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View the latest issue of Gift Focus for FREE! |
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Just a reminder that you can view the latest issue of your favourite gift/homewares trade magazine for FREE.
Simply Follow this link
You can also read any of our previous issues by following this link
Gift Focus is the UK's leading trade title aimed at gift and homewares bricks & mortar and online retailers.
When making enquiries to our advertisers, do please mention us. Don't forget to visit our social media channels to spread the word and interact with others.
Enjoy, keep safe and well and please accept our sincere best wishes from everyone here at Gift Focus |
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| July/Aug 2026 |
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It may feel early to be talking about Christmas, but for the gift industry, festive planning is already well underway. As buyers begin making key purchasing decisions for the busiest retail period of the year, this issue is packed with inspiration designed to help businesses stay one step ahead and make the most of the opportunities the months ahead will bring.
With that in mind, this July/August issue marks the start of our Christmas coverage, showcasing the latest products and trends set to capture consumers’ attention in the run-up to the holidays. From thoughtful keepsakes and seasonal décor to giftable treats and stocking fillers, our Christmas feature offers plenty of inspiration to help retailers maximise opportunities during this crucial sales period.
Alongside festive preparations, we also turn the spotlight on Halloween. Once considered a niche event in the UK retail calendar, Halloween continues to grow in popularity year after year, creating valuable opportunities for retailers to engage customers with themed gifts, decorations and impulse purchases.
Elsewhere in this issue, we explore the enduring appeal of baby gifts, a category that remains a staple for many gift retailers, as well as photo frames and wall art, products that help consumers personalise their homes and preserve cherished memories.
This edition is also our dedicated Autumn Fair show issue. As one of the industry’s most anticipated buying events, Autumn Fair provides an invaluable opportunity to discover new launches, reconnect with suppliers and gain insight into emerging trends. We also take a look ahead to Top Drawer and GLEE, highlighting what visitors can expect from these key trade exhibitions.
Happy reading.
Louise x |
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| GIANT PASS THE PIGS IS THE ULTIMATE SUMMER GAME FOR BEACHES, PICNICS AND GARDEN FUN |
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For almost five decades, Pass the Pigs has been delighting families with its brilliantly simple, laugh-out-loud gameplay. Instead of rolling traditional dice, players toss two pig-shaped dice and score points depending on the positions they land in, with iconic rolls including the Leaning Jowler, Snouter and Makin' Bacon. Having become a firm favourite with generations of players around the world, the cult classic is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027. Just in time for the summer holidays, Winning Moves is bringing even bigger laughs outdoors with Giant Pass the Pigs - a larger-than-life version of the iconic game featuring two giant inflatable pigs that are perfect for beaches, picnics, parks, campsites, festivals and garden games.
Read more...... |
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| Strong exhibitor demand drives early momentum for Toy Fair 2027 |
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Toy Fair is returning to Olympia, London from 19th to 21st January 2027 for its 73rd show. With more than six months until the doors open, early exhibitor demand -both from returning companies and brand new- is proving strong, with a large proportion of stand space already allocated, including a sold-out Gold Zone, with ongoing demand from across the industry. Companies still thinking about exhibiting are advised to apply soon, as space is filling up quickly.
Read more...... |
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| The London Home Fragrance Show Makes a Successful Debut with Over 1,000 Industry Visitors |
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The inaugural London Home Fragrance Show has concluded on a high, firmly establishing itself as the UK's first dedicated trade event for the home fragrance industry. Held on 9–10 July in the heart of London, the show welcomed 1,012 visitors across the two-day event, bringing together brands, retailers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers from across the sector. The overwhelming support from exhibitors, buyers, press and industry professionals demonstrated the demand for a specialist event dedicated entirely to home fragrance. Against the backdrop of a UK home fragrance market now worth more than £1 billion, the show's launch provided an invaluable platform for businesses to discover new products, build commercial relationships and explore future opportunities for growth.
Read more...... |
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| Wild Things expands sales team |
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Wild Things continues to invest in its growing UK sales network, welcoming additional experienced team members who bring wide industry knowledge, a strong understanding of what drives success on the shop floor, as well as an appreciation of quality gifts.
Joining in March 2026, newest team member Sue Brayshaw covers the North East and Yorkshire. Having over 35 years in the gift industry, including roles as a National Account Manager and sales agent, Sue brings decades of experience alongside a practical, personable approach. Known for her reliability and willingness to go the extra mile, whether that's through supporting displays in-store or tailoring ranges to suit individual customers, Sue is focused on building strong brand presence in the right locations
Read more...... |
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| The perfect animal story collection for family bedtime reading |
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Cosy Bedtime Stories from the Farm by Amanda Owen "The Yorkshire Shepherdess" is a collection of delightfully soothing bedtime stories for middle grade readers aged 6+, inspired by Amanda's real-life family adventures with her nine children at Ravenseat Farm in North Yorkshire. Cosy up with this gorgeous collection of short stories from the Yorkshire Shepherdess. Follow a winding river path and enjoy watching wildlife along the way. Gaze up at the stars from a magical camping spot. And curl up by the fire with a sheepdog puppy. These ten stories offer a glimpse into life on a real working farm, from the busy days to the peaceful moments spent in nature. The perfect animal story collection for family bedtime reading.
Read more...... |
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| Forthcoming Events |
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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...
6-9 Sep 2026 - Autumn Fair 2026
NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK
www.autumnfair.com
6-9 Sep 2026 - Source Home & Gift
NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.source-homeandgift.com
8-10 Sep 2026 - Glee
NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.gleebirmingham.com
13-15 Sep 2026 - Top Drawer London
Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX
www.topdrawer.co.uk
16-17 Sep 2026 - London Packaging Week London
ExCeL London
www.londonpackagingweek.com
6-8 Oct 2026 - Brand Licensing Europe
Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
www.brandlicensing.eu/en/home.html
20-23 Oct 2026 - Mega Show Hong Kong
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong
megashow.comasia.net.cn
10-13 Jan 2027 - Harrogate Christmas & Gift
Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA
www.harrogatefair.com/contact_us.asp
19-21 Jan 2027 - The Toy Fair
Olympia, Grand & National Halls
www.toyfair.co.uk
24-27 Jan 2027 - January Furniture Show
North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
thefurnitureshows.com
24-26 Jan 2027 - Scotland's Trade Fair Spring
SEC, Glasgow
www.scotlandstradefairs.com
29-2 Feb 2027 - Christmasworld
Messe Frankfurt, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com
29-2 Feb 2027 - Ambiente
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
ambiente.messefrankfurt.com |
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