Countdown to Christmas: The Ultimate Wishlist Unveiled 100 Days Before Santa Comes to Town.
As the countdown to Christmas begins, consumer specialists, retail insiders, shopping gurus, and trend forecasters have unveiled the most in-demand gifts for Christmas 2024.
Women Talking attended The Big Christmas Press Show 2024 that hosted a coveted ceremony for its very own The Big Christmas Wishlist Awards, to unveil the year’s most desired gifts.
The Awards, celebrated its second anniversary, offering a glimpse into the season’s hottest trends and most anticipated sell-out products. Showcasing innovation and leading-edge design, winners range from household names and emerging brands to including LEGO, B&M Retail, Not On The High Street (NOTHS), and Dualit, Target Darts, Cloud Nine and more.
An independent panel of judges, chosen for their expertise and influence in key areas such as television, social media, business, and consumer trends, scrutinised a vast selection of gifts to crown the prize winners.
The award winners spanned over 12 key categories ensuring there’s a perfect gift for every price point. The average cost of these must-have pieces is £44.75, creating room for varied budgets, with NSPCC’s Letter to Santa representing the most heartfelt and affordable choice. For those looking to indulge, the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 stands as the premium choice at £389.99. The awards showcase an array of three top picks per category, including the judges’ favourites, reflecting the most outstanding product in each segment.
All 37 winners, including the Judges’ Pick for the Big Christmas Wishlist Awards 2024 are listed below:
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
- Wilton Bradley, Pop-Up Play Town RRP £19.99 – Judges Pick
Judges’ Pick Comment
“What child doesn’t love a bit of pantomime or creating magical stories to perform. I think this is wonderful – perfect for Boxing Day fun.” Ollie Locke
HOME
- Dualit Cocoatiser Hot Chocolate Maker In Copper, RRP £69.99- Judges Pick
- NOTHS, Kate Charlton’s Personalised Festive Plate, RRP £35.00
Judges’ Pick Comment
“The fact that you can make mochas, milkshakes and hot chocolates with this product is amazing. I would love to get this on Christmas Day.” Kelsey Parker
FOOD & DRINK
- Thermos Icon Straw Cup , RRP £25.00 – Judges Pick
- B&M Retail, Movie Night Box, RRP £7.00
- Menkind, Whiskey Smoker Kit, RRP £30.00
Judges’ Pick Comment
“Love the design, size and colour options, modern twist from an Iconic brand.” Iwan Carrington
TECH & GADGET
- Morphy Richards, Mico Microwave Toastie Sandwich Maker & Grill, RRP £34.99 – Judges Pick
- STM Goods, BagPack, RRP £69.99
- STM Goods, ChargeTree Go, RRP £69.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“This is a neat innovative gadget for the kitchen and when staying in hotels. I love that it’s compact and that you can have toasties whenever you want!” Megan Dunsby
FOR THE KIDS
- NSPCC, Personalised Letter from Santa, RRP Minimum donation – Judges Pick
- Tonies, Toniebox Starter Set, RRP £79.95
- Little Tikes, Story Dream Machine™, RRP £49.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“My toddler got a handwritten letter from her auntie today and she was over the moon so I can imagine a letter from Santa that’s personalised as well is going to make any toddler’s Christmas.” Kate Lawler
FOR THE TWEENS
- Yoto, Yoto Mini (2024 Edition), RRP £59.99 – Judges Pick
- Wilton Bradley, Xootz Enigma 24V Electric Scooter, RRP £129.99
- Made Happy Gifts, Personalised Night Light, RRP £35.00
Judges’ Pick Comment
“This is a really easy-to-use, portable gift encouraging time away from the screen – a big plus!” Rosie Nixon
FOR THE TEENS
- Target Darts, Luke Littler Cabinet & Dartboard Set, RRP £69.99 – Judges Pick
- Cloud Nine, The Starlight Collection Curling Wand, RRP £149.99
- Weird Games, How Am I Weird, RRP £20.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“Thanks to Luke (The Nuke) Littler, darts is having a fashion moment – and this is a game to reconnect the family at Christmas” Kate Hardcastle
BIG KIDS
- LEGO Botanical Collection Bouquet Of Roses, RRP £54.99 – Judges Pick
- Uncanny Brands, Harry Potter Hogwarts Checkmate Mini Waffle, RRP £27.99
- Asmodee, Monkey Palace, RRP £34.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“I just love this from LEGO, get the big kids involved in building, this is such a great idea and a mindful activity for all ages. I love it!” Rosie Nixon
GAMES & PUZZLES
- NOTHS, Official Traitors Crackers, RRP £25.00 – Judges Pick
- John Adams Leisure, Go Viral Party Game, RRP £17.99
- Jumbo Games, Hitster, RRP £22.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“I love the Traitors, a fun twist on traditional crackers!” Iwan Carrington
ADVENT CALENDARS
- B&M Retail, Advent Gingerbread House, RRP £10.00 – Judges Pick
- Robert Welch, 12 days of Christmas Decorations Set, RRP £70.00
- NOTHS, BrickbyBrick32’s Advent Calendar, RRP £54.99
Bird & Blend, Tea Advent Calendar, RRP £38.00
Judges’ Pick Comment
“The chance for you to build your own beautiful Christmas house which can be used every year. It’s sustainable and a wonderful tradition for families every year. Just fill each window with treats you love!” Ollie Locke
BEAUTY & SELF-CARE
- B&M Retail, Snow Globe Candle, RRP £5.00 – Judges Pick
- Cloud Nine, Magical Duo, RRP £47.00
- Remington, Travel Grooming Kit, RRP £24.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“A great price. It’s a candle which also doubles up as a Christmas decoration. These are so festive and being so affordable you could buy one in every colour to make your home look Christmassy or buy one as a gift if you’re on a budget as everyone loves a candle” Kate Lawler
SPLURGE
- Robert Welch, Champagne/Wine Bucket Grand, RRP £315.00 – Judges Pick
- Folio Society, Shakespeare, The Complete Plays, RRP £200.00. Available from 7th October.
- LEGO Technic Mclaren P1, RRP £389.99
Judges’ Pick Comment
“It’s no secret that in the Locke household a champagne bucket is a familiar site, especially around the Christmas period. This is no regular ice bucket, it holds 6 bottles so you’re ready for when the party begins and the Christmas tunes begin.” Ollie Locke
This year’s judging panel comprised of:
- Kate Lawler: Multi-talented TV and radio presenter, bestselling author and DJ.
- Iwan Carrington: Renowned London-based content creator and television presenter.
- Ollie Locke: TV personality and actor with a strong social media presence.
- Megan Dunsby: Senior Commercial Content Editor for Retail Week, specialising in retail sector content.
- Kate Hardcastle: Known as The Customer Whisperer, a broadcaster and consumer specialist.
- Kelsey Parker: Philanthropic force of goodwill and owner of K2K Performing Arts School.
- Rosie Marshall: Expert in toys & children’s gifts, curating joyous playtime experiences.
Courtney Rogers, Founder of CIJ Group and The Big Christmas Press Show, remarks, “As we mark the 100-day countdown to Christmas, we’re not just ticking off days; we’re diving headfirst into retail’s golden quarter, a crucial period for brands and retailers to shine. The Big Christmas Wishlist Awards plays a vital role as an amplifier, showcasing the incredible products set to captivate consumers this festive season.”
Courtney adds: “This year, our focus is not only on celebrating innovation and creativity in gift-giving but also on acknowledging the strategic efforts of brands and retailers as they navigate the most lucrative time of the year. These awards shine a spotlight on the standout offerings, guiding both shoppers and sellers through the festive frenzy with insights and trends that set the tone for a successful season.”
Poppy Watt