The Perfect Gift Awards 2023
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0018 Website: www.lux-review.com About the Perfect Gift Awards 2023 LUXlife Magazine is thrilled to announce The Perfect Gift Awards are returning for the second year! Finding the perfect gift for a friend and loved one is a true art. Searching for the best gifts possible and selecting just one is a fun yet sometimes difficult experience - there are so many unique gifts in the market that choosing can be a challenge. This is why an awards programme that aims to showcase outstanding gifting companies is essential. LUXlife is proud to host The Perfect Gift Awards 2023. From luxury gifts and personalised items to eco-friendly presents, the Perfect Gift Awards 2023 will welcome nominations widely across the Gifting Industry. With sentimentality often the main motivation in our selection of a gift, consumers are now turning to more thoughtful, personalised offerings. Photo albums, jewellery, and personalised mementos to name but a few, demonstrate the popularity of customisable gifts for those wishing to wow their recipient. Moreover, local crafters and international gift suppliers alike are embracing rising trends in sustainable gifting. An eco-conscious gift from a supplier who is aware of their environmental impact is emerging as a key factor for consumers. This is an industry of highly skilled and dedicated individuals, each of whom deserves to be highlighted and promoted, however standing out in an international industry is a challenge. Even with social media and in-store displays, presenting yourself to your consumers can be a struggle.
4. The Original Wishing Tree: Most Unique Traditional Gifting Enterprise 2023 - Australia 6. Hodgepodge: Wildlife Gift Shop of the Year 2023 - Midlands 7. RCO Furniture: Best Contemporary Handcrafted Wood Gifts Company 2023 - UK 8. Neate Crafts: Best Artisan Personalised Gifts 2023 - the Lake District 9. Epic Laser Designs: Epic Laser Designs: Best Bespoke Laser Design Business 2023 - UK 10. Pebble and Pine Ltd: Best Roast-to-Order Coffee Company 2023 - England 11. Treasure Box: Best Memorial & Milestone Jewellery Designs 2023 - UK 12. Nicola Poulson: Best Family-Run Personalised Gifts Company 2023 - South East England 13. Io The Alien: Best Mixed Media Textiles Artist 2023: Sarah Spencer 14. Gigil: Best Baby Essentials Business 2023 - UK 15. Scrigit LLC: Most Innovative Cleaning Tool 2023: Scrigit 16. Pink Lane Bakery: Best Artisan Bakery 2023 - Tyne & Wear 17. William & Irene Limited: Best British Made Harris Tweed Home Accessories Studio 2023 - UK 18. Eeny Meeny: Best Online Kids Toys & Accessories Retailer 2023 - UK 19. Victory and Innsbruck: Best Men's Wedding Clothing Company 2023 - North East England 20. The Jewellery Store: Best Bespoke Fine Jewellery Online Retailer 2023 – Dorset 21. Isotope Watches: Most Innovative Luxury Watch Company 2023 - Hertfordshire 22. Fresh Outta Ideas Ltd: Best Female Accessories eTailer 2023 – UK & Most Ambitious eCommerce Entrepreneur 2023: Joanna Ward 23. Georgie Woolridge: Best Bird-Inspired Artist 2023 24. CLEOMAGICK: Mystical Gifts Boutique of the Year 2023 – South East England 25. Coastal Kreatives: Best Artisan Wedding Favour Candle Producer 2023 - USA 26. Isla & Fraser: Best Newborn Gifting Brand 2023 – UK 27. Bake Me Up: Bake Me Up: Best Premium Ready- to-Decorate Cakes 2023 – Australia Contents
Jun22596 4 | LUXlife Magazine Dating back as far as the 1700s, the concept of the ‘Wishing Tree’ has been noted in cultures across the world. It is an individual tree which has been specially chosen and used as a vessel for wishes and offerings. People would gather at the tree and tie their deepest desires and heartfelt wishes to its branches for the universe to hear and grant. Whilst traditions vary across cultures, Wishing Trees are consistently seen as a symbol of hope and reconnecting with what matters most. The Original Wishing Tree was inspired by this concept and thought it would make a gorgeous gift idea. Today, the company sells beautifully illuminated Wishing Trees that you can tie your heartfelt wishes onto and give to a loved one in a significant time in their life. Through this, you enable them to treasure your loving words for years to come. Each Wishing Tree is created uniquely for each occasion, with specially decorated clips and cards. The fast-paced nature of modern life has seen gifting become less heartfelt and more obligatory over time, with many people finding themselves grabbing the first thing off the shelf. The Original Wishing Tree was created with the goal of making boring, uninspired gifts a thing of the past. Simple yet thoughtful, the Wishing Tree is the perfect gift for when you want to impress. With a unique personal touch, it makes any occasion memorable and will be treasured by the recipient forever rather than thrown away. The best part is that Wishing Trees are so unique that you’re almost guaranteed to be the first person to have given them one. Many people think that the best gifts are the most expensive ones. However, The Original Wishing Tree believes that what truly makes a gift stand out is the energy and effort that went into it. Taking the time to handwrite your own messages for a Wishing Tree is a great way to demonstrate love and care. It goes without saying that the words you write should be your own, but sometimes it can be difficult to Aug23443 Most Unique Traditional Gifting Enterprise 2023 - Australia Sometimes, life’s biggest moments call for more than just a bunch of flowers or a hastily written card. For when you want to show your love and care in a more personal way, The Original Wishing Tree provides the perfect solution. Its beautifully made Wishing Trees serve as a unique, sentimental, and thoughtful gift. By simply tying your heartfelt messages to its branches, you can bestow your best wishes on the recipient and show them how much you care.
The Perfect Gift Awards 2023 | 5 think of the right things to say. On The Original Wishing Tree website, customers can find some occasion-specific inspiration to help them get their pen moving. When The Original Wishing Tree was established, it was expected that the Valentines and Anniversary Wishing Trees would be the most popular. In contrast, the company has noticed that the Wishing Trees for those dealing with bereavement or fighting cancer have been the most popular. In fact, the Wishing Trees designed for life’s most challenging times are purchased at almost double the rate of the others, demonstrating that they serve as a great way to offer words of love and support to those who need it most. “We have had some lovely emails and letters from recipients who were battling cancer or had lost someone close to them when they received a Wishing Tree from their family or friends. Re-reading the words of love, support, and encouragement from their loved ones is what got them through the hard times and the lonely quiet nights when the heart aches,” explains Kate O’Mara, Owner of The Original Wishing Tree. “Those messages are why we do what we do. Knowing we can bring people together and bring some love and light into the world makes me smile.” Thoughtfulness and care are truly at the heart of The Original Wishing Tree and everything it does. The company’s small, hardworking team consists of individuals who fit in with these values and demonstrate outstanding attention to detail. Each Wishing Tree is a gift for a special event and must be perfect down to the smallest of details. The team go to great lengths to ensure a high level of quality; they understand the role they play in customers’ big moments and accept the responsibility that comes with it. As a result of the unique, heartfelt, and beautiful gifts it delivers, The Original Wishing Tree has received a multitude of positive feedback. Many reviews share how well the gift was received by their recipient, highlighting that a Wishing Tree can truly be the best gift for any occasion. “I got my wife the anniversary Wishing Tree and she absolutely loved it. I took the risk to get this instead of flowers and it was so worth it,” explains one satisfied customer. “The product is so unique, and you can write personal messages and clip photos to it if you have them. Everything you need comes in the box and it is so easy to shape and put together yourself. It looked great as a centrepiece on the dining room table, but we have recently replaced one of our bedside lamps with the Wishing Tree. In just two weeks, it has gone from being a fun little anniversary gift to being a permanent fixture in our home. If you are celebrating any occasion or milestone, these are the perfect gift.” In light of this glowing praise, it is no surprise that The Original Wishing Tree has been awarded Most Unique Traditional Gifting Enterprise, Australia, in The Perfect Gift Awards 2023. We are delighted to congratulate the company on this outstanding achievement! With regards to the future of The Original Wishing Tree, Kate O’Mara shares with us, “We are adding new Wishing Trees to the collection in 2024. We also have a few exciting developments in the pipeline but can’t say too much at this stage.” Contact: Kate O'Mara Company: The Original Wishing Tree Web Address: theoriginalwishingtree.com
6 | LUXlife Magazine Wildlife Gift Shop of the Year 2023 - Midlands Amidst the realm of bespoke gifting, Hodgepodge shines as a paragon of imagination and heartfelt connections. Crowned with The Perfect Gift Awards 2023, the company's evolution from laser-engraved offerings to a vibrant hub of creativity and community unveils a narrative where every creation is a canvas for shared joy. We delve into Hodgepodge's journey, values, and vision, showcasing how personalised artistry can redefine the art of gifting. In artisanal gifts, where creativity meets community, Hodgepodge is a shop that attracts customers from all over the country. Established in 2014 by visionary artist, Tara Pryor, Hodgepodge has evolved from its humble beginnings as a provider of laser-engraved gifts to a thriving enterprise that captures the essence of joy and creativity. Hodgepodge's journey began with laserengraved gifts, but the unexpected turn of events during the 2020 UK lockdown sparked a new chapter. Embracing a paintbrush after years, Tara’s paintings caught the eye of many, leading to requests for personalised artwork. The company's reimagined identity was born as it embraced these requests and evolved into a diverse product creator that reflects artistic prowess and customer desires. The signature wooden pin badges, the cornerstone of Hodgepodge's offerings, emerged as a solution to customers' desire for wearable art. Unwilling to compromise on quality or affordability, the company invested in UV printing and laser technology, enabling it to maintain control over production processes and deliver a consistent experience. Beyond pins, the company's inventory now boasts hypoallergenic earrings, magnets, 100% recycled cotton totes, and more. A recent investment in sublimation equipment has expanded the range to include items like mugs, coasters, and notebooks. This innovative approach sets Hodgepodge apart and resonates with a clientele seeking uniqueness and charm in every piece. Artistry at Hodgepodge is guided by three core values: Creativity, Community, and Joy. Embracing these values has propelled the company's journey from artist imposter syndrome to community collaboration. Tara’s shift from comparing her work to championing artistic camaraderie underscores the belief that there is room for every artist's creation. The forging of meaningful relationships within the creative community marks Hodgepodge's journey. Every product's heart lies in spreading joy, sparking creativity, and nurturing a sense of community. Whether a customer's smile upon hanging a print or participants connecting through online drawing workshops, Hodgepodge's core values are interwoven into every interaction and creation. Hodgepodge's success within the luxury market is attributed to its personalised approach and dedication to maintaining quality control. Crafting most of its products in-house allows the company to infuse its creations with a personal touch that resonates with discerning customers seeking more than mere commodities. To overcome growth challenges, Hodgepodge recently embarked on a significant transition by moving to Derbyshire. This move alleviated space constraints and marked the installation of a dedicated studio, setting the stage for even more substantial expansion and innovation. The essence of the perfect gift, as perceived by Tara herself, lies in storytelling and personal connections. Each creation becomes a vessel for narratives shared between givers and recipients. Her empathetic engagement with customers' stories brings an extra layer of meaning to each piece, transforming it into a cherished memento. The future of Hodgepodge is painted with a broad palette of aspirations and possibilities. The imminent launch of the "Christmas under the Sea" collection promises a unique and enchanting festive experience. The company's involvement in the "Sketch for Survival" international competition underscores its dedication to conservation causes through art. Looking further ahead, Tara plans to broaden Hodgepodge’s product offerings by introducing a range of bags and expanding her popular "letterbox lessons", offering budding artists accessible guidance through YouTube tutorials. Her big dream includes collaborating with like-minded businesses to stock Hodgepodge's creations and licensing her artwork for diverse applications. In an unexpected turn of events, Hodgepodge's triumph as the Wildlife Gift Shop of the Year 2023 - Midlands is a poignant reminder of the journey's significance. The artist who once struggled in school is now a beacon of inspiration and achievement. The award is a testament to the power of perseverance and the fulfilment that comes from pursuing one's passion wholeheartedly. Hodgepodge's evolution from laser engraving to a multidimensional creative force showcases the transformative potential of art, community, and personal dedication. As the company continues to paint its story on the canvas of the artisanal gift market, it leaves an indelible mark of creativity, community, and joy for all to cherish. Company Name: Hodgepodge Website: hodgepodge.co.uk Contact name: Tara Pryor (Owner) Email: [email protected]
The Perfect Gift Awards 2023 | 7 When one thinks of wood crafts, most may picture a standard, albeit beautiful, creation that’s designed to fit in with a rustic aesthetic. However, what if wood could be adapted into more contemporary forms in order to elevate the modernity of a home? RCO Furniture asked this exact question, and, as such, came to make a name for itself as the most creative wood gifts company within the UK. We venture into how it combines resin, wood, and ingenious designs to craft some of the most unique statement pieces on the market. Best Contemporary Handcrafted Wood Gifts Company 2023 - UK Now, RCO Furniture boasts a variety of products, each as carefully created as the next. The bright colours of the resin, mixed with the natural aesthetic of the wood it’s placed alongside, make for a truly stunning display that’s suited to any modern home. It brings a whole new feeling to a space, making it the perfect option for anyone wanting to marry traditional furniture with a slice of modern-day design. RCO Furniture demonstrates how far creativity can take a product, resulting in the marvellous collection of wood and resin work that we see today. This, combined with RCO Furniture’s frequent collaboration with a variety of local charities, truly sets the company apart as an entity that genuinely cares about the individuality of its work. It has the opportunity to make a statement – to forge something that’s representative of the beauty for which Scotland is known. Whether this manifests through its willingness to tailor-make products to fit each individual customer, or through its eagerness to raise money for charities such as Ayrshire Hospice and Saving Suffering Strays, RCO Furniture has cemented itself as an integral part of the woodworking community. With such a wealth of creativity at its fingertips, we have no doubt that RCO Furniture will continue to produce incredibly unique pieces that push the boundaries of what can be done with woodwork. Its passion for its craft, and the love that it holds for its community, is truly heartwarming to witness, and we’re sure that these qualities will forever shine through the products that it creates. We’re excited to see how this wonderful company progresses as we enter into a new era of interior design. Contact: Ryan Oldfather Company: RCO Furniture Web Address: https://rcofurniture.com/ ased in Ayrshire, RCO Furniture is a company that’s dedicated to providing handmade, bespoke resin and wood tables, charcuterie boards, and wall art of the highest quality. By combining innovation, talent, and an incredible amount of creativity, owner Ryan Oldfather has managed to forge a fantastic line of products for a multitude of uses. Be it gorgeously handcrafted tables, charcuterie boards, and wall art capturing the natural beauty of Scotland’s rivers, glens, and mountains, or wholly unique serving boards perfect for any occasion, RCO Furniture utilises locally sourced, sustainable Scottish wood to create bespoke designs that are guaranteed to make a statement. Following his studies in Construction and Manufacturing Design, Ryan Oldfather proceeded to leave his home town of Ayrshire in the hopes of expanding his horizons. He held an overwhelming curiosity for the different styles that the world had to offer, and, during his work in Catalonia, found exactly what he was looking for. Barcelona’s art and architecture was a marvel to behold, and it triggered an invaluable realisation within Ryan – resin could be utilised to forge magnificent designs in tandem with other materials. Once this notion dawned on him, it was only a matter of time before Ryan brought his new-found ideas back to Ayrshire. Directly influenced by his time abroad, Ryan soon started to create a range of products that truly captured a union between his home town and the unique beauty of Catalonia. As such, he began establishing a range of Tapas and Charcuterie Boards to display food in an ecofriendly way, and did so using sustainable Scottish wood as a medium. It’s no secret that wood has a plethora of opportunities when it comes to crafting, and Ryan opted to experiment with the idea of adapting imperfections within the medium into new, refreshing designs that are filled to the brim with character. B
8 | LUXlife Magazine rior to launching Neate Crafts, Susan Neate worked as a designer at an Elizabethan manor house and artist-in-residence at a Cumbrian castle. Susan’s training is in Fine Art, but her love of crafting allows her to bring an artistic flair to every technique she employs. Susan Neate is an expert in several painting styles: watercolour, acrylic, pastel, and pencil. Her specialisms include scrumbling (freeform crochet), pyrography (a traditional folk art of wood burning), and verre eglomise (an ancient craft of etching gold leaf to glass). Neate Crafts currently offers a unique, faux gold-leaf pendant worked in verre eglomise. Any subject can be meticulously gilded onto the reserve side of glass to create a soft mirrored effect. The polished glass dome is then set into an antique, copper style mount. Teaching herself to knit has resulted in some of Susan’s favourite commissions, including two intricately crafted 3D monkey and sheep hats. The pieces feature a handsome, cheeky monkey wrapping its tail around a hand-knitted hat and ‘Shap the sheep’, a pull-on hat with striking face and tiny legs. The design can be created in various animal and colour combinations. Neate Crafts also offers a collection of jewellery in varied styles, from wooden beads to semi-precious stones, textured sea glass, and fossils. Its colourful range of fabric creations includes throws, pillows and hand sewn padded coat hangers. Susan’s favourite pattern to incorporate into her designs is Laura Ashley vintage fabric. Neate Crafts regularly experiments with mediums and designs, enjoying the challenge of mastering new techniques. Living in a Cumbrian village, near the scenic fells and sea, allows Susan to draw inspiration from the world around her. Through its organic processes and nature inspired art, Neate Crafts aims for its customers to rejoice in their shared appreciation of nature. Each charming piece is unique and designed to order. Neate Crafts provides a specialist service that encourages customers to involve themselves in the design process and seeks to fulfil its clients’ wishes for a perfect gift experience. Speaking on what a perfect gift means to her, Founder Susan Neate says, “It reflects the love or message customers want to convey from the buyer to the recipient. One that will last years, become an heirloom, and remind the owner of memories.” Neate Crafts will soon be unveiling a new Coastal collection that will include personalised napkin rings, egg cups, vibrant throws, bags, distinctive jewellery, and stunning paintings. The business is never short on inspiration and is constantly expanding to the delight of its growing Best Artisan Personalised Gifts 2023 - the Lake District Neate Crafts is a creator of bespoke, hand-made gifts and crafts inspired by the beauty of the Lake District in Cumbria. With an exemplary range of original artwork, hand-knitted treasures, unique jewellery, and fabric creations, Neate Crafts’ heartfelt designs are ideal for any special occasion. clientele. Spreading joy and inspiration with its beautiful, hand-made gifts and crafts, Neate Crafts continues to live up to its name as Best Artisan Personalised Gifts. Contact: Susan Neate Company: Neate Crafts Web Address: www.neatecrafts.co.uk P Verre eglomise work pyrography and some painted and pyrography creations
Epic Laser Designs: Best Bespoke Laser Design Business 2023 - UK As a crafter of personalised, bespoke gifts, Epic Laser Designs prides itself on designing unique creations for every occasion. For exquisitely designed gifts, stylish wedding favours, captivating party décor, and elegant homeware, Epic Laser Designs delivers meaningful gifts that help cherish life’s unforgettable moments. In the year 2013, Owner Bradley Oliver discovered the art of 3D printing, laser cutting, and engraving. He focused his attention on mastering the crafts and even built a 3D printer from scratch. Armed with insider knowledge and state-of-the-art tools, Epic Laser Designs was born in 2021. Bradley was immediately flooded with inquiries from individuals and businesses all hoping to collaborate and bring their creative visions to life. The company takes pride in its extensive product range whilst continuing to invite the extraordinary, encouraging customers to reach out with their special requests. Epic Laser Designs reaches across several industries from retail to marketing, hospitality to the gift sector, continuing to envisage new ways to make memorable moments for its clientele. Whether it’s a cake designer searching for the perfect cake topper or a corporate client seeking to craft awards and signage, the business delivers exceptional products dedicated to the highest quality craftmanship. Using versatile laser machinery, Epic Laser Designs works with a wealth of materials including wood, acrylic, leather, and slate to create its clients’ unique items. When asked to describe the market of bespoke gifts, Bradley Oliver said, “Customers seek unparalleled craftsmanship, unique designs, and exceptional experiences. Luxury is not solely defined by price but also by the rarity and exclusivity of offerings, along with the personalised attention and top-notch service we offer them. One area we are looking to capitalise on is the growing demand for sustainable luxury products. Customers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible options, and we are actively incorporating sustainable practices and materials into our offerings to meet this.” The company’s values extend beyond its clients to its unwavering environmental sustainability practices. Epic Laser Designs has committed to reducing its ecological footprint by investing in advanced filtration units to ensure emissions are safely filtered. It takes the time to source sustainable high-quality raw and recycled materials and plants trees to offset its carbon emissions. Epic Laser Designs joins the ranks of the top 10% of environmentally responsible businesses globally and the top 3% nationally within its market. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the business recently had to overcome supply chain and postal disruptions. Epic Laser Designs was able to tackle these obstacles by expanding its sourcing channels and strategically forming new partnerships with suppliers, which ensured the continuity of its product offerings. With the operation headed by its experienced staff, orders were able to be processed efficiently and promptly delivered. The company is committed to fulfilling each order in a timely fashion, without compromising on quality. It is this commitment that has earned the loyalty of its trusted clientele. Bradley reflects on the achievements of Epic Laser Designs, “In September, I am thrilled to celebrate the second anniversary of turning my decade-long hobby into a successful business venture. At Epic Laser Designs, we are committed to continuing our journey of growth and innovation. With our valued customers' support and our team's unwavering dedication, we aim to elevate our creative capabilities further and expand our product range.” Epic Laser Designs will continue to ensure that each product is crafted with the utmost care, aligning with its mission to deliver timeless expressions of joy with its personalised gifts. It looks forward to providing the perfect gift experience for many years to come. Contact: Bradley – [email protected] Company: Epic Laser Designs Web Address: www.epiclaserdesigns.com
10 | LUXlife Magazine Best Roast-to-Order Coffee Company 2023 - England Pebble and Pine is a small-batch coffee roasting company that produces and sells speciality coffee, lovingly handroasted to order, which would make the perfect gift for any coffee lover in your life. On the company’s website, you can choose from a great selection of seasonal beans from across Africa, Central America, and South America, as well as a range of brewing equipment. In October 2016, Pebble and Pine was founded by Dave Nixon, a master roaster with a passion for coffee. He believes that coffee is more than just a beverage. Instead, it is an experience, a moment to pause and appreciate the flavours and aromas that can only be delivered by a perfectly roasted coffee bean. Pebble and Pine aims to bring its customers the best tasting coffee at an affordable price. Its extensive range of coffee beans are specially selected for flavour, then freshly roasted to order in its UK-based roastery. While supermarket coffee may have been roasted months before purchase, coffee from Pebble and Pine is freshly roasted when an order is placed. This ensures that the customer receives the product in its best possible state, at its peak in freshness and flavour. Boasting a varied range of Arabica beans to suit all tastes, available to buy online or in store, Pebble and Pine’s products are the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys a delicious cup of coffee. Online orders are generally dispatched between 24 and 48 hours after purchase. For the best flavour, it is recommended that customers order whole coffee beans from the Pebble and Pine website then grind it up at home just before brewing. This is because coffee loses its flavour much more quickly once it has been ground up. However, if the recipient of your gift does not have a coffee grinder, the company can grind it up after roasting - simply specify your desired grind level when you order. For an even more special gift, you can choose to give someone a coffee subscription plan, enabling them to travel the world of coffee. With multiple plans to choose from, you can decide whether you want to give your giftee complete control over the coffee they receive or if you’d rather surprise them with Pebble and Pine’s expert choices. Furthermore, Pebble and Pine sells the equipment your recipient will need to start making great coffee, including the Hario V60 Craft Coffee Kit, which comes with a coffee dripper, server, filter papers, and a scoop. With these fine filter papers, you can brew clean and bright cups of coffee with no bits or sediment, unlike with a cafetiere that has a coarse filter. Should you choose to gift this kit to a coffee lover in your life, they will be able to use Pebble and Pine’s useful brewing guide to properly filter and enjoy their freshly roasted coffee. Pebble and Pine’s commitment to excellence does not stop at delivering outstanding coffee and products. “Providing excellent customer service really is paramount for us, and the heart of everything that we do at Pebble and Pine, as we see our customers as being part of our coffee loving community,” explains Dave Nixon. “We love nothing more than hearing from our customers and how much drinking our coffee is a valued part of their day. As a result, we constantly try to provide that personal touch to our service no matter how busy we get as we know how much this means to our community.” Pebble and Pine’s dedication to its customers truly underpins every aspect of its operations, from its customer service to the love and care it puts into roasting its coffee beans. For this reason, the business has been awarded Best Roast-to-Order Coffee Company, England, in The Perfect Gift Awards 2023. On this success, Dave comments, “The ‘perfect gift’ is something that comes from the heart. It’s not just about the gift itself, but about caring for that person and really thinking about what they would love. Perfect gifts are remembered long after the gift itself has gone – because of how it made the person feel. Those are the best gifts of all.” In the coming months, Pebble and Pine intends to focus on the build up to Christmas, when gifting really begins. Beyond that, it plans to expand its selection to incorporate more new and exciting coffees from around the world. It also aims to increase its range of coffee brewing equipment and accessories. Contact Details Contact: Dave Nixon Company: Pebble and Pine Ltd Web Address: pebbleandpine.co.uk
The Perfect Gift Awards 2023 | 11 Memories are the one thing that we simply can’t go without. They’re what shape us into the people we become later in life – what can make us laugh when we’re sad, or reassure us when we doubt ourselves. They’re precious, and the memories of our loved ones deserve to be preserved by those who recognise their worth. Treasure Box understands the need to capture a moment in time, and has perfected the art of shaping our memories into keepsakes that will stay with us for a lifetime. Best Memorial & Milestone Jewellery Designs 2023 - UK is treated with incomparable levels of respect and sympathy, and the raw emotion of every keepsake is translated into all of the little nooks and crannies of the jewellery. Treasure Box isn’t simply a jewellery brand set on churning out trinkets, but one that invests time, care, and love into each item to forge something that’ll do your loved one justice. Bev is a wonderful woman. The genuine emotion that she pours into each individual product is so overwhelmingly admirable, it’s difficult to put it into words. She’ll laugh with you, cry with you, and share every step of the process as she crafts a way for you to keep your cherished memories with you forever. No matter the request, Treasure Box is able to take a bespoke approach that’ll leave individuals with a one-of-akind product, handmade with love. It's this undeniable kindness that has allowed it to thrive the way it has, and yet Bev’s authenticity has never once faltered. We’re beyond honoured to feature Treasure Box in this award supplement. Its commitment to capturing what matters most to its customers is spectacular to witness, and, through handcrafted silver creations, Bev has managed to accumulate the means to make memories last a lifetime. Treasure Box embodies an appreciation for sentimental creations, and will no doubt continue to deliver on its promise of forging high-quality, memory-infused jewellery in the years to come. Contact: Bev Fowler Company: Treasure Box Web Address: https://www.treasurebox.uk.com/home.html Bev Fowler, the jewellery designer, maker, and face of Treasure Box, has always held the precious moments of her life incredibly close to her heart. She only wished that there could be a longlasting means to capture the story of her family’s life as it was being told, and soon came to realise that jewellery was the perfect medium for doing just that. Silver can hold fingerprints, handprints, pawprints, and so much more, which ultimately led to the birth of Treasure Box. As a small business, Treasure Box focuses on what truly matters – providing people with a way to preserve the essence of their loved ones through timeless pieces of stunning jewellery. Since 2010, Bev has been forging a catalogue of wonderful keepsakes for a variety of individuals. Each product is handmade with the same amount of care and dedication as the next, be it in the form of charms, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, or many others. In addition, she also takes custom commissions for more intricate projects, all in the hopes that she can be a part of helping customers capture that special piece of their world. Bev’s attention to detail is second to none, allowing her to create beautiful trinkets time and time again. No business of a similar nature is more genuine than Treasure Box. Behind this small brand is a woman who holds an authentic adoration for capturing the joy of others. No matter how they wish to see it translated, she will utilise only the highest quality silver and materials for new and loyal customers alike. Bev relishes in becoming a part of her customers’ lives, and takes immense pride in the fact that her products will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Making heirlooms to last for generations is where she flourishes, adding an authenticity to Treasure Box that makes it truly special indeed. In addition to her range of keepsakes, Bev also offers customers the chance to forever immortalise the lives of those they’ve lost. Whether this is a grandparent, parent, child, or family pet, her bespoke memorial pieces are one of a kind, and filled to the brim with love. Every customer B
12 | LUXlife Magazine n 2015, Nicky discovered her passion for creating personalised gifts when she decided to try her hand at making a personalised frame for her father. Needless to say, the project went very well, and her first creation is still proudly displayed in his kitchen to this day. From this point, Nicky decided to pursue her love for gift creation as a hobby alongside her fulltime job, but as orders increased it became apparent that she couldn’t keep doing both. With a young family, the flexibility of self-employment was appealing, so she decided to leave the corporate world of recruitment after 13 years and start her own business, initially called Marvel-ous Creations by Nicky. Now, eight years later, Nicky’s business has undergone impressive evolution. Having started out selling only to the UK, it now also sells via multiple channels across Europe and the US. As well as this, rather than working at her kitchen table, she now works from a designated workshop with a growing team. In 2022, Marvel-ous Creations by Nicky underwent a rebrand due to its diversifying product lines, leading to the birth of NicolaJaneCreates. Today, NicolaJaneCreates delivers premium custom gifts that are perfect for any occasion, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, engagements, baby showers, bridal showers, remembrance, Christmas, christenings, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and more. They also make great thank you gifts for teachers. All its products are custom made to order at the company’s family workshop in Hampshire, ensuring that each gift perfectly suits the person and occasion. NicolaJaneCreates aims to serve as the go-to one stop shop for the special moments in its customers’ lives. To achieve this, it goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional customer experience. It doesn’t want people to simply purchase a product from its website and passively await its delivery. Instead, it works with them in collaboration to create an item that is special, loved, and will be displayed for many years to come. Nicky comments, “Some of our best selling gifts have come from working with a customer to realise their idea. We simply add our special touches and hey presto, it's a bestseller!” Importantly, NicolaJaneCreates only uses the best quality materials to produce its outstanding personalised keepsakes. Throughout the creation process, the company’s team engage with the customer regularly, sending them proof images to ensure that there are no mistakes, and that the final product surpasses expectations. “In our business, the ‘Perfect Gift’ is when a customer opens their purchase Best Family-Run Personalised Gifts Company 2023 - South East England Based in Hampshire, NicolaJaneCreates Ltd is a family run business that sells custom home décor and personalised gifts through an easy-to-use online store, including pebble people picture frames, scrabble art, photo collages, personalised prints, family trees, and more. The company strives to deliver items that are completely customised and unique to match the desired finish for the customer’s special occasion. Here, we find out more about the business from Founder and Owner Nicola Poulson, known as Nicky. and finds that it is complete and lacking in nothing; it fully accomplishes what they were expecting and more,” explains Nicky. “It’s that gift that you can’t wait to give to someone special and see their face when they open it. If it brings happy tears, then that’s a bonus!” The excellent standard of the products and services delivered by NicolaJaneCreates is highlighted by its 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, where more than 50 customers have left excellent feedback for the company. For example, one review states, “I ordered a personalised pebble photo frame from Nicola Jane for a Christening gift and absolutely love it! It is exactly what I wanted, and the service was excellent. I would definitely recommend.” In light of this glowing praise, it is no surprise that NicolaJaneCreates has been awarded Best Family-Run Personalised Gifts Company in The Perfect Gift Awards 2023. We are delighted to congratulate Nicky and her team on this accomplishment and wish her the best of luck in the years to come. Company Name: NicolaJaneCreates Ltd Contact: Nicola Poulson Web Address: www.nicolajanecreates.com I
Best Mixed Media Textiles Artist 2023: Sarah Spencer Currently based in Chicago, USA, Io the Alien is an unusually monikered fine art textiles studio exclusively owned and operated by artist, broadcaster, and educator Sarah Spencer. It has an online shop offering a range of 100% original, functional artworks, often lovingly referred to as cloth graffiti. This includes vividly adorned household items such as pillows, potholders, and mounted textile designs. Io the Alien is the brand name of Sarah Spencer, a remarkable textile artist, teacher, and music radio personality. She makes one-of-a-kind textiles and quilted artworks that are as vibrant and pleasingly abstract as she herself is. Perfect for a housewarming gift, a wedding present, or a dopamine-boosting treat for yourself, all kinds of functional household items are fair game to be given the Io the Alien treatment. Take a look, you’ll be so pleased you did! Sarah specialises in colourful, abstract art quilts, mixed media compositions, and functional art inspired by street art, contemporary music, and the spirit of nonconformity. Her inimitable and bold artworks have been featured in print, and in galleries all across the United States. She also offers fans and collectors the opportunity to purchase selected works through her website, or even to custom commission a piece specifically for their space. Commissioning artwork is easy, and collectors can opt to be hands-on in the design process, give Sarah full creative control, or even have her create a work based on a favourite piece of music. All Sarah’s Io the Alien pieces are resplendent, with a small but mighty design punch. It is fair to say, there’s nothing out there quite like it. They are modern, bold and bring an urban flare that is rarely seen in the world of textile art. Over the years, Sarah has developed and honed her techniques and processes, enabling her to expertly engineer complex designs admired by fans all over the world. Each piece can take weeks or months to complete, and blends fine art with skilled craftsmanship that is even more mesmerizing to behold in person. “I create these small works as a change of pace between larger undertakings, and I offer them joyfully to you. Due to the nature of how I work, I may never make the same items again, so if you see something here that interests you, act quickly!” - Sarah Spencer, discussing her work on display at Io the Alien online shop. 2023 was a ground-breaking year for the Io the Alien studio, with its artwork highlighted in over 10 exhibitions across the country, as well as at several major fine art fairs. As 2024 is fast approaching, the future is looking even brighter, with major gallery exhibitions already in the works as well as cross-disciplinary collaborations with musicians and recording artists. With such a busy year ahead, there’s never been a better time to secure your own purchase of a piece of art, or indeed commission a custom piece and create a truly memorable, perfect gift for yourself or someone you care about. For something to truly be a perfect gift, surely it must be unique, memorable and thoughtful. The very best gifts are ones the recipient will love, yet would have never found or thought to buy for themselves. Io the Alien thinks that this means skipping the big-box stores and manufacturers, and buying directly from artists and makers with finely-honed, unique skills and visions. Io the Alien has been chosen as the winner of Best Mixed Media Textiles Artist 2023: Sarah Spencer. Congratulations to this fabulous and funky little shop, with its incredible array of buyit-while-you-can, perfectly unique gifts. Company: Io The Alien Web Address: www.iothealien.com Contact Name: Sarah Spencer
14 | LUXlife Magazine Best Baby Essentials Business 2023 - UK Being a parent often involves being inundated with bags to hold all of your baby’s bits and pieces. And, unfortunately, finding products that are specifically designed with convenience in mind isn’t as common as one may expect. Enter Gigil, the UK’s leading baby essentials brand. Bursting with creative flair, Gigil has come to craft a line of vegan leather changing bags that have changed the game for parents across the country. Following the discovery that they were expecting their first child in 2017, the owners of Gigil decided that there simply weren’t enough products on the market to accommodate the various needs of parents with babies. True, there were an array of options, but convenience seemed to often be set to the side in favour of aesthetics. As such, Gigil came to be – a brand fully focused on combining style and utility to make the lives of parents far easier, all whilst being kind to the environment in the process. Of course, the luxury market within the baby industry is filled with big name brands that are difficult to compete against. However, Gigil has demonstrated a resounding determination to earn its place among them, with its products already selling in droves to eager parents who have found the items simply invaluable. Its main, eco-friendly draw is its unique quality, but individuals soon come to learn upon purchasing that Gigil’s range of vegan leather changing and hospital bags have no industry equal. With an eye for convenience and avid attention to detail, Gigil truly has established itself as a worthy name in the baby product market. Sustainability is everything when it comes to Gigil. Though it initially sought to make organic baby clothes before its inception, upon switching to producing changing and hospital bags, it saw an opportunity to do so through incredibly unique means. As such, it now creates high quality, incredibly effective bags using vegan leather and natural materials. This, in turn, allows it to adhere to the original, sustainable mindset that it had upon inception, all whilst delivering excellent products of the highest quality. Gigil’s changing bags are designed with every potential requirement in mind. Whether this takes the form of the specifically crafted bottle holders within the bag’s front pocket, or its spacious interior to hold a plethora of necessities, it’s managed to strike a fascinating balance between wearability and functionality. Fit for both mothers and fathers, its simple, yet incredibly sleek, design allows for a wholly alternative approach towards baby changing bags – it’s able to hold everything you could need to keep your little one happy, all whilst eliminating the clunky exterior appearance that partners most changing bags currently on the market. It truly is astounding what can products can be created when designed by those who truly understand what the industry is crying out for. Gigil represents parents who have struggled to find the perfect fit for their parenting lifestyle, and have had to settle for second best again and again. Now, parents can make use of Gigil’s ingeniously designed changing bags to regain that little bit of convenience again. This satisfaction is what makes it all worth it, and Gigil expresses time and time again how delighted it is that its products are making a real difference to parents throughout the UK. We’re excited to showcase Gigil in this award supplement. Its ingenuity has resulted in the most aesthetically pleasing, yet incredibly functional, changing bags the UK has ever seen. We’re sure that, with such admirable drive behind it, there’s nothing stopping Gigil from expanding its reach worldwide. When that happens, we’ll be eagerly cheering it on from the sidelines. Contact: Patrick Collinson Company: Gigil Web Address: https://gigil.com/
The Perfect Gift Awards 2023 | 15 When dirt and grime builds up on items in our homes, offices, vehicles, or anywhere else for that matter, it would be great to have a tool to remove it without damaging the surface. Alas, we needn’t look any further! Here we learn more from Scrigit LLC’s Founder, Jay Feinberg, as Scrigit® wins its title in The Perfect Gift Awards 2023. Most Innovative Cleaning Tool 2023: Scrigit with my friends and family and they all think it is a genius product! I have them stashed all over my house and find I am reaching for one several times a day now.” One Amazon buyer said, “This little tool is so useful. Every time I start to use my fingernails as a tool, I remember my Scrigit and use it instead. It saves my fingernails and does a great job.” Another Amazon buyer said, “Such a great product for cleaning in crevices around sinks and faucets, scraping off sticky things, label, tape etc. Came in a pack of 5. I put one in each bathroom, one in the kitchen, and shared the rest with people who report loving them. Wish I had thought of this product!” For the future, Scrigit LLC is going to continue growing its customer base online and in retail stores. The years to come look promising for Scrigit LLC as its scraper spreads from cleaning duties to the arts and crafts community. Winning Most Innovative Cleaning Tool 2023 is no small feat, and Scrigit® has caught our eye for its pioneering, inventive, and helpful design. Congratulations to Jay Feinberg and Scrigit LLC, we can’t wait to see how many more individuals are benefitted by its brilliance. Contact: Jay Feinberg Company: Scrigit LLC Web Address: www.scrigit.com elping us with a diverse selection of tricky, sticky jobs, Scrigit LLC has come up with a tool which saves time, money, effort, and the wear and tear on our fingernails. As Scrigit® is pocketsized and easy to use, we can carry it anywhere for dirt and grime buildup on common surfaces or items. Shaped like a pen or mechanical pencil, Scrigit® is extremely compact and easy to hold. We can carry it around and be ready to tackle any surface or item infected with dried food or dirt buildup, any time. Jay says, “We love making people’s lives easier with what seems to be a simple product but has hundreds of uses. Scrigit Scrapers provide a better alternative to using your fingernails or dangerous metal blades for accomplishing everyday cleaning tasks. The cylindrical shape of the scraper is based on the familiar shape of a pen or pencil so the tool is easy to hold and can be kept handy where you are likely to use it.” When telling us where the idea originated from, Jay enthuses, “I was motivated to invent the Scrigit® Scraper because I could not find a good small scraper tool for small cleaning tasks, including removal of adhesive stickers and labels.” Of course, we’re all guilty of using random items to attempt the removal of stickers, dirt, dried food, or grime, but, with Scrigit®, we can scrape without any worry or damage. As a family-owned and operated business, based in the U.S., Scrigit LLC works tirelessly – as a close-knit team – to manufacture and package all of its tools in the States, and even supplies them worldwide. The Scrigit® is a fantastic stocking stuffer for Christmas, or a handy gift any time of year! Jay shares, “People are excited about receiving Scrigit® Scrapers because they have so many uses for cleaning as well as for arts and crafts.” The possibilities are truly endless! “Add a Scrigit® to your “bucket list” of cleaning supplies.” Of course, the testimonials speak for themselves as a blogger who reviewed the product said, “I have shared a few of the Scrigit Scrapers H
16 | LUXlife Magazine aking beautiful, enticing cakes and breads for a living is the dream job for Pink Lane Bakery, who relish the opportunity to provide treats that put a smile on customers’ faces. It is delighted to be called on to provide celebration cakes for customers at the most important and noteworthy moments in their lives. In this respect, it has had several customers for whom it has provided an engagement cake, followed by a wedding cake, followed by a Christening cake. This is in addition to also supplying regular birthday cakes, and catering services when called onto do so. It is heartwarming for the company to see such wonderful stories developing over the years, and to feel a small part of it in some way. Pink Lane Bakery has a mission to provide top quality baked goods for its customers, without forcing them to break the bank. Sourcing ingredients that allow it to maintain this core desire has been a challenge of late, what with the rising price of goods and the cost-of-living crisis intersecting so inconveniently. Nevertheless, it has done its utmost to rise to the challenges, and has valiantly stuck to its guns about what it believes to be a factor of major importance for its customers and future business loyalty. Another core value integral to the success of Pink Lane Bakery is its people. It knows the success of the business is dependent on the hardworking team who run the bakery, and consequently it is a matter of great importance that it remains a happy, caring and fulfilling place to work. That was the case when owner Neil le Flohic first started the business, 11 and a half years ago, with a team of just 3. Today, with more than 40 team members, it is still very much a guiding light for the company, and one Neil counts amongst his greatest and most proud achievements. The most vital thing about the internal culture at Pink Lane Bakery, and the thing that makes it such a caring environment to work in, is the respectful and creative ethos that is fostered amongst the team. Forgive the pun if you can, but it’s tickled pink when people bring new ideas to the table. With a long-serving staff contingent, it is both fortunate and delighted to be able to develop products that are in line with its team members’ interests, skills, and strengths. As part of The Perfect Gifts Awards complement, we were interested to find out what Neil himself considers to be a perfect gift. Of course, a beautifully decorated birthday cake is an obvious contender, but he has chosen to interpret the question at a deeper level. He explains his reasoning as, “For me, the perfect gift isn’t about making a statement, it’s about seeing the right thing and thinking, ‘Yes, that person will love that right now’.” He elaborates by pointing out that a lot of what is sold at the Pink Lane Bakery is destined to be a more spontaneous, off-the-cuff gift. Best Artisan Bakery 2023 - Tyne & Wear Pink Lane Bakery is a popular and long-established artisan bakers with stores located in Newcastle city centre, Gosforth and Jesmond. It specialises in sourdough breads, breakfast pastries, and savoury delicacies such as its incredible rosemary-pancetta sausage rolls. It is also a provider of delicious, personalised celebration and wedding cakes, including several vegan options. Why shouldn’t a perfect gift be something as simple as breakfast in bed? Perhaps a surprise brownie to brighten up someone’s day, a coffee and a doughnut to help get a colleague through a hard time, or a strawberry Danish to say I love you. Perfect gifts, after all, come in all shapes and sizes. Pink Lane Bakery has been announced as the Best Artisan Bakery 2023 - Tyne & Wear in the Perfect Gift Awards. A glance at its mouth watering sweet and savoury delights is surely enough to tempt anyone, but while you’re treating yourself why not consider buying another as a perfect little gift for someone you care about. Company: Pink Lane Bakery Web Address: www.PinkLaneBakery.com Contact Name: Neil le Flohic (Photography by Ruth Gibson) M
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