A first timer’s experience at the four day festive show
Stepping into the Business Design Centre in Islington for Good Housekeeping Live with Country Living Christmas Market felt like walking straight into Christmas itself. The glittering glass roof, the bustle of festive shoppers and the scent of mulled spices set the tone for what would be four days of inspiration, discovery and joyful seasonal energy. As a first time exhibitor at this event with Seed Folk, I didn’t quite know what to expect but what followed was a week filled with conversations, creativity and the warm satisfaction of sharing something meaningful with people preparing for the holidays.
This year’s show promised to be bigger and brighter than ever and with tickets sold out for Friday and Saturday it was set to be a busy one. With star speakers, food tastings, pampering sessions, workshops and aisle after aisle of talented artisans showcasing handcrafted treasures, a vibrant space where visitors could uncover independent brands they’d never seen at the show before. Seed Folk was thrilled to be among them. I even got to meet Saska Graville - Editor-in-Chief of Country Living who loved the products.
For us, the event was the perfect stage to introduce visitors to our Seed Folk Gift Boxes, thoughtful gifts created for anyone who loves good food, greener living or simply the joy of growing something from scratch. As more people seek meaningful, sustainable gifts, we saw firsthand how excited visitors were to find something unique that goes far beyond the typical Christmas stocking filler.
Our Seed Collection Gift Box was a favourite. Beautifully packaged and hand packed in the UK using sustainable materials, it includes five carefully curated organic seed varieties ideal for both seasoned gardeners and complete beginners. Many shoppers were on the hunt for eco-friendly gifts for colleagues, Secret Santas and family members, and they loved how simple yet special the collection felt. It’s a gift that sparks inspiration long after Christmas morning has passed. With the selection of the 3 different gift boxes:
THE HERB GARDEN: Grow a fragrant selection of basil, chives, thyme, coriander and parsley.
THE SALAD BOWL: A fresh and colourful mix of lettuce, spring onion, tomato, radish and wild rocket.
THE VEG PATCH: A vibrant collection of tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, peas and beetroot.
Although the Seed Starter Gift Box quickly became our best seller, it captured their imagination. Designed especially for first time growers or hands on gifters, this box includes everything needed to begin planting right away: biodegradable pots, organic compost, a mini trowel and wooden plant markers. People loved the idea of giving not just a present, but an experience, something tactile, calming and rewarding. Whether for kids, busy adults or anyone craving a slower Winter ritual, the Seed Collection Gift Boxes made visitors smile and reminisce about gardening memories of their own.
Each gift box contains everything you need to get started on your growing journey:
- Five types of premium-quality, open-pollinated, organic seeds
- Easy-to-follow growing guides (tailored to each plant)
- Biodegradable starter pots
- Organic fertiliser
- A Seed Folk trowel
- Bamboo plant markers
Across the weekend, we spoke with hundreds of shoppers who were eager to make greener choices, support independent businesses and celebrate Christmas with gifts that genuinely make a difference. And that’s exactly what Seed Folk is all about: gifting that grows. A seed planted in December can become a fresh salad bowl, a summer tomato harvest or a windowsill of herbs that brightens a home year round.
As the crowds drifted toward the festive food market, the champagne bar or another round of shopping, we felt so grateful to be part of such a joyful community event. For anyone considering visiting next year or even exhibiting for the first time we can’t recommend it enough.
See us setting up our stand and how it all came together to be event ready and what our best sellers were over the weekend on our Instagram page: SeedFolkco
Give the gift that keeps on growing this Christmas and we hope to see you at the next show!
