Willow Tree Figurines - A Gift Giving Phenomenon

A customer might buy a china figurine as a gift for a friend or as a self-purchase to add to her own collection. In either case, the figurine might be a simple one-off ornament which would find its way to a suitable position on a mantelpiece or sideboard. On the other hand it could be purchased deliberately to 'add' to a collection. Interestingly Willow Tree figurines, as we shall see later, sometimes fall into neither of these categories.

Until the late seventies these collections usually consisted of a few similar pieces dotted around the house. Then, as the eighties unfolded, the collecting fad exploded. It no longer was enough to own a few of a range. Collectors had to have every single piece. There would be the Figure of the Year, the Christmas Figurine, the Event Figurine ( a special piece only made available at collectors' events, often signed by the designer, the sculptor or the artist/decorator). There would be special anniversary figurines, almost a piece for every occasion imaginable. The designers and manufacturers milked this mania for all it was worth.

However, what's interesting about Willow Tree figurines is that they seem to have fitted into an altogether new niche. This phenomenon has contributed to the undoubted longevity of Willow Tree's success in the gift-giving market. Until Willow Tree came along, it seemed that, for many 'life events' or rites of passage, it would be appropriate to give flowers or chocolates or a card. One, two or all three of these would usually go down well as a gift for someone celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, an engagement, a house warming, pregnancy, a new baby. No one would argue that flowers, chocolates or a card can make a suitable and sensitive gift. There is, however, a problem. Cards become tired looking, flowers die and chocolates get eaten (or worse - go off!). But now there is a fantastic alternative. Willow Tree Figurines, Angels, Keepsake Boxes and Hanging Ornaments. Not only is there a piece for every conceivable occasion (even bereavements), but the great thing is about giving a Willow Tree figure as a gift - it's permanent. It won't fade. It won't go stale and it will always look great, in an understated way, as a decorative item in any setting.

Not only do Willow Tree figures cover almost every occasion imaginable, but they also solve a problem that has pervaded the entire history of gift giving. Amongst the extensive range of figurines, there are several which are suitable for men. When a new Mum wants to present her partner with a gift to celebrate the birth of their child, what better way than by presenting him with the figurine entitled New Dad. Similarly, there are figurines for Grandfathers and Brothers. So - the Willow Tree Collection has been responsible for opening up a whole sector in the gift giving market.

To explore our range of Willow Tree collectibles further, please visit our website at http://www.theukgiftcompany.co.uk

Church's China, one of the United Kingdom's longest established China and Glass Retailers was founded in 1848 by a wheelright and carpenter, Thomas Church. He set up his business in Maryport Street in the sleepy market town of Devizes in Wiltshire