Jewellery chain switches to recycled gift bags

Somerset-based jewellery chain Hiho has changed its supplier of gift bags in order to allow them to provide packaging made from recycled materials.

The new gift bags are provided by Oyster Retail Packaging, and are made from FSC certified recycled paper, with the handles of the bag made from recyclable untreated cotton. In store, customers can now choose to use either traditional pad inserts or recyclable tissue paper as a packing material in gift boxes.

Andrew Ransford, managing director of Hiho, commented: “We’re delighted with the new packaging, and, as far as we know, we are the only multiple jeweller in the country with fully recyclable packaging.”

The move is part of Hiho’s packaging and branding redesign, which was completed by design consultancy firm Blue Marlin.

Oyster Retail Packaging, who are based in Nottingham, also make paper-based gift bags for a range of well-known high-end brands, with a client roster which includes Ted Baker and Paul Smith, as well as jewellers Asprey and Boodles.

The new recycled packaging is already being utilised for orders made through Hiho’s website and in three of its stores. The rest of the stores will switch to the new bags after their existing packaging stocks are used up.

A day trip offers a unique birthday present

So often we give birthday presents that are beautifully wrapped and graciously received, but not actually wanted! In today’s society, the average person can afford the everyday items they need and their homes are quickly filling with useless trinkets given as presents.

Which is why a day trip somewhere can be a better gift to give. When was the last time you remembered a birthday present more than a year after it was given? Compare that to the last time you reminisced about a day trip from years ago!

Not only are you giving someone a unique birthday present that will make you stand out from the crowd, you’re giving them a day off their normal routine, and if you plan to go with them, your valuable time.

Finding it hard to buy a more unusual birthday present?

My friend is one of the hardest people to buy for. Year on year his birthday comes around and I spend the month before racking my brains trying to find him the ultimate unusual birthday present.

This year, I started thinking earlier than usual about birthday gifts. Then, it dawned on me. He loves outdoor adrenalin sports. Rock climbing, bungee jumping – he has done it all. So what better present than an experience day where he could really let himself go?

I decided upon the latest craze – zorbing. This involves getting inside a giant inflatable ball and being rolled down a hill. I even found passes for aqua zorbing, where a few gallons of water are thrown inside the ball for good measure.

My friend’s smile when he opened that envelope on his birthday was worth all the hours of searching. Best of all – I get to go too!