Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 117)

23 TRENDS Looking forward We ask industry experts for their 2020 trend predictions Ambiente showcases the latest trends in the world of consumer goods. More than 4,400 exhibitors from more than 90 countries will be acting as trendsetters. With around 800 exhibitors and the highest proportion of cross-industry products, Giving is one of the most diversified product areas, ranging from any gift ideas to stationery, technical gadgets and office items through personal and home accessories to jewellery. The Urban Gifts hall (Hall 11.0) is both trend and design- focused, fulfilling dreams both big and small. The Giving Trends are based on the consumers preferences. Some like gifts made from high-quality materials, while others prefer a functional design, and others want to know the story behind the product and the size of its ecological footprint. There’s a tendency to be more cautious in one’s buying decisions, and an increasing number of people now see consumerism as a question of personal attitude. Forrest & Love has produced an on-the-go drinks bottle made from pure copper. This precious metal is exactly the right choice for anyone who loves high-quality materials. The mint green COSMO powerbank from the Belgian company usbepower, also a new exhibitor at Ambiente, on the other hand, combines a one-metre braided fabric cable with a rubber ball, making it possible to adjust the length for optimum use – a real alternative to short-cable gadgets that have been in use until now. The Gifts Ideas hall (Hall 11.1) will this year be featuring classic gifts, souvenirs and collectables. They will include established brands such as Bellissima Creation, Bierseidel, Enesco Limited, Holy Jordan Water – Olive World and Schwarzwald cuckoo clocks as well as this year’s newcomer, the Spanish umbrella and parasol studio Rusqué. Yvonne Engelmann Director, Ambiente’s Living and Giving ambiente.messefrankfurt.com  We’re getting ready to celebrate a new year and that means new trends! So, what does 2020 have in store? Puckator has had huge success with its top selling ‘Feline Fine’ range and subsequently discovered there’s a large demand for gifts featuring all kinds of furry friends. This pet powered revolution has seen the revival of some favourite themes and with that in mind Puckator would like to introduce its new pet Pug, ‘Mopps.’ A group of Pugs may be known as a grumble, but this cheeky chappie will never be seen with a sad look on his face. Full of beans, this loveable guy is always causing trouble, particularly where food is concerned. He loves to steal a sausage or two. We’re looking forward to seeing him cause mischief on plush rucksacks, cute character pens and stacking lunch boxes. We’re also excited for the new shaped picture frames and wall hooks that’ll make a playful addition to any home. Pugs aren’t the only new dog design Puckator will be presenting in 2020. Taking inspiration from the Japanese culture influences appearing at the end of 2019, Puckator’s Kawaii style Shiba Inu is ready to greet eager giftware enthusiasts in the new year. With its east Asian colour palette and little collar and bell, this little chap couldn’t possibly be any more charming. This super cute and cuddly breed, native to Japan lends itself perfectly to products like Puckator’s fluffy note pads, pencil cases and travel pillows. This is just a sneaky peak of one of many new themes trending at Puckator for 2020 and we can’t wait to see more in the new year! Lauren Billingham Designer, Puckator puckator.co.uk