Tuesday 24 October 2023

The UKs Biggest and best Christmas Gift fair is back at the NEC

Be really inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start at the ever popular 4-day Festive Gift Fair this November. 

Now in its 27th fabulous year, it remains one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK for a good reason!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful, eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, festive food and drink and great Christmas decorations for your home and garden. 325+ stalls all in one hall …. with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes … and lots of Special Show Offers!

The festive atmosphere is always fantastic! While browsing the stalls, let the music get you into tha Christmassy mood and enjoy being entertained by the Grinch … up to his usual menacing antics, Father Christmas with his amazing sleigh, a whole variety of Christmas harmonies by our live musicians and jazz stilt walkers who will be legging it up the aisles!

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area where you’ll find tempting stalls selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beers to brownies and hampers to hog roasts!

To get you in the mood here’s just a small sample of great presents ideas on offer this year!

Amazing children's gifts

You’ve managed to hide the presents out of sight from little eyes for weeks, and now the big day is here. All smiles on Christmas day!

Bright wooden Fair-trade toys for little astronauts and explorers by Lanka Kade that inspire kids to learn through play. Choose from a Noah’s Ark shape sorter to a 5-4-3-2-1 Blast Off space toy.

Welcome the UK’s No 1 sticker company Fun Stickers with over 1000 designs, you name it, they’ve got it! – tattoos, animals, party bag fillers and lots of Festive ones too.

Fun for all the family in the countdown to Christmas – advent calendars by In Sync Games. Solve the escape room questions for a sweet reward.

Award winning tech company Octagon Studio specialise in flash cards of animals, space, dinosaurs that bring 4D life onto your screens. Incredible technology and present for all ages.

Popular stall Oakmont Distribution will once again be selling branded toys and craft kits at unbeatable prices!

Head to Toys of Character for excellent range of Pocket Money Toys, from Everlasting play foam, Disney squish-a-boos to twiddle cubes and TY soft toys.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Christmas is all about family, friendships and …. delicious food and drink. You’ll find a vast array of tasty treats and boozy delights that you can sample before you buy.

Choose from 15 fantastic cheeses by The Cheshire Cheese Company. Try their best sellers like ‘caramelised onion and rioja’ or ‘Irish whisky and stem ginger.’

For a sweet-tooth taste sensation, try good old fashioned gourmet fudge by Penny Lane Fudges.

Liquorice peanut butter, sea salt and caramel fudge to name just a few!

From plough to bottle, G & T Cornish Gin make a delicious range of tea distilled gins from ‘Cornish Cream Tea Gin’ to ‘Winter Blend Spicey Gin’.

The proof is in the eating, once tasted, Georgie Porgie's traditional melt-in-the-mouth Christmas puddings are impossible to resist!

Take your tastebuds on an adventure with Bugvita – superfoods packed with protein made from edible cricket insects!

Sheer luxury in a gold ingot box by Perfect Tipple, unique sparkling wine infused with 23 carat gold flakes! Great talking point!

Take home a box of gorgeously gooey brownies in over 30 flavours hand made by The Brownie Bar.

Discover your rebel spirit with O'Donnell Moonshine whose hand-made spirits and liqueurs are distinctively bottled in original Mason jars… try Sticky Toffee and Roasted Apple and Tough Nut….

Great stall for liquorice lovers, Black Liquorice Company source the finest liquorice from all over the world and have a vast range of both salty and sweet and even a liquorice syrup!

For partyware, stationery and cake decorating ideas – head to the Evelay stall full of cake toppers, flags, cracker kits and loads more.

For all the ladies in your life?

Pamper your Mum, Granny, Sister, Best Friends, Wife or Girlfriend with a special present this Christmas ….

Simply gorgeous – Primal Chakra make Reiki energy candles scented with pure essential oils and embellished with crystals – for an air of calm and relaxation.

Clutch bags, tote bags, back packs, shoulder bags, cross body bags and party bags – The Handbag Company specialise in premium leather bags at discounted prices.

The Cosy Chocolate Company sell handcrafted decadent drinking hot chocolate in individual pouches or gift sets – so find the perfect cosy moment to curl up and enjoy.

Jewellery designers The Picnic Blanket Company are passionate about creating beautiful whimsical beaded jewellery – stack a few bracelets on your wrist or ankle for the latest showstopping fashion.

Transform your hairstyle with the Golden Curl range of hair straightener and curlers, demonstrated at the Fair by Exclusive Retail.

To turn a head at parties or weddings, visit the Poppy Daisy stall to try on their exquisite hand-made flower headbands.

Husband and wife team formed Letterbox Love in the first National lockdown. Wanting to spread some positivity and kindness with their affordable jewellery message cards by post.

What about the hard to buy for chaps in your life?

Whatever he’s into, whether it be technology, sport, music…. there’s plenty of cool ideas at the Fair.

You’ll need time to browse on the Rebel Records and Toys stall.

Selling all your favourite vinyl discs from David Bowie to Queen and all the 80’s, plus nostalgic comics and toys.

For your after-dinner tipple – delicious Real Sloe Gin made from wild blackthorn bush and infused with gin by Condessa Fruit Liquers.

For hours of fun after your Christmas dinner! Puzzle Post have designed a cool and neat game for a group of up to 8 people – work together to solve 9 puzzles to get you all out of the challenging escape Room.

For great family fun. Take your micro drone by Extreme Flyers to the park – everyone will want a turn to testing their flying skills.

Get chopping the veg and carving the roast, Paudin sell Chef a fabulous set of 3 sharp Japanese Chef’s knives made of high carbon stainless steel.

Inspired by Super Mario, Pac-Man and Pokemon – Retro Gaming Centre will be showcasing their fun new gifts and stocking fillers.

For a unique personal gift, chose a men’s modern leather bracelet featuring their initial in a choice of classy colours by Instinct UK.

Décor for the festive season?

Dressing the tree? Well, that's just the start! Decorating your table, hall and mantle-piece with family heirlooms, twinkling lights, greenery, door wreaths and candles can all help make Christmas really special!

If a rustic traditional Christmas is your style, Tollhouse Country Crafts hand-make a huge selection of wreaths and garlands using dried fruit, cinnamon, pinecones and spices.

Nothing says Christmas more gloriously than a display of flickering candles that smell scent-sational by

Fragrance Sand

Popular 1 Stop Christmas Shop will be back with their great range of seasonal decorations.

Cards for Good Causes is the UK’s largest multi charity non-profit card retailer. By working as a collective group with lots of volunteers, they ensure that every penny of the customers money goes to those that need it most.

Baubles are not just for Christmas– mother and daughter team hand decorate every bauble with images of animals, flowers etc. to have on show all year.

For the dancing diva in you! Look out for LV Bespoke with their glitter ball range in which to hang your plants, plus loads of indoor plants and garden accessories.

Fairy Light Balloons will be selling stunning luminous helium LED balloons – fabulous for kids to wake up to on Christmas morning.

Join them with your friends and family for an inspiring and fun-filled day Christmas shopping at the Festive Gift Fair.

Tickets are on sale at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

Great value! - Advance adult tickets from just £7 (plus transaction fee)

Take advantage of the Special Ticket Offer – ‘Buy 3 and get 1 FREE’ on advance Thursday/Friday adult full day tickets.

The Festive Gift Fair is open daily 09.30 – 17.00

Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th November at NEC, Birmingham.

For list of stallholders, entertainment programme and visitor information, please visit

www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

Searching for a special Christmas gift for a special person in your life? Emilia Mala has them for you

Whether you're in seeking out a gift for an animal enthusiast, a spiritually inclined individual, or someone with a penchant for hedonistic living, Emilia Mala offers a diverse selection of printed silk scarves. 

Each piece of artwork is a vibrant narrative in itself, making it a unique and meaningful choice. Crafted in England from high-quality 100% silk twill, these scarves are available in two sizes: 60x60 cm and 130x130 cm, priced at £85 and £189, respectively. You can find them for purchase on emiliamala.com.

Founded in 2017 in London, Emilia Mala's core mission is to re-invent the timeless silk scarf by employing the art of visual storytelling. These prints are derived from hand-drawn illustrations and encompass themes from shamanistic wisdom to materialism. The creative force behind the brand is Anna Tuomaala, responsible for all design and artwork.

Try Weirdstock for Christmas gifting

Weirdstock, a New Female-founded Ethical Bedding Brand, Making a Statement with Colourful Retro Designs.

Weirdstock is a small London-based homewares brand specialising in organic cotton bedding in bold, retro-inspired prints.

Launched by Johanna Haughey-Lewis in September 2023, their range bridges the gap between vintage style and modern quality, while also having a minimal impact on the planet.

Each product has been thoughtfully designed to be fun and uplifting, injecting some 1970s eclecticism into your unique and joyful home.

Their sheets are 100% organic cotton, ethically sourced, and have that deluxe 'hotel-feel', so you can have a positively groovy bedroom without compromising on quality.

While Weirdstock is predominantly an ecommerce branding selling at our own website weirdstock.co.uk, we have also taken part in the award-winning Salad Days market, and we are currently stocked at Radical Giving, a boutique independent store in Lewes East Sussex. We are also joining the Wolf and Badger family, and will be stocked by Wolf & Badger online from 1st November 2023. 

Maximum impact, minimal fuss - Easy to create Christmas recipe ideas from Wayfair

This Christmas, Wayfair is inviting you to embrace your style and space, inviting colour and joy into your home.

Putting unique finds at your fingertips, with an unparalleled selection all in one place, curating the perfect look to suit your scheme is made easy. It’s time to ‘Go Your Own Wayfair’ for Christmas 2023!

With a huge choice of bakeware, dining and cookware online at Wayfair.co.uk, be inspired with showstopping, Instagrammable recipes, for maximum impact and minimal fuss, for the extra wow-factor this December.

New for 2023 Christmas recipes available:

- Wonka-inspired 'Rocky Road Wreath'

- Enchanting colour changing 'Magical Mermaid Mocktail'

- Nod to nostalgia 'Kitsch Christmas Trifle Cake'

- Cranberry crush 'Festive Christmas Mocktail'

- Super simple canapé idea 'Honey Roast Beetroot Blinis with Goats Cheese' 

Honey roast beetroot blinis with goat's cheese recipe

Makes 12

Ingredients

- 12 shop bought blinis

- 4 tbsp of shop bought beetroot houmous

- 100g baby cooked (un-vinegared) beetroot, sliced into 12 wedges

- 2 tbsp honey

- 1 pinch of chilli flakes

- 75g, soft goats’ cheese, crumbled

- A few sprigs of fresh parsley to garnish

- Salt and pepper to season

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.

2. Add the beetroot wedges to an oven proof dish, drizzle with the honey, a pinch of chilli flakes and a twist of salt and pepper.

3. Roast the beetroot for 15- 20 minutes, until sticky and glazed.

4. Arrange the blinis on a serving platter and top each with a tsp of beetroot houmous, a wedge of honey glazed beetroot and little crumbled goats cheese.

5. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and serve.

Let Desenio make your Christmas a stunning one

This Christmas season, deck your walls with all-new festive art prints and create the perfect backdrop for cocktail parties, mistletoe kisses and gift-wrapping marathons! Everyone celebrates differently - that's why Desenio is launching four interior collections, and four ways to celebrate the festive season!

"We know everyone celebrates the Christmas season in different ways. That's why we have launched four different interior collections, so that you can decorate your home in a way that suits you and your loved ones best," says Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio.

Christmas is a time for traditions. Turn your home into a nostalgic Christmas movie with a classic green and red aesthetic. 

"Embrace family traditions with a timeless aesthetic in reds and greens, creating a feeling of nostalgia and togetherness," added Annica Wallin.


It's a time for Peace

Reflect on the past year in a serene environment, with bright and hopeful hues.

 "Scandi minimalism meets the pure winter aesthetic in cool tones. This peaceful collection evokes a sense of serenity and hope," pointed out Annica Wallin.


A time for joy

Christmas is a time for playfulness! Have fun with colour and create a home full of joy.

"Make space for playfulness and joy this holiday season! Mismatching pinks and reds creates a festive but carefree aesthetic," said Annica Wallin.

A time for comfort

Light the fireplace and get cosy with your loved ones in a warming and nature-inspired home.

"Incorporate evergreen nature into your home this season with green tones and woodland imagery, creating a cosy and comforting atmosphere," says Annica Wallin.

www.desenio.com

Aldi’s Hotel Collection Candle Advent Calendar available soon

Counting down the days to Christmas has never been so luxurious as Aldi launches its first ever Candle Advent Calendar (£24.99). 

Featuring 25 candles ranging from Aldi’s best-selling scents to brand new and exclusive fragrances, all housed in a gorgeous premium teal and rose gold box complete with bow, Christmas is coming early this year! 

Available in stores from 29th October, it’s the perfect gift for those that love life’s little luxuries, although shoppers will need to need to be quick as with all Specialbuys once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Hidden behind numbered doors, candle fans will be stunned and surprised with a new single-wick scented candle each day as Christmas nears, including a selection of brand-new Hotel Collection scents. 

The NEW Birch & Hawthorn oozes leathery bark notes with a hint of vanilla and almond, while the NEW Tonka Bean & Pistachio is nutty and herbaceous with sweet, woody touches. Or, for a true scent of Christmas, Ginger Biscuit which will invite a warm, spiced scent into your home.

Ideal for lighting while unwrapping presents beneath the tree, there’s the delightful NEW Christmas Morning scent, as well as other festive-inspired fragrances such as Roasted Chestnut and fresh Peppermint.

Fans of Aldi’s Hotel Collection candle range will also be thrilled to see some returning favourites, including Peony Blush, Oud & Bergamot and Sweet Almond & Macaroon, as well as the best-selling Lime, Basil & Mandarin.

The full candle selection includes:

Ginger Biscuit

NEW Birch & Hawthorn

NEW Tonka Bean & Pistachio

Lime, Basil & Mandarin

Blackberry & Bay

Pomegranate

Pine & Eucalyptus

Bitter Orange

Peony Blush

Amber Woods

Velvety Rose

Oud & Bergamot

Fig & Cassis

Oak & Redcurrant

Sweet Almond & Macaroon

Opium Noir

Night Orchid

Myrrh & Sweet Tonka

Roast Chestnuts

NEW Snowdrops

Peppermint

NEW Midnight Musk & Amber

Oud Wood & Vetiver

NEW Cypress & Eucalyptus

NEW Christmas Morning 

Aldi’s Hotel Collection Candle Advent Calendar will be available in stores from 29th October while stocks last.

It costs £24.99.

www.aldi.co.uk

Christmas crisp alternatives from Aldi

Aldi’s latest launch of new limited-edition Walkers Christmas Pudding Crisps has caused a bit of a stir on heated social media.

Festive snack lovers are heading to Aldi stores to pick up the brand-new, limited-edition Walkers Festive Selection Pack, featuring unique Christmas-related flavours: Sweet & Spiced Christmas Pudding, Pigs in Blankets and Festive Turkey (£1.65, 5 pack).

The Christmas Pudding flavour, which has just landed on Aldi shelves, has sparked heated debate on social media, with one TikTok user calling the crisps a ‘crime against humanity’ while a Facebook user claimed that they taste ‘strangely nice’.

This new arrival will join Aldi’s existing range of quirky, festive crisp flavours in stores including the Specially Selected Hand Cooked Pigs in Blankets Crisps and the Specially Selected Hand Cooked Turkey and Stuffing Crisps, as well as the brand NEW Specially Selected Wagyu Dripping Roast Potato Crisps and Specially Selected Spicy Chorizo and Turkey Crisps (all £1.15, 150g).

As with all Aldi Specialbuys, shoppers best be quick to bag the new Walkers additions as once they’re gone, they’re gone. Aldi’s own brand festive crisp range will remain on shelves until Christmas.

Aldi’s Christmas Crisps range is available in stores now, so get down to Aldi as soon as possible!

https://www.aldi.co.uk