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.
- At the forefront of the festive season, The Big Christmas Press Show 2024 unveiled the winners of its Big Christmas Wishlist Awards, featuring sought-after products from LEGO, B&M, Not On The High Street, Russell Hobbs and more.
- With an average retail price (RRP) of £44.75, the winning items represent 12 diverse categories including homeware, beauty, advent calendars, and smart budget selections.
With an eye toward the festive season and 100 days left until Christmas, The Big Christmas Press Show 2024 hosted a coveted ceremony for its very own The Big Christmas Wishlist Awards, to unveil the year’s most desired gifts.
The annual The Big Christmas Press Show, took place on Wednesday, 11th September, at the Business Design Centre in Islington, featuring over 60 brands and retailers who showcased their festive best to media and content creators.
The Big Christmas Wishlist Awards, celebrating its second anniversary, offers 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.
Skincare and Makeup Christmas Gift Set – Limited Edition
Le Baume and Lip Glow Set with Pouch
An iconic lip product and a multi-use skincare product already iconic at Dior: the duo featured in this ecru velvet makeup pouch allows you to create a beauty and skincare ritual in just a few steps.
To make this set even more magical, artist Pietro Ruffo has imagined a sublime decor featuring intertwining floral swirls on a golden mosaic and around a celestial sun. The “Christian Dior Paris” band elegantly enhances the composition.
The award winners spanned over 12 key categories such as Homeware, Tech, Beauty, Grooming & Self-Care, Advent Calendars, and Budget Buys, 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:
| Category | Winners | Judges’ Pick Comment | Judges’ Pick Image |
| BUDGET-FRIENDLY | Wilton Bradley, Pop-Up Play Town RRP £19.99 – Judges Pick LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Formula 1, RRP £20.99 Craft Buddy, Crystal Art Buddies Series 4, RRP £4.99 (each) | “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 Russell Hobbs, Steam Genie 2in1 Handheld Clothes Steamer, RRP £59.99 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 | “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 £200.00Available from 7th October. LEGO Technic Mclaren P1, RRP £389.99 | “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.”
