Wednesday 30 January 2013

Award winning Products - News Flash Winners announced

We are really proud of our reputation for selecting the very best gifts around, and it is always good to see our suppliers talent being recognised.  The Gift of the Year awards - recognise and reward products of excellence within the industry.

Magpie have been shortlisted for Gift of the Year by the Giftware Association with their Birdy Range... winners announced on the 3rd Feb.

Winners both in the Kitchen and Dining Category and the overall Judges Choice the fantastic Birdy range from Magpie



Also shortlisted are Bluebell 33 with their alphabet coasters (a christmas best seller) and placemat range (in store soon, hopefully for you to get creative this Valentine's Day)

Winners in the Made in the UK category -





Our friends Jane Chadwick and Jess Quinton the design duo who have run their intrinsically English label Quinton Chadwick  for 10 years. Combining traditional knitting techniques with a quirky modern edge. Each piece is hand knitted in England by smalll co-operatives of women.  Have also been nominated for an award by Drapers Record. Shortlisted in the category "Accessory Brand of the Year" no less!
Please check in store or through our contact page for availability

Please check in store or through our contact page for availability

One of the best selling products this Christmas were these cute felt slippers for kids, which have also been shortlisted for a Gift of the Year award in the Eco Friendly category .  By popular demand they have now launched an adult range of sizes - and we have them in store now!
Winners in the Eco Friendly Category - "Environmentally friendly green gift for responsible consumers"
Ruby Rabbit, Darci Donkey, Finlay Fox felted slippers available in childrens sizes to Age 4
Finlay Fox also now available in Adult Sizes



Just a small selection of our award winning products from this years list!  There are many many more.  Well done and good luck!






Sunday 27 January 2013

Locally Sourced - New Jewellery

We feel really strongly about supporting our local artists and designers which is why we have launched our "Locally Sourced" collection.

http://www.mapgiftshop.com/index.php/special-feature/locally-sourced

This Collection of jewellery by Mirabelle has a vintage feel and is Made in Britain in their Kentish Town Studio.  Influenced by Icons and emblems of British history and design. The brass pieces are a mix of recast vintage 19th century and 20th century motifs.


Dachshund with Labradorite Pendant 

Crown with Garnet Pendant


Squirrel with Hematite

Saturday 19 January 2013

New Year New Jellycat

It has been a busy few weeks at map gift shop, seeing agents, meeting suppliers and visiting trade fairs to bring you the very best new ideas for 2013 from the best suppliers and brands.



One of our favourite brands is Jellycat which was established in London in 1999 and is one of the world’s leading luxury soft toy companies. The toys are designed in the UK which is important to us too.  The designers have a real sense of humour and are influenced by the fast changing world of fashion, quick to pick up on trends they introduce hundreds of new, innovative and original designs each year.  They use the most interesting and distinctive materials which are tactile and adventurous but they absolutely never compromise safety.  They exceed EN71 European Testing standard and ASTM the American Testing standard.


We are delighted to stock an extensive range of these quirky irresistible soft toys which appeal to ages from one to adult.  Jellycat creations are delightful to give and precious to hold....for a long time.


Hoot Owl This soft, padded owl toy has lovely bright stripes. Little hands will love the tactile textures, teething rings and ribbons. He also has a rattle, crinkle sounds and a loop to hang the toy from a cot or pushchair.



Super cute Black & White Puppy and Board Book

Bashful Bunny Comforter and BlanketThe ultimate new born gift to love for a very long time!

And lastly
Slackajack MonkeyA real character!





Wednesday 9 January 2013

Art Space - looking for artists and designers in Archway Area


"Locally Sourced"

As part of our "Locally Sourced" Collection at map gift shop, we now have a wall space featuring the work of local designers and artists.  Right now we are featuring the work of Rachael Morris.  Beautiful  glass with silver foil placed over 19th Century bird and butterfly illustrations.






The special feature section of our website showcases the work of:

Emily Bedford Jewellery specialises in the design and manufacture of contemporary jewellery. She prefers to make the pieces by hand(Made) in small numbers to maintain the sense of artistry within each piece rather than design for mass production. All her collections express Emily's imagination with much attention given to detailing through subtle use of colour. The emphasis is on conveying an organic quality, the aim being to create beautiful pieces that carry the signature of the maker.
Emily Bedford Jewellery has produced 6 collections to date, all of which use a variety of materials including metallic thread, resin, gold leaf, fine silver, gold and semi-precious stones. The current collection ’Souvenir’ features miniature prints which have been set under clear resin. Studs, earrings, brooches and necklaces are made in silver and then the print is set and covered with resin thus capturing the image. Semi-precious stones are then added to form necklaces or earrings. Some items are plated in 18ct gold (solid gold pieces can be commissioned).
Emily's Jewellery sits comfortably with current trends she has always been interested in one-off artefacts and curiosities and would like the wearer to feel they have discovered something special.


We are also delighted to stock  "Taking the Water"  by local writer Caitlin Davies.  "Beautifully illustrated by an incredible archive of photos from the 1900s, right up to Ruth Corney’s exquisite photos of the modern day Heath, what’s striking is how many people are smiling, in snow or sunshine. This is a happy book. Even if you hate swimming and have never even been to London, I’d defy anyone not to find some pleasure in the pages." Kentishtowner 30th May 2012

We feel strongly about promoting local design and craft talent. Giving the wealth of local talent the opportunity to sell locally and encourage talent within the community.  Buying locally and keeping money in our local economy.
We are constantly on the look out for new ideas both for the "art space" wall and our "Locally Sourced" collection.  If you are an artist or designer and would like us to consider your products or you have a product with local interest we'd love you to get in touch.  
Please email:  kathryn@mapgiftshop.com




Saturday 5 January 2013

Wall stickers - "Has taking down the Christmas Tree left a gap in your life?"

The day is almost here when we can no longer put off taking down those lovely decorations that make your home feel so special.  

So why not think about a different sort of decoration?  These wall stickers make the ideal alternative and can be temporary too....easy to put up, easy to clean and easy to take off...brighten any room with these fun murals.
Wall stickers - Cars £19.95

Height Chart for all the family - £19.95

Space Aliens £19.95

Cute Night Owl £19.95

Dreaming of Spring?  add a little blossom to your view!
Window Stickers £24.95