Its not too late to get your tickets to the festive gift fair, running from the 21st to the 24th at the birmingham NEC. I will be bringing you coverage from the event as well as the hidden gems and my favourite stalls along with a host of other content, but until then here are some of the things you can expect to see at the event as a confirmed final list (this list isn’t exhaustive there is plenty more Im not listing, seriousely… it would be too huge to list everything here I can’t list all 325 stalls and details about them, want to know more look at thier site at the link above.)
Present Creche
No matter what you buy you won’t have to worry about carrying around everything like an over encumbered camel, trust me we’ve all been there at some point right? Carrying so many purchases and seeing something else you’d like to get. You can drop off your gifts and collect them later, perhaps even take the chance to go for a calm meal or enjoy the entertainment without worrying about all of your packages. This definately makes it a convenient xmas shop.
Tasters
Many of the stands will offer tasters of thier products, and with food from companies such as the cornish cheese company, fudge kitchen and perfect tiple there is a range of treats for all tastes.
Something for the ladies?
Nail art and jewellery seems to be emphasised as the gifts to go for however I would say to visit stands like vintage teapot and baby doll bling for the more unusual gifts as these would stand out for your loved one and be more unique, you never know you could find the perfect gift to match your loved ones taste, one fine example is a LED lit compact makeup mirror, small convenient and ideal gift material.
Don’t forget the guys
Well also the ladies too lets face it I know plenty of ladies who are into gadgets and technology, there promises to be stands to fit any taste really, but there are also “dad” related gifts which lets face it if nobody buys a dad gift for someone, even if they’re not a dad its not xmas is it, someone has to unwrap one just for the cheesyness.
Kids?
Of course, theres stands such as on the big red bus, jumping clay and the book people amongst others, what this means is that there will be plenty even for the most choosy kid as toys, books, creative and learning toys, sweeties, music games etc. If you can’t find a single thing your child would like I would be amazed to be honest.
Ah but you forgot decorations
Maybe but the show didn’t, you’re starting off the festive season so its not too late to get some new decorations this year, and there will be the usual party string lights (in a plethora of designs from elephants and fish to simpler more traditional ones like butterflies or snowflakes.) However jormae pourri will have some nice smelling decorations for spreading the christmas scent through your home, along with other stands offering some more unusual decor. There will even be the chance to get some lighting with telling tales’s range of candles and lanterns. I personally think the hand blown glass decorations from treasure tree would be one to look for.
Book me up
Well its not ideal to get tickets posted so show up at the doors, NEC £9.50 thursday and friday and £0.50 saturday and sunday with children going for £3.50 unless they’re under 5 in which case its free.
I shall be heading to the event and getting you the inside on the bargains of the event, what samplers I took and my opinions as well as the highlights of the event. Maybe you’re reading this a bit late for this year, watch my footage in the next post and you’ll be sure to book up for next year. I know its my ideal start to the xmas season.