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| Cover image provided by The Fragrance Lounge |
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| Find out more about the latest industry news and product launches in the current issue of Gift Focus. Why not download the magazine in PDF format from www.giftfocus.com? |
| What's in this issue? | | | Show Previews
London Stationery Show British Craft Trade Fair
| Fluff Love
The wonderful world of plush
| Flaming Good
Candles and home fragrance
| Gift of the Year
Showcase of the 2015 award winners
| WIN!
More than £750 worth of stock from RJB Stone
| Up and coming
Founders Lynne and Pippa's feet haven't touched the ground since launching Wannabees
| Fun for all
A look at how toys for boys and toys for girls is becoming a thing of the past
| Thirty years strong
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair preview
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 5th May, 2015 |
Trends at London
Stationery Show |
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With the London Stationery Show now just weeks away, organisers have announced that ‘trend translator’ and Director, Phil Pond, of trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, will be speaking at the show.
This event is one of several to mark World Stationery Day, on Wednesday, 29th April, which runs for the first time this year as part of the consumer National Stationery Week campaign. “Phil will give our audience a clear view of how trend forecasters work, how they identify future design trends and how this information can translate into practical ideas for shop merchandising and creating the desired consumer shopping experience. In particular, we've asked them to identify the trends for spring/summer 2016 – although in reality Scarlet Opus is already working way beyond this timeframe!” says Show Director Chris Leonard-Morgan.
Scarlet Opus spends its time studying consumer behaviours, buying trends, changes in taste, cultural influences and emerging trends in the use of texture, colours and surface pattern design. Its results and are used by leading brands and retailers to stay ahead of the curve.
To register to attend the London Stationery Show and browse the exhibitor list go to www.stationeryshow.co.uk |
| BJA launches IJL Diamond Design Competition |
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The BJA is running a diamond jewellery design competition to celebrate the 60th Anniversary Edition of International Jewellery London, which will take place at Olympia from 6th – 8th September, 2015.
All UK companies exhibiting are eligible to enter the competition and are being invited to put forward a piece of diamond jewellery, of whatever type they wish, providing that it’ll form part of the display on their stand at this year’s IJL and that it incorporates exactly 60 points of diamonds – one for each year that IJL has been in business.
Entries can be submitted as actual product, as to-scale drawing or as a CAD renders and entry forms and full details are available now from the BJA website www.bja.org.uk and from IJL’s website www.jewellerylondon.com
The competition closes on 1st May, 2015. The winning company, and two highly-commended businesses, will be informed by Friday 8th May. |
| Introducing Little Herdy |
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CE Certified, in super soft plush fabric, Little Herdy is soft and cuddly, and suitable from 12+ months.
Herdwicks are the hardy Lake District sheep, with white faces and grey fleeces, who inspired Spencer and Diane Hannah to start off the Herdy Company back in 2007. As a business with responsibility at its heart, the Herdy fund was set up from day one of the business and supports rural community projects, in particular those supporting the Herdwick breed.
For further information visit www.herdy.co.uk |
| Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair on the horizon |
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Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, the world’s largest Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair enters its 30th edition. The fair will run from 27th - 30th April 2015 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 4,100 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions are expected. New product zones include Beauty Products & Accessories, Hiking and Camping Products and Health & Wellness.
The concurrent 10th edition Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo, offering expanded sourcing opportunities for gift and premium buyers. A free shuttle bus service will run between HKCEC and AsiaWorld-Expo at regular intervals during the course of the two fairs.
For further show information, please visit www.hktdc.com/fair/hkgiftspremiumfair-en |
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| Spring has sprung |
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If you’re stuck for Father’s Day ideas, we've got plenty of inspiration on page 37 for keeping your shelves stocked – from Kutuu's cufflinks sets to Creative Tops' new La Cafetiére coffee essentials collection.
Finally, we congratulate all the Gift of the Year Award winners as well as those shortlisted. This year there was a stellar round up. J-me's animal toothbrush holders walked away with not just one, but two awards; and a favourite product of mine – Beefayre's Waggledance collection – scooped first place in the Body, Bath and Spa category. You can see all the winners on page 83.
As the temperature gets that little bit warmer, I think it's safe to say spring has finally sprung!
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| Rachel Westall, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@giftfocus.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| WIN! more than £750 RRP worth of products from RJB Stone |
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RJB Stone, the home of retail brand Sass & Belle is offering one lucky Gift Focus reader the chance to win a selection of its best-selling products from 2015 worth more than £750 RRP.
This prize selection is woodland inspired in fresh seasonal tones, perfect for the spring/summer season. Tapping into the most popular trends and representing a passion for all things original, RJB Stone offers a range of more than 5,000 home accessory and giftware products for all occasions. From owl cushions to photo frames, the company creates products that inspire happiness.
Shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2015 by the Giftware Association, and demonstrating a talent for taking classic themes and bringing them to life with a modern twist, the company's five in-house designers are inspired by their lives, loves and travels. The company prides itself on creativity, originality and being serious about fun.
Explore RJB Stone's range online at www.rjbstone.com or call the team on +44 (0)20 7346 0100. |
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| Seascape’s making a splash |
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Seascape’s 175ml Uplift Sea Salt Scrub has been named by the CEW membership as one of the best new bath & body products of the year.
You can view the collection of bath and body products for the whole family, including its award-winning Les Petits range for babies and children at www.seascapeuk.com |
| Just for him |
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Leading bath and body brand Di Palomo introduces a new gift set option, just for him with Per Lui.
Di Palomo launched a fragrance for men just last year. The success of the collection has led to additional gift set options for men. The new gift set offers a shaving cream and a hair and body wash. The bold packaging ensures the product stands out on shelf and displayed alongside the complete range make an impactful in store display.
To view the full ranges please visit www.dipalomo.com |
| Forthcoming Events | | | | Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. | | | | To view more events, please visit the events page on our website. | | | | Giftionery | | Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) Exhibition Hall 1, 5, Hsin-Yi Road, sec. 5, Taipei, Taiwan | | Web: www.giftionery.net | | Dates: Thu, 23 Apr 2015 - Sun, 26 Apr 2015 | | Time: 10am - 6pm | | | | London Stationery Show | | Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH | | Web: www.stationeryshow.co.uk | | Dates: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 - Wed, 29 Apr 2015 | | Time: Tuesday 9.30am - 5pm; Wednesday 9.30am - 4pm | | | | Pulse | | Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London, W14 8UX | | Web: www.pulse-london.com | | Dates: Sun, 10 May 2015 - Tue, 12 May 2015 | | Time: 9.30am - 6pm; 9.30am - 5pm on last day | | |
| Kit Heath's spring collection |
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Quintessentially British Dew is the everyday sterling silver jewellery collection from Kit Heath. The spring collection introduces British themes, motifs and quirky profiles. Whether someone likes afternoon tea or thinks someone else is bloomin’ marvellous, now you can have the perfect gift for everyone. Other designs include stone of the moment synthetic opal in new designs and the company’s most popular designs. New season designs are from RRP £9.50.
For more information visit, www.kitheathretailer.com or contact sales@kitheath.com, +44 (0)1271 329 123 |
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| High and Blighty |
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Metal Planet’s new range of quirky keepsake gifts and its Luna London jewellery collection is designed and hand-made at its studios in Hertfordshire.
The company’s collection of gifts and contemporary Luna London jewellery has had a recent refresh with newly designed packaging, point of display stands and fresh branding.
The line is hand-made using traditional pewter casting methods but with a bright, modern edge. You’ll find a collection of meaningful newly packaged keepsakes, message pebbles, palm tokens and pocket angels to suit many special occasions.
The Metal Planet range also includes a new selection of pastel photo albums, ribbon tied wedding horseshoes and lots of fresh gift ideas for life’s memorable events.
For more information visit, www.metalplanet.net for contact +44 (0)20 8440 2468 |
| Gaventa London's Sentiments capsule collection |
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This leather and stainless steel bracelet is from the brand new Sentiments capsule collection produced by Gaventa London. Launched in time for Father’s Day but suitable for any special occasion, this bracelet is a perfect, enduring expression of love from a son or daughter to their dad. The product comes in brown and black leather. A similar version is available in pink and purple Nappa leather, with tags in stainless steel. Each bracelet is supplied in a Gaventa London gift box.
For more information visit, www.gaventa.london or contact sales@gaventa.london, +44 (0)1707 654 820 |
| The coastal collection |
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Featuring an abundance of sea foam blue with rusted metal accents, Heaven Sends is excited to build on its coastal-themed range. Distressed photo frames and signs alongside glass bottles with twisted fishing rope detailing feature strongly throughout this range. The seashore inspired gifts and ornaments in the Beach Home collection are sure to bring the coast closer to home.
Contact an Angel on +44 (0)121 351 7457 or visit www.heavensends.com for more information. |
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