Gift Focus - Sep/Oct 2018 (Issue 109)

Be the first to discover the next big toy, trend and licence in the UK for the year ahead at Toy Fair 2019. The UK’s largest dedicated toy, game and hobby exhibition returns to London’s Olympia between the 22 nd and 24 th January, 2019. Playing host to more than 250 exhibitors, there’s something for everyone at Toy Fair, ranging from the larger and more renowned companies such as Lego, Flair, VTech, Spin Master, Golden Bear and K’Nex to companies just breaking into the toy and gift markets. Many exhibiting products are perfect for the gift market, including Forever Collectibles, Marbel and Ty. Retailers and buyers will receive exclusive show offers from a range of exhibitors that are only available on-site. Following its extension last year, the Greenhouse area, which is dedicated to smaller companies looking to break into the industry, will occupy the larger space once again. The extension took place to accommodate the huge popularity of the area for exhibitors and visitors alike. Greenhouse is an unmissable feature where visitors can discover some of the most innovative, new and quirky products from companies such as 3Style Scooters, Alphabet Pie and Jumini. Regular Greenhouse exhibitor Nici Wilcox from Green Elephant Trading, said: “There is always a good selection of new and upcoming companies and products in the Greenhouse, which makes for a nice buzz. We love the atmosphere, hence we choose to return to the Greenhouse year after year.” Aside from the Greenhouse, there’s so much to see over the three days at Toy Fair, which covers 22,000m sq. The show’s in-house TV channel, Toy Fair TV, is there to help highlight some of the key stands and products to visit, with Anna Williamson and Gavin Inskip roaming the show floor to discover and test out Toy Fair’s hidden gems. Visitors can also look forward to the unveiling of the Toy Fair’s Hero Toys 2019 on the show’s first day. You will be able to play with them on the display area outside the press office. The Toy Fair’s Hero Toys are chosen by an independent panel of retailers and industry experts and represent the most exciting and innovative products on the market. The awards provide one of the first opportunities to see these prospective bestselling toys before they are officially launched throughout the year. To mark the end of the first day of the show, Toy Fair will once again host the annual Toy Industry Awards. The event is highly anticipated among the industry, with retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, licensors and trade media all attending to witness the presentation of the prestigious Toy Retailer of the Year and Toy of the Year awards, alongside the many other accolades championing success in the industry. Organised by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), Toy Fair 2019 looks set to be another vibrant show, with just 15 per cent of space on the show floor remaining. game on The British Toy & Hobby Association once again presents the UK’s largest dedicated toy, game and hobby exhibition at Olympia In brief Show Toy Fair Organiser BTHA Where Olympia, London When 22 nd – 24 th January 2019 Website toyfair.co.uk Twitter @ToyFairUK Registration opens on the 4 th September, 2018, and visitors can register for free at toyfair.co.uk . Keep up to date with the latest news via Twitter at @ToyFairUK. giftfocus 129 toy fair