Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - January / February 2021

What’s hot for 2021 As the world reg ins some semblance of normality, gifting is going to be hotter than ever. Here we spotlight some of the must-have items for your boutique or e-commerce store FAMILY HUG Betsy Benn has created a genius way for you to be with your loved ones, albeit through in paper form. The company has created these small wooden versions of your whole family, stating, “We’ll use your photographs and make gorgeous mini wooden versions of you to post to your loved ones. Imagine the fun to be had, positioning your mini wooden substitutes next to the gravy boat at the dinner table, standing next to the biscuits with a morning cup of tea, or thoughtfully posed in the background of a selfie?! Imagine the Instagram opportunities!” www.betsybenn.com BITE ME If there’s one thing COVID-19 can’t disrupt, it’s babies. Pandemic or no pandemic, little ones are still being delivered, and as ever baby gifts are a top seller. The baby market has changed significantly even since my youngest was born six years ago, with the accessories and toys now not only functional but also super stylish to boot. And this East London Baby Co teething necklace is no exception. According to the company it is ‘safety tested, baby-approved, kid-proof jewellery that’s tuggable, chewable, washable and, importantly, super wearable and loved by parents.’ With an eye on trends and a focus on making jewellery that looks like actual jewellery, it’s the perfect gift for any mum to feel a bit more ‘her’ whilst also working as the perfect on-the-go teether. www.eastlondonbabyco.co.uk DATE IN THE DIARY With most of us having spent masses amount of time at home last year, it’s little wonder we’re all itching to get out and about and make plans come 2021. However, what has also been born from the pandemic years, is the need for more personal, less mass-produced items, which is why this hand- printed calendar from Hannah Turlington has ticked our boxes. ‘Connections’ is a series of 12 original lino prints celebrating the power of connections in everyday life. Hannah says, “I am a storyteller and I use my work to tell those stories. Sometimes they belong to me, sometimes they belong to others but usually they belong to all of us.” The 2021 hand printed calendar will appeal to art lovers and those looking to give a special gift to calendar loving art collectors. Each month sees a different, original signed lino printed image, mounted onto a clip board. January 2021 tells the story of settling down for a cup of tea and reconnecting with ourselves and others at the coldest time in the year. Meanwhile February’s image of a lemon & juicer tells the story of pancakes and preparation for Spring. March’s image prompts us to make do and mend, which is when we start to think of new decorating projects. £120, www.hannahturlingtondesigns.com MAKING LIVING LOVELY Venus and the Cat is a new homewares brand that is on a mission to brighten up the home. And with your consumers spending even more time making their living space more personal, we feel this design-led company is going to be very well received. We’re particularly fond of the tall “Social Distancing” vase by Carl Cashman (pictured). Pretty, vibrant and with a name to make you smile – or sob – it’s an ideal gift or self-present. www.venusandthecat.com 50