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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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| November/December 2025 |
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Looking ahead
And so, here we are, rounding off another incredible year for independent retail. Over the past 12 months, we’ve had the privilege of being at the very heart of our industry – showcasing the best brands on the market, sharing expert insight, unveiling the latest product launches, and bringing you exclusive coverage from the industry’s most exciting events.
We’re immensely proud to be at the forefront of the giftware world and continually inspired by the creativity, innovation, and passion that define the brands and makers we feature.
As we look ahead to 2026, what better way to start the new year than with Spring Fair, taking place at the NEC this February. Following its milestone 75th anniversary, the show returns with a fresh creative direction – The Magic of Retail Alchemy: Masters of the Mix – marking a bold new era for the UK’s most influential retail showcase as it evolves from marketplace to immersive experience.
This issue is packed with previews to whet your appetite, from Spring Fair and Giving & Living to Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, and Top Drawer.
That’s not all – we’re also shining a spotlight on key seasonal themes, including Valentine’s Day, Eco Products, Gifts Under £10, and Handmade, alongside exclusive company profiles celebrating some of the sector’s brightest talent.
Enjoy the issue – and here’s to another inspiring year ahead. See you in 2026!
Louise x |
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| Spring Fair welcomes the return of Glee for 2026 |
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Glee is set to return to Spring Fair in February 2026 for the first time in six years, taking advantage of Spring Fair's unparalleled scale, cross-category audience and influential position in the early retail calendar.
Hosted within the UK's most comprehensive sourcing event, the Glee at Spring Fair concession show will strengthen Spring Fair's garden and outdoor offering bringing the very best in garden, outdoor living, decorative accessories and leisure to the NEC Birmingham - this time with a refreshed and carefully curated format designed to meet the evolving needs of the garden retail sector. The decision to bring Glee back to Spring Fair follows a period of exceptional growth for both events.
Read more...... |
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| BTHA presents Golden Teddy and Special Recognition Awards |
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The BTHA is pleased to announce that two special awards have been presented to long-serving toy retailers Vernon Franklin, who received a BTHA Golden Teddy and Philip Kaye, who received a BTHA Special Recognition Award. The awards were presented by Toymaster Managing Director Yogi Parmar, on behalf of the BTHA during a recent Toymaster regional event. With a combined length of service to the toy industry of more than 120 years, both were commended on their dedicated service to the industry through toy retail, commitment to their customers, trustworthiness within their companies and their humility.
Read more...... |
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| Miconex launch festive 'giveback' campaign |
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Fintech Miconex has launched its 2025 national festive campaign, The BIG Christmas Giveback, as part of its ongoing commitment to powering local communities.
Running across its network of over 100 Town & City Gift Card programmes, the BIG Christmas Giveback asks for nominations for people or organisations who have a positive impact on their community.
The person or organisation with the most nominations will win a £1000 Town & City Gift Card of their choice, with one person who nominated them winning a £500 Town & City Gift Card. Miconex is running similar competitions in Ireland, the USA and Canada.
Over £45 million has been spent through Miconex's local gift cards to date, with over 20,000 businesses participating, and 2025 sales up 115% year on year.
Read more...... |
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| The Puppet Company expands its commercial team with strategic appointment |
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The Puppet Company, the family-run world leader in puppets and soft toys is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Sales Manager, as the brand welcomes Nicola Mawby to its team.
With a strong passion for the toy and gift industry, Nicola has worked with several leading brands during her 20+ year career. In her most recent role as National Account Manager at Warmies, Nicola established a wealth of knowledge and nurtured a number of long-lasting relationships with key contacts at both independent and multiple retail accounts, making her the perfect candidate.
Speaking about her new role, Nicola said: "I have admired The Puppet Company for many years, so joining the team is a real coup for me. It's a lovely business with great brand recognition and two fantastic brands – The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys.
Read more...... |
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| Hunter Luxury wins top award at UK packaging award |
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Full-service packaging supplier Hunter Luxury has reinforced its reputation as a luxury packaging specialist after it took home one award and two Highly Commended titles from the UK Packaging Awards.
Hunter Luxury's work on the Hendrick's gin Whimsical Watering Can – in collaboration with brand owner William Grant & Sons and Boundless Brand Design – won the coveted Limited Edition Pack of the Year prize and was Highly Commended in the Best International Pack category. Meanwhile, Hunter Luxury's collaboration with whisky specialist Chivas Brothers and design agency JDO Global for The Glenlivet brand on a stunning anodised aluminium display case finished with brushed copper for its 40-year-old expression was also Highly Commended in the Luxury Pack of the Year category.
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...
11-14 Jan 2026 - Harrogate Christmas & Gift
Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA
www.harrogatefair.com/contact_us.asp
11-13 Jan 2026 - Giving & Living
Westpoint, Exeter, EX5 1DJ
givingliving.co.uk
11-13 Jan 2026 - Top Drawer London
Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX
www.topdrawer.co.uk
18-21 Jan 2026 - January Furniture Show
North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
thefurnitureshows.com
18-20 Jan 2026 - Scotlands Trade Fair Spring
Scottish Event Campus, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
www.scotlandstradefairs.com
1-4 Feb 2026 - Spring Fair
The NEC, Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.springfair.com/welcome
6-10 Feb 2026 - Christmasworld
Messe Frankfurt, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com
6-10 Feb 2026 - Ambiente
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
6-9 Feb 2026 - Creativeworld
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com
24-25 Feb 2026 - INDX Home
Cranmore Park in Solihull, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF
indxshows.co.uk/shows/home-show |
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