Kokova Magazine

Following on from our previous blog post, we continue with our search for alternative and unusual gift ideas - and the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fairs have certainly produced a plethora of products that would be perfect for presents.

With two more fairs planned for the end of November, book your tickets now to guarantee your place.

The fairs hold there own in terms of clothing and jewellery stalls and it is easy to overlook items when you are met with row on row of jewellery ideas - but one lady standing out from the crowd is Heather Stowell. Her unique stall arrangement guarantees to catch the eye and on closer inspection it is easy to see that Heather has put her heart into her craft and produced pieces that are worthy of anyone's wear-time. The use of buttons with precious metal is somewhat unique and also ensures individuality. See Heather's work at www.heatherstowell.com

An investment for the kitchen comes in the form of Burrwood Boards - who produce beautifully finished boards, using British wood, which has been selected specially from wood yards across the country because they like trees to remain standing, so when possible will only use trees that have fallen naturally. All the other wood used comes from managed and sustainable woodlands and forests. Beautiful boards to complement any kitchen at www.burrwoodboards.com

For the grown-ups, the selection of tipples from the SLOEmotion range are sure to delight. If you are new to the world of the Sloe then this company have a range that is sure to suit everyone. Our favourite came in the form of their SLOE Brandy - even for our non-brandy drinker. A family-run business based in North Yorkshire, SLOEmotion have revived an almost forgotten ancient country practise. Their award-winning liqueurs also include SLOE Gin, SLOE Whisky, SLOE Vodka, DAMSON Gin and CHERRY Brandy. They then take the spirit-infused fruit and use it to make SLOE Chutney, SLOE Jelly, DAMSON Chutney and a unique range of SLOE Chocolate Truffles. www.sloemotion.com

In the kitchen, getting festive with Sliced White ensures that your nuts get cracked without the shells being dropped in the carpet. Their Drosselmeyer Design Group (DDG) Nut Cracker is perfectly engineered to hold the nut and shell until you tip them out. DDG is a Stockholm-based design firm with a mission to improve everyday products. From an adjustable candle holder to a unique design ice-tray, with huge, elevated, circular cups that makes it easy to use, this company has an edge for novelty gifts that are not only practical but simply stunning by design.

Want a classic boiled egg to start your morning? How about a Beep Egg? This is a very clever little egg timer that measures both elapsed time and temperature, ensuring a perfect result. It doesn't matter whether you start cooking your eggs in cold water at the top of Everest or boiling water in a diving bell - the Beep Egg will always let you know when your eggs are perfect. Just keep it and boil it with your eggs, and listen out for three different tunes: 'Killing Me Softly' (for perfectly dippy eggs) 'Chick Chick Chick Chick Chicken' (for medium squidgy eggs) and 'It's a Heartache' (for picnic grade eggs). Check them out via https://slicedwhite.com

The creators of BoBo Buddies have been busy again and to complement their range of buddies that turn from a backpack to a pillow and onto a blanket, they have created their toddler backpack with the addition of reins. So now the smaller ones can join in the fun while Mum and Dad can still feel confident having them close. It is a fine line when our toddlers start to walk and take on board the confidence we have tried to give them. They suddenly want to walk unaided, without a holding hand but are not quite ready to go it alone. The BoBo Buddies Toddler Backpack with reins is the perfect balance for parents and child alike - and it has all the fun elements of their original design. View the whole range available at www.bobobuddies.com

And finally, for the little ones we unearthed a beautifully simple idea by way of Annabel Gordon. From silhouette pictures, felt bunting and hair clips, this West Sussex business woman has grown her business while supporting other home-grown British businesses. The high quality 40% wool felt is supplied through a locally run family business and the picture frames and mounts are handmade in Yorkshire. All Annabel Gordon fabrics are sourced from various UK suppliers. Brighten up the childrens' rooms this year with a stunning Annabel Gordon design from www.annabelgordon.co.uk

For these and many, many more gift ideas at Country Living Christmas Fairs for 2013 visit:

Glasgow - 21st to 24th November 2013
Harrogate - 28th November to 1st December 2013

For more information and to book tickets visit www.countrylivingfair.com