The year 2024 brings our seven new Christmas ranges that will transform your home into a winter wonderland. From snow-covered sanctuaries to whimsical wonderlands, these ranges offer something for everyone.
Let's take a closer look at each range and discover the perfect additions to your Christmas celebrations.
Make a snow-covered sanctuary with the Frosted Haven range.
This range captures the serene beauty of a winter landscape with its glimmering snowflakes and sparkling diamantes. The decorations in Frosted Haven are adorned with shimmering glitter and reflective mirror finishes that beautifully reflect their attractive accompaniments.
The wintry shades of white, grey, and silver combine to create a majestic landscape that contrasts with feelings of warmth and cosiness. Imagine dreamy polar bears and blissful penguins playing amongst the modernistic fir trees, while the stars shine brightly above.
Frosted Haven embraces winter, creating a Christmas atmosphere that is both calm and bright.
Get closer to nature with the Nordic Lights range, which brings an enchanting woodland trail to life within your home.
Inspired by the beauty of nature, this range features decorations adorned with natural textures, foliage, rattan, and pinecones. Luscious shades of green, radiant red, and golden-brown dominate the Nordic Lights collection, reflecting the vibrant colours of the great outdoors.
Along the pathway of this range, you'll find adorable characters like red-breasted robins, frivolous foxes, dazzling deer, and ornate owls.
These charming decorations evoke the cosy feeling of log cabins, roaring log fires, and festive snowfall, offering good tidings for all during the most wonderful time of the year.
Let whimsy and delight fill your home with the Whimsical range.
This range embraces the joy of Christmas with an array of decorations featuring voluptuous velvet, bright beading, cheerful pom-poms, and a dash of cheekiness.
The colour palette of Whimsical is dominated by pastel colours alongside zestful oranges and lemons, which create a world filled with seasonal merriment.
Imagining entering a magical space where gingerbread houses line the shelves and fashionable flamingos, sleeping sloths, and dainty dachshunds add a touch of charm and fun.
The delectable array of tempting sweet treats completes the sugar-coated wonderland of Whimsical, ensuring Christmas remains merry and bright for the whole family.
Experience the timeless charm of traditional Christmas table decorations, festivities with the Santa & Friends range.
Here you can enter Santa's toy workshop and find yourself surrounded by traditional wooden gifts and decorations featuring beautiful hand-painted finishes and shiny ceramic accents.
Santa Claus red, elfish green, gingerbread brown, and ballerina pink dominate the vibrant spectrum of colours, inspired by North Pole preparations for the holiday season.
Let your children's festive dreams come true with images of familiar favourites such as cuddly teddy bears, toy soldiers, decorative baubles, wrapped gifts under the tree, and carousels with ornamental horses.
Santa & Friends invites families to be transported to a never-before-seen land, raising smiles and anticipation ahead of Christmas Day.
Your Christmas celebrations will shimmer elegance with the Regal Tidings range.
This collection combines traditional wooden gifts and decorations with beautiful hand-painted finishes and shiny ceramics. The vibrant spectrum of colours includes Santa Claus red, elfish green, gingerbread brown, and ballerina pink, creating a sense of regal opulence.
Adornments such as adorable teddy bears, toy soldiers, Christmas table decorations, decorative baubles, and wrapped gifts under the tree evoke cherished memories. Watch as the rotating ornamental carousels create a magical ambiance, filled with smiles and anticipation.
Regal Tidings brings forth a land where elegance and festivity intertwine, harmonising the traditional and the extraordinary.
Indulge in the mesmerising allure of the night sky with the Noir range. This collection boasts exquisite ornaments adorned with starry patterns that twinkle upon ornate terracotta, hammered brass, and reactive glass surfaces. Making for the perfect Christmas table decorations.
Sequins, tassels, and an array of eye-catching embellishments enhance the glamorous appeal of this range. Dark, moody blues collide with sparkling gold, reminiscent of the beautiful contrast between the night sky and the shining stars within it.
Astronomical imagery takes centre stage, featuring planets, crescent moons, and glistening suns, creating a dramatic and captivating display. Noir offers a uniquely visual, trend-led experience that warms the soul like the sun, bringing celestial magic into every corner of your home.
Transport yourself to an enchanting, blush wonderland with the Bellini range. This collection brings together feminine and glamorous elements, creating a captivating ambiance cantered around timeless, decadent hospitality and celebration.
The key elements of Bellini range from rose quartz, pearls, feathers to resin encapsulated florals. Prepare to be amazed by the stunningly beautiful statement centrepieces adorned with elaborate packaging, which will undoubtedly be the talking point of Christmas 2024.
The colour palette revolves around blush pink tones, rose gold, gold, with hints of white, plum, and teal, creating a sophisticated and dreamy atmosphere.
With its fairy-tale essence, Bellini emanates a sense of quality and elegance, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations.
Each of the seven ranges outlined above offers a unique experience, allowing you to create a customised Christmas atmosphere in your home.
Whether it's the snow-covered sanctuary of Frosted Haven, the nature-inspired festivities of Nordic Lights, or the whimsical delight of the holiday season with the Whimsical range, there's something for everyone.
So, explore these ranges, unleash your creativity, and make your Christmas celebrations truly enchanting and memorable.
Merry Christmas!
]]>Beyond its beloved characters and enchanting stories, Disney also offers a treasure trove of delightful home decor items that can infuse your living space with the same whimsy and charm.
In this blog post, we invite you to explore the realm of Disney-inspired home decor gifts, as we showcase a collection of enchanting pieces that will bring a touch of Disney magic to your everyday life.
Adorning your walls with Disney character art is a fantastic way to inject a burst of colour and personality into your home. From classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to beloved princesses and superheroes, you can find a wide range of photo frames and plaques which celebrate your favourite Disney icons. Whether you opt for a minimalist silhouette or a vibrant depiction, these Disney photo frames and albums will instantly create a playful and nostalgic ambiance.
Transform your abode into a whimsical space with Mickey Mouse-themed homeware. From adorable Mickey-shaped kitchen mugs and glasses, to candle holders, and planters adorned with his iconic silhouette. Not only do they add a playful element to your home decor, but they also serve as delightful conversation starters for guests.
For those who appreciate the art of collecting, Disney offers a vast array of collectibles and figurines that can serve as focal points for your home decor. From intricate figurines capturing magical moments to decorative ornaments that showcase iconic scenes, these meticulously crafted pieces evoke the enchantment and nostalgia associated with Disney. Display them on shelves, mantels, or dedicated curio cabinets to add a touch of elegance and playfulness to your living space.
Unlock the magic of saving with our enchanting Disney money boxes. Delightfully designed and adorned with your favourite Disney characters, these money boxes are more than just a place to stash your coins—they are a gateway to dreams and adventures. Let the charm of Disney inspire you to save for that special something or create a magical fund for unforgettable experiences. With our Disney money boxes, every coin becomes a step closer to making wishes come true.
This holiday season, let the magic of Disney infuse your home with joy and wonder. Our enchanting collection of Disney Christmas decorations will transport you to a world where dreams come true and holiday spirit fills the air. From beloved characters to iconic symbols, these whimsical adornments will make your Christmas truly unforgettable. Get ready to create cherished memories as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Disney.
With Disney-inspired home decor gifts, you can transform your living space into a captivating haven where the magic of Disney comes alive. From wall art to kitchenware, figurines to collectibles, these enchanting pieces bring a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, making every day a celebration of cherished childhood memories. Let the magic of Disney fill your home and inspire your imagination as you create a space that reflects your love for all things Disney.
Make sure to view the collections you find the most incising by clicking the links inside of this blog to explore further!
]]>
But what do you buy?
There are so many options everywhere, but most don't seem to match our partners personality type.
At the Home of Gifts we have something for everyone, from romantic jewellery to cosy home décor. With our wide selection of Valentine’s Day gifts,
We have broken down the most common relationship personality types so you can browse for that perfect gift.
If you’re looking for a traditional gift, we have a wide assortment of jewellery pieces and keepsakes that are perfect for expressing your love.
Choose from necklaces, photo frames, cushions and in a variety of styles, from classic to modern.
We also have a selection of silver-plated keepsakes that are sure to show how much you care.
For the romantic at heart, our selection of flowers and plants are a great way to brighten up their day.
Choose from a variety of roses, tulips, and other blooms that are sure to bring a smile to their face.
We have a selection of potted plant pots that are perfect for those who love the outdoors.
If your loved one loves to relax and unwind, we have a selection of cosy home décor and accessories that will make them feel right at home.
Choose from soft throws, candles, aromatherapy diffusers, and more that are sure to be appreciated.
We even have a selection of spa products that will make them feel pampered and special.
For the creative type, a more unique and personal gift is best.
Think outside the box and consider something that shows your partner that you put thought and effort into their present.
A personalized scrapbook, a romantic photo album, or a handmade gift are all great options.
A creative date night idea like a dance class, pottery painting, or cooking together is also sure to be appreciated.
No matter what type of partner you have, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation and make them feel special.
Take the time to get to know your partner's personality type and their individual needs, and you're sure to have a memorable and romantic Valentine's Day.
]]>
Christmas day is on its way…
The Christmas tree is up and filled with baubles, the house is decorated with soft glistening lights, the nostalgic sounds of festive music travels through our streets, and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread fills our home.
But the holiday season can feel stressful when you realise you’ve fallen behind on gift buying. If only there was a cost-effective way to make your loved ones Christmas morning that little bit more special…
Good news is on it’s way - we think stocking fillers might be able to help you out.
Stocking fillers are a cost-effective way of giving your friends and family lots of presents to open on Christmas morning. After all, spoiling loved ones shouldn’t have to break the bank. It’s a win-win for everyone!
We all know how amazing it feels to be able to give close family members a few presents to open on the big day. For this reason, stockings offer a gifting experience like no other, and the joy on families faces will be worth every penny.
Stocking fillers usually end up costing around £5 - £15 each, so depending on your budget, you can fill your loved one’s stocking or Christmas Eve box with a range of different gifts.
You can get presents for loads of different sizes within this price range, but remember, the smaller the gift the more you can fill your stocking.
Stocking fillers usually range from funny gifts and gadgets, to quirky, unusual, or useful gifts. The goal is to create a gifting experience that will bring a smile to the receiver’s face that will last all through the festive season,
Confectionary in the form of chocolates and sweets make a great addition to any Christmas stocking, particularly if you are compiling one for a little one. Scented candles, hot chocolate, personalised gifts, or gift sets also often go down very well.
This Christmas gift guide will help to give you some guidance and inspiration on what can be used to fill up your stockings. If you’re wondering how to decorate your home using Christmas tree decorations, Christmas baubles and Christmas table decorations.
But before you get too carried away and start to buy gifts, it is important to choose the best stocking.
Or, if you love some arts and crafts, why not get creative and make your own stocking? For this, you’ll need some fabric, sewing thread, and other small Christmas decorations like stars, sequins, or anything else you can think of.
1) Choose your preferred stocking fabric
2) Cut two fabric pieces into stocking shapes
3) Stitch the two fabric pieces together
4) Sew a white cuff at the top
5) Decorate it!
All of these items can be easily found in our DIY stocking set, including more detailed instructions. This is sure to make for a fun festive activity.
We all have an important woman in our lives. Whether it’s your partner, sister, mother, or daughter, they would certainly all appreciate some well thought out gifts on Christmas day. Nobody is too young or too old for stocking fillers, so make sure everyone gets a few little treats, even Grandma!
Men have always been notoriously hard to buy for, when you ask what they would like for Christmas, the response you usually get is the common ‘I don’t really need anything’.
The good thing about stocking fillers is that they don’t need to be expensive luxury gifts that they are going to use every day. They can just be small presents to make them smile and laugh. Games also go down really well on Christmas day to bring everyone together to enjoy that special family time.
It's no secret that Children absolutely love stocking fillers. The gifts feed into their excitement and festive spirit massively, and of course kids love having more presents to open. They are usually the easiest to buy for as any game or sweet treats always go down well.
If you are buying for any specific family members, we have listed down below some personalised gift ideas you can buy for different members in your family.
Are you looking for any personalised gifts for Mum? Choosing gifts that are designed with ‘mum’ or ‘mummy’ will certainly mean a lot to her. Browse below to see some more personalised gift options for mum:
Is your Dad the number one man in your life? For this year’s stocking fillers for dad, The Home of Gifts have a range of small but meaningful presents that are sure to show him you care this Christmas.
Whether older or younger, sisters always deserve a treat over the festive season. Show her that you think she is the best sister in the world this year by showering her with amazing stocking fillers that she deserves.
Brothers can be more than just family; they can be our first friends or even the person we have shared most of our ups and downs with. They often know you the best and have seen you at your worst, so show them how much you appreciate them this year by filling their stockings with goodies..
Grandmas are some of the most loved people in our lives. They have done so much for us throughout the years and deserve a gift that reflects their generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness. This year you can treat them by filling their stockings with thoughtful gifts.
Your grandad is likely a huge supporter of everything that you do, and someone who gave you chocolates when mum & dad weren’t looking. Like grandma’s they deserve the world, so to celebrate that we have picked out a range of personalised Grandad gifts to make him smile.
There are less than 2 weeks left until the start of December!
The festive season of mulled wine, roasted turkey, gift wrapping and Mariah Carey is just around the corner.
Whilst everyone is preparing for their Christmas shopping in 2022, one of the most important considerations we have to make is about our Christmas house decor! But there are so many different options, styles and materials to consider.
I would imagine a lot of people around this time would be asking...
It’s a time when adults and kids can come together and have fun being creative. Decorating your home for Christmas can be a thrilling experience for everyone involved - it doesn’t have to be a chore.
Why not dress up your house, staircase and tables with tinsel?
Tinsel is a classic Christmas decoration you just can’t do without. It looks great around the Christmas tree, around the edges of your living room and between the bannisters on the stairs.
They come in a range of colours so make sure you match with the rest of your Christmas colour theme.
Are you an aspiring artist or do you just fancy getting creative on the lead up to Christmas? This is a fun activity that you can do with the family, and by the end you can have a Christmas themed art piece for the whole family to enjoy.
Once the art piece is finished, you’re going to need it framed to show it off in all its glory.
• You can view our Christmas related photo frames HERE.
• Or why not view our UK’s best selling photo frame brand from 2020 by clicking HERE.
If I asked you to name some of the things that remind you of Christmas. I bet you would mention the Christmas wreath!
Back throughout history, the wreath was worn on the head of Romans, to resemble victory and success. Today it’s traditionally used to resemble eternal life and festive joy.
The best thing about the wreaths is that they’re extremely cost effective to make at home, as everything you need can be found outside. You can use evergreen foliage, red berries and pinecones to wrap around into a wreath.
Making a gingerbread house is a tradition in many people's families.
The gingerbread pieces are cut out into 6 parts, 4 for the sides of the house and 2 for the roof, which is then sealed together with icing. You can also get creative and make a whole scene instead of just a house, by making gingerbread people, trees and any other objects you can think of.
There are many great things about gingerbread houses. They make the house smell fantastic when they’re baking, and once finished you can pour a couple festive drinks, admire it for a while before eating it! What’s not to love?
Christmas stockings are usually hung at the top of your fireplace or mantelpiece. These are usually filled with small Christmas presents that range from inexpensive Christmas sweets and chocolates, to more expensive Christmas toys, perfumes and fragrances. The red stitched fabrics used to make these definitely add to the Christmas aesthetic, which is why you could try to make them yourself!
There are two options you can go for when knitting a stocking, one will take many hours and the other is a quicker alternative.
You can knit the whole stocking from scratch using yarn, like you would with a beanie hat. The other option is to cut out 2 pieces of fabric into a stocking shape and stitch them together.
If you want to make your family's Christmas day special by getting some stockings, but don’t want to go through the hours of effort to knit them one from scratch, you can buy some premade stockings from our Christmas range.
Other honourable DIY Christmas decorations include: DIY Paper snows flakes, Christmas Baubles, candy cane tree and advent calendars.
Whether you decide to knit or buy a Christmas stocking, you’re going to want to know what to put inside it! For this check out our ‘Best Stocking Fillers For Christmas 2021’ blog post.
Everyone can associate certain smells with Christmas. For me, it’s definitely cinnamon, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and mince pies.
Although baking gingerbread houses and mince pies are a lot of fun (and I definitely suggest you do both!) There's an alternative to making your house smell like Christmas - and that is by using candles and diffusers.
With the Aromatherapy range you can make your house smell like Christmas without all of the effort.
The aromatherapy candle will produce a lovely cinnamon aroma for many hours, sure to put your family in the festive spirit.
Christmas Gingerbread Cookie Diffuser
Our Christmas shop UK offers postage, if any products are ordered they will come packaged individually inside of our designed Home of Gifts box, where you can write a special personalised message inside. This is certain to make the perfect gifting experience this Christmas.
This photo below summarises Christmas perfectly.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a shining Christmas tree, standing tall in the corner of the living room, guarding the family's Christmas gifts, warmed up by the roaring fire and cinnamon candles burning.
Traditionally you would hang red, green, and golden baubles. In modern times, it’s quite common to craft DIY baubles. If you have children, you could get Christmas baubles of their favourite Disney characters like Cinderella, and the Little Mermaid.
If you want some Christmas decorations that are fun and unique, look no further can our Disney figurine baubles! We have baubles from a range of classic Disney movies, like the Sleeping beauty, Aladdin, Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, and The Little Mermaid.
Hopefully you have experienced driving down the road at night, and seeing bright lights in the distance. As you approach closer, you notice a house with thousands of multi coloured lights beaming back at you.
It’s amazing when people go through the effort to do this - But you don’t have to.
Instead you can just have a single line of lights running around the edges of your home, or if you have trees in the front, draping them around can look great too.
Or you could just hang a wreath around your front door with tinsel. It doesn’t matter what Christmas budget you have, as long as you go through some effort for the family Christmas party, they will all definitely appreciate it.
]]>"Just get me a wallet or some slippers, honestly it's fine"
Why do they say this? It's their special day, and we want to make them feel important. Are they just being nice, but secretly want a well thought out and planned gift? Or do they genuinely just have low expectations?
We will be diving in to answer these important questions and more. To make your birthday gift ideas for Dad run a bit smoother, we have narrowed down the key points into 3 (hopefully relatable) simple sections.
First things first, is the Dad who wants nothing. They say they want nothing, but would probably be quite offended if you rocked up to the birthday party singing “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” with no present or a card. Very confusing, right?
Usually these Dad’s would be happy with an inexpensive gift, with a bit of thought behind it. A personalised gift would go down a treat here. You could get him a photo frame of you and the family, that he can look at and smile, while at home or work.
These are the types of Dad that when you think about it, he literally has everything! Any hobby or interest, he's got all covered, with all of the up to date gear for.
When you think about the items your dad has, you overwhelmingly notice:
So what else could you possibly get him?
A Dad who has all of the above is surely a dad who is fun and entertaining. Someone who gets the job done, but also someone who loves a good time with this family. For this, a gift that will make him laugh will be received with a smile on his face (and a chuckle of course)
So your dad doesn’t seem to have any hobbies, this narrows down the gift hunt quite a bit. But they will definitely have some interests to buy gifts for. Whether they are a football supporter, enjoy watching their favourite movies on TV/Netflix or are a workaholic. There are still many gifts to buy for these interests.
For example for someone who watches a lot of football on TV, you could get him a Footballers cushion for him to relax and watch the games with.
If you let your Dad choose, what would he get?
A daughters' relationship with their Dad is special. Usually he is someone you can go to for advice and strength at a time of need.
Plan this birthday around a thoughtful gift and food. Whether you go out for a meal, or it's good old fashioned home cooking. Have the opportunity to have a sit down talk with him, to strengthen your bond more by spend some quality time together.
Some gift ideas from daughter could include.
‘Like Father, like son.’
Shouldn’t that make it easy to buy your own father a gift, when you’re so alike? That’s unfortunately just not the case. As a son your dad is your mentor, he shows you how to stand up for yourself, and instils a strong work ethic.
Hopefully you show your Dad appreciation every day, but on his birthday, this is the one day you definitely should do it. Guys aren’t really known for writing messages from the heart in cards, but your Dad will really appreciate it if you do.
In terms of some unique gifts for dad, you can get
Celebrate your Dad's special occasion with a heart warming and thoughtful gift.
Please note that the products shown below can be found in all age ranges (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90)
In conclusion we know that Dads do have different personality types, but generally they don’t want you to spend a large chunk of your pay cheque on an expensive gift. Like with most people, as long as a bit of thought has gone into the buying of the gift, they will definitely be ecstatic and appreciative that you went to the effort.
]]>
Everyone is increasingly living busy lives and rarely get an afternoon to wander around the shops looking for inspiration. With most people buying Online these days, you really need clarity on what you are looking for before you start browsing, or else, how do you know where to start?
So, the creative brains here at The Home Of Gifts got together, pooled our ‘pick a gift’ ideas and thought we would share them in a blog post for you. After all, if the people who work at a gift website can’t inspire you in the art of gift-buying – who can?
First of all, there is the matter of taste to consider.
When we first sat down in our teams and discussed this, everyone offered their personal opinions and family experiences. Someone said rosé gold photo frames work well, another person suggested Disney cups, and there was a massive sway of support for our gorgeous aromatherapy range. But we soon realised that approach doesn’t work.
For a start, we are all different people, our beautiful Mothers are all different, and of course, we (the people who work here) are not you (our customers). So we went back to the drawing board (actually, it is a digital whiteboard) and devised a process.
Hopefully you know this question inside and out, as nobody knows your own mum like you. Is she athletic and adventurous, or more laid back and relaxed? Prefers a glass of wine with friends, or cuddling with the dog on the sofa?
A personalised gift for mum, or family silver photo frame would be great for someone who is extremely loving and caring.
Whichever personality type your wonderful mother is, we make sure to have all the gifts to suit them.
The bottom line is: Mum's just need a break from their busy lives, always. Anything you can gift that allows her a chance to breathe and relax is always a winner, and will be received with a smile.
Now, with the lucky birthday Mummy in mind. Start to write down the sort of gifts they might like. Take a step back and watch what activities she enjoys doing, and find the most suitable gift for it. Below are a few ideas for inspiration.
Try your best to visualise the perfect night for her, and make it a reality!
We concluded that the cost parameters should come last because it limits creative thinking. For example, if you decide that your Mum would love a holiday in Barbados, you might decide that is a bit too much (lucky them if it isn’t) to spend. But you could downsize that idea to a nice picture frame with a photo of you and them (even if it is a photoshopped one) on holiday, with a note saying ‘something to capture memories you have not created yet.’
Having said that, there is a famous saying 'money doesn't buy love', and when it comes to a mothers love, this is definitely the case. So don't feel the need to spend £1000's on a gift, we are sure they would be happy with any thoughtful gift, and a big hug to go with it.
We had a lot of fun practising this process in the office and came up with some great ideas for ourselves and our own upcoming occasions. We hope you do too, and that you can find what you are looking for on the website. And if we don’t supply the ideal gift, please get in touch and let us know – we are always looking to improve the range.
]]>Hampers provide a way to add a personal touch while showing that thought has been put into your tailored selection.
After a year of separation, sentimental gifts have provided a way to express our feelings in a way that words can’t. Heart-warming sentiments and personalisable items offer the perfect way to bring a smile to his face and gift him with keepsakes that will be cherished for a lifetime.
1 x photo frame
1 x set of engravable cufflinks
1 x wall art
1 x engravable flask or tankard
1 x keyring
Although typically a female association, Dads deserve some time to relax too, and a hamper of self-care items offers the perfect way to enthuse some much-deserved time to sit back, relax and unwind. Essential oils have not only mental benefits but physical too; they can uplift the spirit reducing stress and anxiety levels, enthuse relaxation and also aid good health. Opting for products containing essential oils will help your Dad relax without any unnatural materials or scents. Lavender is a great option for creating a calming atmosphere whereas mint improves functioning and lime uplifts the spirit. Choosing candles made from soy wax not only offers a natural option but also a longer burn time and a cleaner appearance.
Include:
1 x soy wax candle
1 x diffuser
1 x room spray
If you have a Dad or Grandad who enjoys useful gifts and doing a little DIY, a practical hamper is the perfect way to gift them this Father’s Day. From smaller handy accessories to everyday essentials, a practical hamper is sure to be put to good use!
1 x clock
1 x money bank
If you’ve got a Dad or Grandad full of personality, why not add a selection from each hamper category? This way you can put a little more thought into which items they will enjoy most and give them a variety with different benefits and uses!
]]>
Whether you’re awaiting the arrival of your sweet bundle of joy or know someone who’s expecting, a baby shower offers the perfect way to celebrate the exciting news with your nearest and dearest.
Although typically an American tradition, baby showers have gained popularity within the UK over the past few years – and not just for the gift-giving as some may associate! Baby showers are filled with non-stop fun and laughter and offer an unrivalled way of creating precious lifelong memories during a mum-to-be’s new journey in life. Whether you’re on a budget or are looking to splash out on something big, we have the ultimate guide to make it a day to remember.
Choose the theme
Although not a necessity, a theme can bring a bundle of additional fun to the event while making it simpler to select accessories that tie in together. When choosing the theme, look to the mother’s personality and interests for inspiration. If you’re pressed for time, opting for a simple colour theme is a great solution, whereas employing a more extravagant theme requires additional time for planning. With shabby chic trends proving popular for 2021, rustic-inspired themes are a stunning option. For more quirky options, why not centre the shower on a favourite TV series, movie or book? Of course, the shower is to celebrate the baby, but it should also make the mum-to-be feel special and considered too! For those who know the mum-to-be a little less, this may seem a bit trickier but considering other fun, baby-related alternate themes can help. From jungle animals to under-the-sea and popular fiction, your imagination is the only limit!
Invites and baby checklist!
Whether it’s your own event or a surprise shower, some guests may be unsure of what to bring. Whether it is simply themselves, a contribution to the buffet or a gift for the baby or parents-to-be, a checklist can be extremely useful. From keepsakes to accessories and furnishings, there’s a large selection for guests to choose from, so including a list with your invitation can be a big help – just make sure everyone shares what they’re getting with the others! While people may be at a distance, virtual invites offer a simple solution to reach everyone on your guest list but thank you cards offer a face-to-face token of gratitude for attending the baby shower and make unrivalled sentimental keepsakes.
Accessorise!
Once you have found your venue it’s time to get creative and accessorise! Whether you’re employing a theme or just adding a few simple decorations, there’s something for every event. Balloons are of course one of the most traditional and popular choices for parties and balloon arches are rising in popularity. Although a little more time for DIY is required, these arches make a stunning addition to the décor and can be used as a fun entryway to the venue or nearby key areas such as the buffet. To make a balloon arch is simple; all that’s needed is (a lot of) latex balloons, double-sided sticky tape, a needle and fishing line – and of course, don’t forget the balloon pump! Smaller yet effective accessories such as hanging, standing and bottle lights can add a magical touch to the space while setting the theme. Buntings, sashes and photo props are must-have accessories for any type of celebratory event to make every memory encapsulating photo extra special.
It’s all fun and games!
What would an event be without a few laughs? Baby-themed games offer the perfect way to add some extra fun for both the guests and mother-to-be. From charades to prediction cards and guess the size of the bump, these fun-filled game will build excitement while creating life-long memories. Some games are also more well-suited to first-time mums to offer them guidance. Advice cards are a great way to have fun while providing useful advice to the parents-to-be.
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?!
Of course, food is always an important (and favourited) part of any party or event. With some venues, food may be included, but buffets are always a safe option. When it comes to the food, one of the biggest decisions is the cake! We all love a themed cake, but simple is stunning. A single-tiered cake with minimal frosting can be just as effective with a few simple cake props: both cupcakes and larger cakes offer an equally delicious treat.
]]>
Muted colours
Employing a simple, soft colour theme will help with the creation of a cosy room. Avoid brighter and overpowering colours and opt for neutral tones such as white, grey and cream to help soothe. This can be incorporated across the walls, flooring, furniture and accessories.
Soft textures
As a lot of time will be spent in the nursery during the early years, the room must be as relaxing for the parent as the baby. Soft textures are an unrivalled way of introducing comfort into the nursery. Cosy cushions, teddy bears, and fluffy throws and rugs not only help to create a relaxing ambience but mixing textures is also great for sensory play around nap times.
Warm lighting
The correct lighting can create a tranquil environment for babies. Utilise natural lighting in the day time while opting for a warmer, low wattage bulb in the evenings and night. Motion-detector lamps are a fantastic option for avoiding unnecessary light and heat while the baby is sleeping. Position the light beside the rocking chair or baby changing area to separate it from the sleeping area.
Optimal space
Although we all love to capture every precious moment with a timeless keepsake, it is important to avoid clutter. Space should be considered when working on a nursery interior, as overcrowded spaces are instant mood-drainers. Larger windows and reflective accessories open up space, while trendy storage boxes help keep the room more organised and relaxing.
Relaxing sounds
Although many adults prefer a peaceful atmosphere, many babies prefer some sound. Not only will some white noise help your baby doze off, but it will help them re-settle once woken in the night – in many cases, prevent tears shed from a baby wanting company. Sound machines are effective accessories, especially for newborns who are comforted by the familiar sounds inside the womb. Not only are these handy accessories for the nursery, but portable sound machines are fantastic for when you’re on the move.
]]>2021 weddings are proving less is more. With a simple yet tasteful soft pastel palette and distressed designs, the rustic country cottage theme is as popular and stunning as ever and is a fantastic theme to adapt for even those on a smaller budget. Smaller accessories such as plaques and buntings add subtle yet effective personality to the décor, making perfect accessories for both the home and wedding day – meaning features from your wedding don’t have to be stored away afterwards. Larger prop items are also fantastic for adding to a shabby chic theme. Natural-appearing display stands such as carts are great solutions for displaying accessories in all spaces while contributing to the theme.
Although traditions are a focal point this year, one thing that’s evolving is the focus on purely white and ivory hues. This year, bolder statement colours are being incorporated to bring energy, positivity and personality. Nature-inspired tones are taking the stage – particularly bold and beautiful blues, greens, yellows and greys – and are being applied in a variety of ways; the cake, the gowns and across the décor.
With many urging to finally say ‘I do’, micro weddings are providing a more intimate and promising wedding ceremony. If this plan is for you, there are still many ways you can accessorise!
Concept lighting is a simple yet effective way to set the mood and add a magical touch. With outdoor weddings on the rise – weather permitting – lanterns, fairy lights and candles are an effective way of creating a fairy-tale wedding. Simply place them to mark the isle or hang loosely from branches and accessories. These look stunning in tipis which have become a popular choice in
rainier cities.
When it comes to small and intimate, a little DIY goes a long way – especially for those on a smaller budget. Even as simple as personalisation, plaques, table cards and signs add that unique touch to wedding days, making them that little more special and adding personality. Simple wooden accessories are the best choice – this way, you can accessories to adapt them to your theme or even embrace the natural beauty that brings rustic aesthetics.
In uncertain times, it’s no debate that we’ve all had some additional time to reflect on what matters. Coming out of the duller days, we’re still adopting these established values. With smaller guestlists negotiated, gifts of gratitude from the bride and groom are on the rise – particularly when it comes to more personal keepsake items. Engravable cufflinks, flasks and trinkets make stunning sentimental and timeless gifts – particularly for members of the party that make the day so much more special. For other guests, self-care packages including sanitisers, masks and other safety equipment are making thoughtful takeaways and useful safety precautions for those attending the big day.
With interaction still limited, many feel as though they have been missing out on the opportunities to share their milestones with their nearest and dearest – but this doesn’t have to be the case. Milestone cards are a new and creative way couples have been announcing their special news to the world: whether it’s your engagement announcement, the booking of the venue or the exchanging of vows, no one needs to miss out on the excitement.
With virtual weddings being a new approach, couples are finding new and creative ways for the guests to feel maximum involvement. Letterbox gifts, champagne and glasses are being sent in advance to enable guest to participate in the activities – particularly in the toasts.
Although many things have changed over the past year, many traditions remain just as important. Not only do garters and horseshoes make great memorabilia, but they also make stylish accessories in any home and are perfect for those on a budget. Although, practicality is a big trend for gifting this year. Ring holders are handy functional gifts, that can too hold great sentimental value.
Although the past year has seen many disappointments and uncertainties, weddings are providing a positive way to come back out the other end with a smile, warmth and the best of all, new memories with loved ones.
]]>Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an enormous increase in stress and anxiety levels, but there has also been a fantastic amount of remarkable new themes and products designed to help us all unwind at home.
Natural lighting is an unrivalled way of uplifting the spirit – even on gloomier days! Keeping windows unobstructed from furniture and accessories allows sunlight to fill your home, and light walls and mirrored features help spread the light, giving the illusion of a larger, open space. During a year of restricted access to the outdoors, this is a simple way of bringing the outdoors in. Opting for drapes allows daylight to be openly let in yet blocks out the light during bedtime to allow a fully rested night. Lamps are the perfect alternative for projecting relaxing mood lighting during the evening and night.
Cosy furnishings are a fantastic way of making the home an easy place to unwind. Scatter cushions and throws add comfort while also making perfect gifts for occasion markers. Although vibrant colours are a preference for many, they enthuse energy. Muted tones such as white, cream and beige help to contribute to a sense of tranquillity, but many tend to miss this opportunity in fear of being too simple – especially maximalists! Complying with a neutral colour scheme can still in fact bring in personality by utilising textures and layering fabrics.
Clutter is an instant mood drainer. Ensure you take the time to declutter to remove any unnecessary accessories that make you feel closed in and your home overcrowded. Instead, opt for smaller accessories that can be displayed in multiple ways such as photo frames. During times of separation, these hold great sentimental value and having your dearest and dearest with you, pride of place, will help you feel more relaxed.
Although only a small chore, make your bed as you leave it every morning. This will have a larger impact on your mood and the appearance of your home. After all, the bedroom is the place where you should be able to relax the most! A quality mattress works wonders for a good night sleep while purchasing softer bedsheets – those with a higher thread content – increases comfort.
With a variety of scents, materials and appearance, candles are one of the most acknowledged and utilised accessories for relaxation throughout the entire home. Serenity offers perfect solutions to bring the spa home. From candles to room sprays and decorative features, Serenity provides an easy and affordable way to take some time out to breathe, relax and unwind: revive with refreshing orange, jasmine and saffron; relax with woody aromatic rose, cardamom and pink pepper; or calm with gentle bergamot, lavender and sandalwood. The Aromatherapy Co. also offers a selection of gifts and self-indulgent care items with a focus on sustainability and natural ingredients, making this selection not only good for the body but the mind too. BLEND is a new and creative range of home fragrances for modern homes. Crafted using sustainable organic essential oils from New Zealand, these unique candles and diffusers can stand alone or be combined to create a unique aroma – meaning you can create your favourite scent to suit every mood.
Injecting some elements of nature into your home – whether with plants, ornaments, materials or simply colours – will create a refreshing yet peaceful sense. Not only do plants improve air quality, but studies have shown they can also reduce stress levels and are therapeutic. For those who don’t have the time for plant maintenance, simply adding a few stems to an elegant vase (or even purchasing an artificial bunch), will add a pop of colour and instantly refresh the living space.
But don’t forget that the outdoors are just as important as in the indoors; a relaxing garden space is always a bonus and a way to clear the mind and rejuvenate the spirit. Add some figurines, lighting and rustic accessories alongside your plants to create a cosy, country cottage feel.
Although certain rooms in the home are associated with relaxing more than others, it is important to apply these techniques across all rooms to ensure a relaxing state can be maintained.
]]>At the Home of Gifts, we have decided that a little extra festive spirit is required this year and we have transformed our website to ho ho home in on Christmas gift giving and decoration.
Our Santa’s workshop is the home of all the year’s most spectacular festive trends and packed with home accessories, decorations and gift wrapping that everyone will love.
Get Cosy and Have a Christmas Movie Night - Fluffy blanket, hot water bottle and a warm cup of coco is all you need to set the scene, get comfortable on the sofa and stick on a festive classic like It’s a wonderful life, The Holiday, Elf or Miracle on 34th Street.
Christmas Crafts - Making your own stockings or designing your own Christmas Cards can be a fun way to kick off the Christmas Spirit and get you in the mood for more at-home Christmas Festivities
Make your own home a Winter Wonderland - The Home of Gifts has a selection of new beautiful Christmas decorations and homeware to truly transform your home into a festive wonderland that you can enjoy. Just look up a recipe for a festive spiced cider and it will feel like the Christmas Markets have brought themselves to you (except you can do these ones in your pyjamas!)
Writing a Letter to Santa - Whether you have kids, or you just want to give your partner a few hints, spend the evening writing Christmas lists to Santa with all the presents you hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning!
Creative Gift Giving - Without the possibility of giving gifts in person this year, we will need to find new and creative ways of gift giving. With more time to browse online, rather than a mad rush around the shops on Christmas eve (yes, I am talking to most of the men out there!) we can put more effort into finding the perfect gift for someone.
What a year 2020 has been, the fastest and the slowest we can probably all remember?! But one of the greatest things to have come out of this surreal and difficult season of lockdown is the revamp and redecoration of our homes and gardens. With so much more time spent at home, who hasn’t tried their best to finally get to all those niggly jobs and spruce up their lockdown prison?!
Home of Gifts is thrilled to now help you in you mission as we welcome our 7th brand to the site and a brand that will mark the first introduction of real home accessory and housewares based gifts in to our collection.
Hestia was founded in 2010 as our parent company, Widdop & Co, sought to bring more design led, branded, home accessories for gift or self purchase in to their enormous range of clocks, photoframes and candle holders. Today, it is their 3rd biggest brand and the same quality, attention to detail, affordability and ethical and technical assessment that is the hallmark of all our giftware ranges is applied to a wonderful collection of homewares.
Whether you’re shopping for your own newly decorated living room or for the perfect home gift for a friend whose just moved house, Hestia will very quickly expand to cover everything you need. Our first two collections focus on stunning, high quality and unique gifts.
Our Ice & Slice range is the perfect accompaniment to the trend of Gin & Tonic. Made from the best quality, hand blown glass with a stunning resin insertion of fruit, these amazing Copa balloon glasses are the perfect gift for the wannabe Gin Connoisseur. With a fantastic, protective gift box and 7 initial designs to choose from these are truly a one of a kind, must have, bar accessory!
Our Cheese & Wine range is created from the highest quality steel combined with stunning bamboo or acacia wood for great hosting gifts and accessories to hallmark a stunning dinner party. These items are all designed at HoG HQ in Manchester and packaged beautifully for an indulgent party gift, thank you present or just to make your own nights in feel a little more like a great night out!
Check back to the Home of Gifts soon as the Hestia range continues to expand to also cover some of the great accessory, fabric and pattern trends you will be shopping this winter.
]]>But smelling good is only half the job. Fragrance is all about indulgence, all about luxury and all about creating a calming atmosphere. That involves a lot more than just a scent.
]]>Who doesn’t love their home smelling great? Who doesn’t appreciate walking into a room and being greeted with a fresh and soothing aroma? Who doesn’t love the feeling of essential oil infused moisturiser on their hands after a hard day?
But smelling good is only half the job. Fragrance is all about indulgence, all about luxury and all about creating a calming atmosphere. That involves a lot more than just a scent.
The candle, the reed diffuser, the hand lotion, whatever it is you are buying has also got to feel and look great. After all, who wants to give someone a delicious scented gift if it looks rubbish?
As well as this, you also have to consider the environment. Some scented home products and body care products are packed with chemicals. Some are tested on animals. Some use unsustainable resources and packaging.
With all that in mind, it is time to announce the arrival of The Aromatherapy Co. to The Home of Gifts!
And boy are we excited about it.
Just take a look at the products. They are beautiful. They would make ideal relaxing gifts for her. Contemporary packaging styles with quality matt finished card, black and dark brown bottles with elegant modern shapes. The look and feel of Aromatherapy gifts is truly gorgeous. They have the aura of true luxury but without the ridiculous price tag of other high-end brands.
And what’s more is that these products are designed and manufactured by a company with a real conscience.
Based out of New Zealand, all Aromatherapy gifts guarantee no cruelty. Animals are not involved in any testing. The natural essential oils used are all sourced from sustainable plants.
They are also committed to purity. All body care products are paraben, sodium laurel sulphate & mineral oil free, so they are gentle and kind to the skin, as well as the environment.
Aromatherapy Co. products make the PERFECT gifts for her, gifts for mum and new home gifts. Sustainability, affordability and quality all wrapped up in beautiful and stylish shells.
Gifting never smelled so good!
]]>The basic principle of a great Father’s Day gift is DO NOT OVER-COMPLICATE IT. What could be simpler than a lovely photo in a frame and a mug with a sweet sentiment? Or a funny tie and a pair of socks which says he’s the “World’s Best Daddy”?
]]>Dads can be tricky customers when it comes to buying gifts. Men in general really. At the risk of making a sweeping generalisation, and please bear in mind that I am a man, men tend to be a little less enthusiastic about physical things. Aside from cars and golf clubs of course.
So how do you buy a great Father’s Day gift? Well you need to make it more than just a physical thing. Your gift needs to be something which appeals to his emotionless manly heart, something to make him smile, feel loved or to be a vessel for warm fuzzy memories. You need to melt his cold hard manly heart with sweetness and sentiment. And this really does not need to break the bank.
You absolutely do not need to buy him a new car or a new set of golf clubs.
At The Home of Gifts we are Father’s Day experts. Curating our collection from 5 of the UK’s leading home & gift collections, we have Dad, Daddy, Grandad and Grandpa covered.
The 1st Father’s Day is a huge event for any man, even if he says he doesn’t really care. A gift from baby will soften even the toughest of rugged, manly exteriors. A Daddy & Me photo frame or a New Daddy mug: simple, affordable, and absolutely adorable.
How cute is this Daddy & Me photo frame?
And a cuppa in this will lift his mood even if baby has him awake most of the night.
We also have some great Bambino ideas for Grandad. Designed in the UK by the team at Bambino by Juliana
A photo of the kids is a huge deal. And I’m not talking about a selfie slapped on Instagram or Facebook or sent to a few people over Snapchat. I’m talking about a photo which makes it to print. Like in the olden days! A photo of a man’s family is something he can treasure. It can sit on his desk at work and ease the stress of a rubbish day. It can greet him in the hallway when he gets in. So why not give him a frame and put in a family pic?
It’s so simple, but it is a guaranteed Dad pleaser. And here we have loads of Dad frames to choose from.
And how about some little cheap and cheerful novelty bits to give him a little smile or make him feel loved? A lovely little sentiment: BEST DAD EVER, DAD YOU’RE THE GREATEST. It’s not Shakespeare, but it will make him feel a whole lot better than sitting through 3 hours of King Lear! Simple, but effective Dad softening tactics.
The basic principle of a great Fathers day gifts for dad is DO NOT OVER-COMPLICATE IT. What could be simpler than a lovely photo in a frame and a mug with a sweet sentiment? Or a funny tie and a pair of socks which says he’s the “World’s Best Daddy”?
Affordable, sweet, emotional and simple.
Do it for Dad, buy him a gift he’ll genuinely love.
]]>Sustainability has been a hot topic for the last few years.
But sustainability doesn't just relate to materials. People all over the world are exploited and used up, as if they are simply resources.
]]>Sustainability has been a hot topic for the last few years. You've seen bamboo travel mugs, cardboard packaging, a move to use more recyclable plastics, sustainable wood and loads of other brilliant initiatives to ensure we minimise the damage we are doing to our planet and its natural ecosystems.
But sustainability doesn't just relate to materials. People all over the world are also exploited and used up, as if they are simply resources.
Modern slavery is rife. It is an uncomfortable fact but current estimates suggest that around 40 million people are living as slaves. To put that number into perspective, it is more than the entire population of Poland.
Sadly, slavery is not as much of a 'thing of the past' as we would like to think.
And what is, perhaps, even more shocking is that 1 in 4 of these people are children and 71% are women or girls.
To compound these sickening statistics is the fact that it is happening all over the world. Not just in far off places, 3rd world countries or developing nations. In 2019 authorities recognised 10,000 people in the UK living under conditions of slavery.
This is not a distant threat. This is not a tale from the past. This is a very real, a very local and a very current threat.
As society becomes more aware of global issues, we want to know that we are doing everything we can to look after others. People want transparency and honesty. And that means knowing where your goods come from.
Most manufacturers are based overseas, many in the far east. Which is a long way away. So how can we expect to know that the people who make our goods are treated well, fairly and with compassion?
This is something which did not sit right with us. We wanted to make sure our supply chain was promoting human rights excellence.
So, we approached Hope For Justice, an international anti-slavery organisation.
“Human trafficking is one of the most serious and barbaric crimes, profiting from human misery. Our response is a strategic one: focus on excellence, professionalism and outcomes to help victims find healing, hope and justice. Now is the time for all of us to act and end suffering.” - Neil Wain, International Programme Director, Hope For Justice.
Their mission statement is simple - to eliminate the threat of modern slavery. But achieving this is not simple. It requires everyone in every industry, in every nation to work together, to act responsibly, to act thoughtfully and to act, not just talk.
They work tirelessly to rescue people from slavery and to build better lives for victims, to "Change Lives and End Slavery". Their work really matters. But they can't do it alone. They need help from businesses to ensure that the demand for cheap labour at the expense of people's humanity is removed.
Together with a collection of like minded businesses (introduced through Hope For Justice) including AVIVA, Electricity North West, AstraZenica and other industry leaders, we became founding member of The Slave Free Alliance .
Our mission statement is: working towards a slave free supply chain.
This involves ethically auditing factories in line with the Hope For Justice's discerning standards to ensure that all employees are treated well. It also involves producing a Modern Slavery Statement which sets out our mission and the steps we take to ensure that our supply chain is free from slavery.
So what does this all mean for you, our lovely customers?
We hope it means that you can trust us. We hope it means you can enjoy giving your gift a little bit more. We hope it makes your whole experience shopping at the Home Of Gifts feel a bit more special.
A gift from us is 100% guilt free.
]]>
The timeless characters and beautifully told tales are favourites of generations. We all remember watching Disney films as young children, usually with our parents and grandparents almost just as transfixed as we were. In fact, my Mum’s favourite film of all time is still Toy Story.
]]>Disney is one of the world’s biggest brands. And in the entertainment sector it is the undisputed champion.
Since 1923 Disney films have grossed hundreds of billions of dollars at the box office. And merchandise has grossed even more over the years.
The timeless characters and beautifully told tales are favourites of generations. We all remember watching Disney films as young children, usually with our parents and grandparents almost just as transfixed as we were. In fact, my Mum’s favourite film of all time is still
There is something truly magical about Disney. It’s irrefutable. The money alone shows that.
But far more than dollars, pounds, euros etc, it is the memories that makes Disney so special. That little shiver of nostalgia you get up your spine when you hear the strings of “When You Wish Upon a Star” and see the Disney castle before the start of a film. All of those characters and stories come rushing back and it can’t help but warm your heart.
Disney is an embodiment of the comfort of youth and the carefree magic of those early childhood years.
This is why, back in 2012, a family owned gift company based in north Manchester, UK, was so passionate about getting the license to start producing Disney gifts and collectables.
After all, what is the point of a gift? Is it not supposed to make the giver and the recipient feel special? Is a truly special gift not supposed to be something which holds magical memories for years to come?
What could do this better than a gift with a little sprinkling of Disney fairy dust?
So, working closely with Disney, our team of talented designers set to work, creating a range of Disney gifts and collectables.
Starting out with pencils and paper, moving onto graphic design tablets and then computer software, our team crafted little moments of Disney magic that you could take home.
We started with the Magical Moments collection – our range of collectable figurines. The figurines are cast from handmade clay moulds, intricately hand painted and then finished off with luxury gift boxes.
But why should the Disney magic be restricted to collectors or adults, when really, the magic is that Disney takes us all back to childhood? So we created the Magical Beginnings range. This collection brings everyone’s favourite characters from Mickey & Minnie to Dumbo, Bambi, Simba and more to a selection of gifts and keepsakes for babies and toddlers.
From here we have expanded our Disney gifts collection to include the Classic Collectables range of mugs, prints and plaques decorated with pencil style illustrations and golden finishing touches. We also have Toy Story, Lion King, Aladdin, Princesses and Winnie the Pooh ranges.
Whatever your favourite character is, whoever you are buying for, Disney gifts have something a little bit more magical about it.
]]>But where did we come from? Read our story.
]]>CELEBRATIONS all started in Oldham, just north of Manchester. Our birthplace was WIDDOP and Co. a family run home accessories and gifts supplier, to shops around the UK and Ireland. For over 100 years WIDDOP has been one of the most well respected names in the industry, founded on family values and quality.
Since the late 80s WIDDOP had sourced an increasing amount of its product from China, working with the Chinese factories to create gifts for a variety of occasions and recipients.
But by the early 2000s everyone from other suppliers to large shops themselves, like B&M, John Lewis, Home Bargains and many more household names, had started to use the same factories. So, finding and developing anything new became harder and harder, using China alone.
We needed to bring the responsibility for newness home. As well as creating exclusive product, this would mean we could extend the range to cover all occasions and recipients. We recruited a team of designers, who shared our vision of creating great and unique gift products that stood out from the crowd.
The new team brought new ideas, new creativity and the need for a new identity. And so CELEBRATIONS was born. The home of gifts for all occasions.
In 2005, technology was limited, so we started with pencils and paper.
Some early sketches for the characters from our Button Corner by CELEBRATIONS baby gift collection
Through the years we have moved on, using graphics tablets and computer design software. But the foundations have remained. Our dedication to creating great products which do more than just give you something to give someone else on a big day.
The dictionary definition of a gift is: a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.
But a great gift is so much more than this. It becomes intrinsically linked with the joy, love, happiness or other sentiments of the day, event or occasion.
That's why CELEBRATIONS' motto says - more than just a memory. Because a special occasion shouldn't just fade to memory. And with a great gift, it doesn't have to.
The CELEBRATIONS range now has over 2000 products in it. Gifts for Valentine's, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thank You Teacher, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, engagements, new babies, graduation, Christenings, other religious occasions and small gifts for children, friends and family. Across 23 collections, we really are the ultimate one stop shop. Also we have the perfect range of letterbox gifts for children, or unusual gifts for children.
And The Home of Gifts is the only place where you can shop the entire CELEBRATIONS collection. Where every single product is designed exclusively in the UK with love, care and joy.
]]>The reason for the title is that as of 2020 we are the UK's number 1 photo frame online distributor. By this I mean that we manufacture and send out more photo frames than any other frame brand in the country.
That's obviously great for us, but why should it matter to you?
Well, for one thing it shows that people like what we do. In fact, I'll wager you probably have one of our frames in your home, even if you don't know it.
But it also shows that people still care about giving the photos they print somewhere a little bit special to shine from.
We were born in 2005. Back then the digital age was just getting starting really. Digital cameras were around, but pretty basic. Camera phones were in their relative infancy. People still used disposable cameras for real, not just as novelties on wedding tables. Most photos that were taken were developed. They weren't always framed, but many more of them made it to see the light of day as a piece of photographic paper.
We were born in north Manchester, within one of the UKs most historic and well respected suppliers of home accessories and gifts - WIDDOP and Co. By suppliers, I mean, they sold to shops which then sold to you. Photo frames were and still are one of the only things under the umbrella category "home accessories" which almost every single household in the world has. WIDDOP sold them back then, in fact they were one of the biggest categories. But WIDDOP was just buying in bulk from large factories in China in a smattering of styles that seemed popular.
Impressions came about because we realised we needed to offer something more. We needed to make a name for ourselves with a carefully planned out, well designed range that catered to every style and taste.
As the 2000s progressed. So did the digital age. And fewer and fewer photos were printed. This could have made what Impressions was doing seem pointless but it actually did the exact opposite.
More than ever, it really matters what you frame a photo in. If a photo is important enough or special enough to make it off a phone or laptop, it needs framing properly. People want quality, without spending a fortune. They want a style to suit the mood of the photo without sacrificing quality. They want to make sure the frame suits the room. And most importantly, they want to give a precious photo the perfect home.
The old adage is that a picture speaks a 1000 words. And when it's a photo that really matters to you, you need to hear those words. Because they hold memories and emotions which are special to you.
The Impressions mission is to help your precious photos speak their 1000 words.
With our collection of over 500 frames in finishes from luxury silver-plated photo frames, to fun colourful epoxy resin. Multi photo frames, or single photo frames. A4 photo frames, to 6x4 photo frames. We really do cater to everyone.
And that's why we are number 1. Whatever the photo; whatever your decor style; if you need a bunch of frames for a gallery wall or a single special frame to gift on a wedding day - Impressions has the right frame at the right price.
]]>Wedding gifts are some of the most meaningful, some of the most important and some of the most nostalgic gifts we will ever give.
A truly special wedding gift has the power to hold the warmth and love of the day and give it back whenever the couple looks at it or hold it. To re-appropriate the cliché, a great wedding gifts for couple is the gift that keeps on giving.
The story of Amore by Juliana starts back in the early 2000s. In north Manchester at one of the UK's leading home and gift suppliers - WIDDOP and Co. The family owned company had been supplying gifts, including wedding and anniversary gifts, to shops around the UK, Ireland and wider world, for over 100 years.
Starting in 1987 we had started working with factories in China to create our products. Using their expertise to create new gifts and keepsakes. But by the late 1990s everyone was doing the same thing, using the same factories. So creating new and exciting products was getting harder and harder. Every shop in the UK was selling the same wedding gifts, the same anniversary keepsakes. And how could our gifts do what a wedding gift should do if they were just common, run of the mill items?
Well, they couldn't. Something had to change.
China couldn't keep providing us with unique ideas and products while also providing it to every other Tom, Dick or Harriet.
We needed to bring that responsibility home.
So we set about creating our team. We hand picked the best designers from local universities and art schools. A special bunch of people who shared our vision and who shared our belief that a special gift is more than just something you give someone on a big day. The gift needs to absorb the love, the well wishes, the sentiment and the joy and give it back for the rest of the love story.
Italy and Italian style and culture has long been associated with romance and love. Love is infused into the nation, the people, the landscape, the music, the food, the fashion, just about everything. We wanted to evoke this same style, passion and romance. And what does this better than the classic Dean Martin croon That's Amore..?
And so the Amore by Juliana love story began. In 2012 we released our first collection, after years of development staring with pencil and paper and progressing to design tablets and computers.
Our logo - Simple, silver, elegant.
Our premise was simple. We wanted to create unique, luxury wedding gifts and anniversary gifts. And to do this, we needed to put a whole lot of love, care, attention, affection and passion into what we were creating.
The first range was small, fewer than 50 items. But we soon realised that Amore by Juliana needed to be a collection for the entire love story, not just the wedding day.
We developed engagement, anniversary, bridal shower, bridal party and general love gifts and keepsakes, so that the Amore story could accompany a couple through their journey.
We kept our style classic, elegant and timeless. To suit the purity of love and that timeless romance of Italian style. White, silver & gold, with subtle florals, sweet sentiments and beautiful simplicity.
Our classic style - crisp white, silver foils, soft grey. Simple, elegant and timeless.
Today there are over 300 gifts in the collection. From mugs to photo frames, certificate holders to wedding stationery we have a wonderful collection of classic and modern gifts, stylishly re-imagined to make the perfect wedding gifts for bride and groom, sure to make real-life love stories.
Each gift is designed in the UK. And each and every gift is the product of hard work, dedication and love. Much like a beautiful relationship.
Our gifts aren't just for the day. They are for the whole love story.
]]>
Bambino by Juliana was born in 2012. Created with love by one of the UK's leading home & gift suppliers based in the north west of England. The family run company was, and still is, one of the longest standing and most well respected suppliers to the home and gift markets in the UK.
Since 1987 the company had worked with manufacturers in China to produce new gifts, keepsakes and home accessories. These included silver-plated baby gifts, Christening gifts, money banks, photo frames and all the usual baby gift suspects.
But by the early 2000s everyone was using those same suppliers. And so everyone began selling those same innovative ideas and products.
And once an innovation is taken up by everyone, once every shop sells the same things, it is no longer exciting and new. And it is no longer unique.
These run of the mill (or rather run of the factory which supplies the entire world) products were becoming tired, old hat and, honestly, a little boring.
How could we break the boredom? How could we create something new? Well, to do this we needed to strip the idea of a gift back to its fundamentals.
What is a gift? The dictionary says "A thing given willingly to someone without payment". But it is more than that isn't it? Or at least, it should be. A gift should make someone feel special. It should make them feel appreciated, loved and cared for. And a gift should also make the person giving it feel special.
What makes a really great gift? A great gift needs to create a little moment of perfect magic when it is opened. Something both the recipient and the giver feel and share. And this magic needs to live on and come back every time you look at it and every time you think of it.
We realised that when a gift is a little bit more personal, a little bit more lovingly crafted and a little bit more unique, it becomes more than just a gift. It doesn't just get put on a shelf or in a box in the loft and forgotten about. It becomes a permanent fixture, that unlocks precious memories whenever you see it.
So, the real question was; how do we make our gifts truly special?
The answer was simple. We needed to offer something more than we were. We needed to bring something new that you couldn't find anywhere and everywhere else.
The next question was; how do we create this?
It was clear we needed something unique. We needed to bring the responsibility for innovation home, into our own hands. And we needed to create a brand with an iconic look and a feel which separated it from all the faceless, nameless baby gifts on the shelves.
And so the concept Bambino by Juliana was born. Like a baby, from just the seed of an idea, conceived in passion for something better, and then nurtured with love, attention and dedication. To creative perfect gifts for kids and children for your bambinos nursery.
our 1st logo
what the logo looks like today
We hand selected a team of designers with exceptional abilities and flair from local universities and art schools. Designers who shared our passion for creating something with real meaning.
It started with pencil and paper and then moved onto design tablets and digital pencils and then into computer design software. Bambino developed and grew, like a baby, nurtured with love, attention and dedication.
We developed our signature neutral colour scheme and design motifs with our adorable mascots Teddy, Hop and Tiny (the elephant).
we still hand draw early drafts of many of our designs and characters
The first range was small, just 50 products. But each gift was crafted with the exact same attention to detail and quality, and the same amount of love.
these frames were designed as some of our first pieces
We experimented with products and expanded to create the extensive range of over 300 gifts, nursery accessories and keepsakes which you can shop today.
Bambino by Juliana was born out of the principle that to create that heartfelt emotional connections between people, their gifts and their most special of occasions, the gift needs to be made with a little bit of that same emotion.
]]>