Gift Focus - May/Jun 2018 (Issue 107)

giftfocus 63 “Provenance is of increasing interest to buyers,” notes Charlotte Gillan, Managing Director of walking stick specialists Classic Canes . “Many of our country and rustic walking sticks are grown in our Somerset woodland, using the traditional forestry practice of ‘coppicing’. This allows the same tree to grow many walking sticks over its lifetime, and by preventing a leafy canopy forming, ensures plenty of light reaches the woodland floor. This provides an excellent habitat for wildflowers, butterflies and bees. The sticks are harvested annually and manufactured on site. Each one is original and they make excellent gifts for people who are interested in traditional artisan crafts and the environment.” T: +44 (0)1460 75686 classiccanes.co.uk Puckator launched its new range of biodegradable bamboo tableware last year. Made entirely from sustainable bamboo and natural fibres, the products provide a perfect way to keep your summers stylish and your conscious clear whilst eating and drinking on the go. Puckator has been busy this season expanding its existing bamboo lines to feature its top selling designs. For summer there’s the gorgeous and on trend ‘Tropical Paradise’ and for the cat lovers out there the adorable ‘Feline Fine’ pattern featuring naughty kitties across plates, cups, trays and travel mugs. For the little ones there are five brand new sets to suit all tastes. These wonderfully convenient picnic sets can now be found in dinosaur, princess, mermaid, narwhal and best of all, a fresh new unicorn design. Make your shop the place to visit this summer and get yourselves down to the Bambootique at Puckator to find all the latest items. T: +44 (0)800 011 6969 puckator.co.uk The Naked Bee Travel Kit and Mini Bee Kit from Xystos will come into their own this summer as people make the most of their weekends and holidays. Says Xystos General Manager Tom Sykes, “Consumers are increasingly careful about what they put on their skin, and in Naked Bee we have an easy-to- carry range of products that contain all the good stuff, none of the bad stuff.” The Orange Blossom Honey bath and body products have personal care needs covered from head to toe – from shampoo to restoration foot balm. They are paraben-free and contain no propylene glycol, mineral oil, dyes, pigment, lauryl or laureth sulfate. And no animal testing is ever involved in their production. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 xystostrade.co.uk These companies are all doing their bit to help Mother Earth, here are some fabulous new products protect our planet Shared Earth has introduced some fantastic bowls, placemats and coasters to its already exciting range of eco products. These are made by a small group of artisans in Madagascar (that country we’d all like to visit) helping them to maintain their traditional skills with vibrant, bold and contemporary designs thought up in the UK. They’re made with sustainable raffia, use only natural dyes, and an added bonus, are a Fair Trade range. Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries and Shared Earth, also importing its bestselling recycled tin bike and car models from there, is proud with your help to be making a small difference. Products are available late May – and coming soon – exciting recycled glass tumblers and wine glasses from Tanzania (expected in June). T: +44 (0)1904 670 321 sharedearth-trade.co.uk