An Overview of Christmas In July Event + Favourite Stands

I was very fortunate to have been invited along to the first ever Christmas In July Festival held at Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square on Wednesday 12th July 2017. In what was described as the London Fashion Week of Christmas In July events, it did not disappoint! Partnering with Black Taxi App GETT, attendees were able to be transported to and from the venue, black cab style. I attended the opening day along with my little and thought it would be nice to share with you all an overview of the festival plus our favourite stands.

Christmas In July?

Before you begin to wonder why on earth such a thing exists (I agree it is hard to think of Christmas during summer months) ‘Christmas In July‘ is when most companies, brands and pr agencies showcase their clients Christmas range and products to members of the press, journalists and bloggers ahead of the festive period in December.

As you are aware, Christmas is an extremely busy time of year and so by the press getting access to festive products early, we can plan content for upcoming magazine features, online blogs and social media in advance. With the terminology explained I will now give you a run down of Eco and I’s favourite stands we had the pleasure of visiting that day…

Tile App

This was one of the last stalls I visited but it quickly became my FAVOURITE of the day for personal reasons so allow me to explain why….

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This handy little device simply allocates lost or misplaced phones, keys, purses or wallets… a TOTAL LIFESAVER for a absent minded dyslexic individual like me! On a typical day and much to the annoyance of myself and my other half, I can always without fail be found running around my flat like a headless chicken searching for my misplaced phone, keys or bus pass that contains all debit/credit cards and drivers licence.

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Knowing there is a device on the market that can locate such items via a bluetooth connection will not only save me valuable time I do not have but also will contribute in reducing the high levels of stress that comes along with hunting for my belongings multiple times throughout the day.

If this scenario sounds like someone you know or if you are reading this and can relate then the Tile App (RRP £29.99) is a must for adding onto your Christmas shopping list!

My 1st Years

My 1st Years offer personalisation gifts from birth to 5 years and their baby sleep suits, vests, blankets, bathrobes sets etc. will make the ultimate gift for anyone with young children! Ideal for baby showers, christenings, birthdaysChristmas or a present just because, you can be certain that the recipient will adore any gift from this brand for many years to come!

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Little Eco was just as besotted with the stand as I was, fidgeting like crazy and requesting to get out of his Connecta Toddler Carrier to have a closer look. Of course he was instantly drawn to the beautiful personalised aqua ride along and piano by wooden toy specialists Hape and even helped himself to a cheeky cookie hidden out of view behind the Christmas tree! I have my eye on a few items already, and cannot wait to share them with you as we approach the festive period.

SAMAYA

Oh how I was excited upon discovering that a Natural, Eco Luxury British Skincare brand was going to be in attendance and having met the lady behind the brand, Abida Halstenberg I may have fallen in love with SAMAYA even more!

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Developed with powerful Ayurvedic botanicals such as Turmeric and Gotu Kola, these hydrating cleansers are said to melt into the skin, helping to remove even waterproof make-up and lift impurities which in turn leaves the skin feeling balanced, purified and softer. I was thoroughly impressed upon learning that the balm like texture transforms into an oil when massaged into dry, clean skin and honestly cannot wait to get my hands on the Kapha range.

Ho Medics

I am no stranger to Ho Medics for I have been attending there events for a few years now but was thrilled upon discovering they have teamed up with Aromatherapy brand Ellia to showcase there ever stunning diffusers and accompanying essential oils.

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I recently wrote about looking into using essential oils as part of my daily routine at home. Ho Medic’s mood enhancing Gather diffuser alongside Ellia Essential Oils instantly made a great first impressions and having went away to research further, I can confirm it is now high upon my wishlist!

I strongly think my household will benefit the use of aromatherapy and cannot wait to get started now I’ve found the perfect diffuser.

Bonne Maman

Now who doesn’t love a GOOD SPREAD? Bonne Maman was there to keep the hunger pangs at bay with a selection of their tasty spreads on delicous slices of sour dour bread. The samples I tried were Salted Caramel, Hazelnut Praline, Plum and Fig… all of which were equally delicious!

Jo Maman Bebe

Another baby / toddler brand I was impressed with! Eco took a liking to their lovely wooden toys, in particular their wooden car stacker and actually cried in dismay when we had to give it back and leave the stand (cue high pitched screams).

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I on the other hand found these fox Wellingtons and matching scarf set extremely adorable and already pictured Eco running around in them on a cold Winter’s morning exploring woodland in our local park.

Jo Maman Bebe also have a FAB range of baby and toddler Cashmere Christmas Jumpers and Cardigan’s, a perfect Christmas present

Buy A Gift

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Having visited the Buy A Gift stand, one was truly taken back by the enormous variety of experiences available to purchase for a loved one, family relation or a friend. There truly is something for everyone no matter your budget and will guarantee to put a smile on the recipients face.

East India Company

Oh how I LOVE tea! I really really do. I am that lady who loves to sip on a variety of herbal, fruit and exotic teas so you can image I was truly in my element when visiting the East India Company Stand. I had the ultimate pleasure of meeting the tea master himself and tasted a delicious winter spices blend before sampling earl grey fudge.

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Before you give a puzzled look at this creation I can assure you it works wonderfully. My tastebuds were exploding and wanted more. Anyone who is a fan of drinking exotic teas and eating indulgent treats, I can personally recommend you try their caramelised hazelnuts and twelve spiced biscuits!

Your Zooki

Moving onto Health, I was extremely impressed when I came across Your Zooki stand. The founders have cleverly turned an unpleasant experience of taking fish oil supplements into a truly pleasurable one. Now I am pretty certain most of you can relate to gagging whenever taking a spoonful of cod liver oil (I know I have) due to the taste and texture but this is totally different!

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What if I told you that you can now enjoy taking fish oil with the sweet tastes of natural mango and peach flavouring, filtered water and turmeric. That exactly what Your Zooki is, even my little enjoyed a taste of mummies serving.

Of course there were many other fantastic gift ideas from brands including Prezzy Box, Maplin, Wonder Brows, Love Keep Create. All of the brands mentioned in this article plus many  more will be featured in This Woman’s Word Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide online magazine as we approach Christmas please god.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my overview of the Xmas July Fest and will close this article by thanking the lovely Xmas July Fest team for inviting Eco and I to your FABULOUS event and sharing our #GettMoments taken on the day 🙂

Disclaimer: I was invited to this exclusive press event for journalists and freelance bloggers. No money has been exchanged and decided to write about the experience on my blog because I wanted to. As always, my thoughts and opinions are honest and entirely my own.