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4 In this issue REGULARS 9 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 12 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 17 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books 16 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products FEATURES 39 The 2026 forecast The key gift trends set to shape the coming year’s retail landscape 45 Mother’s Day must-haves Top products and trends making Mother’s Day a key retail opportunity 49 Ever after essentials A curated look at the pieces making weddings and anniversaries feel unforgettable 52 The Easter edit Feel-good accessories inspiring this year’s Easter gifting edit 39 January/February 2026 FOCUS ON 55 Company Profile Hot Tomato Alexandra Machin, Director of Hot Tomato, explains how the company was started from a desire to design and create independently, and now offers a range of fashion accessories from jewellery through to textiles 60 Company Profile Stockwell Ceramics Mary Goldberg, Founder of Stockwell Ceramics, charts the company’s rise to success, thanks to government funding and a longstanding presence at shows such as Spring Fair and Home & Gift 16 55 52
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 23 Spring Fair Preview Check out the latest home, gift, and accessory trends to watch at this season’s Spring Fair in part two of our preview 36 Toy Fair Rebecca Deeming-Mitchell, Senior Communications & Events Manager at British Toy & Hobby Association shares the insider insights of Toy Fair 2026 49 BUSINESS ADVICE 65 FSB Tina McKenzie, FSB Policy Chair’s, looks at how the wider system needs to change for small creative firms to allow their way of working to flourish 66 ACID From voices to action, Dids Macdonald OBE., Co-Founder & Chairman, Director of Public Affairs, Campaigning & IP Policy for ACID, looks at designing the future together 69 A match made in paper Artist Nathan Ward and James Cropper’s Marketing Communications Manager, Jordan Scott, discuss the unique, timeless power of paper and craftsmanship in the age of A.I and digital automation 9 60 23 45
Thoughtful gifts, unique homeware, traditional toys and much more. Leading giftware wholesaler since 1981. Shop today and enjoy no minimum order and free delivery options. info@rexlondon.com rexlondontrade.com Visit us at Spring Fair in Hall 4, Stand H60-J61
7 EDITOR’S LETTER 39 On the cover Established in 1971 by Chairman and Co-Founder Ronnie Pavey, Lesser & Pavey has become a leading UK trade supplier of giftware and homewares. www.leonardo.co.uk New year momentum Happy New Year – and welcome to the first issue of 2026! We hope your festive season was happy, productive and successful, with tills ringing and planning paying off. As we step into a new year, Gift Focus will be right by your side, helping you fill your shelves – and your online stores – with the industry’s strongest brands and most exciting new launches. Throughout 2026, we’ll continue to highlight the products best suited to key consumer moments, while delivering trusted business advice, exclusive gift show previews and in-depth spotlights on the companies shaping our sector. We’re starting the year as we mean to go on, with an issue packed full of must-read content. Spring Fair once again kicks off the buying season with energy and innovation, and in this edition you’ll find part two of our comprehensive preview, complete with exhibitor profiles to give you the edge before you hit the halls. The first months of the year also bring a cluster of salesboosting consumer events. To help you maximise every opportunity, we’re shining the spotlight on Easter gifting, Mother’s Day, anniversary and wedding keepsakes, and the key trends set to define 2026, as predicted by those in the know. We’re excited for another year of gift-giving inspiration and proud to remain your go-to magazine for insight, curation and buying confidence. Here’s to making 2026 your most positive – and most successful – year yet. Enjoy the issue! Louise Prance Editor Louise DESIGN +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@giftfocus.com ACCOUNTS +44 (0)1376 535 616 accounts@giftfocus.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@giftfocus.com Gift Focus and Attire Accessories are solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0897 @giftfocus @giftfocusmag @gift_focus Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: ADVERTISING Account Manager Loretta Smith +44(0)1376 538 495 loretta.smith @giftfocus.com EDITORIAL Editor Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 514 000 louise.prance@giftfocus.com 21 Louise Prance, Editor 43
Industry news ENESCO PARENT COMPANY STARTS RENEWED JOINT LICENSING PARTNERSHIP Contemporary giftware supplier Enesco is delighted to share that its parent company based in the US Enesco, LLC and Precious Moments, Inc. (PMI) have announced the start of a renewed joint licensing partnership. Beginning in January 2026, Enesco will once again be responsible for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of figural and giftware formats for the Precious Moments brand worldwide. Michael Griffith, President of Enesco Worldwide, commented, “Almost 30 years ago I began my career with Enesco as a Sales Representative for Precious Moments and vividly recall the excitement each product launch brought to both retailers and collectors. Moving forward, Enesco will work closely with the Butcher family to ensure their father’s legacy endures with recognized themes and aesthetics iconic to the brand while simultaneously designing new collections focused on introducing those iconictear-drop eyes to a larger, more diverse consumer base globally.” Don Butcher, President of PMI and son of the late Samuel “Sam” J. Butcher, Founder of Precious Moments, said, “This partnership represents an important moment for Precious Moments, one that feels like a reunion. Enesco played a defining role in building this brand alongside my father, and working with Michael and the Enesco team over the past several months has reaffirmed the strength and potential of that relationship. We’re excited about the future we will create together.” The partnership reunites two companies whose collaboration transformed the giftware industry. It began in 1978, when Gene Freedman, founder and CEO of Enesco Imports, first discovered Sam Butcher’s heartfelt illustrations of children with teardrop eyes and encouraged him to translate those drawings into three-dimensional porcelain figurines with master sculptor Yasuhei Fujioka. What followed was nearly three decades of unprecedented success, global expansion, and a passionate collector community. In 2005, Precious Moments moved development and distribution in-house. After 20 years’ operating independently, both organizations view this renewed partnership as a homecoming and meaningful alignment of shared strengths. Enesco and Precious Moments will begin joint preparation immediately for a phased transition, with new Precious Moments product launching globally, including the UK, in early 2026. www.enesco.co.uk Catch up on all the latest in our news round up ANCIENT WISDOM LAUNCHES NEW DROPSHIPPING WEBSITE Ancient Wisdom has been supporting retailers with dropshipping since 2009, long before it became the mainstream business model it is today. This year marks a major step forward: a new dropshipping website built from the ground up with modern integrations, faster navigation, and a far more intuitive setup for busy retailers. Retailers can now connect Shopify, WooCommerce, and eBay directly to the new platform, making product syncing and order automation effortless. More integrations are already in development, giving sellers even more flexibility over where and how they trade. The updated site brings the full AW Dropship catalogue into a cleaner and stronger digital space. Users get transparent stock visibility, improved search and filtering, and the ability to instantly import product descriptions and imagery. Customer orders flow straight to the AW UK warehouse team, who pick, pack, and dispatch letting retailers expand their offering without holding a single box of inventory. The new platform also introduces a broader selection of dropship-friendly ranges, including curated gift sets, trenddriven collections, home fragrance, crystals, and handmade artisan goods sourced from India, Indonesia, and beyond. With better tools, better data, and smoother automation, retailers can update their online shops in minutes rather than hours. For sellers looking to scale without the overheads, this launch signals a stronger, smarter way to work. Ancient Wisdom has taken 15+ years of dropshipping experience and turned it into a platform built for modern retail - faster, cleaner, and ready for whatever comes next. https://www.ancientwisdom.biz/ https://www.aw-dropship.com/ 8
BEST KEPT SECRETS WELCOMES NEW MARKETING MANAGER, JESSICA BARKER Best Kept Secrets is entering an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Jessica Barker as its new Marketing & Business Development Manager. With over a decade of marketing experience across retail, hospitality and lifestyle brands, Jess brings a wealth of industry knowledge – but it’s her passion for creativity that truly sets her apart. With a strong track record in creative marketing and commercial planning, Jess’ appointment supports the brand’s ambition to strengthen its market presence and accelerate growth across retail and wholesale channels. Jess has a passion for storytelling and visual branding and says she’s excited to elevate Best Kept Secrets’ voice and presence: “There’s something really special about this brand – family run with a love for beautiful things. My goal is to make Best Kept Secrets a must-have luxury in homes across the country.” Her remit will include driving brand awareness, expanding digital reach and developing the company’s positioning within the premium gifting and home fragrance sector. Jess will take the lead on a refreshed social media and brand strategy, aiming to increase visibility with both existing customers and new audiences. With her blend of strategic thinking and creative flair, she is perfectly placed to elevate Best Kept Secrets and introduce its beautifully crafted, gift-ready products to an even wider audience. www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk THE GREETING CARD ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF CARD SENDERS The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has launched a new, free initiative – Card Club – inviting children aged 4 to 11 to explore the joy of card making, writing, and sending cards. The initiative has been created in collaboration with a qualified teacher, who has trialled it in their classroom and had highly positive feedback from teachers and pupils alike. This exciting project encourages children to connect with friends and family while developing literacy, handwriting, and emotional communication skills. The GCA has launched a toolkit for the Card Club, which provides a simple, structured way for teachers and club organisers to engage children in meaningful activities. With lesson plans and creative ideas included, the toolkit ensures participation is easy, fun, and rewarding. Card sending helps keep a cherished British tradition alive - Brits sends more cards than any other nation on earth. Cards offer a tangible way to stay in touch and creates a strong emotional connection between the person that sends a card and the person that receives it. By launching Card Club, children can learn empathy, express their feelings and understand the value of doing something special for others which is why this initiative is so important. “There’s no need for a special occasion to send a card – sometimes a simple ‘Hello’, ‘Thinking of You’ or similar message can brighten someone’s day,” said GCA chief executive officer Amanda Fergusson. “The Card Club is a wonderful way to inspire children to make, write, connect, and spread joy, while also enhancing their literacy skills.” One of the first schools to launch Card Club is Milverton Primary in Leamington Spa. www.gca.cards BRAND & LIFESTYLE LICENSING AWARDS 2026 OPEN FOR ENTRIES The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards will be returning in 2026, with a glittering 10th anniversary event which will also see the introduction of two new categories. Taking place on Thursday 23 April 2026 at the Royal Lancaster London, the B&LLAs gives the brand and lifestyle licensing and retail sector an opportunity to be recognised and rewarded separately to the massive character and entertainment licensing sector which is covered by The Licensing Awards (held in September). It was established in 2016 by Max Publishing, which also owns and organises The Licensing Awards, as well as publishing Licensing Source Book and LicensingSource.net. “It feels like yesterday that we launched the B&LLAs, so for it to be marking its 10th anniversary is extraordinary,” commented Ian Hyder, ceo at Max Publishing. “Back in 2016, we had the vision of what we wanted the event to be, but the brand and lifestyle licensing sector was still evolving and it was one of our biggest challenges to embrace it and create an event which highlighted both its achievements and its potential.” The B&LLAs 2026 will look to reward brand and lifestyle licensing activity which has taken place in the UK between 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, across Product, Retail and Property categories. In addition, the Brand Ambassador Award will also be presented to a special individual (brand owner, licensor, retailer, licensee or supplier), acknowledging their contribution to the brand licensing sector, while the UK Rising Star Award will recognise and reward excellence among those new to the brand licensing sector in the UK who have shown real potential in the continued evolution of the sector. 2026 will also see two new categories join the line-up – Best Brand Licensed Paper Products & Publishing Range (open to all brand licensed paper products and publishing including greeting cards, stationery, calendars, diaries, giftwrap, nonchildren’s books and magazines, partworks and sticker albums) and Best Brand Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative (for the most creative and effective marketing campaign run in a UK retailer or pop-up to support a licensed brand (non-character and entertainment) or range of licensed products or individual product). The deadline for nominations and entries across all categories is Friday 27 February 2026. The entry and nomination process for all categories is free and via online submission – all the forms, including full criteria for each award, can be accessed from the dedicated B&LLAs website. www.brandlicensingawards.com/enter/ INDUSTRY NEWS 9
GIFT CARD SALES OUTPACE RETAIL AS BUSINESSES DRIVE DEMAND THROUGH STAFF BENEFITS AND REWARDS Gift card and voucher sales continued to outperform wider retail in the first half of 2025, according to the latest analysis from the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) and GlobalData. Sales among GCVA members grew by 11.8 percent year-onyear in H1 2025, reaching £1.98bn, more than four times faster than total UK retail sales, which rose by just 2.4 percent over the same period (GlobalData). The figures show that businesses are driving much of this growth. In the first half of 2025, the B2B market accounted for nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of all sales, worth £1.27bn, as employers increasingly turn to gift cards to provide practical financial support and motivate their people. Employee benefits grew by 9.8 percent, while rewards and incentives rose by 20.4%, underlining the central role gift cards play in workplace wellbeing and engagement strategies. Digital adoption also continues to accelerate. Digital gift cards grew 26.5 percent across the market, with consumer digital sales rising by nearly 50 percent (47.9 percent). This reflects changing consumer expectations for flexible, instant and mobile-first formats. At the same time, physical gift cards remain a key part of the sector, with in-store and gift card mall purchases together accounting for more than half of consumer sales, highlighting their continued importance, especially for gifting occasions. GIFTING BRAND TRIPLES WAREHOUSE SPACE AMID RISING UK DEMAND FOR PERSONALISED GIFTS The women-led gifting company Treatbox, based in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, has expanded into a new 9,000 sq ft warehouse – three times the size of its previous site – to support the continued growth of its operations and team. The move comes as year-on-year demand for personalised gifting continues to rise across the UK, with Treatbox experiencing strong sales of its popular subscription gift boxes. Founded in 2014 by Zoe Charlton, Treatbox was born from the idea to spread kindness and connection through thoughtful gifting. What began as a one-woman small home-based business, has since grown into a thriving women-led operation with 19 employees. Today, Treatbox offers everything from ‘just because’ gifts to monthly subscription boxes and corporate gifting for companies marking milestones such as new starters or work anniversaries. The move to a new site marks a key milestone for Treatbox, providing improved office facilities, a larger fulfilment area, and a studio for photography and content creation – all designed to boost efficiency, scale operations, and strengthen its fast-growing online presence. To support this next phase, Treatbox received a £935,000 funding package from Lloyds, which included a commercial mortgage and additional facilities to help with setup and VAT costs. The finance has enabled the purchase and renovation of the warehouse and will support the recruitment of additional staff across marketing, social media and customer services. With the additional space, Treatbox has been able to double its number of packing stations and streamline fulfilment, cutting packing time per order by 30 percent and doubling order turnaround speed during peak seasons. Together, these improvements have created the capacity to handle over 50 percent more orders per day as the brand continues to grow and reach new audiences. The new site will also enable Treatbox’s in-house designed products - including pyjamas, stationery, and seasonal lines such as its sell-out advent calendar – to continue expanding, with an enhanced corporate gifting range to be introduced. Looking ahead, the company plans to broaden its UK-based manufacturing partnerships and introduce new in-house product lines in the coming years. As its growth continues, Treatbox will also invest in leadership development for its team and expand its content creation capabilities further. www.treatboxuk.com 10 YEARS OF THORTFUL In 2015, thortful was born to give people a glorious escape from aisle after aisle of generic, naff cards. Now, celebrating 10 years and over 37.8 million cards later, the greetings card marketplace has been making the world more ‘thortful’, one unique, sentimental, personal, hilarious card at a time. After nurturing and developing its 6,000+ strong card creator community for a decade, thousands of people have received life-changing money from their relationship with thortful, with £14 million worth of royalties paid out to creators to date. Managing Director Pip Heywood adds: “10 years and £14 million quid! What began as a small idea to shake up the card industry has grown into a movement - a community of creators and customers who believe cards should mean and say a lot more than ‘that’ll do’. A decade on, thortful has paid out over £14 million in royalties to our independent creators - proof that creativity really does connect people. And what’s more, we’ve helped our creators pay off mortgages, pay for weddings, pay for IVF - we never knew, when we started, just how much of a positive impact our model could have! We’ve spent 10 years challenging the ordinary, championing originality, and making the world that bit more thortful, one card at a time. And the best part? We’re only just getting started!” www.thortful.com 10
FANATTIK ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW GAMING MERCHANDISE RANGE Fanattik is taking its love of gaming to the next level – developing a brand-new range of officially licensed collectibles, home décor, gifts, and accessories in partnership with some of the most iconic video game worlds ever created, including World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone and more. “This is a pivotal moment in Fanattik’s story – it’s that big of a deal,” said Anthony Marks, Managing Director of Fanattik. With gaming audiences spanning the globe, World of Warcraft alone has drawn hundreds of millions of players over the past three decades, and Fanattik’s new range is poised to resonate with fans globally. “This will be one of the biggest projects our creative team has undertaken, it’s imperative that the products we create hit the target with fans” explained Melissa Tudor, Creative Director, Fanattik. The upcoming range will roll out across multiple regions including Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, Australasia, MENA, and China. The deal was brokered by Merchantwise on behalf of Activision Blizzard. Philippe Bost, MD Merchantwise International said ‘Merchantwise is thrilled to collaborate with Fanattik in developing innovative consumer products for Blizzard Entertainment, bringing beloved franchises like Diablo, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft to our fans globally. This partnership marks a bold step in delivering premium collectibles and merchandise that celebrate the legacy of Blizzard’s iconic gaming universe.’ www.fanattiktrade.com JOHANNA BASFORD, STAEDTLER UK & CASS ART JOIN FORCES Staedtler UK, a leading manufacturer of high-quality stationery and art products, is excited to announce a partnership with illustrator Johanna Basford and Cass Art, one of the UK’s leading art retailers. The collaboration, launching this November to coincide with the release of Johanna’s highly anticipated new adult colouring book Wonderful Wildflowers, brings together a collection of Johanna’s previous and latest works alongside a curated selection of her favourite Staedler products, exclusively with Cass Art. Johanna’s latest works continue to inspire mindfulness and self-care, helping people disconnect from digital distractions and reclaim their focus in an increasingly fast paced, online world. With over 25 million copies sold worldwide, her books have become synonymous with relaxation, creativity, and personal well-being, offering a refreshing antidote to ‘doom-scrolling’. Rachel Owen, Head of Marketing at Staedtler commented: “We’re thrilled to bring this exciting collaboration to life with Johanna Basford and Cass Art. This partnership allows us to not only showcase our high-quality products but also support Johanna’s mission to encourage people to slow down and engage in the analogue creative process. We believe this collaboration will provide a mindful and rewarding experience for all.” As part of the launch, the partnership will offer fans the chance to win exclusive products and signed copies of Johanna’s books, as well as one lucky money-can’t-buy online one-to-one drawing and colouring session with Johanna. Stay tuned for more details on the official social media pages of Staedler, Johanna Basford, and Cass Art. DERBYSHIRE DOG TREAT COMPANY NAMED ONE OF UK’S 100 MOST INSPIRING SMALL BUSINESSES DOGraze in Etwall, Derbyshire has been named as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025 by the Small Business Saturday campaign, as it kicks off its annual call to champion and support the nation’s favourite businesses. DOGraze which is the UK’s first dog graze box and barkuterie board business was founded by Francesca Pearson in 2020. Following a nationwide search, the Derbyshire firm has been selected as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases the most innovative and admired small businesses across the nation. Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which celebrates small businesses and encourages the public to support and spend with small firms. Founder and owner Francesca Pearson says, “It’s incredibly exciting to be selected as a SmallBiz100, particularly as DOGraze turned five on 15 November! What started as a small idea during the pandemic completely snowballed and took over my life. I’m proud to run a successful small business which keeps so many dogs happy, no matter what the occasion.” “Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses – bringing immeasurable value to our local communities and powering the wider economy,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “Firms like DOGraze in this year’s SmallBiz100 represent some of the UK’s most-loved small businesses. It is so important that we encourage public support for small businesses up and down the country, as many are still facing a host of challenges as they enter this critical final stretch of the year.” To learn more Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com INDUSTRY NEWS 11
GROWTH OF MR BEAN LICENSING CAMPAIGN CONTINUES WITH NEW DEALS Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which has been appointed by Banijay Kids & Family as UK and Ireland licensing agent for Mr Bean, has announced two major new licensee signings for the iconic comedy character: Blue Tree for food gifting and UK Greetings for greeting cards and gift wrap. Blue Tree, a supplier of stylish, engaging and contemporary food and alcohol gifts, has launched its first Mr Bean mug and sock set which is available at retail now. A full collection will launch next year, including a breakfast set, and a hot water bottle and sleep mask with hot chocolate and marshmallows set. sFounded in 2001, Blue Tree has become one of the leading specialist gifting companies in the UK, designing, creating, producing and delivering high-quality, stylish, engaging and contemporary alcohol, soft drinks, food and confectionery gift sets to major national retailers. The company also supplies brand owners with premium gifting solutions and limitededition packaging. The range from UK Greetings, one of the UK’s best-known names in social expression products, with a strong licensed output, will also be inspired by the popular Mr Bean animated show, which will supply the illustrations for a wide range of funny and memorable greeting cards and gift wrap. UK Greetings is one of the largest direct-to-retail publishers in the country, ensuring that the Mr Bean range will be widely available from autumn 2025 across the UK. www.bulldog-licensing.com ACE AWARDS £10,000 SEEDS OF CHANGE PRIZE FUND TO THE ART HOUSE The Association for Cultural Enterprises is delighted to announce the winner of its annual Seeds of Change £10,000 prize fund supporting and encouraging sustainable initiatives within the cultural sector. The 2025 prize fund has been awarded to The Art House, Wakefield for its creative initiative, From Earth to Cloth. This truly sustainable project works with the local gardening community, creatives and The Art House’s own urban orchard space to create a unique range of naturally dyed, handcrafted homeware items for retail and wholesale. The judges loved the project, calling it “an innovative example of vertical integration across the supply chain. It adds value, improves sustainability and enhances their core mission.” The award was presented at an exclusive event held at the Design Museum, London. Lucy Juniper, Co-Executive Director, The Art House, said, “We are so delighted to receive the Seeds of Change Award from the Association for Cultural Enterprises. It will mean so much to our team at The Art House and we’re all super excited to get started with the project.” The Seeds of Change prize fund is designed to foster greater creativity and dynamism within income generation and environmental sustainability across the cultural sector, inspiring arts, heritage and cultural organisations to think about creative ways of generating income while improving their sustainable impact. Also shortlisted for this year’s prize were Fuel Theatre, for a pilot training programme to equip designers and production managers with the skills to radically rethink how live performance is created in response to the climate crisis; and The Hepworth Wakefield for its propagation programme and plant stall transforming previously composted plant material from the Hepworth Wakefield Garden into an innovative new income stream. The judges were impressed with the calibre and creativity of all the entries, showcasing the incredible innovation and focus on sustainability within the cultural sector. Louise Kirby, Director of Operations and People at The Deep, said, “What a pleasure to judge Seeds of Change 2025. There was such a wide range of ideas from organisations of differing sizes, united by a passion for sustainability, and an eagerness to positively grow community engagement, economic impact, and synergy with the environment. Thank you to all applicants who are so keen to share their innovation with our sector, and many congratulations to our winner.” Seeds of Change 2025 is supported by Mission: Net Zero, helping travel, tourism and cultural organisations build and deliver environmental and social sustainability strategies, including Net Zero roadmaps, while showcasing their commitment to social value and community impact. Mission: Net Zero Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Catterick said, “We’re delighted to work with the Association for Cultural Enterprises to sponsor Seeds of Change, celebrating projects that place sustainability at the heart of creative decision-making and empowering cultural enterprises to engage communities, adopt sustainable practices, and explore innovative new revenue streams.” 12
Crackle Pretty Butterfly Crochet Blooms Art In Glass Petite Pottery Equilibrium Captured With Love Bracelets NEC BIRMINGHAM | HALL 4 C10-D11 OVER 2000 BRAND NEW LINES! Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk
On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Spring Fair welcomes the return of Glee for 2026 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. Spring Fair continues to stand as the UK’s most comprehensive retail marketplace, drawing thousands of buyers across Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings, Beauty, and Lifestyle. Its unmatched scale and crosscategory reach make it the ideal platform to elevate the garden and outdoor sector, offering suppliers access to new audiences and buyers the convenience of sourcing complementary ranges under one roof. With Glee’s September edition achieving record success in 2025, its return to Spring Fair strategically extends the show’s influence into the early buying season. It also responds directly to retailer and supplier demand for a complementary spring touchpoint. Spring Fair is the natural home for this edition, offering the scale, reach and cross-category audience needed to maximise the opportunity for the entire garden retail sector. Together, the two events create a strengthened annual sourcing cycle, September for forward planning and February for inseason agility, supporting retailers throughout the year. Glee at Spring Fair 2026 will be held from 1–4 February at the NEC Birmingham, as part of the UK’s leading home, gift and lifestyle event. For more information or to register your interest in exhibiting, visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752. Spring Fair announces transformative 2026 content programme Spring Fair, the UK’s definitive showcase for Home, Gift and Fashion, returning to the NEC Birmingham from 1–4 February 2026, has unveiled its most ambitious and experience-led content programme to date, designed to deliver meaningful, value-driven insights and the topics at the heart of retail. Under its bold new creative direction Retail Alchemists – Masters of the Mix, the 2026 programme brings together the industry’s most influential voices across five stages, with a lineup curated around the themes shaping the future of retail: • Transformation & Innovation • Craft & Creativity • Partnerships & Possibilities • Commerce & Community • Purpose & Planet • Leadership & Legacy From retail strategists and trend forecasters to designers, founders, innovators and cultural commentators, Spring Fair’s speaker programme blends practical masterclasses with future-thinking debate, giving buyers the tools, knowledge and connections to thrive in 2026 and beyond. A new era of experiential retail insight “Spring Fair 2026 is about empowering the people who make retail magical, the true alchemists,” says Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director of Spring Fair. “Our content programme puts buyers at the centre of the conversation with practical learning, trend intelligence, and future-facing inspiration woven across every stage. We have doubled down on the relevance and importance of what our content stages offer to deliver our most ambitious and rewarding programme yet.” Five visionary new feature spaces Manifesting its creative theme ‘Masters of the Mix. The Alchemists of Retail’, Spring Fair 2026 introduces five groundbreaking feature environments designed to fully reimagine the trade-show experience: • The Design Studio – where design intelligence meets networking • The Licensing Lab – where icons and ideas fuse • The Merchant’s Corner – empowering independent retail • The Style Atelier – elevating fashion storytelling, hosted by Caryn Franklin MBE • The Hidden Forum - secretive, invitation-only theatre with industry leaders Each environment blends content, creativity and community, transforming the show into a sensory-rich marketplace of ideas and innovation. Buyers can explore the full programme at www.springfair. com/stage-programme-2026 and mark it in their calendar. 14
INDX Gift Edit unveils powerhouse partnerships to launch 2026 show Get ready to feel the buzz! The INDX Gift Edit is gearing up to be the explosive trade show the giftware market has been waiting for. Mark your calendars, this must-attend event is hitting Cranmore Park, Solihull on 19 May 2026, providing a dynamic platform to unite leading suppliers with retailers from across the UK and Ireland. But that’s not all. The inaugural show is launching in partnership with two industry titans, the British Craft Directory and the Giftware Association and both organisations will be bringing a curated selection of their members to exhibit at the show, guaranteeing an unmissable line-up that reflects the unique creativity and diversity of the UK giftware market. “The Gift Edit isn’t just an event, it’s a vital connection point for the entire giftware industry,” says Jane Bartlett, Director of Events, AIS, and Cranmore Park. “Our team of in-house experts are working closely with the British Craft Directory and the Giftware Association, to create a show that is not just inspirational and inclusive, but a genuine commercial powerhouse.” It’s crucial that this one-day showcase truly represents the incredible breadth of the UK market and these partnerships will ensure visitors enjoy an eclectic, high-quality product mix covering everything from food & drink and homeware to fashion accessories, jewellery, stationery, toys, artisan crafts, and so much more! www.indxshows.co.uk Giving & Living serves the UK’s tourism belt Giving & Living will run from Sunday 18th - Tuesday 20th January at Westpoint, Exeter. If you’re the buyer for a gift or souvenir shop, garden centre or farm shop, destination site or visitor attraction, then read on, as we have a treat in store for you! As one of the earliest trade shows in the UK calendar, Giving & Living is where the season’s trends, bestsellers, and fresh new product ranges are showcased for the first time. Exeter is it at the heart of the UK’s tourism belt, and the show serves this vital sector better than any other event in the country. The fantastic venue at Westpoint will be a treasure house of gifts, home décor, toys, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, jewellery coastal-themed collections, British-made artisan pieces and delicious specialty food. Whether your customers are holidaymakers, daytrippers or loyal locals, the show is packed with ranges designed to attract them into your store and encourage on-site spending. Whilst these West Country roots run deep, Giving & Living is well worth a visit whichever region in the UK you are from, especially if you’re in search of beautiful, British-made goods. With the strong consumer appetite for authenticity, sustainability and British craftsmanship, this sector gives retailers a chance to differentiate with meaningful, storyrich products created by independent makers and small UK studios. From greetings cards and jewellery to home fragrances and artisan gifts, this area is a buyer’s dream for finding locally made lines made with unrivalled passion and skill. The show will feature more clothing companies than ever before. With men’s, ladies and children’s wear, knitwear, scarves, bags, accessories, and more, there’s bound to be something your customers will love. You could have the best dressed customers in the South West! Mike Anderson, Managing Director at Hale Events, comments: “We hope that all those lovely retailers out there on the high street and other destinations nationwide are shaping up to have a bumper Christmas this year so we can all head into 2026 in great shape for the future. We have a brilliant show lined up for you and look forward to introducing you to our wonderful selection of exhibitors, who are sure to pull out the stops to make this an event to remember. Giving & Living has been a well-kept secret for too many people for too long, so let this be the year you discover the delights we have to offer!” www.givingliving.co.uk 15 NEWS & EVENTS
16 Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market ST EVAL St Eval was born in the Cornish countryside, from a clifftop home in North Cornwall, working with nature to collect fragrances and turn them into wildly scented candles. The Potager Collection is ode to the garden – to terracotta pots warmed by midday sun, to soft soil gathered beneath the nails, to rosemary, thyme, and mint crushed between thumb and forefinger. These herbaceous notes, fresh and uplifting, drift like birdsong along a garden path, forming the heart of this much-loved collection. Each candle is housed in beautifully crafted stoneware pots, thoughtfully reimagined from the company’s cherished Victorian Herb Pots. Gently tapered and softly speckled, their ribbed finish catches the light with the character of hand-thrown clay, lending warmth to any space. New for January is the Potager Bowl Candle. Generous in form and rich in presence, it offers a wider pool of fragrance and a captivating centrepiece glow. www.st-eval.com DUNOON MUGS Dunoon kicks off 2026 with a trio of exciting new mugs, combining bold designs, playful charm, and the artistry Dunoon is known for. From characterful animals to sophisticated patterns, these new additions are perfect for gift-givers, collectors, or anyone looking to brighten their daily tea or coffee. First, Dunoon’s new Glitzy Gang range appears on the popular Cairngorm shape, a versatile size that sits between Dunoon’s largest and smallest shapes. Three designs bring personality and sophistication, including a blue owl motif dotted with stars and moons, a red dog design accented with dog bones, hearts, and flowers, and a pinkand-blue cat design featuring playful hearts and blooms. Elegant, fun, and adorned with luxurious 22 carat gold, these designs perfectly balance charm and style. Dunoon also presents a new coastal design on their popular Lomond shape. The Blue Ocean range includes three designs, each featuring playful sea creatures in ocean blue against soft backgrounds. Seahorses and jellyfish, crabs and squids, and octopus, turtles and starfish swim among coral and seaweed, creating an artistic miniature ocean world. Finally, the new Big Coos design features a big, fluffy orange cow full of personality, bringing fun and warmth to every cup. It appears on Dunoon’s new Benmore shape, the largest mug yet, with a generous 0.75 litre capacity. Its large size and comfortable handle make it ideal for leisurely mornings or cosy evenings. All Dunoon mugs are made in Staffordshire from Fine Bone China, and handmade by skilled potters, ensuring each mug is both visually stunning and practical for everyday use. These three designs are just a few of the exciting new additions in Dunoon’s 2026 range, which continues to offer mugs that are collectible, beautiful, and perfect for every occasion. www.dunoonmugs.co.uk ZEBRA PENS Following the successful launch of their Sarasa Clip gel ink pen range within the UK, Zebra Pen has recently further expanded this collection to offer a more comprehensive choice of both ink colours and point sizes. These fashionable retractable gel rollerball pens feature a cushioned non-slip grip and strong binder clip, making them ideal during prolonged writing or sketching. They benefit from a smooth, quick-drying ink that glides gracefully across the page and keeps notes clean and resistant to smudging. The full range now offers a selection of 20 ink colours, including a distinctive new blue/black, magenta, viridian, colbalt blue, grey, orange and pink to name a few. All of these colours are now available across four popular point sizes, including 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm and 0.7mm, which makes the Sarasa Clip the perfect pen for any note-taking, doodling and journalling enthusiasts. With the environment in mind, the Sarasa Clip also combines sustainability with premium Japanese quality and performance, as each pen is made using a guaranteed minimum of 70% recycled content, excluding refill and non-plastic components. The standard Sarasa Clip range is available in a variety of pack formats, including boxes of 10 for each single colour/point sizes, as well as assorted colour 3, 5 and 10 pack zip lock bags. For more details, please visit zebrapen.co.uk or email info@zebrapen.co.uk
17 BRAND SPANKING NEW GH STAFFORD G H Stafford & Son Ltd continues to see strong demand for practical, design-led accessories across the Lorenz and London Leathergoods brands; particularly compact crossbodies and slim everyday bags that support the ongoing shift toward mobile-first living. With many customers carrying less, lightweight and versatile bags have firmly taken centre stage. One of the company’s newest introductions is the Lorenz Nubuck Grain Top-Zip Shoulder Bag (featured), available in a soft, neutral palette. Its tactile finish, easy silhouette and accessible price point have made it an immediate favourite among independents looking for giftable, everyday styles that appeal across age groups. Beyond current launches, GH Stafford has recently returned from an in-depth sourcing trip to China, where a number of new developments are now underway for 2026. While it’s too early to share specifics, the team is already seeing strong potential in styles that play with texture, soft-touch materials, and subtle elevated details – all while staying commercially grounded. These early concepts are shaping into a really exciting mix for next year’s range. www.ghstafford.com JARAPA In a marketplace saturated with mass-produced lighting, the Jarapa Aria Lamp with New velvet handmade lamp shade offers a breath of authenticity – a British handmade object rooted in sustainable craft traditions. Each Aria lamp and shade begins life in Jarapa’s workshop, where skilled artisans assemble and test it on a made-to-order basis, ensuring that no two pieces are quite the same. This bespoke approach guarantees a level of individuality that simply cannot be replicated by factory-line production. All lamps are 100 percent recycled Spanish glass, transformed into a smooth, elegant form: a base that carries the irregularities and subtle bubbles inherent to its sustainable material source. Those slight imperfections are not flaws – they are marks of character, evidence of a recycled origin, and a conscious celebration of material reuse. Complementing the glass base, natural cork supports and solid brass fittings – all carefully sourced – reinforce the lamp’s heritage-infused, eco-conscious identity. For retailers, designers or end-users seeking lighting that brings together ethical sourcing, craftsmanship and subtle elegance, the Aria Lamp stands as an ideal choice: a handmade, sustainable, one-of-a-kind piece that quietly asserts real quality and individuality. www.jarapa.co.uk BEST KEPT SECRETS As the home continues to evolve into a space for comfort, wellness and personal expression, Best Kept Secrets is set to launch a stunning new fragrance line for Spring 2026 – the Natural Harmony collection. Bringing together contemporary home styling and exceptional scent performance, Natural Harmony is designed not simply as a fragrance product, but as a décor statement and lifestyle accessory. The collection reflects a shift in consumer behaviour towards cleaner, more sustainable products. Each candle is made with a coconut wax blend – recognised as one of the cleanest candle waxes available – providing a longer, cleaner burn with minimal soot. It is a considered, premium, and environmentally conscious choice for today’s design-led home. Available as reed diffusers, tin candles and a trio of tea lights, the range features 12 evocative fragrances across three signature scent families: Floral, Aromatic and Fresh. Standout blends include Island Berry Grove with notes of Black Pepper, Amber and Wood, and Beyond the Clouds – a bright, uplifting blend of Mandarin and Jasmine. Other hero fragrances include Misty Rose and Moonlit Bay, designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of scent preferences. With elegant, design-focused packaging developed to elevate shelf presence, the Natural Harmony collection has been created with retail environments firmly in mind. It delivers a strong visual impact that lends itself perfectly to crossmerchandising within gifting, interiors and seasonal displays. Its aesthetic sits effortlessly in boutiques and lifestyle retail settings, from independents to garden centres to department stores. For retailers looking to grow their premium candle and diffuser offering, boost impulse-purchase gifting and appeal to fragrance-led home lovers, Natural Harmony is an exciting addition to any retail offering. It blends style, sustainability and fragrance expertise, making it a fantastic range for Spring gifting and beyond. www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
18 PYRAMID INTERNATIONAL Pyramid International has been working hard to develop fresh, innovative ranges that offer something new for fans and retailers alike. With one of the biggest licensing portfolios in the industry and hundreds of IPs to create for, the company is always looking for new ways to bring characters to life in products that feel memorable and fun to use. Leading the Q1 launches are the Luxe Slider Notebooks. Designed with premium finishes and a smooth sliding mechanism, they offer a more elevated feel for stationery lovers and bring an impressive touch to any desk or gift set. The new Face Base Mugs put fan favourite characters front and centre. Sculpted details and bold designs give each mug real personality, making them a brilliant everyday choice for collectors and casual fans. The new Grande Mugs take every day drinkware to the next level. With a tall, modern latte shape and generous capacity, they are designed for fans who want a little more from their morning coffee or evening tea. The Keychain Projector adds a clever spark of fun to daily accessories. Compact, lightweight and full of character, each one projects licensed artwork with a simple click, turning a small keychain into a little moment of magic. Also debuting this quarter are the new lanyards, created to be both practical and collectible. With strong colours, durable materials and striking artwork, they are ideal for conventions, workplaces or simply adding a pop of fandom to an everyday bag. With even more to come throughout the year, Q1 sets the tone for a strong season of newness, creativity and character led design for Pyramid International. www.pyramidinternational.com THE ENGLISH SOAP COMPANY The English Soap Company has launched the latest addition to its beloved Anniversary Collection, the brand-new Foaming Hand and Body Wash. Available in eight of its best-selling fragrances, this luxurious formula elevates everyday cleansing with a light, airy foam that feels gentle on the skin and leaves behind a beautiful, lingering scent. Showcasing the company’s most popular fragrances this collection offers something to suit every taste. Whether you are drawn to fresh and uplifting notes, warm and comforting aromas or rich and floral bouquets, there is a scent to suit every mood and moment. The formula has been developed to cleanse effectively while maintaining softness, making it suitable for both hands and body. As the Anniversary Collection continues to grow, this launch reflects The English Soap Company’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, quality and thoughtful design. Each bottle has been created to sit proudly in any home, combining practicality with the refined aesthetic that defines the collection. The English Soap Company looks forward to presenting the Foaming Hand and Body Wash at Spring Fair, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the fragrances first hand and discover the care and attention that has gone into every detail. This launch marks an exciting chapter for the Anniversary Collection. www.theenglishsoapcompany.com JOE DAVIES The brand new Equilibrium Captured with Love Bracelet Collection from Joe Davies (Spring Fair Hall 4, stand C10-D11) transforms meaningful moments into delicate treasures. Each silver plated bracelet is mounted onto a colourful gift card adorned with a cute verse and contemporary artwork and placed into a tiny glass bottle. With popular captions such as Mum, Friends and A little hug, every design feels like a special message of love, ready to be given and received. Presented on a compact acrylic display stand that takes up minimal valuable space, this collection invites customers to smile and choose a little sentiment to share! www.joedavies.co.uk
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