media coverage (4)
Environmental Issues
What are your expectations for your business in 2025?
While few indies expect to see significant growth this year, the vast majority of respondents – 96% - are hoping to see marginal growth or their business remaining on a par to last year.
Almost half of those surveyed (46%) said that they were positive or very positive about the future of independents over the next one to three years with 12% saying they were hoping to open another shop this year.
Environmental matters
On the sustainable front, a whopping 96% of those surveyed confirmed that environmental concerns had had an impact on gift sales, which increased slightly, remained the same or slightly increased.
Finding environmentally-friendly suppliers in 2024 was important for 68% of those surveyed, (up from 64% the previous year), with almost two thirds (64%) expanding their sustainable ranges last year.
Over two thirds of those surveyed (70%) confirmed that they had upped the ante last year. Eco-credentials ranged from only buying from companies featuring clear sustainability statements to choosing naked greeting cards where possible.
Being more vigilant with their recycling was also top of the agenda for some 56% of respondents, while half of respondents also reduced their plastic bags and changed energy provider.
Did you make changes to your suppliers and/or the running of your business on the environmental front in 2024?
1 More vigilant recycling (56%)
2= Reduction in plastic bags (50%)
2= Change of energy provider (50%)
3 Persuading staff to be more sustainable (33%)
4 Introduction of paper bags/bags for life (28%)
5 Reduction of gifts or cards with glitter (22%)
Putting A Damper On Sales
What main factors had a detrimental effect on your business in 2024?
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continuing to determine people’s spending habits, it came as no surprise that 70% of those surveyed said that this was the prime reason affecting sales Suppliers’ websites selling direct to consumers, parking issues, empty shops in the vicinity, charity shops selling gifts and the expansion of wholesale online retail platforms were also reasons that had a detrimental effect last year.
Other factors highlighted included shoplifting, bad weather and increased operational costs.
When purchasing a product, how important is it to you and your customers whether a product is Made in Britain/manufactured locally?
Made in Britain continues to remain important for gift independents, with a significant 88% of respondents citing it as important or very important.
Online Sales
Do you have a transactional website for your shop?
Some 80% of respondents (compared to just over 70% in 2023) now have a transactional website, with over three quarters of respondents (76%) planning on developing their websites in 2025.
Product Matters
How did the following sectors fare/show growth in 2024?
(‘Star’ performers have been shown in bold)
‘‘ We have to work harder than ever to find new products that will keep our customers interested ’’
Socially Speaking
Is social media a vital tool in promoting your business?
For 81% of gift indies taking part in this year’s survey, social media remains key with Instagram now in pole position, used by the majority (96%) of respondents, followed by Facebook (91%) and Tik Tok which is now used by over a quarter of indies (26%).
Did you introduce new brands in 2024?
Across the board, all Barometer respondents introduced an array of new brands last year. Some 92% of indies said that the number of suppliers they currently deal with would increase or remain about the same this year, with a greater number of respondents (60% compared to 53% last year) stating that their ordering would increase in 2025
Which product areas would you like to further expand/diversify into in 2025?
(The key categories are shown in bold)
1= Chocolates and confectionery
1=
8
Which were your ultimate ÂheroÊ products in 2024?
Topping the poll of the most popular products last year were (in alphabetical order): Jellycat (plush), Legami (erasable pens) and Wrendale Designs (across the board). Other brands that ranked highly were Inis and Roka
At The Source
How do you normally source products?
1 From trade shows (88%)
2 From a rep/agent (64%)
3 From the internet (60%)
4 Looking in other shops (56%)
5 From trade magazines (52%)
6 From catalogues (48%)
7= Word of mouth (40%)
7= From an exhibitor’s website (40%)
7= From internet platforms (40%)
7= From a supplier’s showroom event (40%)
8 Feedback from customers (24%)
Do you have plans to open another shop in the coming year?
ItÊs Showtime
Almost all - 92% - of gift indie respondents have or are Spring Fair and Autumn Fair at the top of the list for most, along with Home & Gift in Harrogate, Top Drawer Spring, Top Drawer Autumn, and PG Live.
Marketing Matters
Did you run promotions and/or advertising for your shop last year?
As with previous years, promotions continue to be hugely important for gift retailers, with 88% of respondents confirming that they were an integral part of the marketing mix. Once again, social media promotional activities topped the chart.
1 Social media promotions (1)
2 In-store money off/discount promotions (3)
3 Gift voucher scheme (4=)
4= Charity fund-raising (2)
4= Loyalty cards (4=)
5= Customer events (4=)
5= Free gift promotions (4=)
5= Press advertising (5=)
5= Leaflets (5=)
5= Collaboration with other local retailers/businesses (5=)
6 BOGOF (or similar) (5=)
As an independent retailer, what are your biggest concerns in 2025?
Connecting With The Community
Which local organisations/initiatives were you involved with in 2024?
1 The Giftware Association (GA)
2= Town centre retailing groups
2= Local charities
3 Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) Cardmitment/Thinking Of You Week
4= Federation of Small Businesses
4= Just A Card campaign
4= British Independent Retailers Association (Bira)
5 Chamber of Commerce
6 Local schools
Supermarket Challenge
How do you view supermarketsÊ continuing expansion on the home and gift front?
Supermarkets continue to be a major competitor for gift stores, with some 80% of indies surveyed continuing to see them as a threat or serious threat, up on last year’s figure of 77%.
‘‘
The government is making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to survive ’’
Third Party Selling
How do you view third party online operators in the gift and home sector? (Eg Amazon).
A huge 85% of gift indies taking part in the survey confirmed they saw third party selling as a threat or serious threat, up 26% on last year.
How do you view third party online operators in the gift and home sector (eg Amazon)?
How do you view garden centre growth in the gift and home sector?
With numerous acquisitions on the garden centre front over the past 12 months, and more and more centres expanding their reach across gifts, home, clothing and greeting cards, 58% of those surveyed understandably view them as a threat or serious threat.
How do you view the future of independent gift shops in the next 1-3 years?
Selling Direct To Consumers
How do you view gift and home suppliers selling online direct to the public?
three quarters of respondents (77%) more or less on a par with last year, regard gift companies selling direct to consumers as an ongoing threat or serious threat.
Cause For Concern
As an independent retailer, what are your biggest concerns for 2025?
It comes as no surprise that business rates doubling, employer National Insurance rising and the minimum wage increasing this April, are the three biggest concerns for all indies this year, along with price increases and consumers reducing their spend,
Other worries highlighted by Retail Barometer respondents include the ongoing escalation in shoplifting; the rise of Temu and Shein; suppliers capping quantities of specific products; the increase in postage prices; the lack of interest in the high street that’s been demonstrated by the government; energy and water rates increases, and the rise in corporation tax.
What investments have you made in your shop over the last year?
Keeping stores looking their best was important to Barometer participants, with 42% putting in new shop units, over a third or doing a partial refit or investing in their websites, just over a fifth investing in computer equipment (21%) and 13% putting in EPOS.
Do you intend to make any improvements to your shop in the coming year? (e.g. shop refit, better signage etc)
Could We Have A Word Please?
How would you describe the gift industry today?
Once again, ‘challenging’ remained the word most respondents chose to describe the gift industry, alongside ‘tough’, ‘unpredictable’ and ‘vulnerable’. Positive words included ‘vibrant’, ‘exciting’, ‘energising’ and ‘great’.
Fun
How do you view the supermarkets’ continuing expansion on the gift and home front?
Stuff Who would you most like to receive a gift from?
(Celebrity, politician, dignitary, fictional character etc., either dead or alive)
The King and Queen, (right), received the most votes, followed by singers Elton John, David Bowie,
What are your expectations for your business in 2025?
Which famous person (dead or alive) would you most like to walk into your shop?
Females who would receive a warm welcome included The Queen, The Princess of Wales and Taylor (left), with men including The King, the Prince of Wales and David Beckham.
walk into your shop?
Those that would be asked to leave included Donald Trump, Starmer, (right), and Nigel Farage, along with Rachel Reeves, Liz Truss and Meghan Markle.
THE GREATS
(All finalists are listed in alphabetical order)
Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - London, South, South East & East Anglia
l Amore and Dzodzo, Woodbridge
l Ed, The Dulwich Trader and Tomlinsons, Dulwich
l Little Red and Red Card, Petworth
l Mercado, Hampton Court
l Objectables, Folkestone
l The Voewood, Blackheath Royal Standard
Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - West & South West
l The Bay Tree Home & Gift, Devizes and Marlborough
l Blossom Barn, Fairford and Shrivenham
l Highworth Emporium, Highworth
l Hyde & Seek, Exeter
l Kit and Caboodle Gift Shop, Romsey and Salisbury
l Kondi Gifts, Bristol
Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - Midlands & Wales
l Cornucopia, Worcester
l Country Clutter, Chepstow
l Ebb & Flow, Tenby
l Indigo and Wardrobe at Southwell, Nottingham and Southwell
l KooKoo Madame, Caerphilly, Pontypridd and Talbot Green
l Papermoon, Syston; Present Days, Warwick
Independent Gift Retailer of The Year – North & Northern Ireland
l Fine & Sandy, Tynemouth
l Ideas Horsforth, Leeds
l Lemon Tree, Beverley
l Osborne & Co, Enniskillen
l Squirrel, Ulverston
l Strickland & Holt, Yarm
Independent Gift Retailer of The Year – Scotland
l Bijou, Elgin
l Contempo, Stirling
l Juniper, Aberdeen
l The Nancy Smillie Shop, Glasgow
l The Owl At Number 2, Aberdeen
l Pippin Gifts, Edinburgh
Best Newcomer Gift Retailer
l 33 Market Place, Mildenhall
l Barley Mow, Faversham
l Cards & Moor, Yelverton
l Fig & Fox, Romsey
l Joli Gifts, Aberdeen
l Orange Blossom Home & Gift, Pollokshields
Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Gifts (4 stores or more)
l Collectables, North East (8 stores)
l House of Cards, Home Counties (7 stores)
l Lark, London and the South (20 stores)
l Maybugs, Sussex and Kent (4 stores)
l Oliver Bonas, nationwide (80+ stores)
l Paper Tiger, Edinburgh (4 stores)
Best Department Store Retailer Of Gifts
l Austins, Newton Abbot
l Barkers, Northallerton
l Elphicks, Farnham
l John Lewis & Partners
l Morleys Stores
l Selfridges
Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts
l Blenheim Palace Gift Shop, Blenheim
l Jeyes of Earls Barton, Earls Barton
l Loch Leven’s Larder, Kinross
l Natural History Museum Gift Shop, London
l Pearce’s Farm Shop & Café, Buntingford
l The Savill Garden Visitor Centre Gift Shop, Windsor Great Park
Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts (with up to 4 centres)
l Barton Grange Garden Centre, Brock
l Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury
l Garsons, Esher and Titchfield
l The Mains Of Drum Garden Centre, Banchory
l Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Three Cocks
l Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup
Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts (with 5 centres or more)
l Blue Diamond Garden Centres (45 centres)
l British Garden Centres (72 centres)
l Caulders (10 centres)
l Hillier Nurseries & Garden Centres (22 centres)
l Longacres (6 centres)
l Squires Garden Centre (16 centres)
Best In-Store OR Window Display
l Attico, Westbourne
For its Christmas windows
l Bill & Bert’s, Colchester
For its Jellycat windows
l Freckleface, Lincoln, Stamford and York
For its Laura Ashley windows
l Highworth Emporium, Highworth
For its Christmas windows and in store displays
l Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall
For its Christmas window
l Mooch, Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn
For its Gingerbread windows
Best Retailer Initiative
l Bill & Bert’s, Colchester
For its Jellycat Jack promotion
l Brocante, Devon and Cornwall (10 stores)
For its charity Christmas Extravaganza
l The Celtic Company, Welshpool
For its national Urdd Eisteddfod school competition
l KooKoo Madame, Caerphilly, Pontypridd and Talbot Green
For its pop-up shop and golden ticket promotion at the Eisteddfod festival
l Little Boats Gifts, Brightlingsea
For its Easter Trail Crab Crawl
l Maybugs, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Tunbridge Wells
For its push text message geo notifications activity
Outstanding Achievement Award 2025
No finalists are revealed for this special award.
Happy Mothering Sunday and Happy Easter to you all! Valentine’s is done and dusted, half term has gone, and wow, what a two weeks that was! Now we’re in the lead up to a late Mother’s Day and Easter, and won’t it be great when the sunshine appears again, and we get rid of the damp days that this year started with? At Bill & Bert’s, Prosecco will be flowing freely on the Saturday before both occasions. We found some great new lines at Spring Fair, as well as at Top Drawer at Olympia in January, opening well over 20 new accounts across both shows, several of which we have reordered from. I must have been looking forward to the first day at Spring Fair so much that I managed to get myself a speeding ticket on the M6! Now I’ve got to be a good boy and do my speed awareness course.
The two new standout accounts for us were Emma Bridgewater at Top Drawer, and Charlie Bears at the NEC. With both, we’ve already had repeat orders. However, it would be great if, one day, both the NEC and the Olympia exhibition centres remembered who all their customers are, and looked at the Harrogate Convention Centre food offering, providing some decent food to eat. Eating as quickly as you can on a slope between halls at the NEC isn’t the best of options. The food there was fine though, so couldn’t they spread this offer around to the other halls?
GiftThe
Having opened well over 20 supplier accounts at the Spring shows earlier this year, Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester, is looking forward to sunnier days, along with Mother’s Day and Easter.
Karen Millen shop back in 2019 and, in 2022, we knocked a hole into the old Trespass unit making the total shop size just over 4,500 sq ft. It has certainly become a destination shop, with customers regularly travelling two hours plus to see what’s new.
As for Olympia, this must be the worst, most expensive choice of the lot!
Talking of food, Lifestyle Brands have brought out a fabulous new range of Jamie Oliver Big Love cookware and serving items. All of these are beautifully boxed and will make great self-purchases as well as stunning wedding presents. All we need now is for Jamie - who doesn’t live that far from us - to pop into the shop one day.
It’s also great to see all the other new ranges coming in, with the shop looking refreshed, full and interesting again after the post-Christmas sales. There’s nothing better than getting new stock into the windows and letting all of our customers see what’s new. Roka bags continue to grow, and the new Gatwick bags are proving to be such a huge success that I even got myself one of the largest ones. It will comfortably do me for a whole week away.
Meanwhile, April 8th will mark the third anniversary of
Staying with April, the new taxes from the Chancellor - the increases in both NI and the huge rises in business rates - kick in this April. There’s not one of us that won’t feel the pinch. Certainly I, for one, don’t see this as a growth opportunity as we were told in the Budget. Let’s hope and pray that when we all got told that the business rates would be sorted next year, that this time, unlike all the previous noises that we have heard before, that it happens in time for next April. I’m sure, like all of you, we’ll believe it when it happens.
Regardless, at Bill & Bert’s, we’re very confident we’ll have another great year. Both January and February have shown huge increases from last year, and there’s a real appetite for shopping local and with independents. Long may this continue.
As I’m writing this, Leeds United are still top of the league, and I hope, when everyone gets to read this, we still are! MOT. (For readers that are not Leeds United fans, that’s Marching On Together!).
STEPPING INTO SPRING
Below: Jamie Oliver is shown on the Lifetime Brands stand at Ambiente, Frankfurt, in February, celebrating the launch of Big Love.
shops are looking to expand this year (see the findings of the latest PG&H Retail Barometer on pages 17-21), with most making a beeline for dedicated greeting card show Progressive Greetings Live. As excitement builds for this summer’s much anticipated event, which returns to London’s Business Design Centre on Tuesday June 3 and Wednesday June 4, PG&H takes a peek behind the scenes, where thousands of new designs and products will shortly be unveiled.
AT
There’s always a frisson of excitement in the industry at the mere mention of PG Live, and the good news for greeting card loving gift retailers is that well over 220 greeting card publishers - ranging from established names such as Rosie Made A Thing, Five Dollar Shake, Wendy JonesBlackett, Rush Design, Paper Salad, Alljoy Design and The Art File, to a myriad of bright, new, talented publishers including LoveLossDiscoballs, Badgerbee Designs and Blue Kiwi Design – will be unveiling their latest launches at this year’s much loved dedicated greeting card show.
The wealth of greeting cards on offer will, again, cover every genre - from everyday
and humour to cute cards, male cards, children’s cards, art cards, 3D creations and Christmas cards, along with the latest take on popular culture. A major focus will, of course, be sustainable, eco-friendly cards that are kind to the planet.
Adored by gift retailers, as well greeting card retailers, the busy, buzzy show is, again, on course to deliver, with retailers effusive in their praise last year. Sonya Adams, owner of Serendipity in Hale, commented: “I love the show. It’s so warm, welcoming and easy to navigate,” while Debbie Brown, co-owner of two gift and greeting card shops, Plum Green and 1st Class Greetings in Hadleigh, proudly revealed that she’s been to every
Wall Of Fame Drinks Reception
All current and previous Greats winners and finalists are once again invited to enjoy a glass of fizz at the Wall of Fame drinks reception that will be taking place at the Business Design Centre’s Gallery area on the first floor at 12.45 on both days of the show.
“It’s a marvellous opportunity for gift retailers to meet up and socialise, as well as to swap new and exciting ‘finds’ at the show,” comments Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net.
Left Busy aisles at last year’s show.
Below: Andrea Pinder (left), owner of Presentation in Barrowford, and Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses in Tettenhall, point to their names on PG Live’s Wall of Fame.
Above: The PG Live team.
Get Ready To Party
Everyone is invited to the PG Live opening night party on Tuesday 3 June that will see the great and the good in the card industry –exhibitors, retailers and trade suppliers –clinking glasses and enjoying a fabulous networking opportunity at the end of the first day. It’s free to attend, with corks popping from 6pm.
single show since PG Live opened its doors in 2008. “We placed orders straightaway in 2024 – as soon as we came through the doors!” she highlighted, a tradition that has become very much the norm for many other buyers including Pete and Jelena Whiteman, who own gift and greeting card shops Dzodzo and Amore in Woodbridge, and Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses in Tettenhall. Such was Caroline’s excitement in 2024 that, on day one, she placed an order with Rush Design before the doors had officially opened!
Lunch Is On Us
A highlight for both visitors and exhibitors on each day of the show is the delicious, specially prepared two course
or
which is available
the
with free teas and coffees available for everyone on both days.
As well as a myriad of leading UK independents hot footing it to the Business Design Centre in London, the show, of course, attracts the major multiples, with visitor numbers increasing year on year, as the industry as a whole looks forward to the excitement of finding brand new publishers that will be future best sellers, along with seeing the latest launches from existing suppliers.
Among the many retailers who have it in their diaries are Barkers, Blue Diamond, Cardfactory, Cards Galore, Cardzone, Clintons, Elphicks, Fenwick, Fortnum & Mason, Funky Pigeon. Harrods, House of Cards, Huttons, Jarrolds, John Lewis, Kew, Lark, Longacres, Oliver Bonas, Moonpig, Morleys, Morrisons, National Trust, Notcutts, Paper Tiger, Postmark, RHS, Sainsbury’s, Scribbler, Temptations, Tesco, Thortful, TJX, TK Maxx, Utility, Waterstones and many leading indies.
WHEN: 3-4 June, 2025
WHERE: Business Design Centre, Islington, London TO REGISTER: Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com
A magnet for many is the Upper Village and Springboard area, a hot spot for many buyers who make it their first port of call in their quest to discover new, new, new. It’s where emerging talent can be found alongside fresh designs from up-and-coming publishers.
“The UK is widely recognised as the global leader in greeting card design and publishing, and PG Live is the only specialist greeting card trade exhibition in the world,” points out Jakki Brown, co-owner of show
£50 Golden Ticket
As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2025 will receive a £50 golden voucher that can be spent against orders placed at the show.
organiser Max Exhibitions, and editor of Progressive Greetings/PG Buzz.
“The show attracts greeting card buyers from over 40 countries around the globe, along with major UK retailers and leading independents, all making their buying selections for the next 12 months.” To register, visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Navigating The Show
l The Village Green (ground floor): home to a mix of exhibitors and emerging brands. l The Mezzanine: established brands and trade suppliers
l Upper Village (Gallery level), a vibrant area for emerging companies that includes Springboard, home to brand new talent.
lunch, hot
cold,
in
Gallery Hall, (first floor),
Inset: Jumping for joy! PG Live will be opening its doors on 3-4 June at London’s Business Design Centre. Below centre: Heather Middleton of Bazaar, (left), came up from Barnstaple and spent her Golden Ticket with Lauren Bott, founder of Feather & Hare.
Below: Dzodzo’s Pete and Jelena Whiteman, (right), with Rosie Harrison, founder of Rosie Made A Thing at last year’s show.
From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards
With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 13,802 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector. The modern, easy to navigate website provides a in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.
Gif tsandHome.net is published by gift sec tor exper ts, for gift trade exper ts Ad ve r tising and Co mmercial Oppor tunities: Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk
Taking Note
Gift stationery has become something of a buzzword in the gift space, with an array of suppliers bringing out journals, notebooks, writing implements and much else besides, with many journals linked to wellness and mindfulness.
However, for gift retailers, if there’s one product that’s been a stand-out, it has to be Legami’s erasable pens, which not only do the job but are also collectable and bought in handfuls, with the pens becoming a cult-favourite among fans of all ages. Commenting on their success, Hayley Ripley, marketing manager for Stone Marketing, Legami’s UK distributor, comments: “It’s a combination of the innovative erasable ink, affordable price and collectability that sets these erasable pens
apart. We anticipate even greater hype in the coming year, driven by their growing popularity and some exciting new launches.”
Sharing the view of many stationery suppliers, Rex London’s Rachel McCarty, head of digital media and content, points out: “In an increasingly digital world that can feel full of doom and gloom, there’s a real desire to slow down and disconnect.
Whether it's the tangible pleasure of writing on paper, or the nostalgic joy of a quirky eraser, stationery can provide a simple comfort in trying times. Plus, in stationery, as in many other areas of consumer spending, we are seeing an ever-increasing interest in sustainability.”
She continues: “We've recently introduced a range of colourful pens made from recycled aluminium with a bamboo clicker. Not only are they a great price point, they are wonderful to write with. We've also got a new paper pen set in our popular Daisy print. In each pen, the ink chamber is rolled around with paper which can then be removed and recycled once the ink has run out.”
and 90s colour palettes, and analogue-style stationery - typewriter fonts, cassette tape sticky notes, Polaroid, etc - continue to trend, fuelled by the resurgence of nostalgia-driven gifting. Playful, irreverent and cheeky designs are a great way to selfexpress,” he continues. “When we spend more time at our desks than we do with our loved ones, it's little wonder why our little desk companions play such an important role in giving us a much-needed smile throughout the day.”
Commenting on what he feels continues to drive consumer interest in stationery products, Reuben adds: “I feel we've had a technological overload. For me, the feel of pen to paper, the weight of a quality journal, and even the scent of fresh pages, create a sensory experience that a digital screen will never be able replicate. This connection fosters a more mindful, intentional approach to note-taking and journalling, offering a personal refuge in an increasingly digital world while being a keepsake of a specific time in our lives. After all, a physical notebook is a tangible archive of thoughts, ideas and memories that doesn't disappear with a click of a button.”
At Mustard, Colonel Mustard himself, Reuben Utudjian, says: “We’re finding that themes that hark back to the 'good old times', such as vintage-inspired designs, 80s
James Mace, sales & marketing manager of The Art File, says that although stationery products have always been popular, the company has noticed an increasing demand
Right: Three paper pens in Rex London’s Daisy print. Inset: Mustard’s Polaroid stick notes.
Below: New for Spring/Summer from Legami, a butterfly and tiger erasable pens.
Inset: The London Stationery Show will soon be welcoming visitors.
for items such as notebooks, calendars and journals. “In recent years, stationery products have benefited from popular consumer trends that encourage slowing down, being present and spending more time offline,” he comments. “Larger retailers have leaned into this trend with stationery, gift and bookstores offering more stationery products than ever before.”
He continues: “We have always offered stationery collections and have seen a huge increase in demand for stationery over the past year or so, where we’ve introduced five brand new stationery collections to our Everyday 2025 collection. Notebooks, in particular, are becoming sought after, with nature and animal illustrations among the most popular designs,” James confirms. “We have responded to this demand with two new notebook collections, along with extensions to our bestselling A5 notebook range.”
Wrendale Designs’ marketing associate, Erin Dunn, concurs: “The love for stationery continues to grow as consumers seek ways to get creative or stay organised in a way that feels personal. Writing by hand, especially in a journal, has a calming effect, making it a perfect tool for mindfulness and self-care,” she points out. “As this popular movement continues to grow, more people are turning to beautifully designed planners,
journals and stationery that help them feel grounded and focused,” adding that, at Wrendale, stationery is more than just functional. “It’s a way for someone to express themselves and take a little time to enjoy the simple things, and it’s why we’ll be expanding our popular stationery collection with the launch of a luxury Signature Stationery collection this summer. The range will include three notebooks, pen and pencil sets as well as a stationery set.”
Meg Hawkins, founder and ceo of her eponymous brand, is a self-confessed stationery fanatic. “I feel people are still holding onto the handwritten word, which I’m a big fan of too. In fact, I have so many notebooks that it’s a bit of an obsession! There’s something special about putting pen to paper. It offers a break from technology and the freedom to be more creative.
“With our latest Spring/Summer launches, we have focused on introducing brighter,
Sustainably Speaking
fresher colours and designs to create a stronger impact on the shelf. We are seeing a trend towards lower pricing too, as retailers adjust margins to cover rising costs. To support our customers, both B2B and B2C, we work hard to offer a well-balanced price range to ensure high-quality products at the right price.”
One way or another, gift-led stationery has an important role to play in the lives of many people. From helping to plan and organise their lives to a personal space that allows them reflect and jot thoughts down, notebooks and journals seem to be the perfect antidote to a world that’s driven by technology.
Evan Lewis, founder and ceo of multi-award winning VENT for Change - whose products feature recycled notebooks and sustainable stationery that protects the planet and supports children’s education projects worldwide - says that the company sees itself as a gift supplier that happens to be in the stationery genre. “We are gift first and stationery second,” confirms Evan. “Design, quality and desirability are key, and having a great backstory adds value and intrigue. Our latest range of soft covered notebooks and sticky note blocks are available in stunning fashion colours for 2025, made from reclaimed apple waste mixed with certified sustainable paper.”
Adds Evan: “I feel that people are starting to re-connect with the tactile, physical touch and feel, over years spent on tablets, phones and staring at laptop screens.”
WHEN: 13-14 May 2025
London International Stationery Show
WHERE: London’s Business Design Centre CONTACT: Chantelle White
EMAIL: chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk
WEB: www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
Collection, new from VENT for Change.
Inset: A busy, buzzy show in 2024.
Left: A4 notebooks that are new from The Art File. Right: Among the new notebooks from Meg Hawkins Art. Below: A luxury pen and pouch set from Wrendale Designs.
The hit card range just got even bigger (and funnier) with an epic NEW release of NEON Giftware. Sunglasses recommended; may cause laughter. www.mint-publishing.co.uk
Collection from VENT for Change is a strong addition to its award-winning ranges. Made in the UK, the EnviroNotes soft covered A5 notebooks are made using reclaimed Olive and Almond mixed with sustainable card. Lined FSC paper inside finishes this classic, handy and functional notebook. 120 pages of 100gsm paper throughout. Available from stock now. Limited edition.
VENT for Change
T: Lucy Heath: 07395 284788
E: retail@ventforchange.co.uk
W: www.ventforchange.co.uk
Products New
2: Kaweco Collection Honey
Looking for a fresh pen for spring? The Kaweco Collection Honey fountain pen aims to capture the warmth of sunflower honey with fine golden accents. Inspired by spring’s vibrant yellows and the start of honey production, it is crafted from high-quality plastic and comes in a golden honeycomb-print box. Available in five nib sizes, it includes a Royal Blue ink cartridge. Limited edition - each Kaweco Collection release lasts just 12 months.
Studio Pens
T: 01423 815700
E: info@studiopens.com
W: www.studiopens.com
3: Dolce Amore Collection
Discover the world of Dolce Amore, a collection of premium stationery items from Clairefontaine which takes you to the heart of Southern Italy. The luxurious notebooks and desktop accessories feature a mix of floral, striped and citrus motifs which reflect a dynamic and contemporary ambiance. A convenient cardboard display unit is available to display products from the range.
ExaClair
T: 01553 696600
E: sales@exaclair.co.uk
4: New Rhodia Colours
Rhodia has expanded its range of premium notebooks with a new Aubergine edition. Available in both dot grid and lined formats, the A5 sized notebook benefits from a luxurious Italian leatherette soft cover with an elasticated closure, orange ribbon bookmark and expanding inner pocket. Each notebook contains the Clairefontaine PEFC-certified 90gsm ivory brushed vellum paper that is loved globally.
ExaClair
T: 01553 696600
E: sales@exaclair.co.uk
5: Beau & Elliot Carnaby Collection
The boutique British brand inspired by all things charmingly chic and beguilingly beautiful. Introducing ‘Carnaby’ from Beau & Elliot, with three modern print designs and feature embossing, brought to life across a range of well thought out gifts for the home, kitchen, lunch-on-the-go, stationery and travel accessories.
Navigate
T: 01279 653249
E: sales@navigate.ltd.uk
W: www.navigate.ltd.uk
W: www.beauandelliot.com
Men have always been traditionally hard to buy gifts for, but fortunately, today, the category is wider than ever, ranging from outdoors-y products to stylish jewellery and funky socks, alongside giftware that’s humorous, hobby or sports driven. With Father’s Day on the horizon, (Sunday 15 June), PG&H takes a look at gifts that have men in mind.
Manning Up
The good news is that, for lateral thinkers, there are plenty of trend driven ideas around that are taking men’s gifting in different directions, and not just for Father’s Day.
“We're seeing a growing interest in outdoor and camping products as we embrace Spring and Father’s Day, along with stylish lifestyle gifts for men,” confirms Something Different Wholesale’s buying manager Rebecca Hawkes. “We've designed our ranges to reflect these trends, with practical travel essentials like multi-tools and water bottles, alongside home accessories such as catch-all trays, premium notebooks and unique bottle openers. These gifts appeal to modern men who enjoy adventure,
For example, our Home on the Road collection meets a growing demand for travel and outdoor-inspired decor, while our King of Dads brings a refined touch to home accessories featuring playing card-inspired designs. Plus, new additions to our bestselling Man Cave collection include fun, practical mug and multi-tool gift sets, with each range aligning with the latest trends in men’s giftware.”
Continues
Rebecca: “We also offer a broad range of products that cater to men of all interests, from classic and modern to unique and alternative.
Jake Moizer, marketing and e-commerce manager at Boxer Gifts, concurs that the company is seeing men’s gift products that are increasingly centred around hobbies and outdoor activities. “Gifts that align with popular pastimes such as fishing, golfing and outdoor adventures are performing particularly well for Boxer,” he confirms. “This trend is evident in our latest product launches such as the Hook, Line & Drinker
hobby-focused themes.” Points out Jake: “These products appeal to men looking for light-hearted yet relevant gifts that celebrate their interests in a fun and engaging way.”
With two of Pikkii’s top selling products being games, the company’s head of growth, Rachael Carpenter, says: “Games that can be played outdoors and enjoyed by the whole family are doing really well. We’ve just launched a great family-friendly game called Don’t Spill It, packed with indoor and outdoor waterbased challenges, an ideal gift for a competitive dad. Plus, given that we’re a nation of book lovers, books always make a gift that’s appreciated. Our personalised bookmarks DIY kit is ideal for men who prefer a physical book to a kindle as it includes everything needed to create one-ofa-kind bookmarks by stamping quotes from favourite books, a special date or a
Inset: As Father’s Day approaches, gifting is high on the agenda.
Inset: A mug and spork for outdoors-y men from Something Different Wholesale.
Centre: Hook, Line And Drinker mug from Boxer Gifts.
Below: Don’t Spill It party game from Pikkii.
Men’s jewellery meanwhile, continues to go from strength to strength. “It reflects a shift in attitude towards masculinity, fashion and self-expression,” explains Mary Caputo, fashion director at Joe Davies. “More men than ever are opting to wear casual bracelets and necklaces with a masculine edge, with men’s jewellery no longer a niche market, it’s hot! Trends are evolving, with men having more options than ever to express their style through their jewellery,” continues Mary.
after day, rather than products with a one-time use. Our brand new, upcoming DIY range features a personalised workshop metal sign that can be displayed in a shed or garage, while our DIY-themed photo frame can be personalised with a heartfelt message that will be
“Our Equilibrium collection for men from Joe Davies offers something for all ages and tastes in the range, from simple leather bracelets and necklaces to triple statement bracelets. Copper bracelets, ceramic necklaces and natural quartz bracelets are just a few of the new, popular pieces that are ideal for everyday wear in both business or in casual environments.”
Also highlighting men’s jewellery is Midhaven’s Alison Hargreaves.
“Bracelets continue to be the strongest selling jewellery item for men with colour, wider styles, contrasting clasps and stackable beads all selling well,” she confirms. “Most bracelets are sold in a medium size, but a good, comfortable fit is important, with Tribal Steel and recycled Tribal Earth both available in several sizes.”
occasion, including Father’s Day, birthdays and more.”
Trendy socks too, are high on the list for men. “Socks are an ideal price point for both a self purchase as well as a gifts,” says Soctopus’ wholesale manager Fiona Nicholson, “and as a very inclusive brand, we pride ourselves on having a sock design for everyone.”
premium feel. With men’s gifting trends shifting towards stylish practicality, this year’s must-have presents are those that look great and serve a purpose, fitting into routines while offering a touch of luxury, such as our Santa Barbara Pizza Cutter Gift Set and BBQ Accessories Kit, Harvey Makin line of grooming sets and The Aromatherapy Co.’s Smith & Co. new range of candles and diffusers, with scents like tobacco and cedarwood.”
Highlights Alison: “The quality is exceptional, with top grain leather and rivets fitted as standard.”
With personalisation continuing to be one of the most popular trends around, PMC’s marketing director, Keren Dicken, comments: “We always keep an eye on the latest, upcoming trends across our gift categories, which, for 2025, appear to be directed towards sustainable and personalised gifts for 2025.
“With a rise in demand for men’s gifts that are both personal and practical, customers are picking a gift that can be enjoyed day
Explains Fiona: “Most people wear socks every day and we want to try to bring fun into that aspect of clothing. They have become a popular trend for men due to their versatility, ability to showcase personal style and practicality, making them an affordable and thoughtful gift. The playful and humorous designs reflect a broader shift towards selfexpression in fashion, allowing men to add a touch of individuality and fun to their everyday attire.” New Spring/Summer designs include Stingray and Shark Lover, as well as Soctopus’ main range favourites such as Pigs Can Fly and Winston the English Bulldog. “Quirky options include Cheesy Feet, Retro Computers, and Badass Dad socks,” highlights Fiona.
Adds Jo Cunliffe, brand development manager at Widdop & Co: “For 2025, It’s about enhancing daily rituals with products that combine style, substance, and a
For men who have everything, something unusual for the home or home office could be just the thing. “In 2025, men's gifting trends encompass a blend of technology, fashion and lifestyle products, with our brand new product releases including the Smart Saturn Lamp, Lumos Clocks, Sylva Table Lamps & AstraGlass Lights,” says Gingko’s ecommerce and assistant operation manager Michael Sarginson. “All are all innovative, functional and aesthetically pleasing, aligning with current gift product trends.” With such an eclectic range of products that have men’s diverse lifestyles at their heart, there's clearly plenty of choice, and price points, for both retailers
distributed by Widdop & Co.
Below: Gingko’s Smart Saturn lamp.
Left: Men’s jewellery from Equilibrium collection for men from Joe Davies.
Right: A personalised workshop metal sign from PMC.
Below: A selection of men’s Tribal Steel bracelets from Midhaven.
Bottom: Soctopus’ Computer Geek socks.
1. Capture Life’s Special Moments
The Personalised Photo Strip Poster Frame is part of Personalised Memento Company’s large range of new framed prints. With the ability to add four special photos and a personal message, it creates a fully-finished gift that fits any occasion. Available in white, black or oak frame, it suits all décor styles. Visit the company’s trade website to find out how to add drop ship personalised gifts to your range.
PMC
E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
2. Nostalgic Transport
Following the success of the 100% bare metal Nostalgic Transport range, the company has now introduced five new models featuring copper highlights and paint effect decals. There are 120 different models to choose from to suit all tastes and themes.
JJ Vaillant
T: 0121 667 3629
E: info@jjvaillant.co.uk
W: www.jjvaillant.co.uk
3. Dad You’re a Star
‘Dad You’re a Star’ on Dunoon’s Lomond shape features vibrant text and a scattering of stars; the eye-catching design is perfect for honouring dads everywhere. Whether it’s for Father’s Day or simply to show appreciation, this mug makes a thoughtful and cheerful gift for the dad in your family. Made in Fine Bone China, made in England and designed by Caroline Bessey. Dunoon Ceramics
T: 01785 817414
E: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk
W: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk @dunoonmugs
4. Unique And Practical Gift
Are you searching for a special gift for Father's Day? Claire Louise has designed some quirky kitchen aprons perfect for men who love to cook. These aprons feature prints of cars for Formula One enthusiasts, horseracing themes, sailing designs and musical motifs for those who enjoy playing instruments or watching their favourite bands. The full-printed apron is not only functional, but also makes for a beautiful gift. Claire Louise
T: 07715 373344
E: sales@claire-louise.co.uk
W: www.claire-louise.co.uk
Products New
6 3 5
Card Wallet
6. Och Aye!
J Boult Designs is proud to announce the release of its latest product, the Shotgun Cartridge card wallet. Combining British craftsmanship with unique design, the card wallet is set to be a standout piece and the unique shotgun cartridge detail makes this wallet a truly special item for town and country.
J Boult Designs continues to innovate and expand its product range, staying true to its commitment to the environment. The Shotgun cartridge card wallet is now available to order through the J Boult Designs website.
Go La La’s new Scottish themed soap bars are just the job. Having moved north of the border and received many requests from Scottish stockists, Go La La has risen to the challenge and produced four ‘braw’ new bars in their award-winning Filthy Gorgeous range. So for a fantastic funny addition to your shelves, then look nae further.
Go La La Whatsapp: 07943365717
E: nfo@golala.co.uk
W: www.Golala.co.uk
the biggest multiples, books as gifts - spanning many different genres, categories and price points – are finding their way onto the shelves of a diverse array of outlets. They’re a thoughtful, easy gift to give, and one that’s sure to delight the recipient, so what makes them such a winner for gift shops?
Who doesn’t love receiving a book as gift? It’s such a compliment, as a recipient, to think that someone has taken the time to find the very gift book that taps into your interests, be it cooking, baking, gardening, travel, sport, lifestyle, humour, self-help, poetry, inclusivity – the list is endless.
So why are books such a great opportunity for gift retailers, and a natural fit into their stores? “Books in categories such as children’s titles, cookbooks, coffee table books and gift books offer emotional value that makes them perfect for gifting,” states Lincoln Exley, director of Allsorted. “They are thoughtful, tangible and timeless - gifts that can be cherished or proudly displayed.”
Explains Lincoln: “People are looking to disconnect from screens, especially parents and grandparents who seek ways to kids away from
devices, with books providing a sense of nostalgia and personal connection that digital formats cannot replicate. With the rise in mindfulness, printed books are seen as a meaningful way to unwind and disconnect. Plus, importantly, all the major UK publishers have now swung behind FSC paper. Therefore, books are now a sustainable choice. They can be kept for a lifetime as a cherished keepsake, revisited over time, sometimes making a lasting impact. They can also be shared, donated, re-sold or recycled.”
From a retailer’s perspective, he points out that gift books make great retail ‘theatre’, with people enjoying looking at highly visual books, especially humorous, quirky, witty titles. “When a retailer creatively cross-merchandises, books will drive impulse sales,” he states. “Plus, books can help to sell other products too. They provide a context - almost a signpost - for the surrounding products, helping to build
Below: Lucky To Have A Friend Like You from Boxer Books.
Inset: A selection of Bookspeed pop culture titles.
A Page Turner
l The print book market has bounced back in recent years, especially after the reading surge during lockdowns.
l In 2023, the UK print book market was 10% higher than in 2019, while the ebook market faced challenges, with sales down by 2.9% over the same period.
l Overall, the UK book market was worth an impressive £6.3 billion in 2023.
l Independent bookshops have made a notable comeback. From 868 in 2017, the number of indie bookshops increased to 1,052 in 2024, against the backdrop of challenges for UK high streets.
(Source: Allsorted)
transaction values. Sometimes however, the best way to display books is en masse, helping to create a retail statement, a destination, a gift book concept.” And, as Lincoln points out, books can also increase customer dwell time. “When people are anchored in the store, the bigger the chance they - or their companion - will spend,” he explains.
“It’s never seemed more important for gift retailers to drive sales all-year round,” says Bookspeed’s managing director, Lewis Dawson. “Occasions outside of Christmas are definitely growing in popularity as consumer events, with people seeking more opportunities for shared joy and fun amid a tough few years. The influence of social media is not to be underestimated in driving appetites for specific trends or events,” adds Lewis. “Smart retailers understand the value in responding to these zeitgeist moments. I think that’s why books work so well for so many of our gift and lifestyle customers. They are a low-risk product that can instantly update a range and signpost a theme or a trend. And they sell! People still love to pick up books for themselves or as gifts.”
He adds that publishers are getting better at responding to and targeting the gift market. “High-quality books are often beautiful, or fun and quirky, speaking to cultural influences or gifting opportunities,” he points out. “Essentially, across the whole retail sector, the pressure is on to create unique ranges that feel curated, with books merchandised with other products.”
Lewis points out that there is a huge correlation between societal trends and the books that become popular. “For example, last year, we couldn’t ignore the seismic influence of Taylor Swift, so we curated a collection of books to guide retailers to the best book offerings to maximise on the commercial potential of this event. This year, we’re expecting to see the same with Oasis and are starting to identify appropriate books to recommend to our customers. Plus, books that inspire and support us to make healthier and more sustainable choices, and embrace the outdoors, are still going strong. In food and drink, watch out for books about protein, health shots or
unprocessed alternatives, reflecting the latest health obsessions among Gen Z.”
Interestingly, Jake Moizer, marketing and e-commerce manager at Boxer Gifts, says that the company is finding that gift books are a predominantly female-led market, with buyers browsing for books that focus on humour and uplifting, joy-provoking sentiments for their friends, family members, and partners. “Additionally, broader societal desire for positivity and light-heartedness has resulted in an increase in demand for gift books that empower and resonate strongly with the receiver,” Jake confirms.
He says that female empowerment remains a strong trend, shaping new product launches that celebrate confidence, independence and female friendships. “This focus is shown in our latest launch, with book titles such as 500 Things Better Than Men, Damsels in Dating and Lucky to Have A Friend Like You, which resonate with consumers seeking humour, relatability, and empowerment.”
Continues Jake: “The expansion of gift books is driven by both their appealing ‘pick up’ price points and strong emotional messaging, with the best gift books complementing greeting cards, offering an additional layer of sentiment and meaning to a gift. As an affordable yet thoughtful add-on, they enhance the gifting experience, making them a popular choice for consumers looking for a meaningful yet convenient present.”
Fox Under The Moon’s founder, Stacey McNeill, winner of The Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice award in 2023 and 2024, concurs, adding: “Books are timeless gifts that cross generational boundaries and really show that care and thought has been put into the present. With a trend towards digital disconnection, people want something beautiful and real that they can hold in their hands, with gift books specifically becoming an
incredibly popular option for consumers looking for an affordable gift for a loved one that actually means something.”
She continues: “At Fox Under The Moon, our books sit firmly in the mental health space, but I think there is also a crossover into self-help and personal development. If a book that is gifted can give someone a little lift, and make them feel something, it's a no brainer for consumers. We repeatedly find that an individual that receives one of our uplifting books as a gift goes on to buy additional copies themselves to gift on. It's a beautiful chain of kindness giving and 'paying forward' that has become really trendy in recent years. Plus, for first-time book retailers, books are 0% VAT rated, so they're a win win!” For retailers not yet stocking books as gifts, doing so could well be an important next chapter.
Inset: Merchandising is key to driving book sales says Fox Under the Moon’s co-founder Stacey McNeill.
Right: Born In 1965, a new series available from Allsorted.
Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June 2025 London’s Business Design Centre
With greeting cards being so profitable for gift retailers, and great for driving footfall – don’t miss discovering your new best sellers at PG Live! An upbeat vibe, newness galore – and free refreshments, lunch and opening night party, PG Live 2025 is not to be missed! PG Live has lots of great retailer fans…
“We really enjoyed PG Live… finding shiny new brands and socialising with other retailers in the industry. We placed so many orders!”
Priya AuroraCrowe, co-founder of Lark
“We absolutely love PG Live. Such a wonderful atmosphere that it really doesn’t feel like work, it feels just like a day out! There is so much to see and so many lovely people to catch up with… finding new suppliers and networking with other retailers.”
Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall
Don’t Miss Out… Book Your Free Tickets
Registration is now live at: www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Register now and be a part of it! Call us on: (0) 7734 111633 or email: jimb@max-publishing.co.uk Follow us @PGLiveLondon #pglive2025
“PG Live is one of our favourite trade shows as it’s not only a great opportunity to catch up with our existing suppliers, but we always come away inspired and with lots of newness to add into our selection.”
Kate Cowie, director of Utility, four stores in Liverpool and Manchester
Want to know about exhibiting at PG Live 2025? We have stand options available to suit all shapes and sizes.
Contact: Tracey Arnaud on 07957 212062 traceya@max-publishing.co.uk Warren Lomax on 07977 572086 warrenl@max-publishing.co.uk www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Products New
1. Give The Gift Of Imagination
The new Personalised Safari photo book makes a roar-some gift for any young explorer. Packed full of exciting animal facts and fun illustrations, it is sure to capture their imagination. Their name is featured, not only as the main character, but hidden throughout each page, adding an extra special touch. Visit PMC’s website to see its full range of personalised books.
PMC
E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
2. Pause – A Wellbeing Workbook
The beautiful, hardback journal guides you through insightful prompts, practical exercises and mindful activities designed to improve overall wellbeing. The colourful illustrated pages invite you to embrace the present moment, with space to write down your reflections and experiences after each exercise. The journal is a valuable tool to nurture self-compassion, resilience and a greater appreciation for the precious moments in life.
Available to stock now.
FROM YOU TO ME
T: 01225 866225
E: trade@fromyoutome.com
W: www.fromyoutome.com
4
Manifest Like a Goddess
Turn your dreams into reality with the stunning A5 manifestation journal by Something Different Wholesale. Inspired by divine femininity, it features a beautifully detailed goddess design, making it the perfect tool for setting intentions and visualising goals. Complete with a luxurious rose quartz crystal chip pen, it’s a meaningful and inspiring gift for anyone on a journey of spiritual growth and mindfulness.
Something Different Wholesale
T: 01792 940288
E: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
W: www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
4. Signs You're a Grumpy Old Git
Is it you, or is the world getting more annoying? If you grumble about the younger generation, modern fashion or social media (but love Facebook), you might be a Grumpy Old Git. The 96-page hardback is packed with hilarious, relatable complaints every grump will recognise. A perfect funny gift for dads, grandads and anyone who loves a good moan - ideal for Father’s Day or birthdays.
Boxer Gifts
T: 01133 955 595
E: sales@boxergifts.com
W: www.boxer.gifts
5. The World Waited For You
Through the eyes of an adorable little bear, this VAT-FREE gift book explores the world’s wonders and the magical moments of childhood. Filled with wisdom, love and encouragement, it’s a touching reminder of how special they are and the joy they bring. With space for a gift message, it becomes a truly heartfelt keepsake.
FROM YOU TO ME
T: 01225 866225
E: trade@fromyoutome.com W: www.fromyoutome.com
6. Add A Regional Element
Bookspeed has launched new Irish book collections for Irish or Irish-interest retailers looking to reflect local taste and culture. The collections bring together new and bestselling books across children’s, gift and lifestyle, food and drink, plus the travel and outdoors categories. They add to Bookspeed’s regional collections covering Scotland, England and Wales. Books can be a straightforward way to add a regional element to your product ranges as holiday season approaches.
Bookspeed
T: 0131 467 8100
E: sales@bookspeed.com W: www.bookspeed.com
Game On
Board games have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, and licensing – with its inherent storytelling opportunities – is playing a big part in the sector’s growth, data from Circana and The Insights Family reveals.
Across the 12 countries monitored by Circana, Games & Puzzles came in at just under $9bn in 2024, with the total category showing an increase of 1% trend vs 2023. “The licensed part of this is worth around $1.5bn, but grew more strongly, with growth of +7% vs 2023,” says Rory Partis, director UK Toys at Circana. “The appeal of games across a wide range of ages - and also the fact everyone can play together - is one of the key attractions of this category.”
The company is also seeing a rise in the popularity of images linked to hobbies and nature. “We recently launched a partnership collection with the RSPB, and with the
Megan Bradley-Zeng, brand marketer at B Corps-certified company Gibsons, comments: “We have seen a huge uptake in escapism hobbies over the past year, with people taking a few hours out of their busy lives to fully immerse themselves, to switch off their screen, prioritise their wellbeing, quieten their minds and get stuck into puzzles. Driven by mindfulness, social media trends and the rise of competitive hobby content, such as speed puzzling and recorded game play, we’re seeing many more
Inset: Assembling
Asmodee’s LEGO Monkey Palace puzzle is something all the family can enjoy.
Inset: A little Slice of History from History Heroes.
Below: Gibson’s The Art File Winged Wonders 1000 piece puzzle. Bottom: Zip-it! is a new game from Pikkii.
as chess, backgammon and dominoes, creating products consumers are proud to display on their bookshelves as well as to reach for to share with friends and family.”
At games distributor Asmodee, Phill Crawford, brand manager, nationals, points out that with the world currently a difficult place, people are looking for ways to connect with friends, partners and communities, with a focus on getting away from digital spaces.
“Board games are a fantastic outlet for this, with Asmodee’s recent releases including LEGO Monkey Palace, Piles! and The Fellowship of the Ring - Trick-Taking Game.”
Rachael Carpenter, head of growth at Pikkii, confirms that the company has seen growth across the entire games category but, in particular, games that the whole family can enjoy at the same time, competing against one another with a relatively level playing field. “In the party games sector, people want a game that they can learn quickly and that doesn't take hours to set up,” she comments.
“Our most successful game to date has been The Egg Game, a series of silly physical challenges played with a real or fake egg. There’s definitely a huge market for games that get people up and moving, and ideally looking a bit silly while doing it! Plus, we have just launched a couple of new games that people who enjoyed The Egg Game are going to love - Zip-It!, a fast-paced party game where talking is strictly off-limits, and Boba Battle, a hugely funny, family-friendly party game.”
Jake Moizer, marketing & e-commerce manager at Boxer Gifts, says that consumer interest is being driven by the demand for unique and higher-value experiences. “With tighter budgets, shoppers are increasingly looking for games that provide long-term entertainment and engagement, making replayable games particularly appealing. The rise of at home entertainment, and the desire for screen-free children’s activities, further contribute to the rise in both game and puzzle sales. Consumers are drawn to products that feature bold, bright colours, along with fun characters, reflecting a desire for playful and visually appealing designs.”
with the rise of e-commerce platforms, is making it easier to access and buy games, and has led to a remarkable $3bn in global puzzle market revenue. (Source: Statistica) "’Game nights in’ have definitely become a thing!”
Heather adds that the demand for children's games and puzzles has also risen due to parents growing concern about getting their kids offline. “They’d much rather see them playing games and laughing around a table in the real world. And if it’s a nostalgic or retro game they’re playing - that has mum and dad harking back to their childhood - even better!
“While many games tick the box for fun, games such as our Go Genius range, made with eco-friendly materials, blend enjoyment with educational content and have also gained in popularity post-Covid. Parents appreciate the cognitive and developmental benefits these games offer, while kids are
At Whiz Kid Games, founder Heather Watherston believes that one of the key reasons for the surge in demand for games and puzzles is the impact of global events like the pandemic. “It completely transformed family life and the way people socialise,” she states. “Since 2020, many have turned to home-based activities such as playing games and home-cooked meals rather than going out. This shift, combined
Alexandra Ehrmann concurs. “With stealth learning, you can’t help but absorb when you play any History Heroes game. Our new game, A Little Slice Of History, has that in spades. Everyone has great fun trying to win while learning unexpected things along the way.”
As for card games, Courtney Wood, founder of Bubblegum Stuff, confirms: “One of our most popular ranges is our array of Top Trumps style card games, but played with adult topics.
In addition, tapping into the kidult trend are our Top Spoons and Motorway Service Stations, with Top Spoons reimagining the classic card game where players compete to find the best and worst boozers across Britain, while Motorway Service Stations rates a variety of amenities across the nation’s service stops.”
He says that the continuing kidult trend has demonstrated a significant impact on the market, driving demand for nostalgic products and engaging social interactions.
“Additionally, in our increasingly digital world, games provide a fantastic platform for shared experiences, laughter, and meaningful conversation. To this end, we have also launched That’s Crypto Bro, a fast-paced coin-collecting card game with multi-generational appeal. The game
Inset: That’s Crypto Bro! from Bubblegum Stuff. Below left: Boxer’s Mini Mini Golf.
Bottom: Go Genius board games from Whiz Kid Games.
2
1: Zip-it!
5 3 1 Progressive
The fast-paced party game where actions speak louder than words and talking is strictly off limits. Get your opponents to perform fun actions without opening your mouth. Everyone plays at once, racing to be the first to complete their challenges, collecting and connecting zip cards as they go. Be the first to connect five zip cards to be declared the winner.Can you keep your lips zipped and beat the chaos?
Pikkii
T: 0203 580 9874
E: trade@pikkii.com
W: trade.pikkii.com
2: Farting Tigers Game
Boxer Gifts
T: 01133 955 595
W: www.boxer.gifts
E: sales@boxergifts.com
3: BOBA BATTLE
4
The family game for kids and adults of safecracking monsters, unicycling raccoons, and… Farting Tigers! Test your drawing skills in this hilarious game. Grab an animal and action card, then race against the timer to sketch your creature in action. With 54 animals and 54 actions, the laughs never stop as friends and family guess your masterpiece. Perfect for game nights - are you ready to draw a Farting Tiger?
This family-friendly party game is aiming to have you and your friends crying with laughter. There are six boba battles to play to determine who is the ultimate bubble tea champion. It's an addictive fast-action game unlike any other you’ve played before. Simply set up your playing arena, hand out the straws and choose your favourite boba ball colour and you are ready to play.
Pikkii
T: 0203 580 9874
E: trade@pikkii.com
W: trade.pikkii.com
4: Go Genius Board Games
An award-winning range of Go Genius games which are good fun to play and a great way to learn. The games draw children in with their fun titles, vibrant, eye-catching graphics and engaging gameplay, but there's also a strong educational story woven into each game.
Not only are the games entertaining and educational, they are crafted from sustainable materials and are 100% recyclable.
Whiz Kid Games Ltd
T: +44 7876 033648
E: nfo@whizkidgames.co.uk
W: www.whizkidgames.co.uk
5:
Garden Game
The Easter Bunny's favourite game – can you collect all the fruit and vegetables? Get ready for a fun memory-match game - the goal is to be the first to load up your wheelbarrow according to your list. Will you score ‘runner beans’, or will your opponent 'beet' you to it? This engaging game captures children’s attention and encourages friendly competition, making it the perfect gift any time of the year.
Following four days of live judging at February’s Spring Fair, the Gift of the Year finalists have been confirmed! The winners in each of the categories will be revealed at the fabulous The Gift Awards, alongside the winners of the Greats Awards (see pages 22-23) on May 15 at the glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
BEST AFFORDABLE GIFT PRODUCT
l The Bouquet in a Book from David & Charles
l Children's Grow A Garden Gift Bags from Gardening for Kids
l The Granny Square Card Deck from Search Press
l Just Because Collection from Best Kept Secrets
l The Mindful Gardener Range from Clockwork Soldier
l Seedball Herb Tubes from Seedball
BEST BEAUTY, BATH & SPA PRODUCT
l Crystal Elemental Soaps from Ancient Wisdom
l Kew Gardens Triple Soap Gift Boxes from The English Soap Company
l A Little Box of Zen from Cotton & Grey
l Mineral Bathing Infusions from Wild Olive
l Tin Gifts from Wild Olive
l Wellbeing Wax Melts in a Jar from Hollie Tree Silver and Scents
Best Branded Gift Product
l Classic Paddington In A Phone Box from Rainbow Designs
l The Gruffalo Collection from Blade & Rose
l Harry Potter Trunkbox Advent Calendar from The Carat Shop
l Polaroid Range from Mustard
l RHS Puzzles and Card Game Collection from Gibsons
l Richard Osman’s House of Games Christmas Crackers from Puzzle Post
Best Cards, Wrap & Stationery Product
l The Book Café Swing Card from Santoro London
l The Logbooks from Onneke
l Sticky Jots from Rosie Made A Thing
l Storybook Greeting Card Collection from The Art File
l Wallypops from Ink and Ivy Group
l Write Me Roses from Pikkii
Best Children’s Educational Product
l Bathtime Range from Trixie
l Colour-in Pyjamas from eatsleepdoodle
l A Little Slice Of History Card Game from History Heroes
l Play Sets from Orange Tree Toys
l Striders Puppet Collection from The Puppet Company
l Thoughts And Feelings Collection For Children from Fox Under The Moon
Best Contemporary Gift Product
l Dumb Questions to Ask Your Friends from Big Potato Games
l Personalised Bookmarks DIY Kit from Pikkii
l Scalloped Watering Cans Collector Range from Burgon & Ball
l Seeded Card & Bracelet from Letterbox Love
l Speech Bubble Bone China Mugs from Dialectable
l Stitch Your Cocktails! Alternative Embroidery Kits from Chasing Threads
Best Design & Craft Product
l Candle Making Kit from Ambustum
l Crochet Flowers AW24 Collection from The Way to You
l Inkerie Erasable Highlighters from Kikkerland Europe BV
l The Mindful Gardener Range from Clockwork Soldier
l Paint Your Own Watercolour Kits from Love Country
l Van Gogh Felt Sunflower Pack from The Crafty Kit Company
Best Ethical & Sustainable Gift Product
l Bottle Farm from Shroot
l Bronte British Wool Throw Collection from Moon
l Luxury Collection from VENT for Change
l Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit from Urban Farm-It
l Recycled Easy Readers from IF
l Sari Wreath from Namaste
BEST FASHION ACCESSORIES, TEXTILES & JEWELLERY PRODUCT
l Boxed Gold Plated Sterling Silver Jewellery Cards from Crumble & Core
l Enamel Stud Earrings from Carrie Elspeth
l Grace + Glory Hand-Embellished Pouches from Temple Island Collection
l Italian Summer Collection from La La Land
l Stay Groovy Oddsocks from Sock Academy
l Sterling Silver Jewellery from Hollie Tree Silver and Scents
BEST FESTIVE & OCCASIONS PRODUCT
l Christmas Soap Bars from Neon Magpie
l Festive Favourites Puzzle Advent Calendar from Gibsons
l Filthy Gorgeous Seasonal from Go La La
l Pirouette Countdowns from Santoro London
l Recycled Sari Eco Tinsel/Garland from Namaste
l The Traitors Christmas Crackers from Puzzle Post
BEST FOOD & DRINK PRODUCT
l Asian Meal Gift Sets from Tyga Foods Company
l Handcrafted Marshmallows from Mallowdramatic
l Here's How Cocktail Mixers from Designworks Collective
l Hot Honeys from The Scottish Bee Co
l Vintage Victorian Luxury Tea & Biscuits Gift Set from New English Teas
l World Gourmet Bao Bun Set from Kimm & Miller
BEST GAMES & PUZZLES PRODUCT
l A Little Slice Of History Card Game from History Heroes
l Beer Escape Room Game from Boxer Gifts
l Don't Spill It from Pikkii
l Tidy the Library from GiftSmith
l Tilt 'n' Shout from Big Potato Games
l Zip-it! from Pikkii
BEST GARDEN & OUTDOORS PRODUCT
l Bottle Farm from Shroot
l Hand Holding Succulent Pots from Pikkii
l Herb Seed Tubes from Seedball
l Personalised Gardening Set from Designer Kids and Baby
l Tent Scents from The Milford Collection
l Thirsty Planter from Pikkii
BEST HEALTH, WELL-BEING & ACCESSIBLE GIFT PRODUCT
BEST HERITAGE GIFT PRODUCT
l Buttery Croissant Candle from Wick Guru
l Disney x Sanderson Collection from Widdop & Co.
l The Outlander Satchel from Orraman Leather
l Panorama from Made Happy
l Royal Shakespeare Company Master of Insults from Nicole Elders
l Sycamore Gap Counted Cross Stitch Kit from Bothy Threads
BEST HOME FRAGRANCE PRODUCT
l The Contempoary Kiln Collection from Zesty Lemons London
l Funny Smells Fragrance Sticks from Go La La
l Paddywax A Dopo from Designworks Collective
l The Signature Home Fragrance Collection from Meg Hawkins
l Whimsical Botanical Cast Fragrance Diffusers from The Foxglove Tree
l William Morris At Home Beautiful Sleep Bedside Edit from Heathcote & Ivory
BEST HOME & KITCHEN GIFT PRODUCT
l British Colour Standard Colour Dictionary Mug Collection from Designed In Colour
l Ceramic Botanical Book Vases from Heaven Sends
l Dry Humour Tea Towels from IF
l Magnificent Mugs from Rosie Made A Thing
l Terracotta Microgreen Grower from Chimney Sheep
l The Waste Less Sheepskin Range from Westmorland Sheepskins
BEST MADE IN THE UK GIFT PRODUCT
l Anniversary Collection Seaweed Fragrance from The English Soap Company
l Bottle Farm from Shroot
l Bronte by Moon British Wool Throw Collection from Moon
l Shaun the Sheep range from Little Beau Sheep
l Tutti Frutti Stitched Notebooks Packs from Coffeenotes
l The Walled Garden from Stoneglow Candles
BEST NOVELTY, TECH & GADGETS PRODUCT
l Cat Vac & Robo Vac from Mustard
l Cheese & Crackers Game from House of Marbles
l Disco Timer from Gift Republic
l Mage See-through Bluetooth Speaker from Gingko Design
l Smart Saturn Lamp from Gingko Design
l Swapseazzz Adoramals 2-in-1 Travel Pillow and Toy Range from Puckator
Aromatherapy Pulse Point Roll-ons from CAHM from From You To Me from Wild Olive
Serenity Wellness Planner Collection from Widdop & Co.
Thoughts and Feelings Collection for Children from Fox Under
BEST PET GIFT PRODUCT
from The Little Dog Laughed from Dog & Bond
Mad Pets Dog Shampoo & Conditioner from Mad Beauty from Chimney Sheep from The Little Dog Laughed
Blade & Rose
1: ‘The Power of …’ Affirmation Sticker Gift Sets
Cotton & Grey’s new product range of affirmation stickers sit perfectly alongside its 20-minute candle ranges. Covering wellbeing and self-care titles to boost, nurture and encourage positivity in everyday life. Thoughts and mantras that can be focused upon in 20 minutes of reflection. The sets also come in matching candle sets. See all the designs across the collections at www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf
Cotton & Grey
T: Claire on 07876763774
E: info@cottonandgrey.com
W: www.cottonandgrey.com
2: Ready-to-Gift Solution from Best Kept Secrets
Best Kept Secrets introduces its innovative Just Because Box Bags - a stylish, ready-to-gift solution for 2025. Designed to complement the much-loved scented products, the beautifully crafted bags elevate the gifting experience while offering convenience and affordability. Perfect for in-store and online retail, the Box Bags align with the brand’s focus on sustainability and personalisation, providing retailers with a complete, customer-friendly gifting option to boost sales and engagement.
Best Kept Secrets
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
3: Village Pottery
Joe Davies' bestselling Village Pottery collection continues to captivate customers with its charming, rustic appeal. What began with just a few house designs has grown into an extensive range featuring quirky and delightful pottery pieces. Each item is thoughtfully created by the in-house design team, ensuring most models are exclusive to Joe Davies. New additions to the range include more pretty shops perfect for collecting or giving as a gift - choose from a greengrocer, café, gift shop, florist and tearooms. With so many choices available, it's easy to expand your existing collection and create an eye-catching display in-store. Joe Davies also offers a vast selection of gifts, fashion accessories and jewellery. Its signature 'little and often' ordering system makes stocking up simple, with a minimum order value of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.
Joe Davies
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
4: Equilibrium Chakra Trees
The new Equilibrium Gemstone Chakra Tree Collection from Joe Davies combines a beautiful array of crystals, each renowned for its unique ability to enhance physical and spiritual wellbeing. This captivating range features Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Aventurine and more, offering both meaningful symbolism and decorative charm. Each handcrafted tree is elegantly displayed in a decorative glass dome and presented in a luxurious branded gift box, complete with information on the positive attributes of each gemstone.
Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
Products New
5: Adorable Capybara Range
Puckator’s new Capybara range embraces the gentle charm of these adorable creatures, known for their calm and friendly nature. The exclusive collection is designed in the UK and includes items such as mugs, water bottles, nail files and compact mirrors, each thoughtfully celebrating the beloved capybara. Being one of the animals of the moment, the range will bring a quirky and fun vibe to any home or office. Join them relaxing in the sun or splashing about in the onsen and let the fun begin.
Puckator
T: 0800 011 6969
E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
6: The Power of a Fragrance
Fragrance is a powerful, invisible language that tells us of emotions, brings back memories and offers a perception of pleasures and warmth. Lesser and Pavey captures this power in a new range of fragrance products. Diffusers are readily known for the fragrance they can offer, but it is the quality of the fragrance, the art form it is presented within, the reeds of fragrance circulation and the gift that speaks volume. From a freshly washed linen smell to exotics of the Shangri-La, the new ranges from the Lesser and Pavey ‘Desire’ diffusers (200ml -1 litre) and 400g candles offer Pomegranate Noir, Warm Cotton and White Tea. Gift sets encompass aromas of Shangri-La in 100ml, 200ml, 500ml diffusers, a set of three 50ml diffusers and a 220g candle. A 300ml diffuser is available in Fresh Linen, Pomegranate Noir, White Tea and Shangri-La.
Lesser & Pavey
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
E: www.leonardo.co.uk
Products New
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
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1: Make A Splash
Puckator is renowned for blending style with functionality, and its new collection of microfibre beach towels is no exception. Featuring new licensed designs such as Pusheen, as well as the company’s own exclusive brands such as Game Over, Day of the Dead and Summer Fruits, the towels offer something for everyone. Lightweight and easy to carry, they’re perfect for any beach or poolside adventure, offering comfort and practicality they make a splash of fun wherever you go.
Puckator
T: 0800 011 6969
E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
2: Yeehaw!
Step into the spirit of the Wild West with Sass & Belle’s collection of cowboy inspired gifts. Cowboy boot mugs, vases, stationery and trinket dishes bring a bit of frontier fun to everyday life.
Sass & Belle
T: +44 (0)207 346 0100
E: info@sassandbelle.com
W: www.sassandbelletrade.co.uk
3: Fresh Scents for 2025
Award-winning home fragrance brand Best Kept Secrets has unveiled four new on-trend fragrances: Maple, Rose and Orange, Mulberry & Velvet Oud and Endless Skies. Perfectly timed for 2025, the scents reflect seasonal trends and customer demand. Available across the bestselling Just Because Collection, the new additions offer retailers fresh opportunities to expand their fragrance offering while maintaining the brand’s signature blend of quality, affordability and sustainability.
Best Kept Secrets
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
4: Bouquet, Let’s Go!
After the amazing popularity of the British Flower Ducklings, it’s not really a surprise to see DCUK unveil a spring release of more characters. Natural bamboo Ducklings and Duckys are now in stock, featuring the same hand-painted flowers as the rest of the range – proudly displayed on boots and hats. Floral designs have always been popular, so it’s fair to assume that DCUK stockists are bloomin’ excited that these are now in stock.
DCUK
T: 01803 866316
E: mail@dcuk.com
W: www.dcuk.com/trade
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5: ‘Happy Ever After’ … Wedding Celebrations
The new ‘Happy Ever After’ floral wrap wedding range includes candle gift sets that come wrapped in messages of celebration and thanks for the special day. There are gifts of thanks for everyone involved in the preparations. The dedicated range has 16 titles to choose from in two colourways, floral wrap or cream mono. Take 20 precious minutes of relaxation to recover from the celebrations with the handmade pure beeswax 20minute candles from Cotton & Grey. Supplied with an attractive point of sale stand for easy display. Each box contains 12 candles with a ceramic holder. See all the designs across the collections at www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf
Cotton & Grey
T: Claire on 07876763774
E: info@cottonandgrey.com
W: www.cottonandgrey.com
6: The Perfect Gift
Who’s that hiding inside the mug? Reveal a surprise character with every sip. The cute and quirky mugs bring a little fun to your wholesale kitchenware collection, and are perfect for animal lovers and collectors.
Sass & Belle
T: +44 (0)207 346 0100
E: info@sassandbelle.com
W: www.sassandbelletrade.co.uk
EMMA NIVEN, DIRECTOR, LOCH LEVEN’S LARDER, KINROSS
A rural destination on the banks of Loch Lomond, it includes The Larder Gift Store and 1848 Design Store, an interiors outlet.
CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Fragranced Giftware
Jewellery
Fashion & Fashion Accessories
Broste: ceramics;
Talking Tables: tableware
Siabann: handmade natural soaps and skincare
Dook of Edinburgh: handmade natural salt soap
By Rebecca: handmade jewellery
Powder: across the board;
Couthie: scarves;
Roka: bags
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Louise Mulgrew
Caroline Gardner
We do really well the company’s crockery. Beautiful, on trend, sustainable products.
Lovely sustainable products made from good quality ingredients.
Gorgeous products with wonderful fragrances that work.
A local company to us, where the jewellery is sentimentally made.
Quirky, always on trend. Fun, colourful prints.
Great for Scottish trade.
Bright, versatile, well-made bags that tick all the boxes.
Colourful cards; beautiful designs.
Great designs, quality and price.
RAINE AND YOSSI GLIKSMAN, UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE
A medium gift, interiors and furniture shop on a secondary site. The couple also have a multi-award winning cookshop.
Above: Three natural salt soaps from Dook of Edinburgh.
Above: Just Hatched from Wrendale Designs. Right: A reed diffuser from Inis: Energy of the Sea.
CRAIG FORREST, CO-OWNER, BARLEY MOW, FAVERSHAM A medium sized gift and interiors shop on a high street.
CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Fragranced Giftware
Jewellery
Fashion & Fashion Accessories
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
Grand Illusions: lighting;
Stone the Crows: Antique
Verdigris
St Eval: across the board;
Freckleface: wax melts
PoM: across the board
Hot Tomato: across the board
Lua: bags and scarves;
Alice Wheeler; compact mirror
Art Angels;
The Art File
Glick
Jellycat
Lamp Printemps, a lovely traditional lamp, sells out as soon as we get it in.
Beautiful large plates. Customers really love them.
People come into the shop especially to buy this brand.
An ongoing best seller. We’re going to be increasing the range.
On trend, affordable jewellery.
Very sparkly jewellery. We do especially well with the brooches.
We sell summer scarves every day.
Very glamorous and beautifully boxed. A lovely gift.
We have customers that come in every week to see the new designs and artists.
One stop shop for relations and occasions cards.
Great colours and good quality.
The brand brings new customers and collectors into the store every week.
ANGELA JONES, OWNER, LILY BLUE, HAGLEY
A small shop on the high street of a large busy village in the West Midlands
CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Fragranced Giftware
Jewellery
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
Thomas Kent: clocks;
Walton & Co: Spring textiles
St Eval: tin candles and diffusers;
Wanderflower: bath and body
Envy Jewellery: across the board;
Big Metal London: across the board
Chalk; One Hundred Stars;
Alice Wheeler: across the board
Emotional Rescue/Paper Salad: Is It Friday Yet
Paper Salad
Jellycat; East of India: pebbles
We’re doing particularly well with the new season alarm clocks in pretty pastel shades.
The Easter tableware is perfect for Spring.
New fragrances and packaging have seen strong sales, with Sea Mist a new best seller.
New to Lily Blue, this brand has been really popular. A great price point and pretty packaging.
A firm favourite and hard to beat for both style and value.
The jewellery appeals to our modernistas.
Both companies have some great new season lines that we are loving.
The sunglasses cases are flying out.
This range is spot on trend, tongue-in-cheek. British humour at its best!
We do well with the giftwrap too.
As a new stockist, we are certainly riding this trend wave!
A great impulse purchase which is placed next to the till.
Above: A pastel alarm clock from Thomas Kent.
Above: Wax melts from Freckleface.
Below: Among the new Spring/Summer launches from Hot Tomato.
Below: Hot for summer, Alice Wheeler’s sunglasses case.
1: Bugging To Be Bought
Mini beasts. Creepy Crawlies. Insects. Whatever you call them, they are important for our natural world. With ladybirds, butterflies and bees often requested by collectors and stockists, DCUK apparently agrees – and is launching a new collection of Bug Boots Ducklings this spring. Appealing to curious children and lovers of nature alike, DCUK is confident the new characters will work nicely with other brands, as part of natural world themes and in-store displays.
DCUK
T: 01803 866316
E: mail@dcuk.com
W: www.dcuk.com/trade
2: Fabulous New Jewellery Collection
Carrie Elspeth is thrilled to unveil its spring/summer 2025 jewellery collection. Designed and crafted in Wales, the on-trend collection blends traditional craftsmanship with modern flair, featuring vibrant colours, pastels shades and a touch of monochrome. New additions to the award-nominated enamel studs are also included which are now finalists for Gift of the Year 2025. With no minimum order, branded packaging and display stands, it’s a perfect opportunity for retailers this season. Get in touch for the latest full-colour brochure.
Carrie Elspeth
T: 01446 771271
E: sales@carrieelspeth.com
W: www.carrieelspeth.com
3: Stunning New Additions To Opalique Range
Midhaven is introducing rings to its fast-selling sterling silver Opalique range, which is available in vibrant blue or subtle white hues. Many styles are adjustable, all a good weight and have an antitarnish finish. RRPs from £19.50 - £45.00. Browse the extensive range on the company’s website. Midhaven
T: 01299 851513
E: info@midhaven.co.uk
W: www.midhaven.co.uk
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Products New
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
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4: Hot Stuff!
Introducing the Chilli Sauce Lamp by Gift Republic. The quirky, rechargeable lamp is designed to look like a vibrant chilli sauce bottle, adding a spicy twist to your space. With three adjustable light settings, it is perfect for creating a cozy, playful ambiance. USB rechargeable, it offers up to six hours of lighting. Ideal for kitchens, living rooms or as a fun gift for any hot sauce lover.
Gift Republic
T: 0208 542 4836
E: sales@giftrepublic.com
W: www.giftrepublic.com
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Looking for the perfect springtime product? The Hoppity Bunnies have the potential to be the next bestseller. Just a simple wind-up and the charming bunnies are off on an adventure. Thanks to their small but adorable design, they’re an ideal impulse purchase for last-minute shoppers looking for an Easter gift. The seasonal appeal makes them a popular choice, while their high-profit margins ensure a great return for retailers.
Get set for summer with the new, Miami-themed outdoor living range from the Summerhouse collection. Featuring a cool art deco style guide, Coconut Grove has the look for summer 2025 with a range of innovative and eye-catching products including the distinctive ombre tableware and fully washable quilted rugs and bags made from recycled bottles.
Navigate T: 01279 653249
E: sales@navigate.ltd.uk
W: www.navigate.ltd.uk
W: www.beauandelliot.com
T: 01603 418153
E: info@elitetins.com
W: www.elitetins.com
T:
E:
T: 0121 459 9777
T: 020 7627 6767
E: info@talkingtables.co.uk
www.trade.talkingtables.co.uk
For the green fingered
There’s a character in every one
Turn smiles into sales with individually hand-carved and painted bamboo characters.
Download our catalogue and price list. Simply head over to dcuk.link/pgifts or point your phone camera here…
