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Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk
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Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk
WMessage from the Editor
Rhys Thomas Garden Centre supplement editor
www.toysnplaything.media www.giftstoday.media
elcome to our spring garden centre supplement, brought to you in partnership between Toys n Plaything and Gifts Today. This issue we celebrate the growing bond between toy suppliers and the garden centre sector. As toy suppliers continue to seek a wider market of gift-givers and toy consumers, garden centres are turning to the industry for new products that sell even when wet weather puts a dampener on their core offering.
As Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association tells us: “Toys and gifts are very important to garden centres both as an all year round interest to our customers, but particularly when the weather is not good for gardening.” Turn the page for more from Peter and the association’s Barometer of Trade, digging into the sales data behind the impact of toys and gifts in the sector.
Our cover star Commotion gives us an in-depth look at a selection of educational wooden playsets from its tickit brand. CEO Jame Shepherd says the range is right at home in garden centres “as they encourage storytelling that is rooted in the natural environment”. Head over to page eight for
the full story, and find out how mum Rachael and her little one Holly got on when they tested out the tickit wooden domestic animal blocks, on page 16.
We also caught up with British Garden Centre’s group toy buyer Kate Hateley, who talked top performing toy brands and categories, where she sources new product, and how joining Toymaster has helped focus the group’s toy ambitions. Read all about it, plus why chasing trends and big licenses like Pokémon is not always the right course of action on page 14.
Dress-up and accessories companies Rubies and Smiffys each gave us insight into what products work best in garden centres and, importantly, how the companies help buyers capitalise on key dress-up occasions such as Halloween - on pages 10 and 12 respectively. And suppliers shared their thoughts on how they maximise the unique opportunities and retail environment garden centres cultivate, why securing garden centre listings has risen in priority for the toy industry, and how supporting products in-store differs from national and independent specialist accounts (page 18).
Our garden centre supplement will return this September, where we’ll see if these forecasts have come to fruition. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the sector, so get in touch at rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk.
Rhys Thomas, Editor rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk
Toys give garden centres early boost
Toys and gifts provided a welcome sales lift for garden centres in January and February, as non-gardening products continue to shine across the sector
Toys and gifts shone at garden centres across the country during the gloomy first two months of the year, providing a welcome sales bump in January and February.
The Garden Centre Association’s monthly Barometer of Trade, which tracks category sales and trends across its national membership, revealed that the toys and gifts category was up 4.85 per cent in January, and almost twice that in February, making it the secondbest performer for the month behind only catering.
Compared with February 2024, toys and gifts jumped 7.34 per cent. Other growth drivers included clothing (up 4.65 per cent), food hall and farm shop (a 4.41 per cent rise) and houseplants (an uptick of 2.21 per cent).
“February was a difficult month for our members, as cold, dull, damp weather kept people firmly inside and away from their gardens,” said Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association. “However, the usual wet weather categories all performed very well, meaning the overall yearto-date variance was still positive at +1.53 per cent.
“Hardly anyone did any gardening at all across last year and the 2024 spring season was a complete wash out,” Peter added. “So we’re anticipating a great deal of pent-up demand for our members to tap into in March onwards this year, especially as short-range
Toys and gifts are very important to garden centres… They really help garden centres to attract customers
“ ”
Peter Burks, CEO, The Garden Centre Association
weather forecasts currently look good.”
The figures follow a blossoming pattern of growth for nongardening products in the sector. In his column for TnP in 2024, Peter noted that garden centres are fast becoming “the go-to place” for children’s toys and general gifting, particularly around seasonal periods and annual gifting occasions. The category provides more opportunities for garden centres to trade through periods of inclement weather.
“The industry is fortunate that the vagaries of the economy rarely have an impact on sales performance, with the weather having far more an input,” Peter said. “The good news here is that… with the range of retail options available now, garden centres can still ‘make hay’ even when the sun doesn’t shine.”
Non-gardening categories to grow
That wisdom was also borne out in the run up to Christmas 2024, when garden centres saw early Christmas sales rise 14.22 per cent on 2023, with toys and gifts up a massive 10.48 per cent. There is a steady yet significant shift in how garden centres are viewed by customers, as more than just a horticultural hub, and the evolving product mix will continue to reflect that.
As the face of UK retail continues to shift, and with the washout summer of 2024 still firmly in the mind of garden centre operators and buyers, the industry will continue to look beyond its core offering to mitigate risk and protect against uncertainty, says Peter.
“Toys and gifts are very important to garden centres, both as an all-year-round interest to our customers, but particularly when the weather is not good for gardening,” he says. “They really help garden centres to attract customers and sales to prop the overall business up. The industry has worked hard introducing these non-gardening categories to protect it both against the seasonal nature of gardening and against the weather.”
Golden tickit
Commotion’s best-selling tickit brand brings educational play to garden centres
The tickit brand from Commotion spans 350 different products, each designed in partnership with educational specialists to spark kids’ imaginations and encourage beneficial play. The collection encompasses everything from wooden playsets and sensory toys to balance bikes, light panels and (nearly) everything in between. Each product is carefully developed and sourced to encourage kids’ curiosity and encourage learning through play - a play theme beloved by parents and children alike.
Combining a breadth and depth of evergreen play patterns with a variety of price points, tickit has found growing
Did you know?
success with families visiting garden centres. We spoke to Commotion chief executive James Shepherd to learn more about a best-selling line from the tickit brand - a range of beautiful wooden playsets - and how the company supports its products in this unique retail environment.
James, garden centres have become true destination retail for families, and toys are an increasingly important part of the retail mix to cater to that. Why do you think that is? Garden centres provide family-friendly environments where indoor and outdoor experiences are seamlessly connected. By incorporating toys,
Every tickit product is developed by Commotion’s expert product development team, and undergoes rigorous testing in schools and nurseries to ensure kids not only enjoy playing with them, but benefit, too.
we enhance the overall experience, allowing children to engage in imaginative play whilst parents discover a growing array of offerings.
Our commercial success has allowed us to strategically build our retail presence, with garden centres being an integral part of our expansion
“ ”
The tickit range of small world wooden play character sets have found a real market in garden centres. What is it about this range that works particularly well?
Our wooden play characters fit in garden centres as they encourage storytelling that is rooted in the natural environment. Their durability makes them perfect for outdoor play, inviting children to embark on their own adventures and taking learning through play beyond the indoor space.
This collection in particular is made of FSC-certified wood. Does that material work especially well in the garden centre environment? Absolutely! The natural appearance of wooden toys harmonises with the garden setting. They encourage
Wooden Animal Friends.
Fact!
Commotion’s tickit brand features more than 350 different products, each designed, developed and sourced in partnership with educational specialists
exploration and creativity. Parents appreciate our commitment to sustainability through FSC-certified materials, making them feel good about their choices.
The range offers a really cohesive yet thematically broad collection for kids to choose from. How does that help the range tap into the collectibility angle?
By providing a cohesive yet varied collection, we ignite children’s interest in collecting. They enjoy mixing and matching characters to create their unique worlds. Each piece is crafted for repeated play, ensuring they become beloved favourites for years.
How do you support your retail partners to best ensure your ranges perform in-store?
We emphasise collaboration! We offer engaging displays, marketing support, and staff training to help our retail partners showcase our products effectively… understanding that our offer has to add sales and profit!
What can buyers expect in terms of sales performance from this range?
Whilst I can’t disclose specific numbers, I can confidently say that our range delivers excellent returns for the space it occupies. With a combination of quality, collectibility, and eco-friendliness, our toys represent a wise investment for both retailers and families - and most of all… the kids love our products!
Which other tickit products are popular with garden centre customers?
Of course, our product lineup extends beyond wooden items. We also offer a strong selection of light and sensory products. Each of our offerings undergoes rigorous testing in nurseries and schools, ensuring that children not only play but also benefit from them. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of our business. Our commercial success has allowed us to strategically build our retail presence, with garden centres being an integral part of our expansion.
Woodland Trail Set
The beautiful boxed woodland set includes wooden trees, leaves, forest animals and minibeasts, stones and puddles, animal footprints with log-design tree rings on the reverse, toadstools and a two-piece arched bridge. Intricate laser features on the animals, leaves and logs create a tactile indentation design making them attractive and great for mark making/crayon or charcoal rubbing, whilst giving them a sensory exploration element. Children will enjoy using their imagination and using the natural wooden pieces to create small world play. Follow the tracks to discover if you are on the trail of a stag, fox, rabbit, owl, hedgehog or squirrel! Whose are these footprints? Where do they go?
An adorable set of 10 animals from around the world, this set is made from beautiful solid beechwood. Natural and smooth with simple printed features and faux leather embellishments, these charming figures are fun and tactile. Children can use them in imaginative, small world play to tell stories and to develop descriptive language skills. Ideal companions to tickit’s Woodland Trees and Wooden Community Figures sets.
Rainbow Wooden Community People
New for 2025 !
Commotion’s launch of the tickit Whizz Balance Bike at Nuremberg 2025 generated significant excitement among both new and existing customers. The tickit Whizz Balance Bike stands out with its stylish design, vibrant colour options, super light frame at just 3.5kg, puncture-proof tyres, adjustable seat height, easy assembly, and a hugely competitive price. Designed for children aged two to five, the frame is sturdy, rustproof and lightweight, allowing young riders to manoeuvre confidently, while parents can easily carry it.
Durable tyres ensure safety on any surface.
The tickit Rainbow Wooden Community People are fantastic for small world play. Made from beautiful smooth solid beechwood with a natural woodgrain finish, the threaded figures represent a diverse range of five different skin tones, and the bodies can be imaginatively clothed using rainbow-coloured cuffs which slide on easily.
These tactile characters are secured by screwing on the ‘feet’ to create different shaped, sized and coloured bodies of various heights and skin tones for a beautiful multicultural community of little people. Ideal for children to use in imaginative play, small world play, and to encourage descriptive
“Garden centre retail partners are crucial”
Rubies is making strides in the garden centre sector, providing tailored display solutions and curated product selections to maximise opportunities around key seasonal events and top-tier licenses
From best-in-class licences to evergreen seasonal favourites, Rubies offers a host of dress up products for every occasion and all ages. The company’s costumes and accessories find success across the retail landscape, from specialist partyware and dress-up retailers, to national toy chains, supermarkets and garden centres, offering curated product collections and tailored display solutions to delight customers and maximise sales.
Garden centres in particular have become a key component of Rubies’ retail strategy, says Fran Hales, Head of Portfolio and Marketing. The company is embracing the sector’s potential of providing “unique opportunities to connect with customers from diverse backgrounds”.
“Our garden centre retail partners are crucial to us as a business,” she adds. “As consumer buying habits evolve, garden centres have proven to be highly successful, resonating with the trend of families seeking a one-stop location for all their needs, including gifts and toys for children.”
To maximise the opportunities in garden centres, the Rubies team partner closely with each centre to curate a selection of products that best serve the expectations of its consumers, as well as providing an array of in-store
display options that make an impact.
We are proud to offer… an entire curated package for garden centre customers
“ ”
“Rubies in-store display units, including FSDUs, are perfect for garden centres - particularly our seasonal ranges, designed for peak periods like Halloween or Christmas, aligning with the needs and preferences of the centre’s core customer base,” Fran says. “With everything needed for a season in one sleek display, they can get ready for some of the biggest tentpoles in the calendar year with Rubies! On top of all of this, we can also customise the product offering in any point of sale solution or FSDU to cater to any retailer’s need from our wide range of products.”
an entire curated package for garden centre customers,” she adds.
Rubies extends these opportunities to each retailer in every market segment. It’s a win-win approach, says Fran, which not only strengthens and progresses individual relationships, but benefits the company’s entire customer base.
“Our partnerships with garden centres involve a carefully curated product mix and FSDUs, considering seasonality and the specific needs of the unique
Did you know?
Rubies can customise the product offering across its in-store display options to meet the unique demands and expectations of each retailer
Product is backed with custom displays as well as promotional content and assets for retailers’ online channels. The result, Fran says, is a holistic package empowering garden centres to strengthen their approach to omnichannel retail.
“We are proud to offer FSDUs, custom seasonal POS materials, and a comprehensive range of digital assets for online platforms, tailored to the needs of garden centres, creating
customer base, differing not in approach but in selection from national accounts and specialty retailers. This also ensures customers in both industries a more exclusive collection.”
Learn more about Rubies’ product offering, including dress-up options for Halloween and Christmas, hit franchise license such as Spider-Man and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, plus plenty more, in our feature starting on page 19.
Party time!
Alice Smith, Marketing Manager at Smiffys, shares why garden centres are a key sector for the partyware and accessories supplier, and how the company commits to supporting its products in-store throughout the year
One of the UK’s leading suppliers of partyware, fancy dress and accessories, Smiffys delights customers across the retail landscape, and is making waves in the garden centre sector. With both licensed evergreen ranges, and a host of seasonal goods to make the most of key sales periods such as Halloween and Christmas, we caught up with Marketing Manager Alice Smith to learn more about the company’s tailored approach to this unique retail segment
Why are Smiffys products such a good fit for garden centres and their customers?
Smiffys accessories and partyware are ideal for Garden Centres. Our licensed partyware collections featuring The Gruffalo and Peter Rabbit are the perfect additions to children’s gifting ranges Garden Centres are known for. As a destination for Christmas décor and gifts, Halloween is a great seasonal opportunity for garden centres. Our Halloween accessory FSDUs include top selling accessories, décor and
Our licensed partyware collections featuring The Gruffalo and Peter Rabbit are the perfect additions to children’s gifting ranges garden centres are known for
cosmetics for customers to create easy Halloween looks at great prices. For those wanting to expand their Halloween range further, Smiffys offer the widest range of adult & children’s costume, across all themes and budgets.
Garden centres are a growing priority for toy and partyware suppliers. What makes them such unique and appealing retail environments for Smiffys?
Garden centres are a destination – a day out for families, a place to catch up with friends and a one stop shop for not only garden supplies but gifts, clothing and décor. With café’s and ‘shops in shops’, customers will travel to garden centres and while away a few hours stopping for refreshments and browsing. Garden centres are also known for stocking more premium and heritage brands, attracting a customer base with money to spend. All these factors add up to make these unique retail destinations a key sector for us at Smiffys.
Did you know?
Smiffys has created custom FSDUs tailored to the garden centre market to support its products throughout key seasonal selling periods such as Halloween
How do your partnerships with garden centres differ from core national accounts and specialist toy and party
The retail environment and product selection differs from Smiffys’ partnerships with other customers. In comparison to party retailers and national accounts, the product ranges are more accessory and toy focussed. The customer retail experience also differs, and with so many product
categories and brands, Smiffys supports customers in this category with retail solutions to make product selection and merchandising seamless.
How do you support your products in-store?
Supporting our customers in-store is important to us to ensure our product ranges are successful in all retail environments. For key seasons, we provide POS kits with various promotional materials such as posters, window stickers and till point displays. To cater specifically to the garden centre market, we have created custom FSDUs for a variety of seasons. As well as these retail solutions, our team are always on hand to advise on top selling lines for the category and to offer guidance on building your bespoke range.
Toys in bloom
Kate, when did you decide you wanted to buy toys?
I fell into it really while working at Webbs Garden Centre at Wychbold in Droitwich, over 20 years ago! I started work on the shopfloor in the gift department, took on various responsibilities and worked my way up to gift buyer within a couple of years. It was a great start to my career and I learned a lot.
I was there for five years before moving onto Blooms of Bressingham, then AIS (Associated independent Stores), and then Hillview Garden Centres, before British Garden Centres took us under its wing about five years agoand here I am! Over those years I bought for many different categories under the gift remit, and then took on toys, games, jigsaws, books, and pastimes when I joined the British Garden Centres family.
How would you describe your merchandise mix?
It’s tailored around what our customer wants. We have to appreciate that we are garden centres and not toy shops, and our main demographic is older and more traditional. So there is a
Kate Hateley, group toy buyer of British Garden Centres, talks to Clare Turner about the retailer’s best-selling brands, why catering to your customers doesn’t mean chasing trends, and the ups and downs of trading in 2024
focus on what those customers would buy in terms of for their children and grandchildren. We do obviously stock the key brands and licences, but we are more conscious that just because a new film is being launched, or the next TikTok toy is going crazy, this may not always fit our profile.
Yes, British Garden Centres has been a Toymaster member for many years now, and we find that it’s a vital contribution to our business and a great support network - not to mention the fact that it throws a superbly organised show every May.
British Garden Centres has been a Toymaster member for many years now, and we find that it’s a vital contribution to our business
” “
What are your key categories?
Pre-school, action figures and vehicles, fashion and dolls, plush, educational, arts and crafts, and pocket money toys.
How many brands do you carry?
Lego, Playmobil, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster Jam, Tech Decks, Hey Duggie, Peppa Pig, In the Night Garden, Bing, Care Bears, Tonka, CAT, My Little Pony, Jurassic, Polly Pocket, Orchard, Brio, Schleich.
How many suppliers do you deal with?
Lego, Playmobil, Kayes of Cardiff, Character Options, Golden Bear Toys, Spin Master, Depesche, Basic Fun!, John Adams, Peterkin, TY, VTech, WOW Toys, Rainbow Designs, Gibsons Games, Ravensburger, James Galt, Keel Toys, Teleview, Brainstorm Toys, Floss & Rock, Slime Party.
Are you a member of any trade associations?
Toymaster commercial director Paul Reader spent some time with me last year visiting some of our centres, and gave valuable advice on how to profile our centres better in terms of space allocation, merchandising, and what categories work best. We are now trying to roll out that best practice to the rest of the centres which have toy departments.
How do you find products?
Through a mixture of rep visits, trade press and trade shows. We have good relationships with our suppliers, which we are in regular communication with. Along with visiting their showrooms, I also attend the main trade shows including Toy Fair at Olympia in London, Spring Fair at NEC Birmingham and, of course, the Toymaster May Show in Harrogate.
Toy Fair in January is always a great start to the year; reviewing what worked well and what not so at Christmas, and seeing what’s new for spring. The Toymaster show is then paramount for starting to look at Christmas ranging.
How has trading been for you over the past 12 months?
Up and down! It’s pretty much in line with what other independent toy retailers have reported. It definitely could be better; it’s such a competitive market, especially now with the supermarkets offering toys as significant ranges of toys.
But being garden centres, we benefit by giving customers many reasons to visit, what with our restaurants, soft play areas, gifts, clothing, wonderful Christmas departments - and that’s before all of the wonderful plants we sell!
Which categories have really performed well?
Pocket money ranges like Mash’ems, TY, Teleview, and ‘fidget’ type toys, which are great pick-up lines and mainly sub-£10. Hot Wheels always
do really well and the Botanical range from Lego has been really successful… it definitely suits our profile.
What are some of your recent arrivals? Unicorn Academy from Spin Master, Floss & Rock, and Smooshzees toys from Character Options.
What trends have you noticed? We’ve seen an increase in craft and make and do activities. And Lego is always a winner: it has such a wide following, of all ages.
How do you get the word out there? We have a great following and presence on Facebook and Instagram, not to mention a great PR team and content creator. Plus, we run a Family Card membership programme with over 300,000
Rather
members. It’s free to join, with many beneficial rewards. We email members regularly with special offers and news about special events that are happening in their local centres, for which they get priority access. We’re always planning ahead, and always looking for new ideas.
than selecting a brand that might be short-lived, we look at longerterm evergreen brands
“ ”
For SS25, are there any ranges you are particularly excited about seeing/stocking?
We’re not always the first to the party with new ranges, mainly because we like to see them establish themselves first. So, rather than selecting a brand that might be short-lived, we look at longer-term evergreen brands.
I’d like to give pre-school a shake up and swap some brands out. I think Bluey & Stitch would make a welcome addition to our range. I also think that the craft element of toys isn’t going away, and people are more conscious of buying something to ‘make and do’ at home.
What’s next for your toys and games: are you looking at expanding into new product categories?
In a nutshell I would say we’re looking at less heavily branded ranges, and focusing more on pocket money/pick-up lines at key price points, and more craft and pastime ranges.
New kid on the blocks
The toy – Wooden Domestic Animal Blocks tickit (Commotion)
0+ months
RRP: £19.99
Mum Rachael told us: ‘I can see Holly really likes these. I have seen similar but it’s only when you see them up close you realise just how good the quality is. They are a great chunky size and really lightweight and smooth at the same time, making it easy for her to grasp.”
She added: “My husband is a farmer and so Holly is already familiar with a lot of
Holly, our youngest toy tester so far, is one in July. She was very eager to play with the Wooden Domestic Animal Blocks and you can see why. It comes with 15 tactile double-sided pieces of real photographic images of adult domestic animals and their young.
these animals when we take her to the farm. She is picking them up and already trying to identify them from the blocks. The imagery is realistic and they are very vibrant. You can see Holly likes looking at them and holding onto them as she is putting them very close to her. When I try and play with one, she’s taking them from me which is a sure sign they are hers.”
Rachael laughed: “Unlike the real ones, she’s also having great fun throwing them too. They make a lovely sound when they land,” adding: “What I like most is that she will really grow with this. It’s a great price for the extensive play value ahead and that’s important to me as I need the toys we buy to last.”
“We’re going to have a brilliant time coming up with games matching the family types and grouping them and ‘thinking up’ stories with her sister in the mix, Lily (5). We can add storytelling and even creative writing. Again, that’s really important to me, that
a toy can work for both of my kids in a lot of varied ways being fun and educational too.”
Rachael finished: “The packaging is lovely. It’s important to have that connection with nature and that it is environmentally friendly. I can see this being something I would buy for my family and friends with kids. It’s definitely a hit with me as well as Holly.”
Contact:
To find out more about tickit contact Commotion
01732 225821 | www.commotion.co.uk
Garden centre Trade talk
Richard Collins managing director, Ravensburger
We caught up with leading toy suppliers to learn why garden centres are increasingly vital retail partners, and how to make a splash in-store
Securing garden centre listings is a growing priority for toy suppliers. Why is this?
Garden centres are bustling with shoppers enjoying quality time, often a family outing and crucially, frequently with the space to create theatre and impact around products of all kinds. Toys and games can complement the traditional garden centre offering. For us as a supplier, that is a fantastic opportunity, and we are delighted to work with garden centres to deliver just that.
“
” Our 1000-piece puzzles perform particularly well in garden centres
well in garden centres and this is no surprise: there is a strong correlation between gardening as a hobby and those who enjoy puzzling – both offer mindful escapism. The My Haven series is a top seller with every new release. Our card games and Mini Memory series sell well as they present value price points that are ideal for impulse purchase, reflecting that our shopper is often not visiting the centre with that purchase in mind. And BRIO overperforms in garden centres, especially where we place our play tables as these really engage children of all ages!
Which of your product lines are well-suited to the garden centre retail environment and core customer base?
Classic games, toys and puzzles are all good choices for garden centres. Our 1000-piece puzzles perform particularly
How do you support your products in-store at garden centres? Garden centres tend to have a bit more space than the nationals, which allows us to create more theatre in store. That can be with display units such as our Play+ FSDU, BRIO play tables, or our puzzle light-boxes that really catch the eye. At Ravensburger we pride ourselves on building close relationships with our garden partners and that includes doing some bespoke events for BRIO, CreArt and GraviTrax to create a buzz and to get the product into the hands of shoppers.
Karen Clarke brand director, Smart Toys and Games
Securing garden centre listings is a growing priority for toy suppliers. Why is this?
Along with many other stores, Garden Centres are doing an amazing job in creating in-store experiences. With the drive to create an environment for adults and children to enjoy at leisure, the restaurants and children’s interactive play areas along with member events/ workshops and in-store promotions all help to encourage brand loyalty, repeat visits and a relaxed environment for customers to roam and browse regularly.
Which of your product lines are wellsuited to the garden centre retail environment and core customer base?
From our growing collection of brands, we have four product ranges that sell extremely well in garden centres: SmartGames, SmartMax, WOW Toys, and All Jigsaw Puzzles. Our multi award-winning brand SmartGames includes themes that appeal to all, loved and played by children and adults ranging across a number of price points; making it the perfect allyear round gift!
Our two preschool brands
skills. Made in Devon, All Jigsaw Puzzles’ collection is home to two of the nation’s most-loved puzzle artists: Mike Jupp and Tim Bulmer. Also gracing the shelves are the stunning images from The National Gallery, The Imperial War Museum, and The Natural History Museum.
How do you support your products instore at garden centres?
“ ” Garden Centres are doing an amazing
job in creating in-store experiences
SmartMax and WOW Toys provide young children from as young as 10 months with the opportunity to explore and develop their fine-motor
We have always supported our customers with an offering of complimentary demo samples, in-store demonstration days, customised TV screens which showcase our eye-catching howto-play videos, and in-store marketing materials. If any of our lovely customers seek additional product training, then we would be more than happy to arrange this virtually from our dedicated showroom in Arundel.
Charlotte Harvey senior national account manager
Bladez Toyz
Securing garden centre listings is a growing priority for toy suppliers. Why is this?
Garden centres are visited by all generations grandparents who are often gift-givers, parents who may succumb to the pester power of their accompanying children, and kids who want to spend their pocket money at the weekends. This means that you have multiple touch points to drive brand awareness and ultimately sell more toys.
Which of your product lines are well-suited to the garden centre retail environment and core customer base?
“Garden centres usually have some great options for instore displays with different height shelving
We have a fantastic range of pocket money lines including our Hot Wheels Mini Maker Kitz - which are easy to assemble car kits with a pull back motor - Sticker Crafts Activity Sets for on-the-go fun, and our new Minecraft MYO Chibi figures which are launching later this year. We also have some great options between £10 - £20 RRP, which is the key price range for gifting, including our bestselling Bumper Activity Sets and Custom Maker Kitz.
How do you support your products in-store at garden centres?
”Garden centres usually have some great options for in-store displays with different height shelving, tables etc. However, branding opportunities can sometimes be limited, so FSDUs and CDUs always work well to give you more brand identity and make your products stand out on shelf. This would be a similar approach to the independents and FSDUs can often give you the opportunity for more breadth to the range.
“
Plush toys, in particular, perform well in garden centres as seasonal gifts, especially around Easter and Christmas times
”
Zara Grindrod brand and marketing director, Rainbow Designs
Securing garden centre listings is a growing priority for toy suppliers. Why is this?
Simon Prest sales director Orchard Toys
Have you found there is increased demand for gifts suitable for garden centres? Absolutely, our range has grown considerably across the garden centre sector in recent years. Garden centres have evolved into lifestyle destinations for parents and grandparents, who are looking for engaging, wholesome, educational, and sustainable gifts, and as a result we have seen a strong appetite for our games and jigsaws.
“
Do you have specific ranges that do well in garden centres?
Our Peter Rabbit range is performing particularly well, especially when sold with other Peter Rabbit licensed products. Our Mini Games range also sells strongly in garden centres, they’re perfect ‘pick up’ gifts, great as a travel game and offer shoppers good value all year round.
Our range has grown considerably across the garden centre sector in recent years
”
If a garden centre only had room for one product or range what would you recommend? I think it would have to be our Peter Rabbit range.
Over recent years, garden centres have become the new department store. Many now have cafes, and visitors come as much for an experience and a day out, and expect to see more than just plants on offer, so there is plenty of opportunities to establish listings in other categories. Having garden centres as part of our retailer mix is very important us, as high season for garden centres is traditionally the spring and summer months, where as with traditional toy stores and nationals the focus can be predominantly on Q4.
Which of your product lines are wellsuited to the garden centre retail environment and core customer base?
Plush toys, in particular, perform well in garden centres as seasonal gifts, especially around Easter and Christmas times, and our catalogue of high quality licensed characters offers plenty of garden-related gifting opportunities such
as our best-selling Peter Rabbit ranges. One of our garden centre best sellers is Paddington, and our Classic range ensures there is a Paddington for everyone, from Paddington in a Union Jack Gift Bag to our Large Classic Paddington with Boots and Suitcase. New this spring, and already a hit with garden centres is the delightful fun Birdies collection. These collectible super cuddly birds capture the interest of little ones with their bright colours and cheerful tweets.
How do you support your products in-store at garden centres?
There is certainly more license, and room, to create a greater degree of theatre within garden centres to help deliver on customer experience. We work closely with our garden centre partners to create purpose built, permanent display solutions to deliver the right ambiance and messaging for our brands and toys within their bespoke environment. The new Birdies FSDU in the shape of a of a freestanding tree is a great example of something a little different and perfect for garden centres. We also work with them on local and national events.
Growth opportunities
Garden centres offer toy suppliers access to a broader segment of the toy and gift-buying public, and a relaxed retail environment helping companies create deeper connections with customers
Part shop, part restaurant, part family attraction, garden centres occupy a unique position in the retail landscape. Though their bread and butter trade remains compost, pots, plants and gardening tools, non-gardening categories such as toys and gifts, not to mention clothing, cookware and catering, have come to form a greater percentage of the sector’s annual sales in recent years. With a washout 2024, garden centres are increasingly seeking new ways to protect against weather extremes, a more pressing issue to the sector than wider financial strains.
It’s because of this shift that toy suppliers are taking greater notice, strengthening their ties with garden centres and the unique opportunities they offer.
Garden centre retail partners are hugely important in building strong consumer relationships
Richard Collins managing director, Ravensburger ”
“Unlike traditional toy stores or online retailers, garden centres offer a distinctive shopping environment where customers are often in a relaxed,
leisurely mindset, making them more receptive to impulse purchases and discovery-based shopping,” says Zara Grindrod, brand and marketing director for Rainbow Designs. “Garden centres also regularly attract a wider demographic than traditional toy stores, including families, grandparents, and gift shoppers.”
Richard Collins, managing director, Ravensburger, agrees, adding that the way consumers shop at garden centres is also distinctly different from specialist toy retail.
“Garden centre retail partners are hugely important in building strong consumer relationships and the opportunity to really tell a story with our products,” he says. “They are a lifestyle destination and attract all generations with the breadth of their offering. We see
consumers dwell time is much higher in garden centres compared to other retail locations as a visit is often a leisure activity versus a purely practical need.”
Embracing this alternate customer base, namely grandparents and other family members without children of
Garden centres also regularly attract a wider demographic than traditional toy stores, including families, grandparents, and gift shoppers
Zara
Grindrod,
brand and marketing director, Rainbow Designs
their own, is the key driving force behind securing garden centre listings says Charlotte Harvey, senior national account manager, Bladez Toyz: “Garden centres offer the opportunity to showcase products to new potential customers who may not be visiting the big toy superstores or browsing the toy aisles in the supermarket. They always do a great job of displaying the product to make it an enjoyable shopping experience for all the family.”
Playing to the crowd
Making the most of what garden centres have to offer requires more than replicating what works in Smyths or a local independent. Customer expectations differ dramatically. How best to meet those expectations?
Richard is happy to defer to the experts, trusting that buyers know their clientele better than anyone.
“They know their customer so can pick the best puzzles to suit their customers, often with a local twist or a horticultural theme,” he says.
Soul puzzles are the perfect gift and our limited-edition Christmas puzzle is a must have. This year we launch No. 29 in the collection and many puzzlers have every one!”
For Charlotte, the fundamentals - i.e. price point - remain the key to ensuring swift sell through.
“The product mix should definitely be carefully thought out with the core range generally being under £20 RRP in garden centres. Arts and crafts, games and plush always do well in garden centres, as they are often a less considered purchase.
There are of course opportunities for higher ticket items in AW and with the additional space available (freed up by plants out of season), it means pallet promos and big box items can work really well.”
There’s also the matter of buying cycles to consider. The fast-moving world of toy retail requires ordering throughout the year, whether that’s to jump on a trend, or ensure the stock levels can meet demand during peak periods, particularly the all important golden fourth quarter. Garden centres take a longer view of things, says Zara.
“Planning and purchasing decisions come pre-Christmas to ensure stock is delivered in January, and ensuring garden centres are set to capture the audiences of young families and grandparents throughout the year, as well as to cater for peaks during specific seasons,” she says. “This is in contrast to national accounts that purchase all year round but are geared up to focus on Q4.”
Seasonal occasions around Christmas and Halloween are still important to garden centres, Zara adds. “Garden Centres at Christmas are now becoming more of an attraction with many now offering dedicated Christmas Shops and visits to Santa, so ranges like our Snowman and Snowdog collection are becoming highly sought after with this type of retailer.”
“We are seeing occasions become more important in the year and garden centres often flex their range for celebrations such as Easter and Mother’s Day,” adds Richard. “Our Art &
Charlotte Harvey, “
Arts and crafts, games and plush always do well in garden centres
It’s a point Kate Hateley, group toy buyer of British Garden Centres, hammers home: “Retail price-wise, our focus tends to be anything £25 and under for the majority of the year, increasing slightly at Christmas. The key price point is definitely £10 and under for those pester power lines and pick-up treats.”
Toys will continue to grow in importance for garden centres, says Peter Burks, CEO, Garden Centre Association. They have become an important category for attracting visitors outside the warmer months and, beyond that, are a firm fixture on the annual balance sheet.
“Toys and gifts are very important to garden centres both as an all year round interest to our customers, but particularly when the weather is not good for gardening,” says Peter Burks, CEO, Garden Centre Association. “They really help garden centres to attract customers and sales to prop the overall business up.”
Smart Toys & Games
Ask the buyer
What are the main differences between buying for a garden centre group versus a toy shop?
“Knowing your customer and acknowledging that the ‘next big thing’ may not be our next big thing. And ensuring we have a good balance of ranges in each category, and the right brands that will be familiar to our customer. For example, Pokémon… it’s huge. Do we stock it? No! Why? Because our customer wouldn’t get it, it’s complicated, and everyone else stocks it.
Kate Hateley, group toy buyer of British Garden Centres
Bigjigs Toys
Olly, Olly, Olly!
CHARACTER OPTIONS
0161 633 9800
sales@charactergroup.plc.uk www.character-online.com
This year, Character Options is inviting families to get creative with the Toy of the Year Award winning Ollyball. This ultimate 12-inch reinflatable indoor play ball hits the back of the net with families, every single time. Not only does the patented KrunchCOR construction of this ball mean it absorbs the impact from full-speed hits and kicks, allowing kids to play ball in the house without causing chaos, but kids can also enjoy hours of creative fun. Kids will love personalising the outside cover, using any coloured pen, marker or crayon. Then have hours of keepy-uppy fun, indoors and out. Hit it hard, kick it full-speed indoors without breaking windows, marking up your walls, or leaving a nasty bruise!
Plus, don’t miss Simbrix, Character Options’ range of buildable brix that lets kids create their very own pixel art. Alongside the Themed packs, Big Build Packs and Colour Mix Tubes, there’s a super cute brand-new Disney Stitch Feature pack.
Spooky sales
SMIFFYS
0800 590 599 | sales@smiffys.com | smiffystrade.com
Make Halloween your next key sales season with eye-catching seasonal FSDUs from Smiffys. Designed to drive impulse purchases and maximise retail space, our displays feature a curated selection of top selling costumes for all the family. From spooky classics to licensed character outfits, we provide everything you need to capture the excitement of the season and boost sales. Easy to set up and stocked with in demand styles, our FSDUs make it simple to turn your garden centre into a Halloween destination.
Driving sales
PEG PEREGO
07743 878084 phil.howe@pegperego.com www.pegperego.com
Peg Perego is the premium ride-on toys specialist. The John Deere Gator is synonymous with outdoor fun and versatility. Its sturdy build, spacious cargo area, and realistic features make it the perfect companion for young adventurers tackling big tasks. New for 2025 is the John Deere RC Tractor introduces the excitement of remote-controlled play to the iconic John Deere tractor. Designed for aspiring young farmers, this ride-on toy features realistic details, intuitive controls, and smooth manoeuvrability, delivering hours of interactive fun.
Inspired by Polaris’ renowned off-road vehicles, the Mini Polaris delivers the thrill of adventure in a safe, compact design. With bold aesthetics and a highperformance battery-powered engine, this toy is ideal for young explorers. Safety and fun are assured thanks to Peg Perego’s trusted engineering.
The Pro Range is a line of powerful off-road vehicles designed for adventurous kids aged six-plus. Featuring a rechargeable 24V/12Ah/300Wh battery, these ride-ons offer superior performance with extreme traction wheels for tackling any terrain. Powered by two quiet 420W engines (840W total), they deliver a smooth, low-noise experience.
Kitz and collectables!
BLADEZ TOYZ
charlotte@bladeztoyz.co.uk www.bladeztoyz.co.uk
Check out the Hot Wheels Mini Maker Kitz from Bladez Toyz. The 1:64 scale kits, made from durable fully recyclable PP sheets, are easy to build from pop out parts and come with a pullback motor to send them flying! These kits are great for on the go fun as they require no glue, scissors or batteries and with over 30 styles to choose from and variety of RRPs, kids will want to collect them all!
Also, in the Bladez Toyz Maker Kitz range are the best-selling Custom Racer Kits. Kids can build the iconic Rodger Dodger or Boneshaker, then customise in their own style with the five pens and stickers included. With a ramp included, this STEM learning set is a great choice for gifting to a friend or loved one.
Green-thumb fun
BIGJIGS TOYS
01303 212691
help@bigjigstoys.co.uk www.bigjigstoys.co.uk
Throughout 2025 Bigjigs will be introducing a series of outdoor and gardening toys that attracted a lot of interest at this year’s trade shows. The new wooden Bug House is already proving to be a big hit. It’s beautifully designed with removable box plants, windows, doors, and roof pieces, so kids can easily observe their resident minibeasts.
Likewise, the new single-wheeled Garden Wheelbarrow has caught retailers’ attention. It’s a great example of how Bigjigs designs products that look, feel, and work just like the real thing. Giving kids the opportunity to help out with real-life gardening tasks taps into parents’ desire to raise little nature lovers, making these types of products a retailer must-have. Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword of late, but it’s something Bigjigs Toys has prioritised for 40 years. Currently, the company is working to transition all of its wooden toys to FSC-certified sources, and the team has also started working with other responsible materials, like silicone - a more sustainable alternative to plastic. Bigjigs’ bestselling range of silicone beach toys includes Activity Buckets, Flexible Flyers, Sand Moulds, and Watering Cans in a choice of 12 colours. Beyond the eco factor, the flexible nature of silicone adds to the product appeal, as parents can easily scrunch them into their bags!
Bladez Toyz also has an extensive range of Minecraft arts and crafts lines, perfect for bringing the characters to life off the screen in this movie year. With range pricing starting from pocket money prices, the Make Your Own Characters are a great way to reenact scenes with fan-favourite characters. These easy to assemble cardboard kits are completely plastic free and once the figures are complete, can be posed using their rotating arms and add accessories including pickaxes and swords. With over 12 characters to collect, including the iconic Steve, Alex and Creeper in the single packs, and exclusive mobs in the multipacks such as the Zombie Attack Pack, these Creative Maker Kitz are sure to keep kids entertained for hours.
growth, wellbeing, and holistic development is something that continues to guide our garden range
Making sure a product has plenty of play value drives Bigjigs’ design process, and its new Mud Kitchen is packed full of accessories to keep kids busy for hours. The company is also introducing an Explorer Dress Up Set this year, which comes with a vest, hat, map, magnifying glass, fossils, and other accessories to encourage imaginative outdoor play. Finally, the new Balance Bikes are set to become a firm favourite for their stylish aesthetic and durability - and they’re available in three soft shades of pink, green, and cream.
Liz Ireland, founder and managing director, Bigjigs Toys
Not forgetting Bladez Toyz’s licensed ranges for Barbie, Monster High and Harry Potter, including the ever-popular Bumper Activity Sets - with over 300 pieces of crafting equipment - the Science Maker Kitz - where kids learn the principles of STEM - and much much more!
Dress to impress
RUBIES
customerservices@rubiesuk.com uk.rubiesmasquerade.com
Rubies offers an impressive selection of themed costumes and more for various occasions. With an extensive range of licensed and non-licensed costumes, Rubies has curated in-store display units which include FSDUs, that are perfect for Halloween, Christmas and every other day of the year.
The Halloween-themed FSDUs are designed to captivate customers with a diverse range of spooky and fun costumes, while Rubies’ Christmas-themed FSDUs offer a magical array of costumes that are must-haves for getting into the festive spirit.
In addition to the seasonal offerings, Rubies FSDUs also feature brand-specific themes that cater to fans of popular franchises. These include the Spider-Man FSDU, showcasing a collection of costumes and toys inspired by everyone’s favourite web-slinger, and the Harry Potter FSDU, bringing the magic of the Wizarding World to life.
Fairground favourites
JANOD 07841022624 | www.janod.com
Kicking off the summertime fun, Janod has launched a playful and truly nostalgic new collection that is sure to bring hours of fun for little ones from three-plus. Introducing Applepop, a colourful range of engaging toys inspired by the wonderful world of funfairs.
Set to be a firm favourite, the cheerful Horse Ring Toss game featuring three colourful wooden horses and six rope rings, is ready to offer hours of play for everyone whether in the garden or the playroom. Plus, don’t miss the Mr Bear Tin Can Alley game, the timeless Duck Skittles, and other new additions such as the Roller Coaster Croquet Set, Petanque, Candy Shop, Marble Game, and Spinning Tops.
Tickit to ride
COMMOTION
01732 225821 info@commotion.co.uk www.commotion.co.uk
Launched at Nuremberg Toy Fair 2025, the tickit Whizz Balance Bike generated significant excitement among both new and existing customers. Designed for children aged 2 to 5, the bikes feature stylish design, vibrant colour options, super light frame at just 3.5kg, puncture-proof tyres, adjustable seat height, easy assembly, and a hugely competitive price. Designed for children aged 2 to 5, the frame is sturdy, rustproof and lightweight, allowing young riders to manoeuvre confidently, while parents can easily carry it. Durable tyres ensure safety on any surface, and a 5-year warranty offers peace of mind.
Testing at a childcare centre yielded enthusiastic feedback: “The children loved it; it’s sturdy and easy to manoeuvre. The reinforced nylon shows no wear, and the solid rubber wheels eliminate puncture concerns. The adjustable seat height fits both toddlers and preschoolers perfectly.”
Strongest range ever DOLU
sales@sjr-associates. co.uk | 07877 443733 07850 779797
This year Dolu has its strongest range ever, not just on Dolu own brand, but also licenced Mattel lines manufactured by Dolu, plus the new Nursery Range launched last year, Dolu Nuvo. For SS25 come new items and complete new colourways which had a fantastic response at London Toy Fair - and based on sales, fantastic response from consumers! Dolu is now one of the major manufacturers for outdoor toys, but also manufactures over 200 other items including items produced under license for Mattel for all year round and Christmas. Everything is manufactured and delivered direct from the company’s own factory in Istanbul, with no MOQs.
The smart choice
SMART TOYS AND GAMES
01903 885669 | uk@smart.be | smart.be
SmartGames is thrilled to present its best-selling one-player puzzle games inspired by the great outdoors. For ages five-plus, Smart Farmer is a fun-filled and innovative game that will allow little ones to enjoy an interactive trip to the farm. Older kids six-plus will love Squirrels Go Nuts as players help the squirrels get ready for winter in a sliding puzzle game with 60 nutty challenges.
The world-renowned SmartGames IQ series continues to grow this spring with the launch of IQ Noodles and IQ Bubbles. In IQ Bubbles, players seven-plus must use their concentration to place the beautiful transparent bubble pieces onto the game board in the correct spotas shown in the chosen challenge - and then fit the remaining bubble pieces onto the grid. It’s a fun, fidgety experience!
Jigsaws for gardeners
All Jigsaw Puzzles is passionate about sharing the possibilities of puzzling and have some gorgeous titles inspired by nature. Having green fingers has never been so much fun as Tim Bulmer’s 1000-piece ‘In the Garden’. From beloved puzzle artist Mike Juppcomes ‘I Love Gardening’, a marvellously muddy 1000-piece puzzle where everything we love about gardening has been crammed into a chaotic scene! Plus experience Monet’s ‘The Water-Lily Pond in a beautiful 1000-piece puzzle from The National Gallery jigsaw puzzle collection.
SmartMax is the award-winning pre-school magnetic construction system, providing children aged one-plus with the chance to explore the fascinating world of magnetism in a fun and safe way. The bestselling SmartMax My First range encourages imaginative play. My First Farm Animals is designed for children ages one to five, allowing them to easily build and play with the animals. The soft animal parts simply click onto the bars, making them ideal for little hands. All SmartMax sets are designed to help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, and seamlessly integrate providing little ones with hours of fun educational play!
WOW Toys are the creators behind super-strong, safe and battery-free toys for little ones over 10 months. Built to last, these toddler treasures are packed with exciting mechanical features, vibrant colours, and sounds. Farm with Freddie and friends with this delightful farm truck and farmyard pals, which are sure to be a firm favourite.
Simply adorable
DEPESCHE
01159 475200 | office.uk@depesche.com | www.depesche.com
Depesche’s plush range is a comprehensive collection of cuddly creatures, guaranteed to delight little ones. Kids can choose from a host of super soft real world animals, including the Miss Melody Plush Horses, Plush Racoon, Plush Panda, Plush Dogs, Plush Cats, Plush Fluffy Bunnies, Dogs and Cats In Sleeping Bags. Plus for bunny fans there’s Plush Bunny Nelly in a Basket, Plush Bunny Nelly with Backpack, Plush Nelly with Shoes, and Plush Bunny Nelly with Sleeping Mask.
Kids who love fantasy critters can pick from an array of unicorn plush, including Super Soft Glow in the Dark Swoppies, Ylvi Plush Unicorns, White Plush Dragon with Pink Wings, and Pink Plush Dragon with Silver Wings.
From TopModel comes the Plush Brown Dog, a 16 centimetre plush dog with curly brown fur, brown button eyes, a cute black nose and pink tongue. The Dino World Plush Green Dinosaur is a cuddly friend, not scary at all. Made from wonderfully soft green plush, complete with cute glittery eyes. The Snakes Fluffy Bunny Pink is made of cool, long-haired plush, with black button eyes, a slightly glittery pink fabric nose, a white stubby tail and long floppy ears.
And not forgetting Depesche’s Slap Bracelet Plush Unicorns, Bunnies, Cats, Dinosaurs and Sharksan incredible range to choose from!
Classic characters
ORCHARD TOYS
01953 859539
sales@orchardtoys.com www.orchardtoys.com
Following the hugely successful launch of The World of Peter Rabbit collection in 2024, Orchard Toys expands its range with new additions which will delight garden centre shoppers.
Perfect for nature lovers and families alike, these enchanting games and jigsaw puzzles bring the timeless charm of Beatrix Potter’s tales to life, making them an ideal gifting choice for garden centres looking to offer something truly special. The range includes The World of Peter Rabbit Jigsaw Puzzle, Peter Rabbit In Mr. McGregor’s Garden Jigsaw Puzzle, and the Peter Rabbit Posting Game. With the Peter Rabbit In Mr. McGregor’s Garden Puzzle, children will be captivated by the challenge and fun of piecing together this 25-piece jigsaw puzzle, featuring a charming and detailed scene from Mr. McGregor’s garden. Fans will spot the iconic watering can and the familiar robin perched on the spade handle. Included in the box is a giant poster and a learning guide, introducing children to all the characters, and activities to encourage discussion and extend learning once the puzzle is complete. Ideal for children from three years plus.
Beautiful soft toys and gifts
RAINBOW DESIGNS
01329 227300 | www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk
Brighten up garden centre displays with Rainbow Designs’ award-winning, licensed classic character collections! Best-selling ranges include Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, Guess How Much I Love You, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and new for 2025, Mr. Men and Little Miss and the delightful Birdies collections, all offer beautiful high quality gifts and easy pick up lines for every generation of garden centre visitor.
Migrating into Rainbow this spring is the delightful Birdies collection from Gypsy Toys. These joyful, collectible super cuddly birds capture the interest of little ones with their bright colours and cheerful tweets, and with seven different coloured Birdies to choose from, all displayed on a fun, eye-catching, freestanding tree-shaped display, this collectible pick up line is a must-have for garden centres.
The beautiful Disney Classic Pooh Always and Forever range is a collection of truly special Winnie the Pooh soft toys and baby gifts, including a gift boxed soft toy, comforter and ring rattle. Joining this premium range in 2025 is an adorable Winnie the Pooh Muslin Comforter and Winnie the Pooh Soft Toy with Muslin Blanket Gift Set.
Rainbow Designs’ Peter Rabbit Signature Collection is a beautiful range of forever toys, created to be shared across generations, and includes adorable soft toys of Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny, alongside Jeremy Fisher and Mr Fox. This popular gifting range also includes ring rattles and new for 2025, a Muslin Comforter as well as Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Gift Sets.
Gifts from Rainbow Designs’ The Very Hungry Caterpillar range make wonderful treats for little ones, encouraging the fun of gardening and a love for the great outdoors. Meanwhile this summer Rainbow will also welcome the fun and colourful Mr. Men Little Miss range! The new collection will include the iconic characters Mr. Tickle, Mr. Happy, Mr. Bump and Mr. Strong, alongside Little Miss Hug, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Princess and Little Miss Chatterbox, in an adorable range of large cuddly cushions, collectible plush toys and plush keychains.
Piece of the action
RAVENSBURGER
01869 363800 | sales@ravensburger.com www.ravensburger.com
Puzzle fans will be delighted to see 2025’s offering from Ravensburger with its wealth of new jigsaws from ever-popular series and artists. The company’s bestselling My Haven range recently added number 12, Boho Retreat. Designed by Dorsetbased Steve Read, this scene depicts a relaxing and inviting escape, festooned with colourful drapes and soft furnishings. It joins other continuing popular choices such as No. 4 The Sewing Shed and No.7 The Beach Hut.
Celebrating nostalgic scenes of rural life, the Leisure Days collection illustrated by Yorkshire artist Kevin Walsh has reached number 11 this spring, with the introduction of A Day in the Dales. Number 12 in the series, Roadside Stop, will launch in the second half of the year and features a charming village scene from days gone by.
The magical draw of a pretty country cottage continues to inspire jigsaw fans and artist Dominic Davison has not disappointed with summer launch, Oak Tree Cottage. This 1000-piece puzzle invites the puzzler to piece together a tranquil scene complete with thatched roof and glorious garden.
Puzzlers with a passion for contemporary images will enjoy the vibrancy of the plant-life in the new 500-piece Succulent Love puzzle, which is brimming with hues of green, red and purple, while Little Garden World by artist Emma Allen provides a wonderful ant’s eye view of garden life.
Children too can enjoy the benefits of puzzling with the multitude of choice in the Ravensburger collection. Among the much-talked-about properties in the portfolio, Bluey and her family’s adventures are showcased in a variety of puzzle formats including the new My First Puzzles set which includes two, three, four and five-piece puzzles, designed for children from age 18 months. Plus there are new introductions to the Peppa Pig offering, and three new puzzles for Disney’s Lilo and Stitch.
