It is the most important as well as the most significant time of the year, because - also as far as business is concerned - Christmas means appreciation, gratitude, but also the joy of giving and receiving. And it is also an opportunity to express one's brand values and identity through a present. This is why the catalogues available offers increasingly epitomise the main trends in the sector: sustainability, which has become the guiding value of every choice, exclusivity and durability.

Rather than a trend, it has now become a duty: you have to think green, so among the many options it is better to choose from those that are planet-friendly, whether it is recycled or recyclable products or materials and production from certified supply chains.

But in the broad variety of available options - from the great classic of tableware items, a symbol of reunion and sharing, to wearable accessories, to technological gadgets that facilitates work or to use in leisure time - while the object is important, customisation is even more so. Making a gift unique is becoming increasingly easy thanks to company logo printing techniques that allow printing with no limitations on print runs, but also allow adding drawings, graphics and even the recipient name of the gift.

Lastly, durability: in a world that often featured “disposable” gift options in the past, today, there is an increasing focus on quality, on products that are useful, that may even be consumed - such as food & beverage - and products intended to last in time, namely, “planet friendly”.

HOME MEETING PLACE

The magic of Christmas inspires many options to be enjoyed with family or friends. Anda Present Group turn a classic into a surprise. “Jokkmokk" is a white porcelain plate, in the shape of a tree or a star, ideal for serving snacks or cocktails: as it is emptied by diners, it reveals colourful lettering or logos, which can be printed on its inside. Delicious treats to remember the company by.

In the rich Get Impressed catalogue, in addition to the traditional Christmas-themed jacquard jumpers - a “must have” this winter that can be enriched with lettering from 100 pieces - hand crafted Panettone and Pandoro stand out in their customisable wrapping. Simply delicious.

SENSITIVE BY NATURE

From classic tree decorations to candle holders, from Christmas tree centrepieces to tablet or smartphone holders to diaries or notebooks, the products in Makito’s new collection “Made in Europe”, feature wood, which can be laser-engraved into ad hoc shapes or lettering. A natural, biodegradable and recyclable material (FSC certified) (FSC = Forest Stewardship Council) that reflects the company's commitment to the environment.

For those looking for inspiration for a trendy and sustainable beauty gift, Mid Ocean presents “Branded by earth”, a line of natural, vegan and multi-purpose beauty products produced in Europe with 100% plant-based ingredients. The range includes solid-format shampoos and body cleansers as well as scrubs that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients and contribute to strengthening the brand's image as an environmentally conscious brand also in its products packaging, for which only recyclable, plastic-free customisable packaging is used such as recycled paper boxes and organic cotton travel cases.

Having become a symbol of environmental sustainability, water bottles are also one of the best sellers in Christmas catalogues, thanks to their versatility of use: companions in leisure time and at the office. Always useful to have a home-made drink or pure water handy. “Maira” by Silan, is a 500 ml thermal water bottle with a doublestainless steel wallthat can keep drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours. It is available in 18 colours, with a matt, non-slip finish and can be customised with screen printing, laser engraving and UV printing.

As far as drinking while walking or jogging, Giving Europe has launched a new 360° four-colour printing service for its aluminium and stainless steel water bottles. The “full-scope” rendering and colour printing gives the message an even stronger impact, because it will be visible from every angle. Upon request, the water bottles can also be customised with the application of enamel, which gives them a special shiny and touch-sensitive finish, with slightly embossed lettering and images.

WORK IS ALWAYS AGILE

It has an oriental charm and a technological soul. It is the NFC (Near Field Communication) tagged ballpoint pen by Silicon, customisable by pad printing or laser. It has a bamboo fibre and ABS plastic body and a clip with a bamboo insert, giving it a minimalist style with an exotic flair. But beyond its appearance, its universal compatibility with NFC technology devices is striking, allowing it to communicate with smartphones and tablets for wireless data transfer over short distances.

The laptop backpack by Sipec, is a technological backpack with a USB port to charge devices even while walking. It is a practical accessory suitable for everyday life, made of a type of polyester containing reflective pigments, so that even on the greyest winter days, it is highly visible not only to the person wearing it, but also to the brand that will be imprinted on it.

On the subject of writing, it is hard not to appreciate the special limited edition “Jotter Cracker” by Parker offered by PF Concept. The iconic ballpoint pen, whose brand was born in America over 130 years ago. It is presented in a fun gift box, inspired by the traditional “Christmas crackers” of Anglo-Saxon countries, which also contains the Quinck Flow refill. Open each cracker by pulling one end of it, which triggers a mini chemical reaction that results in a sharp noise, the typical crackle that precedes the surprise of discovering the contents.