Luxury Hamper Company Re-launch Website in Time for Busy Christmas Period

The recent launch of luxury hamper company Highland Fayre’s revamped website, www.highlandfayre.co.uk has come at a very opportune time as hamper companies start to gear up for the Christmas season.

Whilst retail stores still face an uncertain future, the online shopping market is forecast to continue to grow at a rate of 14% – 16%. This strong growth curve has been a major factor in the increase of multi channel retailers and, as a result, the consumer can find himself in a position where there are plenty of discounts and offers to consider.

There is no doubt that online gift buying will go from strength to strength; the luxury hamper market is a prime example of this. The increased competition within the hamper market has led to a need for specialist companies to engage and entice the consumer with more than just the traditional Christmas hamper.

In the last few years, popularity within the online personalised card market has experienced considerable growth. Hamper companies have taken note, and have themselves begun to introduce a personalised gift hamper service, allowing consumers to easily create gifts online for any occasion, including Christmas, Anniversary, Corporate, or Birthday hampers. This new diversity is just the beginning in what is going to become a very exciting and interesting e-commerce market.

Although some speculate that the continued growth of the online retailer could have serious consequences for our favourite high street stores, it is not necessarily the case that brick and mortar businesses will disappear as a result. It is true, however, that in order for traditional retail stores to survive, the way in which they do business and engage with customers will need to evolve.

For more information on Highland Fayre, view their website at: www.highlandfayre.co.uk/
With prices starting from as little as £17.95, they stock ranges of gift hampers to suit all budgets.

Highland Fayre ltd. have been supplying luxury hampers, since 1985, to thousands of corporate and private customers throughout the UK and Europe, becoming Scotland’s premier hamper company.

Highland Fayre are also a family owned company who take pride in the personal service offered.

Arklu Launches New British Fashion Doll “Lottie”™

Autumn Leaves Lottie Doll

English Country Garden Lottie Doll

Lottieville Festival Lottie Doll

Pony Flag Race Lottie Doll

Snow Queen Lottie Doll

Spring Celebration Ballet Lottie Doll

Autumn Leaves themed packaging

English Country Garden themed packaging

Lottieville Festival themed packaging

Pony Flag Race themed packaging

Snow Queen themed packaging

Spring Celebration Ballet packaging

Innovative British Toy Company Arklu launches new fashion doll in a David V Goliath battle against the might of Barbie, Monster High and Bratz.

London Toy Company Arklu is launching an exciting new fashion doll, Lottie™, pitting British design and commonsense values in a market dominated by US brands Barbie, Monster High and Bratz.

Arklu’s bestselling Royal Wedding Dolls garnered global press coverage and sales, specifically in the USA. The company has spent the past year on research and development to create a refreshingly different and innovative fashion doll. Their designs previewed at the London Toy Fair to overwhelmingly positive retailer feedback and the company are now bringing their new creation to market in time for Christmas 2012. Taking their learnings from this, Arklu has applied their quintessentially British approach in to a new doll brand.

Designed for girls aged 3 - 8, Lottie™ has been developed with scientific expertise from leading British academics, alongside consumer research, to address parental concerns about other fashion dolls including negative body image, an increased perception of premature sexualisation as well as a desire for a return to good old-fashioned creative and imaginative play.

Unlike other fashion dolls, there is no pushing the envelope with adult agendas such as scanty clothes, high heels, jewellery, tattoos or makeup; these are girl dolls intended for girls. Most of all, Lottie is super cute and rather lovely.

Lottie’s body is ‘childlike’ – as you might expect as she is aged nine; her dimensions (with the exception of her head) are based upon those devised by leading British academics, Professor David McCarthy (Professor of Nutrition and Health at the Institute for Health Research & Policy, London Metropolitan University) and Dr Margaret Ashwell OBE (formerly Science Director of the British Nutrition Foundation).

Her distinctive height of 7” (18cm) sets her apart from other fashion dolls; she’s super cute and easy to pack and carry around.

Lottie™ is designed for maximum creative play value. She has high-quality, strokable hair that doesn’t tangle easily and her premium quality clothes and accessories are detailed and lifelike, with lots of tactile elements. Super cute, fun details such as detachable velcro patches on the clothing make for added appeal and “swapability”. Accessory packs include a picnic set, dressable Biscuit the Beagle dog as well as detachable velcro pony race winner rosettes. A background story is included on each doll box to encourage imaginative roleplay.

Lottie™ has a quintessentially British feel to her, with an emphasis on seasonality, quirky attention to detail as well as ‘Back to Basics’ play values. Lottie™ is about celebrating childhood in all its many facets; imagination, creativity and pretty clothes, as well as being bold, brave and active in the Great Outdoors. She is flexible, poseable and can stand on her own two feet….a life-skill that is important for girls both big and small. The brand’s (and Lottie’s) approach to life is summed up in the tagline: “Be bold, be brave, be you”.

The bright and colourful packaging has been specifically designed with an eye to lessening use of excessive plastic blister packaging. Each doll box is themed and designed with a cute handle to encourage reuse and doll portability.

The complete range of Lottie™ dolls and accessories are available now at leading retailers and specialty stores, and online at www.lottie.com and Amazon. Like Lottie Dolls on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/lottiedolls
and on Twitter @Lottie_dolls
Dolls retail at £16.99 ($19.99 in USA); accessory packs at £7.99 ($12.99 in USA).

DOLLS
Pony Flag Race (£16.99 /$19.99)
Lottie loves to be out in the countryside riding her pony, Black Beauty. Lottie enjoys taking part in gymkhana competitions and games on horseback. It’s fun to take part and try your best. The Pony Flag Race is Lottie’s favourite; she loves the challenge of trying to pick up, carry and put down a flag while riding Black Beauty. Who will win the race?

Spring Celebration Ballet (£16.99 / $19.99)
Lottie loves to dance and is really excited to be performing in the Spring Celebration Ballet at Lottieville Theatre. Lottie works hard to prepare and practices for hours on end to perfect her dance steps, including pirouettes and arabesques. Will the performance be a success? Will Lottie remember all her dance steps?

English Country Garden (£16.99 / $19.99)
Spring has sprung and Lottieville is full of bright, colourful flowers, the smell of freshly cut grass, the distant hum of bees buzzing and the gentle flitter of butterflies across the meadows. Lottie loves to be outside and to enjoy a picnic in the garden, especially with her favourite strawberry fairy cakes.

Lottieville Festival (£16.99 / $19.99)
Summer has arrived at last! The sun is shining and the sky is blue as Lottieville prepares for its annual Festival. Lottie is excited and is looking forward to live music, face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Will the good weather continue or will the celebrations be spoiled by rain?

Autumn Leaves (£16.99 / $19.99)
Lottie loves Autumn and especially the changing colours of the leaves on the trees. Wrapped up warm in her coat, hat, scarf and boots, Lottie explores Lottieville Forest with her dog, Biscuit the Beagle, kicking her way through all the crisp, colourful leaves. Getting muddy, kicking leaves and building dens is just so much fun!

Snow Queen (£16.99 / $19.99)
Lottie is thrilled to receive a party invitation to the Lottieville Masked Ball. Inspired by one of her favourite stories, Lottie decides to dress as a Snow Queen. Wearing a silver, sparkly mask and a magnificent ice blue and frosty white gown studded with silver snowflakes – will any of her friends recognise her?

ACCESSORY PACKS
Pony Flag Race Accessory Pack (£7.99 / $12.99)
Fleece jumper, riding hat cover, trophy and 3 velcro rosettes.

Biscuit the Beagle Accessory Pack (£7.99 / $12.99)
Biscuit the Beagle dog figure, dog coat, leash, dog bed, bone and drinking bowl.

English Country Garden Accessory Pack (£7.99 / $12.99)
Picnic rug, picnic basket, 2 cups, 2 plates, 2 strawberry fairy cakes.

FACTFILE:
Arklu is a toy development company based in London, UK. Creators of the best selling Royal Wedding Dolls.
For more information please visit: www.lottie.com

Stone Rose Jewellery for unique Christmas presents

Stone Rose Jewellery sells stunning hand-crafted jewellery; with dazzling and sparkling designs, they are best described as an Aladdin's cave of treasures. They have a variety of incredible collections to suit different tastes and their gorgeous bespoke jewellery is perfect for your Christmas gift guide.

If you are searching for bold, statement jewellery, look no further than Stone Rose's 'Stardust' collection. Using rich, vibrant colours and crystals, these eye-catching designs twinkle like the lights on the Christmas tree.

Alternatively, their 'Elegance' collection has striking, yet understated, jewellery. Made with Swarovski crystals, pearls, silver and gold these designs are opulent and suited to those with sophisticated tastes.

Stone Rose Jewellery is fantastic. Sparkly and glamorous, their designs are perfect for this magical time of year. You can view these tantalising pieces at www.stonerosejewellery.com.

Harveys Bristol Cream and Christmas

Heralding the festive season as loudly as Christmas jumpers and carol singers, this seasonal favourite is loved by family and friends alike.

Whether you sneak a sip whilst basting the turkey, mix it in a fashionable cocktail or toast the Queen’s speech with an annual tipple, one taste of Harveys Bristol Cream will put everyone in an unfailingly jolly mood.  

Its  distinctive nutty, dried fruit flavours and softly spicy aromas make Harveys the perfect accompaniment to some of the season’s best-loved foods; buttery mince pies and indulgent luxury Christmas puddings. 

(EDITOR: Every year, my wife and I like to watch the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol whilst eating mince pies and sipping Harveys Bristol Cream!)

Harveys Bristol Cream (75cl RRP £9.22) is widely available in supermarkets across the UK.

Harveys over ice with a slice of orange

The simplest of serves, Harveys over ice with a slice of orange brings out the taste of candied orange and perfectly complements the dried fruit and toasted almond flavours of this delicious sherry.

Recipe:

•             Place two or three cubes of ice in a tumbler

•             Pour over 50ml Harveys Bristol Cream

•             Garnish with a slice of orange

Harveys mulled apple and winter spice

Recipe (serves six):

•             Slowly warm 200ml Harveys Bristol Cream with 500ml premium pressed apple juice, six cloves and 50g vanilla sugar in a pan for 10-15 minutes to release the incredible flavours

•             Strain the liquid into a warmed 2 pint/ 1 litre punch bowl

•             Garnish with apple slices and serve in glass mugs decorated with star anise

NOTANOTHERBILL is the great new gift that keeps on giving!

In this modern day and age no one receives anything good in the post, just bills and the odd pizza menu...

NOTANOTHERBILL is here to revitalise your letterbox. It’s a new subscription service where you receive a beautifully wrapped and carefully curated surprise present in the post every month - something that is not another bill.

Presents are sourced from far and wide with the aim of introducing subscribers to great artists, designers and brands.

Presents to date have ranged from limited edition art prints, collaborations with up and coming designers, exclusive leather products, jewellery, and even a ‘Take over the world kit’.

Each beautifully packaged surprise comes with a personalised letter explaining more about the present, where it was sourced and why NOTANOTHERBILL think you’ll like it.

It costs £15 per month and you can subscribe for yourself (or as a gift) from 1 month to a whole year – to find out more visit www.notanotherbill.com “BILLS ARE BORING, GET COOL SURPRISE PRESENTS INSTEAD”

Give them a gift of love. Give them Single Malts for Christmas!

Don’t let choosing whisky be a daunting task this Christmas, check out our handpicked selection of award winning single malts guaranteed to impress your loved ones this festive season...

The foodie in your family, will love nosing Highland Park 12 Year Old and discovering the characteristic honey sweetness followed by fruit.  On the palate it is drying with a hint of gentle smoke and a flavour that just keeps on going. (RRP £31.65) Highland Park’s full portfolio of single malts is available at www.highlandpark.co.uk. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Co-op and Somerfield.

The gift of Ardmore is perfect for the person eager to discover a new dram this holiday season.  With an unshakable belief in traditional distilling methods, Ardmore Traditional Cask delivers a sweet ripe fruit start followed by the tang of peat. (RRP £30.93) The full Ardmore portfolio is available from www.ardmorewhisky.com. Ardmore Traditional Cask is available in selected major multiples and all good whisky shops.

Presented in its iconic bottle, The Glenrothes Select Reserve is the very essence of The Glenrothes range.  Perfect for the most stylist gent on your Christmas list, Select Reserve is produced in The Glenrothes ‘House Style’ laden with ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice.  (RRP £36.18) The Glenrothes full portfolio of single malts is available at www.theglenrothes.com. The Glenrothes Select Reserve is available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda and whisky specialists.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is an ideal dram for the adventurer amongst your friends.  The vibrant single malt shows soft sweetness and a velvety feel when first tasted, then the intense peatiness so unique to Laphroaig comes bursting through. (RRP £35.99) Laphroaig’s full portfolio is available at www.laphroaig.com and Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt is available in all major multiples.

For the whisky aficionado, Highland Park 18 Year Old is an ideal gift this Christmas.  Twice named, "Best Spirit in the World" by US spirits writer F. Paul Pacult, this single malt displays characteristic toffee sweetness and leaves you with a full, smokey finish.  (RRP £68.48) Highland Park’s full portfolio of single malts is available at www.highlandpark.co.uk. Highland Park 18 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Co-op, Somerfield and whisky specialists.

For the lady or gent that enjoys the classic things in life, the gift of The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old will not disappoint.  This signature style Macallan is wonderfully rich in colour with hints of dried fruits, spice and chocolate orange. (RRP £76) The Macallan’s full portfolio is available at www.themacallan.com. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old is in specialist whisky retailers.

For the single malt fan, spoil them with the Laphroaig 18 Year Old.  Made in limited quantities each year and savoured by a fortunate few, the immediate taste is an oak sweetness, from 18 years in the cask. A faint hint of the sea can be detected, testimony to its time maturing on the sea-sprayed island of Islay. (RRP: £77.17) Laphroaig’s full portfolio is available at www.laphroaig.com and Laphroaig 18 Year Old is available in specialist whisky retailers.

Get them a special personalised mug for Christmas!

Everyone needs mugs. And mugs make excellent Christmas presents. Especially the supremely elegeant and rather fetching personalised mugs carefully crafted by Mclaggan Smith Mugs.

Mclaggan Smith Mugs have a special and incredibly funky knit pattern. Each mug costs £8.00 and for an additional £5.00 you can have the handle personalised (uo to 30 characters.) for the ideal gift for that extra-special person in your life!

To learn more please visit Mclaggan Smith Mugs at www.msmugs.com or call them on 01389 755 655