Autumn 2026
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Autumn 2026
Contents
p8 The team
5
Leader
6
Insight
8
Retail Interview
10
Cover Story
Editor Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk
Retail Interview
14
Trade Talk
16
Toy Testers
Sales Director Claire Naish clairenaish@lemapublishing.co.uk
Managing Director Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk
Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk
Lema Publishing Ltd
www.toysnplaytings.media www.giftstoday.media
p22
with Annie Strang, Gift Buyer, Dunbar Garden Centre
Insight from toy industry leaders
Our testers crack open Character Options’ Heroes of Goo Jitzu Mystery Surprise Eggs
18
In Focus
20
Spotlight
21
Unit 1, Broomstick Industrial Estate High Street, Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire LU6 2JA
with Georgia Grout, Category Buyer - Toys, Local and Bespoke, the RHS
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Editor Clare Turner clare@lemapublishing.co.uk
with Peter Burks, CEO, The Garden Centre Association
The Science Museum Group
Contributing Editor Anthony Clarke anthony@lemapublishing.co.uk
p10
22 23 24
Bigjigs Toys and Tidlo
Ravensburger
p32 p16
Opinion
with Bryony Taylor-Edwards, Founder, Think Big Coaching
Spotlight
Lesser & Pavey
Insight
Global Data
Garden Centre Focus Insight and best-selling products
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Message from the Editor
Rhys Thomas Garden Centre supplement editor www.toysnplaythings.media www.giftstoday.media
W
elcome to another Autumn garden centre supplement from Toys n Playthings and Gifts Today. Happy summer days? They certainly are if we look back to what I said in our Spring issue: “It’s been a damp and dreary start to 2026 across the UK, with some areas of the nation plagued by a record-breaking streak of back-to-back rainy days.” Having said the above, “damp and dreary” is a good thing when it comes to gardens. Endless sunshine equals drought and that’s where we are across much of the country right now. As Peter Burks, CEO of The Garden Centre Association, says in his column: “Every year now we seem to be describing our weather as “strange” or “unique” and we don’t get a “normal” season let alone a normal year.” And that is certainly true right now. Peter goes on to say that the good news for the garden centre sector is that so much work that has been done in developing the businesses, both physically and in the ranges of products available. It means that they can be pretty resilient to weather changes. On the flipside, Fran Barnes, CEO of the HTA (Horticultural Trades Association) says: “We must have a comprehensive water resilience strategy, and we need to see incentives or an easing of restrictions to allow more of our members to create water storage solutions fit for the climate volatility
ahead.” That’s just part of her contribution to our Garden Centres intro, which has the latest sales statistics and more. As we said in the intro: “The UK has a large, growing and diverse garden centre industry. The heat fused weather is helping currently but, whether or not this continues, the sector is largely independent of the climate. Garden centres are both a buying and fun visit given the beyond plants enthusiasm for gifts, greeting cards, toys and food.” And that’s enough of the climate for now! Our Science Museum cover story delves into its commercial relationship with York’s National Railway Museum, known as one of the UK’s great family attractions and home to the world’s largest collection of historic railway vehicles, from royal carriages and record-breaking locomotives to engineering icons that helped shape Britain’s industrial story. The commercial aspect is the production of jigsaws, posters and more from its library of historic artwork, which captures familiar and much-loved destinations through beautifully illustrated coastal scenes, rolling countryside, dramatic viaducts and historic landmarks. The product range evokes memories of family holidays, railway journeys and a bygone era of British travel. And, back to us, the portfolio is destined to
be a major success for garden centre sales. Further on we have another collection of retail interviews with the likes of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Dunbar Garden Centre, which has a thriving toy department that has become a real draw for families. Plush sales continue to grow with food plushies a strong favourite, alongside the recent botanical and collectible bag charm additions. Finally for now, we have an indepth and lovely Bigjigs Toys piece focussing on their expanded wooden play collection including a range of dolls house furniture, family doll sets, and imaginative characters. As Liz Ireland, Founder and MD, says: “We’ve always believed that the best toys are the ones kids come back to again and again. That’s why our design team pours their heart and soul into creating products that children love and remember.” As ever there’s so much more but, for now, let’s return to the core message of this issue: endless hot and dry summers are not particularly good for gardens but, managed well and imaginatively, garden centres can and are, thriving. Right now though I wish I was singin’ in the rain. Out of tune but still singin’.
Rhys Thomas, Editor rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk
The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments and feedback are welcome.
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INSIGHT THE GARDEN CENTRE ASSOCIATION
Garden centres are the preferred destination Peter Burks, CEO of The Garden Centre Association, explores the on-going growth of gifts, toys, clothes and other nonhorticultural lines at centres across the country. As retail destinations, he says it’s clear to see why families are picking them over the high street
As we all know, the levels of trade non-gardening has made up the and the mix of product that our shortfall, which is great news. garden centre members will be To put some figures on this, selling is very weather dependent. giftware sales in July this year Those experienced retailers know compared to July 2025 show an the likely change to shopping increase of 14.24 per cent with a trends driven by the year-to-date increase weather. The work that of 9.25 per cent. We Every year now we are also seeing an has gone on in seem to be describing increase in the share developing our our weather as of total sales, with centres, both “strange” or “unique” July’s figure being and we don’t get a physically and in about 10 per cent “normal” season let of the total sales the ranges of alone a normal year. revenue with a yearproducts The good news for to-date increase from available, has our industry is that 7.82 per cent to 8.23 the work that has enabled us to be per cent. Clothing is gone on in developing also doing well, being pretty resilient our centres, both 12.08 per cent up in Peter Burks, CEO, The physically and in the the month of July and Garden Centre Association ranges of products 9.13 per cent up year available, has enabled to date. It is currently us to be pretty resilient to most of only about three per cent of total these weather changes. sales but this is increasing. In the Garden Centre I am often asked why we are Association’s Barometer of Trade seeing this increase, but to me you can see these patterns the answers are easily seen on a develop. This year the gardening visit to any garden centre. Large, sector has not fared as spacious car parks that are free well, as you would to park in is a good start. Then a expect, but as wide range of interesting products described to browse. A walk amongst the above, plants, which we all know is very the good for both our mental and physical well-being. Then we fit in a visit to the outstanding restaurant for something to eat and drink. Finally, a stop to purchase something on the way out. It certainly seems to work The standard of display and visual merchandising has also come on leaps and bounds in recent years. We have just completed our GCA Area Awards presentations at four venues around the country. Over 400 members attended and were treated to a wonderful
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feedback session from our five inspectors, showing pictures of the best practice they had seen on their visits to all member centres during the spring. Some of the ranging and display work is really quite breathtaking, and the display ideas are fantastic. You can see why garden centres are the preferred destination rather than the high street. I do need to mention some of the winners here too. We had Perrywood at Tiptree, Poplars and Baileys of Wistow in the East. Gates, Old Railway Line and Poundbury Gardens in the Midlands, Wales and West. Bents, Fron Goch and the RHS Bridgewater in the North and Ruxley Manor, Garsons at Titchfield and British Garden Centres in Staplehurst in the South. So whilst this heat and drought is not really good for a lot of reasons, I think the current garden centre offer will support us no matter what the weather does. As for the government… The GCA represents more than 220 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme, it helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability. 01244 952170 | info@gca.org.uk | gca.org.uk
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media Opinion GCA.indd 1
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RETAIL INTERVIEW RHS
The royal treatment With families making up a significant proportion of visitors across its five RHS Gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is continually evolving its toy offer. Georgia Grout, Category Buyer - Toys, Local and Bespoke, explains the thinking behind the charity’s buying strategy and reveals which products are proving most popular How important is the toy category to your overall retail offering, and how has it evolved in recent years? Toys for children is an Georgia Grout, Category Buyer important category - Toys, Local and for all of our shops Bespoke, RHS and has grown in recent years. Visits to our iconic five RHS Gardens are often family affairs: children are very much part of the day out and are keen to explore our retail offering as part of their visit. Not surprisingly, this has influenced our approach over the years. We have started to expand into products we have not previously explored, such as dressing-up, gemstones and fossils from British Fossils (owned by Giftstone Limited), and Plus-Plus building block toys. Which toy categories are currently performing best for you, and have you
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I would love to find more sustainable, ethically made toys and games that are truly affordable and appealing to children
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Georgia Grout, Category Buyer - Toys, Local and Bespoke, RHS
noticed any changes in customer buying habits? Pocket money and plush are our bestperforming categories within toys, notably products from Keycraft and Jellycat. This year we have installed an impressive pocket-money stand from Keycraft. Shaped like a big tractor, this has become a popular hub for our younger visitors. The pocket-money price point is very important to our customers. There’s an obvious reason for this: unlike many other garden centres, RHS shops are part of a major visitor attraction. So we need to ensure we include a large range of toys that fit a souvenir budget in our offering. However, Jellycat collectors are happy to pay premium prices for the brand’s products, and Jellycat has long been one of our biggest suppliers across all categories. The kidult market continues to grow. Has that impacted your ranging?
While we have not made any specific changes to our ranges to cater for the adult collector market, our suppliers have. For example, there has been an ongoing shift in the Jellycat focus that applies to both the company’s offering and its customer profile. When we first started stocking Jellycat product, the focus was on the colourful bunnies, which were the goto gift for new babies. Now, the range has shifted much more towards older children and adult collectors who love the Amuseables, which are both playfocused and giftable. RHS-branded jigsaw puzzles, a card game, and art and craft kits are also extendable into the adult market. What are the key factors you consider when selecting new toy brands and products for your shelves? Sustainability is important to the RHS, so we always have this in mind when we are buying new products for our charity.
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Gibsons offering, for example and it would be good to partner with other toy suppliers who share those values. We’re also keen to encourage Britishmade, craft-led offerings.
We also aim to offer a range of toys and children’s products that you might not see on the High Street or in larger chains. This includes a large, curated selection of fiction and children’s books. We also endeavour to support new and emerging companies and makers. At RHS Garden Wisley, for example, we hosted a Curated Makers pop-up in March 2025 featuring a delightful selection of crafted goods, and have worked with a number of small businesses over the years; it’s so rewarding to see them do well. Which new toy ranges or brands are you most looking forward to stocking for Q4, and why? We have some beautiful traditional Christmas jigsaw puzzles coming in for Q4. Puzzles are nostalgic and traditional all year round, and I think at Christmas, when the weather is cold, they’re a wonderful activity to bring the family generations together. How important are licensed brands when it comes to attracting families? The RHS itself is a licensed brand and one that is continuing to diversify. It now includes a growing children’s category, a highlight of which is a range of puzzles and a card game created in collaboration with Gibsons Games and beautifully illustrated with images from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest library of botanical art. The Gibsons Games RHS Collection celebrates puzzles, games and the beauty and joy of British gardens. This stunning range includes four 1,000-piece puzzles, a 500-piece gift puzzle, and a delightful horticulture-themed card game called Swapple. Arts and crafts are also popular RHS-branded areas, and they’re a great activity for little ones that helps keep them entertained over the holidays. From garden kits and scrapbooks to paint-by-
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numbers kits, they can capture a world of imagination! The West Design Products RHS range is a great example of the art and craft offering. These wide-ranging items are aimed at all ages and include a selection specifically for children: four A4 painting by numbers sets, one colouring roll, and one 8in scrapbook. The children’s range also includes three craft kits: a flower press, a bug hotel, and a mini ceramic window garden. A family-focused offering that also helps to encourage little gardeners is the Willsow-RHS range, which combines wall and desk calendars and crackers with wildflower and cottage garden seeds. Other licensed brands are not something that we buy into hugely on a year-round basis, but our retail offering does reflect our events programme. For example, we successfully supported last year’s Guess How Much I Love You events with an accompanying range of toys and books.
The “pocket
money price point is very important to our customers
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Georgia Grout, Category Buyer - Toys, Local and Bespoke
Looking ahead to the festive season, what are your expectations for toy sales? This year we will have a large range of Christmas-specific children’s toys. Examples include Rachel Ellen Christmas children’s stationery, Christmas plush from Aurora and Woodlodge, and Christmas games from Orchard Toys. We always stock a beautiful selection of Christmas-themed children’s books, which perform fantastically. I try to keep the price points on our Christmas range reasonable as they make great stocking fillers. Festive décor is focused on creating an atmosphere, and there is always a strong interest in RHS baubles and decorations during the Christmas period, along with festive items that have a play element, like the RHS wooden advent calendar. While Christmas is a time of greater purchasing, we do have a steady influx of visitors all year round and aim to be well-stocked across all seasons. And because we have a rather unusual profile in the garden centre sector - our shops are attached to some of the UK’s most beautiful visitor attractions - these garden centres are very much seen as an essential part of the day out, especially for the young.
Do you see opportunities to grow your toy departments further, and are there any categories you feel are currently underserved? I would love to find more sustainable, ethically made toys and games that are truly affordable and appealing to children. The RHS builds much of its licensed offering around these principles sustainability is a strong part of the
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COVER STORY
SCIENCE MUSEUM GROUP
Historic railways come to life
From archive to shopping aisle – how the National Railway Museum’s historic railway posters have been transformed into jigsaw puzzles and paint sets
F
or many, the National Railway Museum in York is known as one of the UK’s great family attractions. Free to visit, the museum is home to the world’s
largest collection of historic railway vehicles, from royal carriages and record-breaking locomotives to engineering icons that helped shape Britain’s industrial story. What many visitors never see, however, is the remarkable archive that sits behind the scenes. Away from the public galleries is Search Engine, the National Railway Museum’s archive, which plays a vital role in preserving millions of objects that tell the story of Britain’s railways. Among its most treasured objects is an internationally significant collection of vintage railway posters, which were transferred into the museum’s
They are “ works of art “that capture the optimism, elegance and romance of rail travel
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care in the 1970s and 1980s. These posters are much more than advertisements. They are works of art that capture the optimism, elegance and romance of rail travel during the first half of the twentieth century. Railway companies competed fiercely for passengers, commissioning leading artists to create striking promotional imagery that celebrated Britain’s coastlines, countryside, cities and holiday destinations. The resulting artwork transformed station platforms into galleries and helped define the visual identity of an era. Today, preserving these historic posters is a specialist task. Stored in carefully controlled environmental conditions, the collection is protected from fluctuations in temperature, humidity and light. Some examples are so delicate that
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What to see and where to buy they can only be brought out occasionally for research, exhibition or conservation work. Their continued survival is a testament to the museum’s commitment to safeguarding Britain’s railway heritage for future generations. It is this extraordinary archive that has inspired a newly launched collection of jigsaws and paint by numbers sets from Robert Frederick, produced under licence from the National Railway Museum. For buyers, the range represents a compelling opportunity to tap into several powerful consumer trends at once: nostalgia, heritage, gifting and mindful leisure activities. The appeal to garden centre customers is clear. Many shoppers are already drawn to products that celebrate British landscapes, heritage and craftsmanship. The poster artwork captures familiar and much-loved destinations through beautifully illustrated coastal scenes, rolling countryside, dramatic viaducts and historic landmarks. These are products that evoke memories of family holidays, railway journeys and a bygone era of British travel. This combination of creativity and décor is particularly relevant to the garden centre market, where customers increasingly seek products that enhance wellbeing and encourage slower, more mindful pastimes. In addition, the attractive packaging and strong visual presentation make the range ideal for
gifting displays, seasonal merchandising and heritagethemed retail environments. Andrew Kersey, Key Account Brand Manager at Robert Frederick, said: “Consumers are increasingly looking for products with authenticity, heritage and lasting value. The National Railway Museum railway posters offer all three. Their striking artwork translates beautifully into puzzles and paint by numbers, creating products that appeal to a wide range of people while delivering strong gifting opportunities for retailers. We are delighted to bring this unique collection to market.” As heritage continues to play an increasingly important role in purchasing decisions, the National Railway Museum and Robert Frederick have created a range that successfully bridges past and present. By transforming archive treasures into engaging, contemporary products, they have brought a carefully preserved piece of British history onto retail shelves, offering garden centre customers a unique opportunity to take home a small part of the nation’s railway story.
The range also extends into the rapidly growing creative hobby category through premium paint by numbers sets. Available in both an A3 envelope format and a larger gift-ready tube edition, each set contains everything needed to recreate a classic railway poster artwork at home. Once completed, the finished canvas becomes an attractive decorative piece, extending the value of the product beyond the activity itself. More information on the range can be found at robert-frederick-trade.co.uk
Contact for more information sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/ brandlicensing railwaymuseum.org.uk
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The collection features authentic artwork by celebrated railway poster artists including Frank Mason and Jack Merriott. Available as both 500-piece and 1000-piece jigsaws, the range showcases some of the most iconic images from the archive, including London Pride, Speed to the West, West Highland Line, Yorkshire, Devon, London and St Andrews.
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RETAIL INTERVIEW DUNBAR GARDEN CENTRE
“Families rarely
leave empty handed” Dunbar Garden Centre’s thriving toy department has become a real draw for families. Gift Buyer Annie Strang tells us what’s selling – for both kids and kidults, why strategic displays and visual merchandising are so important, and how the centre’s outdoor toy offering is set to expand Our toy “department is a vital part of our retail offering
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Annie Strang Gift Buyer
How important is the toy category to your overall retail offering, and how has it evolved in recent years? Our toy department is a vital part of our retail offering, particularly during the school holidays when the weather is less than favourable. Introducing the interactive GolfZon golf simulator and Pirate-themed VR ride, and also an ice cream cart selling locally produced Gelato ice cream, has certainly helped the footfall. When families visit, they don’t just pop in, they are often here for half the day and rarely leave empty handed! We are a favourite choice for those last-minute birthday presents - even more so with the expansion of the local area and situated where we are, next to the busy A1 trunk road, we enjoy a lot of passing holiday trade too.
Which toy categories are currently performing best for you, and have you noticed any changes in customer buying habits? Our plush sales continue to grow with food plushies a strong favourite, alongside the recent botanical and collectible bag charm additions from Keel Toys. Social media trends are definitely a driving force behind a lot of the impulse buys, but we have noticed how short lived they can be, so I am cautious with these. However, our collectible vehicles and Schleich animal ranges are currently our best sellers. The Hot Wheels are particularly popular amongst the dads! Have you expanded your range to cater to the growing kidult market, and what products are proving most popular for this audience? For the kidult market we have had great success with the Robotime range. The DIY houses and Booknooks have been featured heavily on TikTok alongside the ROKR models such as the marble runs and mechanical beetle. Customers tend to return to add to their collection so refreshing the designs regularly is key. The Recent Toys brain teasers are a favourite among the collectible kidult market too.
Smart Toys and Games
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Top
best-sellers
Bigjigs Toys
What are the key factors you consider when selecting new toy brands and products for your shelves? Product quality and sustainability, visual appeal and reliable availability are key factors for me when choosing new ranges. I also value suppliers who are honest in what they can deliver. Quality traditional toys are a staple for us and are generally more important to our customer demographic than short-lived Enesco viral toys. How do you strike the right balance between traditional children’s toys, outdoor play, collectibles, and products aimed at the kidult audience? I think it helps to strike the right balance between the different toy products by creating strategic zones as far as possible in the space available. For example, we like to keep our high-energy zones with play opportunities separate from our quieter books and creative areas, and our outdoor toys and children’s gardening within the seasonal gardening areas in store. Which new toy ranges or brands are you most looking forward to
stocking for the fourth quarter (Q4), and why? We are looking forward to stocking our long-awaited NeeDoh range from Bigjigs Toys, which has been requested numerous times by customers. Bear Lala from Enesco should be a fun addition to our collectible ranges, as well as the beautiful Enchanted Garden plush range from Keel Toys, which will fit perfectly alongside the botanical plush.
Social “media
trends are definitely a driving force behind a lot of the impulse buys, but we have noticed how short lived they can be
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Hot Wheels and Farm themed vehicles Kayes of Cardiff
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Animal figurines Schleich
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Various plush Keel Toys
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Games and puzzles University Games
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Bigjigs Rail Bigjigs Toys
feel are currently underserved? For next year the aim is to expand our outdoor games offering and products that encourage outdoor exploration and adventures. I am also hoping to develop a sensory focused area alongside our books department. Looking ahead to the festive season, what are your expectations for toy sales, and what do you think will be the biggest opportunities and challenges for retailers this Q4? We are expecting the steady growth within the toy department over the last year to continue over Q4 with intentions to increase sales by incorporating lines within our Halloween and Christmas displays instead of keeping them separate. This proved successful last year with our other gifting lines.
How far in advance do you begin planning your Q4 toy offering, and what influences your buying decisions? I don’t tend to place Q4 orders too far in advance unless it is something viral or targeted Christmas lines where supply is likely to be an issue, such as Needoh. We find our more traditional toy suppliers such as Bigjigs, Orange Tree, The Puppet Company and University Games have good availability later in the season - and these lines are always hugely popular for Christmas gifting. Do you see opportunities to grow your toy departments further, and are there any categories you
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Garden centre
Trade talk Dave Poulter managing director MV Sports Do garden centre customers have a different taste and price point than other bricks and mortar retailers? Garden centre customers tend to shop at a more relaxed pace and look for products that feel considered, giftable and built to last. Quality, trusted brands and strong presentation can therefore be just as important as price. There is demand across accessible price points, but customers may be more willing to trade up for a product that offers lasting play value and can become a genuine feature in the garden.
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We are also seeing greater emphasis on outdoor living and making better use of the garden
Why do visitors to garden centres see toy and gift products as a great opportunity to purchase?
Garden centres have evolved into enjoyable family destinations where customers are encouraged to browse beyond their original shopping list. Toys and gifts fit naturally into that experience, whether shoppers are looking for a birthday present, a school holiday activity or a spontaneous treat. Outdoor toys are especially relevant because customers are already thinking about their gardens and outdoor living. They can immediately imagine how a swing, trampoline or football goal could work at home, making the journey from inspiration to purchase particularly effective.
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Have you seen any garden centre developments or trends that are going to boost your business? The continued evolution of garden centres into year round leisure and retail destinations is extremely positive for our business. More centres are investing in family experiences, seasonal events, cafés and expanded gifting departments. This increases both dwell time and the number of reasons to visit. We are also seeing greater emphasis on outdoor living and making better use of the garden as an extension of the home. That naturally supports demand for active outdoor play. Experiential displays are another important development. A built swing, an assembled football goal or a clearly demonstrated activity product can be far more powerful than a boxed item alone. Which of your product ranges does particularly well in a garden centre and why? Our Hedstrom and Kickmaster ranges are particularly well suited to the garden centre environment. Hedstrom offers recognisable garden favourites, including swings, slides and trampolines. Kickmaster transforms the garden into a football training ground with goals, training balls and equipment designed to develop skills. These products sit naturally alongside outdoor living ranges, and displaying them in a garden setting helps families visualise the play possibilities.
We caught up with leading toy suppliers to learn why garden centres are increasingly vital retail partners, and how to make a splash in Q4 2026/27
Liz Ireland founder & managing director Bigjigs Toys Do garden centre customers have a different taste and price point than other bricks and mortar retailers? Garden centre shoppers have a distinct customer profile, with a strong multigenerational audience including grandparents, families and gift buyers. They tend to favour eco-conscious, screen-free and heirloom-quality wooden toys over trend-led plastic alternatives. As many purchases are intended as gifts, customers are generally willing to spend a little more on products that offer visible craftsmanship, quality and lasting value. Why do visitors to garden centres see toy/ gift product as a great opportunity to purchase? Garden centres have evolved into lifestyle destinations rather than purely transactional retail spaces, so visitors are browsing in a relaxed, enjoyment-led mindset. Surrounded by cafés, homewares and seasonal displays, shoppers are naturally inspired to pick up thoughtful gifts, making high-quality toys an easy and appealing impulse purchase for the children in their lives.
such as our Biscuit Box perform well near café areas. Compact ranges like our new Farm on the Go appeal to customers looking for portable travel toys, while traditional products such as our Dolls House Furniture Set continue to resonate with families. The House of Puzzles range also performs particularly well, offering timeless, multigenerational entertainment that appeals to shoppers of all ages. Do you think the Golden Q4 season will see an early buying Christmas run from customers at garden centres? Garden centres are often among the first retailers to embrace Christmas, creating immersive festive experiences with winter wonderlands, grottos and seasonal displays that encourage shoppers to start buying from as early as September. As more consumers spread the cost of Christmas and plan ahead, garden centres continue to see strong earlyseason demand for premium wooden toys, puzzles and gifts.
Which product range of yours does particularly well in a garden centre – and why do you think it does? Our strongest-performing ranges in garden centres combine gift appeal with themes that complement the environment. Children’s garden tools are a natural fit alongside plants and gardening products, while nostalgic role-play favourites
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Lee Crocker country manager UK & Ireland Cobi Toys Do garden centre customers have a different taste and price point than other bricks and mortar retailers? Garden centres offer a very different shopping experience from the traditional high street. They’re true destination stores, where customers come not just to shop, but to spend time, explore and enjoy the surroundings. The addition of cafés and restaurants also plays an important role. Many customers visit the café as part of their day out, extending their time in store and creating a What more enjoyable experience. With this relaxed atmosphere and a different mix of products attracts from the high street / mass market toy them is the retailers, their taste and price points do differ.
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Why do visitors to garden centres see toy/ gift product as a great opportunity to purchase?
opportunity to discover products they wouldn’t typically find on the high street
I’m not convinced that visitors actively come to garden centres specifically to buy toys or gifts. Instead, what attracts them is the opportunity to discover products they wouldn’t typically find on the high street or in mass-market toy retailers. Garden centres tend to offer a range, with unique toys and gifts that feel more suited to their customer, rather than competing directly with the major toy chains.
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Have you seen any garden centre developments or trends that are going to boost your business? The biggest opportunities come from us as a supplier rather than the garden centres themselves. It’s our responsibility to develop products that align with their ethos, complement its retail environment and reflect the changing interests of its customers. At the same time, there is real potential for garden centres to embrace a broader mix of product categories. By being open to carefully selected new ranges, they can encourage additional spend from their existing customer base.
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Tara Strickland head of design & co owner Santoro Group Do garden centre customers have a different taste and price point than other bricks and mortar retailers? I think garden centre shoppers are often looking for something that feels a little more considered. They’re usually enjoying a day out rather than making a quick shopping trip, so they’re naturally drawn to products that tell a story, spark emotion or make a lovely gift! We’ve found they’re happy to invest a little more when the quality, design and presentation justify it, which is why beautifully crafted products tend to perform so well in that environment. Why do visitors to garden centres see toy/gift products as a great opportunity to purchase? Garden centres have become real destination stores. People visit for inspiration, lunch, homeware and gifts all in one trip, so there’s a wonderful sense of discovery. It’s also a great place to take the kids to get out of the house on a rainy afternoon! Whether buying for grandchildren, birthdays, or simply treating someone “just because”, toys and gifts become an easy addition to the basket… especially if you’ve got little people weighing in with their opinions too! Products that offer a lasting keepsake or create a memorable moment are especially appealing.
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Which product range of yours does particularly well in a garden centre – and why do you think it does?
One of my personal favourite things is to browse the amazing seasonal displays
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Our 3D cards have a shared commonality with garden centres in that they too have stood the test of time at retail. Particularly our floral/nature themed greeting cards suit the setting so well, and they are a great way to take home a plant without having to remember to water it! Do you think the Golden Q4 season will see an early buying Christmas run from customers at garden centres? Definitely! One of my personal favourite things is to browse the amazing seasonal displays – especially the baubles – which seem to be selling out earlier and earlier each year. Garden centres have become a favourite destination for festive shopping because they create such a magical Christmas atmosphere. Many customers visit specifically to enjoy the seasonal displays, so they’re often in the mindset to start buying earlier than they might elsewhere. With shoppers continuing to look for meaningful, high-quality gifts, I think retailers who merchandise early and create inspiring displays will be well placed for a strong festive season.
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16/08/2026 15:14
S E T R E T S O Y T TNP
“Goo Jitzu is goated!”
Nine-year-old best buddies Oscar, Toby and Joe call Heroes of Goo Jitzu Mystery Surprise Eggs the GOATs (greatest of all time)! They cracked open the mystery eggs from Character Options to see if they’ve pulled an Ultra Rare Gold Hero – and check out what else is inside
Toby In a word: “Awes
ome”
“They’re so stretchy . I love how they fee l. My top one is Horriglow, a fish hero who glows in the dark. His arms stretched miles! I also liked Fro stbite. He stretches the most and I loved putting the m into battle. This was so satisfying.”
Mum, Sarah
“Epic rare . I found go th Braxld one ofe or!”
“What really fun toy s that more than me et their fun quota. You can see why kids are obse ssed with these. Children wa nt all their toys to str etch and squash and squidge – so these definitely hit the mark there. They lov ed every minute. I can see when I watched them pla y, that the element of surprise when cracking op en the egg and dis covering which hero was hiding ins ide was a real thrill for them.”
Joe, n i
ne
TnP Toy Testers Character GCS.indd 1
14/08/2026 17:41
TnP Toy Testers, best buddies and school mates Oscar, Toby and Joe, all nine, cracked open Heroes of Goo Jitzu Mystery Surprise Eggs from Character Options during the summer holidays. The squishy, stretchy, crunchy Heroes arrive in an “awesome”, easy to open, bright orange egg, each filled with a unique goo and a Goo Jitzu figure. There are six to collect and every egg delivers the excitement of a surprise unboxing and the thrill of discovering which character is waiting inside. The boys had to keep their eyes peeled for the Ultra Rare Gold Heroes hidden among the eggs: bright gold versions of all the six core characters, adding an extra layer of excitement and a reason to keep collecting. Joe Following a furious afternoon of unboxing, battling and stretching, we In a word: “Ama zing” caught up with the boys and their mums “It was so epic! I fou nd the rare gold to find outwhat they thought – and if one of Braxor! I rea lly wanted the one they’d unboxed a coveted Ultra Rare! with the
’re seo how y e h “T y. I lov el” ch stret they feine ,n Toby
tall neck and so it wa s cool I got the gold one of him. He really crunches and when you stretch him you can see all his gold bones inside. This ha s been the best day ever. Ca n we do this again? We had such a laugh playin g with these.”
Mum, Suzie
“I think we all agree that it was lovely to see our three boys having gre at fun and playing tog ether, making up battle sc enes and inventing games with each other. Th ese toys had them totally
absorbed and they clearly all loved the m. Some of these blind boxe s have been almos t an open and shut case: open them up, see what they get, and then the trinke ts get lost or left on the shelf. But these are so sa tisfying to squish, str etch and crunch, and there’s some real play time to be had, which to my mi nd makes them mu ch more worthwhile. They rea lly are the ultimate action figure fidget toy are n’t they!”
Oscar
ted” (We’re In a word: “Goa ans greatest of all reliably told this me eed!) ind ise time – high pra , and cool. I like “These are really fun nt. You don’t that they’re all differe u’re going to get. know which one yo e. They’re all filled Each one felt uniqu s. My favourite was with different inside had lots of arms Shiny Warsnap. He insides.” and legs and shiny Mum, Emily
th a different goo “Each one is filled wi at’s a real bonus but it’s contained. Th s all too well by ow kn t – as every paren solutely zero mess now! – meaning ab the toy. These boys as the goo stays in d their imaginations play well together an were having the ran wild. They really r keeps on saying best time ever. Osca w much fun they a week later, just ho to add to his new nts are, and that he wa collection.”
May 2026
TnP Toy Testers Character GCS.indd 2
CONTACT
Character Options 0161 633 9800 | sales@charactergroup.plc.uk | character-online.com 2
14/08/2026 17:41
IN FOCUS
BIGJIGS TOYS
Life in miniature Bigjigs Toys and Tidlo are bringing small world play to new generations, with a charming range of timeless wooden dolls, miniature homes and furniture sets that are made to be cherished
S
ome toys come and go with the latest trend, while others become family favourites that children return to generation after generation. Wooden dolls, dolls houses, and role play sets are a perfect example of this. These cherished toys grow alongside children as their imaginations develop, inviting openended storytelling and repeat play. This style of play always feels new and exciting for kids, as it gives them the
Kids don’t “ play with “just dolls houses, they build lives inside them
””
Liz Ireland, Founder and Managing Director, Bigjigs Toys
freedom to dream up new narratives, fresh adventures, and different characters every time they open the toy box. It’s one of the reasons the category continues to resonate with families. And, for retailers, this creates something equally valuable - a category with year-round appeal and natural add-on opportunities. “At Bigjigs Toys, our pretend play range has always been about creating worlds for children to build, rather than standalone products,” says Liz Ireland, Founder and Managing Director of Bigjigs Toys. “Our wooden dolls, miniature homes, and furniture sets are designed to work together as part of a collection - inviting kids to keep adding, expanding, and discovering new ways to play.” Collections that can be built over time are a real asset for retailers, as they encourage customers to return for new accessories and gifting occasions. A dolls house becomes a
Tidlo’s ti appeal meless
Tidlo creates classic woode n toys designed to stand the te of time. Built with educatio st nal play in mind, ea is crafted to nu ch Tidlo toy rture early development and inspire lit tle imaginations . Th comes from th e name Tidlo e ‘tidløs’, meani Danish word ng timeless. It ’s an idea, rather than a trend. These toys do n’ attention, but t shout for quietly earn it through qual ity, design, an d longevity
birthday gift. Furniture follows at Christmas. Then a new doll family, garden set, or themed characters become thoughtful additions throughout the year, with each new piece enriching the child’s play experience.
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In Focus Bigjigs.indd 1
16/08/2026 14:22
The Bigjigs Toys Story Since the very beginning, Bigjigs Toys has been a family-run business with a love for designing toys that enrich children’s curiosity and imagination. Back in the early days, founders Liz and Peter Ireland worked from their garden shed making jigsaw puzzles from old floorboards. Now, over 40 years later, the brand has an exceptional collection of award-winning toys lovingly designed in the UK and sold in 100-plus countries worldwide
“Kids don’t just play with dolls houses, they build lives inside them,” continues Liz. “That’s what makes these products so enduring. Each new doll or piece of furniture opens the door to another story.”
What’s new for Bigjigs Toys? This year, Bigjigs Toys has expanded its wooden play collection with a range of dolls house furniture, family doll sets, and imaginative characters. Transforming every corner of the home, the new furniture line includes beautifully detailed sets for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, kids’ bedroom, bathroom, and garden. Styled in contemporary pastels, these tiny furnishings allow retailers to merchandise individual rooms or set up creative lifestyle displays. For customers wanting a comprehensive bundle, the Dolls House Furniture Set has everything they’ll
n dolls W h y wo o d e deliver und
ar-ro • Excellent ye giftability s-selling • Strong cros es ti ni opportu al hase potenti • Repeat purc lay value gp • Long-lastin lays in-store disp ng • Captivati es ili m fa r fo peal • Timeless ap
need to furnish every room in one go. These pieces have been designed to complement Bigjigs Toys’ bestselling Summer Cottage Dolls House, making cross-selling simple and visually impactful on the shop floor. Alongside interiors comes a cast of dolls house characters ready to move in! The new Generational Family Dolls set includes a mum, dad, sister, brother, grandma, grandad, and their pet dog. Alternatively, new themed character sets create a canvas for adventure, with daring Pirate Dolls, courageous Medieval Knights, and enchanting Fairytale Dolls ready for make-believe play. Each wooden figure has been designed with flexible arms and legs, allowing kids to pose the characters in different positions as their stories unfold. “The best role play sessions start with inspiration, not a script,” says Liz. “We create the foundations for a story, then let children’s imaginations decide what happens next!”
What’s fresh for Tidlo? Bigjigs Toys welcomed Tidlo into the family in 2018, building on the quality and craftsmanship of Bigjigs’ existing range. Specialising in traditional wooden toys, Tidlo continues to expand the brand’s offering with beautifully crafted playsets and accessories. Tidlo’s new family collection includes Eastern Asian Family Dolls, White Family Dolls, and Black Family Dolls, helping kids see a diverse range of families represented in their play and create stories that feel familiar and inclusive. For little animal fans, the new Farmer Family dolls pair perfectly with Tidlo’s bestselling Oldfield Farm - allowing retailers to build a complete role play destination around a theme children love. Other new additions include the playful Police Officer & Prisoner Dolls, Medic Dolls, and reimagined Playtime Hospital. “Kids make sense of the world through play,” explains Liz. “Whether they’re creating a family home, running a farm, or caring for a patient, these toys teach children how to empathise, communicate, and explore different roles, responsibilities, and lifestyles.”
Bigjigs “Toys,At we’ve always believed that the best toys are the ones kids come back to again and again
”
Liz Ireland, Founder and Managing Director, Bigjigs Toys
and playsets carve opportunities to create emotive, attention-grabbing displays that customers connect with. Seeing real-life experiences brought to life through miniature worlds creates an instant emotional connection. These story-led displays invite parents to stop, explore, and imagine the toys becoming part of their child’s everyday play - often stirring fond childhood memories of their own. “At Bigjigs Toys, we’ve always believed that the best toys are the ones kids come back to again and again,” says Liz. “That’s why our design team pours their heart and soul into creating products that children love and remember.” The charm of wooden dolls and small world play is everlasting. Fusing timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and childhood nostalgia, this category continues to hold a special place in children’s playrooms - and on retailers’ shelves.
Play today, treasure tomorrow In a market where trends can move quickly, wooden toys offer retailers consistency - products with staying power. These playthings are designed to be shared between siblings, and treasured beyond a single childhood, making them a trusted choice for families looking for toys that feel special, not disposable. For retailers, wooden dolls, dolls houses,
Contact Bigjigs Toys for more information: orders@bigjigstoys.com | bigjigstoys.co.uk
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media In Focus Bigjigs.indd 2
19
16/08/2026 14:22
SPOTLIGHT
RAVENSBURGER
A huge Christmas puzzle of fun lies ahead Santa is taking a break this Christmas. Except he’s not (we hope) – his 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle is just part of the Ravensburger seasonal joy
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popular My Haven suitable for holding There’s series, welcomes a freshly cut flowers. Christmassy addition puzzle-a-day The puzzle vases for the first time. escapism to be were highlighted as Number fourteen a Hero Toy product had with the in the lineup is at Toy Fair, and five 2026 Christmas designs will be The Christmas at Home Advent available at launch. Shed which is inspired by one A new collection Calendar of the collection’s of 100-piece puzzles bestselling images, which include a handy display easel will make Cosy Shed. This time the shed has been given a a perfect stocking filler for any seasonal makeover. puzzler. Choose from single Other 2D puzzle packs and triple packs and a launches from range of design styles. Ravensburger For younger puzzlers, the include a suite universal joy of Julia Donaldson of Diddly Squat and Axel Scheffler’s Gruffalo & Farm puzzles Friends is celebrated in a new showcasing life at collectable 4-in-a-Box lineup. Jeremy Clarkson and The range includes four different Lisa Hogan’s Cotswolds stories to choose from and farm and farm shop. For is designed to collect all four avid romantasy readers, a new with their book spine-style box collection of 500-piece deluxe artwork. And Disney Princess puzzles based on Rebecca Yarros’ fans can look forward to piecing global hit Empyrean book series, together favourite characters in which includes the Fourth Wing, a collection of three new giftable is certain to be on wish lists. puzzles each one presented in Each one includes shelf-worthy, a keepsake, shaped box that is highly illustrated packaging and ideal for display. includes a themed bookmark. For even more mindful escapism, there is also a CreArt paint by numbers set based on the series too. A collection of 3D puzzle vases also turns a relaxing activity into a practical and stylish home accessory, complete with a waterproof liner
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With Christmas fast approaching, Ravensburger is launching a raft of new festive puzzles and puzzling gifts to treat friends and family, as well as plenty to which jigsaw enthusiasts will love to treat themselves. There’s puzzle-a-day escapism to be had with the 2026 Christmas at Home Advent Calendar. Designed by artist Claire Wilson, this warm and cosy home can be pieced together room by room in the twentyfour 56-piece
puzzles. Each mini puzzle can be a standalone, or all twenty-four can be combined into one large puzzle for an impressive seasonal creation. There is attention to detail throughout the calendar, including the outer packaging which is designed for display as part of festive decor. It’s a milestone year for the company’s limited edition Christmas puzzle series, with the 30th edition ready to hit tabletops. Santa Takes a Break, is a 1000-piece puzzle designed once again by artist Roy Trower. And the
Contact Ravensburger | sales@ravensburger.com | ravensburger.com
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media Spotlight Ravensburger.indd 1
14/08/2026 17:40
OPINION THINK BIG COACHING
The toy opportunity A curated toy department does far more than entertain children. It attracts new customers, increases dwell time, boosts basket spend and strengthens a garden centre’s family appeal. Drawing on her experience at Yarnton Home & Garden, Think Big Coaching founder Bryony TaylorEdwards explains why toys deserve a place in every garden centre
sourced wooden toys, plasticWhen I was head of marketing and free packaging and brands buying for Yarnton Home & Garden with heirloom quality. We in Oxfordshire, I was tasked with also made sure we told one main goal: to diversify, expand the garden story with bug our demographic and bring in new hotels, bird box building customers - all with the aim of building sets and nature journals. a brilliant, whole-family, inclusive brand This allowed us to tell our and, in turn, increasing revenue. brand story and plant the seed, Building our indoor play area, the quite literally, for the Magic Garden, was the gardeners of the future. first step. Creating a A toy The trends to watch beautiful toy shop for department, now are nature play and children aged seven and done well, is so outdoor learning; both under was the second. Toys were a big new much more than continue to grow. Screenfree, open-ended play is category for us, and we an extra category. what parents are actively wanted the department seeking out. And pocketIt’s a reason for to mirror our core values toys need to of family, sustainability the whole family money feature in your range too. and quality. We were to visit Children love the determined not to fill it independence of with landfill but instead choosing and paying for something to ensure every product had earned its themselves, and a well-merchandised place! pocket-money stand near the till is Location mattered, so we placed the a quiet workhorse for basket spend. shop directly next to the Magic Garden House of Marbles does a great one, because the till could double up as and you can choose the toys to suit check-in for the play area and checkyour brief. out for the shop. It also ensured our So, if you’re thinking of launching a toy key demographic knew exactly where department, here are my top five tips: to find it. Children arrived for the play, and parents and grandparents left with • Decide on your age range and stick a little something in hand. It worked to it. Otherwise you’ll end up with too beautifully. much width in your buying and not Choosing products and building the enough depth. range was a real joy, with so much to • Get clear on your categories and choose from. We wanted everything stick to them. Toys are an to feel relevant and themed, so the expansive category, so you Magic Garden came alive in toy form. need to be certain of your Wooden greenhouses, watering cans parameters before you and grow-your-own kits sat alongside hit the trade fairs. nature-inspired books, games and • Offer a broad range puzzles. Dinosaurs came next, and their of price points, popularity never waned during my time from House as a buyer. of Marbles From there, we mixed our categories pocket-money with intention: nursery and baby gifts, toys right imaginative play, active learning, arts through to Le and crafts, and we even sprinkled in Toy Van dolls’ some playroom interiors. houses at And while it was enormous fun to put Christmas. together and launch, the commercial • Don’t forget results stacked up too. Toys were greeting shopped day in day out, and at key cards. They seasonal moments they truly held their are one of the own. bestselling We filled the space with responsibly
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areas of any shop, and there are some wonderful ranges out there. Petra Boase paper balloon cards are a personal favourite, and they fly off the shelf. A card and gift in one, each design includes a blow-up paper balloon that matches the illustrated animal or fish on the front. The card can also be cut up and popped in a frame afterwards.
• Nostalgia is a big seller, especially for customers with grandchildren. Classic games, traditional wooden toys, and anything that prompts the words “I had one of these” will always find a home in a basket. A toy department, done well, is so much more than an extra category. It’s a reason for the whole family to visit, a driver of dwell time and repeat footfall, and a joyful expression of what your brand stands for. Get the range right, keep it relevant and themed, and it will hold its own all year round. Bryony Taylor-Edwards is the founder of Think Big Coaching. A leadership coach, brand consultant and strategist, she works with visionary leaders to expand their capacity, sharpen their thinking, and drive creative, sustainable growth in their businesses. bryony@thinkbigleadership.com | thinkbigcoaching.co.uk
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Opinion.indd 1
16/08/2026 16:15
SPOTLIGHT
LESSER & PAVEY
A wide range of joy and
wonderment
Jonny Greves, company director, takes us through the Lesser & Pavey toy product ranges and the philosophy behind their appeal together. There’s something affordable Christmas gifts satisfying about watching a and ideal impulse purchases picture gradually appear piece from grandparents looking for by piece, and it’s a reminder something a little different. They that entertainment also sit comfortably doesn’t always need alongside other We’re always a battery or a screen. gifts, books, games searching for Our train track and other familyproducts that sets are another focused products, favourite because helping to create offer genuine they encourage attractive displays value and give imaginative play. that encourage customers a Children don’t just customers to build the track— reason to return browse. they create In the retail stories, industry, we’re invent journeys always searching for products and spend hours that offer genuine value and experimenting give customers a reason to with different return. Creative toys do exactly layouts. Every play that. They combine quality, session can be entertainment and educational completely different, benefits with strong gifting helping develop appeal, making them a category creativity as well as practical that performs throughout the problem-solving skills. year rather than for just one What has also surprised season. In my experience, toys me is how many of these that inspire imagination, creativity products appeal beyond young and shared family moments children. Mini building sets have never lose their appeal—and developed a loyal following that’s why I believe they’ll among older children, teenagers continue to earn their place and adults who enjoy collecting on retailers’ shelves for many and displaying finished models. years to come. Floral designs, cafés, street scenes and miniature buildings have become popular gifts, proving that creative building really is something the whole family can enjoy. From a retailer’s perspective, I believe these products are a natural fit for garden centres, gift shops and independent toy retailers. They make thoughtful birthday presents,
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Today, children are surrounded by screens, so it’s encouraging to see more parents and grandparents looking for toys that inspire children to build, create and think for themselves. Whether it’s constructing miniature buildings from mini bricks, completing a colourful jigsaw puzzle or designing an exciting train track layout, these toys offer something technology simply can’t replace – the satisfaction of creating
something with your own hands. One of the things I particularly like about construction toys is that every model becomes a little achievement. Children follow instructions, solve problems and develop patience as they gradually see their creation come to life. It’s rewarding to watch, and once completed, many of the models become decorative keepsakes that children are proud to display in their bedrooms. Jigsaw puzzles continue to enjoy broad appeal too. They encourage concentration, observation and perseverance while providing a relaxing activity that families can enjoy
Contact Lesser & Pavey | 01322 279 225 | sales@leonardo.co.uk | leonardo.co.uk
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media Focus Lesser & Pavey.indd 1
14/08/2026 16:31
INSIGHT
GLOBAL DATA
Garden retailers looking to spring forward UK garden retailers and centres need to look beyond the spring peak to grow demand, according to GlobalData – they need to drive their year-round business and look beyond the garden itself to toys, gifts and more.
Garden retailers are missing an opportunity to drive year-round demand by concentrating promotional activity around the spring peak, when consumer purchasing is already at its strongest, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform. Fortunately, the garden market has expanded into lifestyle offerings in the food, entertainment and leisure sectors including toys and gifts. GlobalData’s latest report, “UK Retail Hot Topics: Gardening 2026,” reveals that 70.9 per cent of consumers begin purchasing gardening products between March and May. However, younger shoppers offer retailers a route to more consistent demand throughout the year. Consumers aged 25-34 are the least likely to have access to a garden or outdoor space (69.2 per cent have garden access), which helps explain why they are also the most likely age group to purchase gardening products all year round (35.7 per cent). With less reliance on conventional garden spaces, demand among the 25-34 age group is more likely to come through smaller, lifestyle-led missions such as balcony planting, indoor growing, houseplants and grow-yourown projects, which garden centres can tap into to attract a new customer base and achieve more consistent revenue throughout the year. The new customer base includes children and
that means exciting toys – both in store and to buy and take home. Ashley Adeyemi, retail analyst at GlobalData, said: “Spring will always remain the key trading period for gardening, but retailers cannot rely on seasonal demand alone to grow the category. Weather is still the biggest purchase trigger, but its influence is weakening, while replacement We’re always purchases, hobby gardening, and searching for new outdoor spaces are becoming more important. Retailers must products that therefore create reasons for offer genuine consumers, particularly younger value and give shoppers, to engage beyond the customers a traditional spring peak.” Reduced prices (47.2 per cent) reason to return and percentage discounts (45.6 per cent) are the most attractive types of promotional offers to consumers when selecting a retailer, but garden centres should use these offers to encourage follow-up purchases throughout the year, not just to win share during the busiest months. Consumers aged 25-34 are also the most responsive to spend-threshold discounts (42.7 per cent), likely reflecting their status as newer gardeners. As starting a gardening project often requires several purchases at once, from plants and pots to tools and growing media, these offers can reduce the upfront cost and encourage larger baskets. Adeyemi added: “Retailers should instead pair value with practical support by making gardening feel easier for younger shoppers to start and continue.
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Beginner growing kits, houseplants and balcony-friendly ranges, plant bundles, and project-based promotions can make initial purchases feel more manageable, while offering expert advice can help retailers stand out from online specialists such as Patch. Seasonal ‘what to plant’ content should also be adapted for TikTok and Instagram, using short-form videos, before-and-after project updates and live Q&As to build engagement. Gardening calendars, digital reminders, workshops and online drop-in sessions can then encourage shoppers to return as their projects develop.” Loyalty schemes are more important for older consumers, peaking among those aged 55-64 (34.7 per cent), reflecting stronger existing engagement, and are weaker among younger shoppers (at just 12.1 per cent among 16-24). Ashley Adeyemi concluded: “Exclusive member events, personalised seasonal offers, gardening clubs and plant clinics can deepen engagement with existing gardeners, while younger audiences will require a greater focus on inspiration, education and accessible value to turn gardening from an occasional purchase into a longer-term habit.” About Global Data GlobalData Plc operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organisations see what is coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organisations across the world’s largest industries, providing tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.
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Focus Lesser & Pavey.indd 2
16/08/2026 15:18
GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
A blooming summer of garden love After a fantastic 2025, this year sees toy and gift sales continuing to surge ahead as the even hotter weather gives the garden centre sector’s core business boost upon boost. Suppliers are increasingly enthusiastic as are customers and professional buyers success, with sales rising by 11 per cent compared to July last year and 17 per cent the year before. The growth in both the number of transactions (up 6 per cent) and higher average transaction values (up 3 per cent) is behind the impetus. The July increase indicates a strong rebound after weaker sales the month before, where wetweather conditions at the start of June followed by the heatwaves Lesser & Pavey may have driven the increased garden centre sales in August and demand. Against that, the HTA’s risks plant losses.” quarterly Business Barometer But despite drought and a highlights that member businesses protracted period of heatwaves continue to face ongoing pressures potentially putting an ironic with employment costs and profit dampener on garden centre sales, margins – suggesting that the Dobbies Garden Centre there are still opportunities for nonweather-driven success may be gardening lines like toys. temporary. “The continued evolution of Fran Barnes, CEO of the July saw major growth in sales at garden centres into all-weather HTA (Horticultural Trades The continued garden centres, despite ongoing family destinations – with play Association) said: “July’s economic and environmental evolution of areas, farm shops, restaurants and extraordinary weather challenges. These include garden centres into the second hottest July seasonal events – has created the cost of doing business, greater opportunities for toy retail all-weather family since 1883, the second fragile consumer confidence, by increasing visitor numbers destinations – with driest since 1835, and the and water restrictions. The and dwell time,” says Liz Ireland, sunniest on record – is sadly Market Update report from the play areas, farm Founder and Managing Director, becoming the UK’s new Horticultural Trades Association shops, restaurants climate reality. In Southern Bigjigs Toys. “At the same time, (HTA) showcases the recent growing demand for outdoor England, only 1.9mm of rain and seasonal fell, marking the driest single play, nature-inspired activities and events – has sustainable, plastic-free gifting month on record since created greater aligns perfectly with our wooden 1835. Although the heat in opportunities for toy collections and seasonal July didn’t stop customers merchandising opportunities.” going to the garden centre, toy retail In addition to their core Liz Ireland, Founder and MD, the continued extreme Bigjigs Toys horticultural product offer, garden weather events, notably centres have also evolved in terms the high temperatures and of their customer experience. In drought for large parts of the past, garden centres were the UK, coupled with water often seen as a place to buy plants restrictions and Temporary Use Dolu and gardening supplies. However, Bans (TUBs), may negatively impact
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toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media Intro Garden Centre FINAL RT.indd 1
14/08/2026 17:24
Science Railway Museum.indd 1
13/08/2026 07:32
GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
“We expect garden centres to benefit from customers beginning their Christmas shopping early, particularly as festive events and seasonal displays encourage visits well ahead of December,” he says. “Shoppers are increasingly keen to spread the cost and avoid last minute pressure, Keel Toys making early and clearly presented gifting displays important. Recognisable brands today, they are more of a leisure and products with an obvious play destination. Many garden centres benefit should perform strongly. have cafés, restaurants and, crucially Football equipment, challenge for attracting families with young sets and other gifts that children children, play and activity areas. The can enjoy immediately and inclusion of toys, gifts and greetings continue using throughout the cards into centres’ ranging has been year are particularly well suited to a welcome, natural evolution – for this environment.” both consumers and suppliers. Lee Crocker, Country Manager, For Santoro, the shift has opened UK and Ireland, Cobi Toys, says new opportunities to garden centre We’ve been reach consumers. customers have delighted with the “It’s been exciting to responded very well see so many garden response we’ve to the company’s centres expanding their received so far. lines, “despite being lifestyle and gifting Longacres is a great relatively new to the departments,” says sector”. example, where our Tara Strickland, Head “We’ve been of Design and CoHistorical Collection delighted with the Owner, Santoro Group. – including Titanic response we’ve “Many are creating received so far. and Concorde – beautifully curated Longacres is a great has performed retail spaces that example, where our encourage customers particularly well Historical Collection to browse for longer, – including Titanic Lee Crocker Country and that’s the perfect Manager UK and Ireland, and Concorde – setting for products with Cobi Toys has performed strong visual appeal. particularly well. There’s also a growing emphasis “We believe these collections on premium gifting and experiential resonate because they appeal shopping, which aligns perfectly with to the garden centre customer our focus on creative design and who is looking for craftsmanship.” something a little With the different, evokes golden quarter nostalgia and on the horizon, makes a great gift Dave Poulter, for themselves Managing or someone else. Director, MV Looking ahead, Sports, says our 2027 and garden centres 2028 product can tap into early University Games developments have Christmas spend, been designed with the garden with families increasingly looking centre market in mind. We see to shop early and often, rather than significant opportunities for us to splurging on this key gift-giving build on our early success and season. work with new garden centres.”
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Intro Garden Centre FINAL RT.indd 2
Ask the buyer
Sam Dewhirst, Visitor Experience Supervisor - Retail of The Savill Garden Visitor Centre Gift Shop in Windsor Great Park, talks toys, kidults and sustainability
Savill’s is a destination that draws families – and increasingly so. Are toys becoming a more important category for your business? Toys and games have become a bigger category for us since Covid, largely, as I said, due to the introduction of our Adventure Play attraction that opened in July 2023. But even before that it was increasing with the rise of young families visiting us as a green space destination to enjoy the outdoors. The toy category spans all of our demographic of visitors; grandparents, young families, adult visitors and tourists can all confidently pick up a toy as a gift or souvenir to bring back. What do you look for in a toy supplier? We look for sustainability credentials and something that fits with our classic British and nature offering, and suppliers that offer a variety of price points so we have an offer for all visitors. We merchandise ourselves and generally produce our own POS for suppliers with a great story, so everything in the gift shops is consistent. Good examples would be Wilberry’s Eco cuddly range, Tenderleaf’s planting a tree initiative, and Cotton Twists made in the UK. We’d love to have more UK-made kids offerings but have not yet found many that fit with our buying policy! How much of a role do the wider toy trends impact your buying decisions? The kidult trend is great for us, as we stock many classic nostalgic toys that adults will buy either for themselves or gifts for children. Rex International and House of Marbles both have great options for these, many at reasonable pocket money prices. We’re also luck to be a Jellycat stockist and our sales of their new ranges are great - many of our sales of these are as collectibles and are made by those that would be classed as kidults. Aside from this, we tend to stick to the classic, nostalgic toys such as board games and classic British characters such as Paddington or Winnie the Pooh, which are popular with all generations.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 14/08/2026 17:24
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GARDEN CENTER FOCUS
Kicking off with MV MV SPORTS & LEISURE 0121 748 8000 info@mvsports.com mvsports.com
MV Sports & Leisure is bringing fresh energy to the outdoor category with refreshed ranges from Hedstrom and Kickmaster. Spanning swings, slides and trampolines through to football goals and training equipment, the collections give retailers a strong garden offer packed with active play, broad appeal and plenty of reasons to head outside. Hedstrom Seesaw
for drills, matches or a quick kickabout, it is an ten, it features a durable powder-coated steel essential starting point for garden football. frame for stability and weather resistance. The The Kickmaster Close Control Trainer with chunky blow-moulded seat and soft-touch Ball keeps practice moving by bringing the ropes combine comfort with long-lasting ball straight back after every touch. Its recoil performance, while the included ground mechanism supports fast, continuous play, pegs provide additional security. It is a simple, while the rubberised handle provides additional dependable play pattern that keeps children grip. An instant cord-locking feature allows coming back for one more swing. players to adapt their close-control training, For bigger bursts of energy, the Hedstrom and the universal holder can accommodate Folding Trampoline is ready to get children standard football sizes. It is a fun and focused bouncing throughout the year. A galvanised way to sharpen skills without chasing the ball frame and springs provide a robust foundation, across the garden after every kick. supported by a heavy-duty, UV-resistant For the complete garden football experience, jumping mat and weather-resistant the Kickmaster Ultimate Football Challenge safety pads. The pads extend over Kickmaster Set delivers plenty of ways to play. The set the mat to protect the springs, while brings football includes a manual featuring 20 different games, the zipped enclosure, foldable safety fever to the three free-kick figures, six passing hoops that bars and strong fibreglass top rim MV Sports & Leisure is bringing transform into a chipping target zone, four provide added reassurance. Easy garden, helping fresh energy to the outdoor flexible training cones, a training ball and a assembly, a supplied spring-loading young players category with refreshed ranges sturdy steel goal. From shooting and passing tool and an included weatherfrom Hedstrom and Kickmaster. transform their to dribbling and accuracy, young players can resistant cover complete a wellSpanning swings, slides and compete against considered outdoor space trampolines through to football friends, take on package for goals and training equipment, into a personal new challenges year-round the collections give retailers a and try to beat their garden fun. training ground strong garden offer packed with personal best. Kickmaster active play, broad appeal and Completing brings plenty of reasons to head outside. the line-up, the football fever to the For younger adventurers, the Hedstrom Kickmaster PVC garden, helping young Mini Climber with Slide packs several play Goal provides a players transform their experiences into one compact product. Children lightweight, durable outdoor space into a can climb to the top, race down the slide or and portable option personal training ground. retreat into their own secret den, created by rollfor everyday garden The refreshed range up doors and windows beneath the platform. Its football. Its simple combines accessible sturdy steel frame features a UV and weatherlock-in system equipment with skillresistant finish, while the durable fabric is requires no tools, building play, taking designed to resist water, sunlight and tearing. helping families children from casual Suitable for multiple children, the Mini Climber become matchkickabouts to focused brings active and imaginative play together, ready in minutes. football challenges. Hedstrom Mini Climber helping to develop strength, coordination and Supplied with net Available in Size 3 confidence along the way. Its convenient oneclips and ground and Size 4 options, the box format also makes it a practical proposition pegs, the wider domestic range includes a Kickmaster Training Ball is made for developing for retailers and home delivery. choice of sizes and frame thicknesses, giving players. A high-quality pre-inflated bladder Some garden classics never lose their retailers options suited to different gardens and supports optimum air retention, while the waterappeal, and the Hedstrom Single Swing is one player needs. sealed valve helps deliver reliable performance of them. Designed for children aged three to in changing outdoor conditions. Whether used
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toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 14/08/2026 16:22
Autumn 2026
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GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
Blooming good buys CHARACTER OPTIONS 0161 633 9800 sales@charactergroup.plc.uk character-online.com
Character Options is a trendsetter in collectibles and more and has ranges that have proven sales success for garden centre retailers. The 2026 portfolio is supported by substantial PR and marketing campaigns.
electronic game of peekaboo – always a Character Options is a trendsetter in favourite with the little ones. As the music collectibles and more and has ranges that plays, this eight-inch plush Peppa will lift her have proven sales success for garden centre blanket up and down to play peek-a-boo. Or retailers. The 2026 portfolio is supported by retailers can stock with confidence the Peppa substantial PR and marketing campaigns. Pig Whizz-Around collection! The wonderfully squishy, sticky world of MushyKinz has taken The wonderfully This beautifully colourful range of track and vehicle-based toys the playground by storm and is squishy, allows little ones to experience the perfect pick-me-up treat for sticky world the world of Peppa Pig in a fun kids on a garden centre day out; of MushyKinz new way. Families can build their and with range extensions for own Peppa Pig Whizz-Around the 2nd half of the year there are has taken the world – there are so many even more reasons to collect. playground by vehicles and track sets to collect, Check out the popular MushyKinz including one brand-new vehicle Pocket Palz Mystery Bag Charms, storm and are the and two new playsets for 2026. while the MushyKinz Jelleez bring perfect pick-meOther firm favourites include with them a totally new feel and up treat for kids on the wide range of Goo Jitzu fresh sensory play experience – a garden centre collectibles which this year has firmer with a slow rebound that’s day out seen an unbox with me element perfect for stress relief. with the launch of the Goo For visitors looking for a gift Jitzu Mystery Surprise Eggs or who can go for the grandkids then Peppa Pig is a sure-fire wrong with Sticki Rolls the globally successful winner. The all new Peppa Pig Peek-A-Boo collectable sticker collection that has taken Peppa feature plush toy takes a favourite the internet by storm since its launch in 2024? Peppa Plush toy and combines it with an
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Loved by customers – trusted by retailers KEEL TOYS LIMITED
01233 506363 l sales@keeltoys.com l keeltoys.com
For more than 75 years, Keel Toys has built its reputation on original design, trusted partnerships, dependable quick service and consistent stock availability. We’re committed 30
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to creating products retailers can buy with confidence, knowing they’re backed by a business that values innovation, quality and long-term relationships. We’d like to introduce you to Keeleco Botanical Garden, a collection of beautiful plants & flowers made from the softest velvet fabrics. This collection features 12 unique designs, each more vibrant than the next from snowdrops and pansies to succulents and cherry blossoms. Even the most unsuccessful gardener will be able to keep this wonderful collection in bloom all year round! Garden enthusiasts love these forever flowers, released at the beginning of this year and already one of our best sellers. The collection has become so popular that seasonal designs are now available for preorder. This includes the 3 spookishly adorable Botanical Garden Halloween pots,
and 2 assorted romantic Valentines Botanical Garden Roses. Botanical Garden is the perfect collection for Garden Centres. Not only will these forever flowers sit naturally on your shelves, but customers love them. Once a customer sees their inviting, adorable faces and beautiful plant plush, they will be compelled to take them home. Each toy is perfect to display on your window seal, bookshelf or desktop to spruce up your home and office. They are also a wonderful gift to give to someone you love or want to say thank you to. In addition to the classic 12 botanical plants, we have 4 designs with a fun, little secret. Our Greenhouse Surprise Mushroom, Lily, Bonsai and Carrot are sure to put a smile on your face as they pop out of their pots. Playful, cute and full of personality. Keeleco Botanical Garden Surprise plush are designed to provide hours of fun and laughs.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 14/08/2026 16:23
Must-have
Seasonal gifting The scariest time of the year is coming soon!
Designed to bring warmth, joy and a touch of holiday magic!
© 2026 Gipsy S.A.S.
-www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk -sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk -01329 227300
GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
Just Playful gifts for garden centres JUST PLAY 0800 102 6885 uksales@justplayproducts.com justplayproducts.com
Garden Centres make the perfect one stop shop for pick me up presents come the holiday season and Just Play has a colourful choice that will inspire the whole family. Jigsaws are not only multigenerational, but they offer an affordable treat or gifts and Just Play’s entry into the puzzles market has brought with it a display of Lego themed puzzles that promise to build a whole new category for puzzlers to look out for. A fantastic entry point into the range and perfect for stocking fillers are the 100-piece Minifigures Blind Bag puzzles each of which builds a 7” x 12” Lego minifigure character. The 300-piece Oversized Piece Puzzles have larger pieces to handle and four assorted titles to collect, while the 500-piece Minifigures Collage puzzles have intricate images of crowds of minifigures to master. The 1000-piece puzzles will set a challenge with titles such as Lego Icons puzzles with images of favourite Lego builds, but not to be missed
will be the 1000-piece Botanicals Shaped puzzles that create fantastic, impressive Lego floral displays. Affordable but quality creative play kits also create the perfect instant purchase opportunity and with Just Play’s Tara Toy collection offer value, quality and inclusion of top licenses too. For example, the Moana sets which benefit from the recent film release. The Wooden Bangles activity set is perfect for Hawaiian dress-up days. With four wooden bangles, paints stickers and fabric flowers, these bangles are as much fun to make as they are to wear. Alternatively, a Necklace Activity
Floss & Rock launches 33 lines Floss & Rock has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, 01253 831500 introducing 33 new lines, a brand enquiries@flossandrock.co.uk new Christmas illustration and flossandrock.co.uk extensions to many of their most popular categories. Among the headline launches is a new Magic Colour Changing Bath range, which brings the brand’s popular colour-changing technology into bath time for the first time. The collection includes Bath Books and Bath Toys, each available in four designs and suitable for children aged 18 months and over. The illustrations appear when immersed in water before drying back to white, ready to be used again. The launch builds on the success of the existing Magic Colour Changing range, which features Umbrellas, Water Cards, Easel Pads and more. The Fashion Friends collection also expands this season with the introduction of portable Jewellery Cases. Available in three designs, the cases feature gold zip detailing and interior compartments for storing jewellery and accessories, broadening the lifestyle offering within the range. The Play category has also been strengthened with the addition of three new games: Heads & Tails, Count to Ten and Learn Your ABC’s. Designed in a compact, giftable format, the new titles continue the brand’s focus on combining learning with play.
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Set is also available, with everyone’s favourite Moana characters as pendants. There are dozens of items in the Tara Toy range and licenses such as Disney Pixar Toy Story 5, Disney Stitch and Disney Princess, as well as multiple projects to complete from fun Jewellery and Pixel Art Kits right though to a fun Make your Own Forky!
AMBESSA FLASHLIGHT KICKSTARTS INTERNATIONAL PLAY AMBESSA PLAY sara@ambessaplay.com ambessaplay.com The Ambessa Play DIY Flashlight is a clever STEM kit, which includes an easy-to-follow guide, so children can build their very own working flashlight from scratch. Designed for children aged 8+, it’s packed with handson learning opportunities that help develop problem-solving skills, creativity, fine motor skills and scientific understanding, all while having fun. Children get a practical flashlight they can use for everything from den building and bedtime adventures to camping trips and holidays. Ambessa Play is a social enterprise with a powerful mission. For every DIY Flashlight purchased, the brand donates a kit to a displaced child without consistent access to electricity, helping bring hands-on learning to
children who need it most. Retailing at £45, it’s a toy that combines play, purpose and learning in one package. Ambessa designs DIY science and engineering kits encouraging children to build. For every kit purchased, one is donated to a displaced, out-of-school child who lacks access to consistent electricity, bringing hands-on science and engineering to children globally. The kinetic-powered DIY flashlight, was co-designed with children in refugee camps globally. It launched a grassroots Kickstarter campaign that hit its goal in 24 hours.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 14/08/2026 16:25
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Characterful gifting RAINBOW DESIGNS 01329 227300 sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk rainbowdesigns.co.uk Rainbow Designs brings a little extra magic to garden centre gifting with an adorable collection of much-loved characters, beautifully made plush and engaging toys. From treasured licensed favourites such as Peter Rabbit, Paddington and Guess How Much I Love You to colourful new friends including Cutydoos, Happy Yappers and Birdies, the range brings together timeless stories, playful personalities and irresistible collectability. With something for every little occasion, from new arrivals and birthdays to simply choosing a cuddly friend, Rainbow’s characterful collections are perfect for creating inviting gift displays and adding a touch of joy to the garden centre experience. A particularly cute addition is Cutydoos, an adorable collection of collectible animal characters and fun accessories. Featuring eight sweet animal friends – Koala, Bear, Panda, Fox, Husky, Rabbit, Cat and Dog – each super-soft character has sparkling glitter eyes and an instantly lovable expression. Available as 13cm and 23cm plush and plush keychains, Cutydoos are designed to be collected, displayed and loved, making them an easy pick-up for children and character-loving
shoppers alike. The collection is growing this autumn with seasonal Cutydoos ready to add a little extra magic to Halloween and Christmas displays. Three frightfully fun 13cm characters – Pumpkin, Skeleton and Vampire – bring a cute twist to Halloween, while four festive friends – Penguin, Polar Bear, Red Reindeer and Brown Reindeer – are ready for Christmas. Both seasonal collections are presented in themed CDUs, creating colourful, eye-catching displays that encourage shoppers to discover and collect the full set. As garden centres look towards spring character – a lovely gift for collectors and new and the important gifting opportunities that generations of Peter Rabbit fans. come with it, Peter Rabbit remains a perennial Paddington is another evergreen favourite, favourite. Rainbow’s Peter Rabbit with Rainbow’s Classic Paddington, collections feature Peter and The The Adventures of Paddington Flopsy Bunny across beautifully and Paddington Baby collections Adventures of made plush, wooden infant toys bringing warmth and nostalgia to Paddington Toy the gift shelves. New Paddington and thoughtful baby gifts. The Once Upon A Time and Signature range brings infant Gift Sets pair a beautifully soft collections offer everything from the much-loved plush Paddington with either a Trio of soft toys and comfort Muslins or Milestone Cards, creating blankets to infant bear into the practical yet memorable gifts for gift sets and preschool play new arrivals and special milestones. developmental Alongside these, the best-selling category wooden toys. The Adventures of Paddington Toy A standout for range brings the much-loved bear 2026 is the into the preschool play category with engaging Special Edition Peter Rabbit toys designed for little Paddington fans, and the Commemorative Soft Toy, Classic range, featuring the Traditional Collector beautifully presented in a Paddington and Classic Paddington, continues keepsake box to celebrate to be loved by all generations. the 160th anniversary of Then there’s Happy Yappers adding colour, Beatrix Potter’s beloved sound and plenty of personality,
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Girl power with Harmonie Lane Just one month after arriving on 0208 781 1100 shop shelves, sales@santoro-london.com Harmonie santoro-london.com Lane is already proving to be one of Santoro’s most exciting launches to date. Following a candy-coloured retail debut, the girl-centric brand is gaining lightning-speed momentum across the UK and internationally, with expanding global distribution, enthusiastic retailer feedback, and a growing community of young fans embracing its message of creativity, confidence, and connection. In a market where many children’s brands continue to compete for screen time, Harmonie Lane offers something refreshingly different. Built around ten relatable “girlnext-door”
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characters, the brand celebrates different hobbies, friendships and everyday interests that encourage girls to express themselves away from a screen. The result is a brand that feels both aspirational and authentic. Rather than following fleeting trends, Harmonie Lane reflects real interests of today’s young girls, inspiring them to discover new hobbies, build confidence and explore their creativity through hands-on play. It’s a philosophy that sits at the very heart of the brand – today’s play is tomorrow’s passion. This vision is reflected throughout the growing product collection, which combines hands-on craft kits, design-led stationery, activity books and novelty accessories into a cohesive lifestyle range. What truly sets Harmonie Lane apart, however, is the wider world that surrounds the products. Every character has her own story, personality and style, giving children the opportunity to discover a favourite while encouraging collectability across the range. In addition, every product has been designed to encourage creativity while delivering strong
visual appeal on the shop floor. The experience extends even further through an original album of ten songs, with each track inspired by one of the girls. The music creates another way for children to engage with the characters blending creativity with storytelling.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 14/08/2026 16:25
#FXGTV KPFF
GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
Craft Buddy at garden centres Craft Buddy is continuing to build momentum in the garden centre channel, with its store footprint expanding significantly as retailers look for creative gifting, accessible hobbies and strong seasonal products. CRAFT BUDDY 0203 417 6565 trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk craftbuddyltd.co.uk
Christmas “provides another
NBC Universal products (Shrek, Minions, Wicked major opportunity and Trolls) set to Christmas join the mix this season. products Christmas accounted for provides another 24 per cent of major opportunity. overall garden Christmas products centre sales in accounted for 24 December 2025 per cent of overall (HTA). garden centre sales in December 2025 (HTA). Craft Buddy’s AutumnWinter-Christmas 26 collection breadth offers the channel an opportunity to introduce exciting innovation and fresh decorative formats. Highlights for the upcoming season includes new Crystal Art Christmas Baubles – 15 double-sided designs to craft and hang – alongside licensed and generic Hanging Buddies Kits, featuring favourite licensed characters (including Stitch and Hello Kitty) as well as traditional Christmas designs. The collection also includes Disney Advent Calendars, plus limited-edition Hello Kitty x Care Bears Collab (limited Edition) editions, whilst the Best of British boxed Christmas card set contains eight Crystal Art cards with envelopes. New 15 x 15cm and 17 x 12cm Crystal Art Cards further strengthen the year-round card offer, a category already well suited to garden centre retail. Smaller-format Cards, Buddies, Bag Charms, Baubles and Hanging Buddies create natural stocking-filler and add-on purchase opportunities, while larger Canvases and Scrolls provide more substantial gifting options. With a fast-growing garden centre footprint, broad demographic appeal and a strong mix of year-round and festive creativity, Craft Buddy sees AW26 as an important opportunity to build further momentum in the channel. To discuss placing an order or stocking Craft Buddy, contact the sales team to bring a touch of sparkle to your garden centre.
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New accounts for 2026 include Aylsham Garden Centre, Pennells Sleaford and Dobbies Garden Centres, where Craft Buddy will be ranged across 34 stores. These join existing partners including Earlswood, Longacres, Otter Garden Centres, Polhill Garden Centre, Ransoms Garden Centre, Stratford Garden Centre and Warwick Garden Centre. Based on these confirmed locations, Craft Buddy is now listed in around 45 garden centre stores – approximately 400 per cent growth in store footprint versus its pre-2026 named base. A natural fit for Craft Buddy’s established Crystal Art range, garden centres offer gifting, homeware and seasonal retail. Crystal Art Cards, Buddies and Scrolls/ 36
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Canvases continue to perform strongly, with Flora, Animals and Scenic themes particularly suited to the channel’s core older demographic and shoppers looking for relaxing, creative projects with attractive finished results. As 78 per cent of over-45s visited a garden centre during 2024, whilst 65 per cent of under-45 adults also made at least one visit (HTA), this creates the opportunity for Craft Buddy’s licensed ranges to engage younger family members visiting and shopping alongside parents and grandparents, introducing familiar characters through accessible creative formats. Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars are already popular, with Sega (Sonic and Shadow) and
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 16/08/2026 16:01
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GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
Inspiring lagoon of games, puzzles and gifts UNIVERSITY GAMES 0207 254 0100 sales@ugames.uk.com university-games.co.uk University Games and Lagoon bring together an extensive portfolio of games, puzzles and gifts that are a natural fit for the garden centre environment. From family favourites and pocket-sized games to creative puzzles and educational play, the range offers plenty of choice for customers looking for entertainment, gifts and something a little different. Building on the success of Lagoon’s bestselling Botanicals 3D Puzzle Collection, two stunning new floral designs join the range this autumn. Tulips & Lilies and Orchid sit alongside the popular Carnations, Roses and Sunflower designs, offering puzzle enthusiasts the chance to create beautiful ‘forever flowers’. Precision-cut pieces slot together without glue, scissors or tools, providing a satisfying, mindful build before becoming an attractive decorative display piece. For consumers with a sense of humour, the new Pundamental collection from Jelly
Armchair puts clever visual wordplay centre stage. All Puns & Games is available in Food & Drink and Animal Editions, challenging players to identify the illustrated puns. The theme continues with two 1,000-piece puzzles, Cat-A-Pillar and Authorful Puns, combining beautiful illustration with plenty of smiles. For family fun on the move, Sports Pocket Dice Games offer fast-paced play in compact formats. Football, Tennis and Cricket editions are joined this autumn by Hurling and Gaelic Football, while Licensed Football Club Pocket Dice Games bring added appeal for sports fans. Easy to learn and highly portable, they are ideal for holidays, days out and family travel. Young shoppers can also get in on the fun with Squeeze Popper Animals. Simply squeeze the character’s tummy to launch the foam ball up to six metres! Popular characters including Axolotl, Koala, Penguin, Llama, T Rex and Frenchie the Bulldog,
Creative Play for Curious Minds LESSER & PAVEY 01322 279 225 sales@leonardo.co.uk leonardo.co.uk This colourful collection is designed to inspire creativity, imagination and hands-on discovery, offering children ways to learn through play. Build-a-Bloom Flower Pots combine construction with the fun of creating colourful floral displays. Children can assemble the individual pieces, experiment with different combinations and create their own cheerful characters. A playful way to encourage fine motor skills, concentration and imaginative thinking. For budding engineers, the Twisty Track provides an exciting construction challenge. The colourful track pieces can be assembled into different layouts, encouraging children to plan, build and experiment as they create their own miniature roadways. With vehicles, signs and interactive features adding to the fun, it is ideal for imaginative play and problem-solving. 38
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The Farm Games collection brings together puzzles, memory games, dominoes and flash cards, giving children a variety of ways to play and learn. Designed around familiar farm themes, the activities encourage recognition, matching, memory and early problem-solving while helping to develop concentration and communication skills. Children’s Jigsaw Puzzles offer a fun introduction to the rewarding world of puzzling. From dinosaurs and unicorns to wildlife, the farm and underwater adventures, colourful illustrations encourage children to identify shapes, colours and characters while developing patience, coordination and logical thinking. For children who love to build, the Mini Building Sets transform small pieces into colourful miniature scenes and structures. Following instructions develops concentration and sequencing, while the freedom to experiment encourages creativity
and spatial awareness. They also provide a satisfying sense of achievement when the finished model comes together. Finally, the adorable Sensory Night Lights combine soft illumination with charming animal characters. Their gentle light and appealing forms can provide comforting visual stimulation, helping create a calm and engaging environment for children. Sensory lighting can support relaxation, bedtime routines and visual exploration.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 16/08/2026 16:02
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Thames & Kosmos inspires, educates and entertains THAMES & KOSMOS 01580 713000 sales@thamesandkosmos.co.uk thamesandkosmos.co.uk
Thames & Kosmos has a range of products that inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages. From board games to STEM products there is something for everyone whether its nature and wildlife-based games, environment-based products, robots or small science experiments that can sow the seed of STEM in young children. Take a look at the ranges and products that Thames & Kosmos have available for Garden Centres starting with games. Wildblooms Plant seeds and let your flowers flourish! Clever planning and a little luck will transform an empty meadow into a thriving ecosystem. Use combo effects strategically to grow your flowers and create the largest meadow in this new board game from Thames & Kosmos. Players take turns plucking seedlings from the gameboard and planting them in your flower bed. The Game of Birds In this stunningly illustrated card game, players compete to become the most successful conservator of threatened birds. They do this by protecting birds from modern threats while building a strong avian portfolio that improves their chances of survival. Gameplay is inspired by the ‘Seven Wonders’ of birdlife: Nest, Flight, Feather, Egg, Beak, Migration, and Song. Hydropronics Lab There’s no watering, no soil – and yet your greenhouse slowly fills with vegetables. Find out how it works, become a botanical sleuth, and enjoy your homegrown vegetables with Hydroponics Lab. This kit includes everything you need to build your very own hydroponic greenhouse and grow three different varieties of salad greens. You’ll learn how to help your plants thrive, how to sort your seeds and identify seedlings, and how to use your harvest to make delicious and healthy dishes. Science to Go range The Science to Go range of science kits,
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experiments and construction kits are a great impulse buy as they are sold at pocket money prices. The range includes making your own electric alarm, growing crystals and even building a glow in the dark T-Rex dinosaur. The range is ideal for those that want to learn about STEM based subjects in an easy and accessible way. Rebotz Rebotz is a collection of four unique robots you get to build yourself. Each junkyard robots’ parts can be interchangeable with other robots in the range, allowing new and unique robotic creations to be made. This Rebotz range is pocket money friendly and teaches children about different engineering and physics principles. Green Engineering: Clean Energy & Sustainable Living The future of energy engineering begins at home. With this kit, kids can construct and experiment with a model house that demonstrates various aspects of renewable energy and green home design. The house includes working models of a variety of real-world devices used at home, including a solar panel, a home energy storage battery, a water pump, LED lights, an electric lawn mower, and more. As kids discover how to supply their model house with renewable energy, they’ll learn all about clean forms of electricity, thermodynamics, green building practices, and how they can make their own home more energy efficient.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 14/08/2026 16:27
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Quality, speed and reliability means Mojo Fun MOJO FUN 01422 413 674 l info@mojofun.com l mojofun.co.uk Established in 2020, Mojo Fun Ltd initially focused on developing more awareness of the product range in the UK. Despite manufacturing high-quality animal models since 2010 through our Hong Kong business (Mojo (HK) Ltd) the UK market was rather elusive. Given we design and sculpt in the UK this was somewhat frustrating. Product rotation at retail continues to grow and confidence in the Mojo brand and quality has never been higher. Offering a 48 hour order turn around, next day delivery and fill rates exceeding 85 per cent, it’s safe to say 2026 has been a good year so far – sales are up 26 per cent YTD with good growth in all sectors and customer satisfaction at a high. For years retailers in our category have faced the same frustrating cycle: place an order then wait weeks for the stock to come trickling in from European warehouses, arriving in bits and pieces, weeks behind schedule with half the SKUs unavailable. The result? Half-empty shelves lost revenue and frustrated customers. We knew if we were going to be successful then we had to change the narrative. We set about establishing a UK warehouse, based in West Yorkshire and then started the process of building the stock levels
weighted towards the best sellers so orders leaving the warehouse had a minimum 80 per cent order fill but most importantly within that fill rate all the best sellers were ever-present. The stock levels took almost 2 years to perfect but now we have the right mix, at least for the moment. As it stands today we have an average 90 per cent order fill rate, with orders leaving the warehouse in under 48 hours and delivery times of Next day for UK mainland, 2-3 days for Ireland and the EU. We have grown steadily over the past 3 years and during that time we have developed a customer first mentality. Once we open a new account we ensure that the level of service we provide is first class, the product quality and rotation matches and in most cases exceeds previous suppliers. And it’s not just Quality, speed and reliability. Our margins outperform the market leaders too, giving
retailers a better return without compromising on stock availability or delivery. It’s the ability to work with different retail sectors and understand the individual needs that has helped us develop the UK business. We offer advice and ready-made plan-o-grams for different market segments. Taking the guess work out of product selection and reducing the risks. The requirements of a fast-paced independent retailer are different from destination retailers such as garden centres, zoos and theme parks. Zoo’s and theme parks have become a big part of our business and given the important conservation work carried out by many Zoo’s we also feel the need to give a little back. This Summer we sponsored an animal in Dudley Zoo’s “Wild Bricks” exhibition. Focusing on critically endangered species the Zoo has 17 life sized models built from thousands of bricks. Located in the 40 acres of Dudley Zoo and Castle, children and adults are encouraged to find every animal on the list, not as easy as it sounds but great fun.
Wheely good news on the Dolu front DOLU 07850 779797 (Steve) 07877 443733 (Ria) sales@sjr-associates.co.uk dolu.com.tr/en
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Dolu is now one of the major manufacturers for all outdoor and wheeled toys. We have added two new sit’n’rides to the range, which have had a fantastic response at Olympia. Plus, we have extended the matt finish to some of the wheeled toys for this year. As a point of reference, many think tractors and trikes etc sell best in summer. In reality 60% of sales are September to December. Tractors are a huge business for us and represent round of 15% of our total income. All our wheeled items including the tractors come with a pink option which considerably increases sales. We also manufacture over 200 other ranges that we produce for Christmas and all year round. These include under license ranges
from Fisher Price, Barbie and Hot wheels. We also produce nursery ranges such as highchairs and so much more. This year we have had unbelievable weather. The big plus for our customers, especially those who used to buy from China, is they have been able to place repeat orders with us in order to maximise their sales. Everything we make is at our Factory in Istanbul and we have no minimum order quantities (MOQs) as all is delivered direct from Turkey including Mattel items manufactured under licence and our nursery range For those interested, current lead times from placing orders can be just 4 weeks. Please contact Ria or Steve for more information.
toysnplaythings.media • giftstoday.media 16/08/2026 16:02
GARDEN CENTRE FOCUS
Road, sea & sky high creations COBI TOYS UK
07584 858978 l.crocker@cobitoys.co.uk cobi.eu
Cobi is a manufacturer based in southern Poland, in the city of Mielec, which is known all over the world for creating some of the most unique and detailed scaled brick models, with historical accuracy and design, suited to the toy, model and garden centre markets. important to us, on one hand it’s a stamp of approval in terms of historical accuracy, and on the other hand, license fees help to maintain historical vehicles survive into our times. Cobi are not only the market leader in Poland for military brick scaled models, but throughout Europe and USA. One such model is the Concorde G-BBDG from Brooklands Museum. Cobi has brought the supersonic icon Concorde G-BBDG, affectionately known as “Delta Golf” (#1689), out of retirement. The new edition has been upgraded to a 1:100 scale model with 518 pieces, featuring pad printing instead of stickers and an updated tail design for improved realism. in its Armed Forces range. Our non-military Cobi products stand out in the ranges include boats (Titanic); aviation marketplace because they are unique. (Concorde & Boeing) and automobiles (VW; Scaled brick models that Subaru; Lancia; Citroen and may are available for the Kidults; more). Building on Enthusiast and Children all Titanic, operated by White this momentum, under one brand, certainly Star Line, carried some of Cobi has secured has a good appeal. the wealthiest people in the a prestigious However, they also help world, as well as hundreds of emigrants from the British Isles, licensing agreement compliment store ranges bridging the gap from the Scandinavia, and elsewhere with Japanese plastic kit brands, to die in Europe who were seeking automotive giant cast collectables and the a new life in the United States Subaru. other brick brands. and Canada. The disaster drew Following the successful public attention, spurred major launch of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale changes in maritime safety regulations, and (#24509) in May 2024, Cobi has inspired a lasting legacy in popular culture. upgraded this iconic model There are three models in our range. Cobi for 2026 with enhanced is pleased to launch a third Titanic model to detailing, including new its collection. Cobi-1686 is in a 1:300 scale, decals, improved windows, which measures an impressive 90cm in and refined pad printing length, 27cm in height and 11cm in width. for a more authentic There are 3,260 pieces in this set. It’s worth appearance. noting that this 1:300 scale edition of the Building Titanic model has undergone a complete on this facelift. New brick patterns have been introduced, significantly enhancing the detail momentum, Cobi has and aesthetics of the construction, plus secured a many more features. prestigious Cooperation with museums is a very For nearly 40 years, Cobi has also been producing construction bricks predominately focused on military vehicles including tanks, planes, ships and other vehicles from WWI & WWII to modern day military
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licensing agreement with Japanese automotive giant Subaru. As a result, some of the most legendary rally cars in motorsport history are joining the Cobi collection. The Subaru Impreza became a dominant force in the World Rally Championship, competing in 193 races and achieving 46 victories, 122 podium finishes, three Constructors’ Championships, and three Drivers’ Championships. Cobi’s exciting new Subaru range includes four highly detailed 1:35 scale models: the Subaru Impreza WRX (#24648), Subaru Impreza WRX STI (#24649), Subaru Impreza WRC03 (#24650), and Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 (#24652). Not stopping there, Cobi is also launching a thrilling line-up of Audi Quattro models. This five-set 1:35 scale collection features the legendary Audi Quattro S1 E2 (1985) Rally Car (#24667), Rally Legend (#24668), and Group 4 (1981) Rally Car (#24666). Completing the range are two classic road-going Audi Quattro models from 1980, available in red (#24664) and white (#24665). Who would have thought that there was such a unique fit? Exceptional quality of the product and European production are additional assets of all Cobi sets.
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