As we head into the Golden Quarter for gifting, the team here at Giving & Living is looking ahead to one of the first trade sourcing events of 2026, due to take place from Sunday 18th – Tuesday 20th January at Westpoint, Exeter. For those who enjoy visiting this fabulous independent show – and others who’ve yet to sample the delights of the West Country – we take a sneaky peak at what’s in store.
What’s in store
If you’re looking for a reason to visit Giving & Living in 2026, why not start with one of the best selections of Designed & made in Britain products you can find at any UK trade exhibition. As the appetite for high quality, locally made British goods continues to get stronger, retailers can differentiate themselves from the crowd by buying British. Not only does this satisfy consumer demand, it also supports and strengthens the British economy at a time when it is most needed. Talented designer-makers and independent retailers are a match made in retail heaven!
Unique to Giving & Living is the Coastal Path, a sector devoted to the beautiful British seaside and its countryside environs, which help to bring so much business to the all-important tourist trade. It isn’t just west country shops and galleries that will benefit from shopping this specialist show category, which is brimming with souvenirs, accessories, trinket, toys and lovingly crated homewares that celebrate coastal living with authentic style. Retailers from all around the UK who hope to stimulate tourism in their region would benefit from the inspiration offered by this vital and vibrant show sector.
Bringing together these key elements of the show are the Sustainability Stars, which highlight the vital eco-friendly and ethical credentials that help make our industry a socially, economically and environmentally responsible place.
The Sustainability Stars at Giving & Living put people, planet and profits at the forefront of their sourcing, manufacturing and production processes, helping to conserve natural resources whilst supporting a healthy workforce and local community, whilst still generating enough revenue to all stakeholders. In short, they help make the world a better place.
For the 2026 event, Giving & Living will once again be proud to host the Gift of the Year showcase, which brings a fantastic variety of innovative new products to the show floor in Exeter. For retailers in search of what’s hot, this offers a prime opportunity to get ahead of the game in the new season and source from tried and tested lines that are proven winners, as judged by their peers.
Old School meets the New Wave
For the forthcoming event we are delighted to welcome back a wonderful cohort of loyal, long-term exhibitors, who offer incredible customer service along with decades of industry experience and products that are known to perform well on the shop floor. They join an exciting wave of companies that are new to Giving & Living in 2026 or returning after an absence of many years.
Alongside regulars that include Quay Traders, JBA Souvenirs and Pineapple Island will be Colcards and Becky Bettesworth, both returning after many years, whilst amongst the new exhibitors are Cortina Footwear, Sticky Resin, Stosa, and Zebra Pens.
Mike Anderson, our MD said: “After a long, balmy summer in the UK, which saw another strong season for local tourism, retailers are now keeping their hopes high for strong Christmas trading that will help beat the economic challenges everyone is facing.
“2026 is the year for everyone to pull together and ensure our industry continues to not just survive but thrive. One of the best ways to do this is through smart and savvy product sourcing that will tempt consumers to part with their cash and encourage them to support the stores on their local high streets. This isn’t the time to have the same tired old stock on your shelves, but to take a punt on something fresh – give new makers a chance or try different lines from your preferred suppliers that will inspire shoppers and help keep those tills ringing. Giving & Living is the place to fulfil those needs and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all around the UK to our show in January.”
Find out more
This website is full of information about the show, so take a look around to find out more, and register to attend. If you’re interested in exhibiting, give Paul a call on 01934 733433 or apply online to book-your-stand.
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