As we head into the Golden Quarter for gifting the team at Giving & Living is looking ahead to one of the first trade sourcing events of 2026, due to take place from 18-20 January at Westpoint, Exeter. For those who enjoy visiting this fabulous independent show – and others who've yet to sample the delights of the West Country – we take a sneaky peak at what's in store.
Posted: 30 September 2025
Crayola took a fresh approach for this year's back to school campaign, with its brand-new collection, Foodie Friends. The fun food-themed collection of stationery, crafts, and activity sets, was brought to life by Hunter Price International, Crayola's trusted partner for creative play. From 30-page drawing folders and activity-packed craft pads, to sticker rolls, sewing kits, and mini canvases, every item is bursting with personality. Adorable avocado pals, smiling doughnuts, and cheeky French fries and hamburgers; each character has been designed to spark joy and inspire imagination.
Posted: 18 September 2025
The debut Artistry Junior collection has arrived in Tesco stores nationwide. Artistry Junior aims to inspire, engage and nurture creative talent in children. The first ever collection includes water bottle tumblers filler with stationery goodies, stacking finger crayons and teddy shaped highlighters, as well as high quality bumper craft kits and sets. Artistry Junior is part of the arts and craft brand Artistry, which launched in 2024 and had huge success with its sell out marker pens which went viral across social media, with fans raving about the quality and value.
Posted: 12 August 2025
The global craft community is buzzing after another record-setting edition of h+h americas, In May 2025, h+h americas welcomed 5,180 verified industry professionals to the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Centre in Rosemont, Illinois, USA—a 29.7% increase over 2024. Attendees represented 48 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and two U.S. territories, solidifying the event's position as the most influential B2B handicraft show in North America.
Posted: 22 July 2025
Great News! Creative Solutions has recently updated its website. Keep a look out for an ever expanding range of fabrics. Creative Solutions is a leading distributor of sewing, knitting, crochet and craft products. It was established in 2014 to provide a wide range of dressmaking, craft and home décor fabrics, threads, buttons, ribbons, needles, haberdashery, trimmings, bag making and lots of other crafty products to businesses throughout the UK, Eire and now Worldwide.
Posted: 26 June 2025
Big news - eatsleepdoodle has teamed up with Beth's Sunflowers for a very special charity collab! Beth's Sunflowers is a truly incredible charity founded by Beth's Mum, Andrea, to raise money towards finding a cure for blood cancers, support blood cancer patients undergoing treatment and keep her daughter's legacy alive. Beth was a champion fundraiser who spent her entire life helping others. After sadly losing her battle with Leukaemia, Beth's family and friends felt strongly that they should carry on the work she cared so deeply about and continue fundraising in her memory.
Posted: 19 June 2025
The winners of Gift of the Year 2025, organised by The Giftware Association, have been unveiled.
Gift of the Year honours outstanding products that capture the spirit of giving across the retail landscape. This year saw a record-breaking number of entries and some of the most inventive, heartwarming, and sustainable gifts the industry has ever seen.
These winners stood out for their exceptional design, innovation, and ability to wow the judges — who were made up of buyers and retailers — and ultimately will see their products in the hands of consumers, whether on the high street, online, or in boutique stores across the country.
Posted: 23 May 2025