Twelve days of Christmas, twelve gift ideas from BGF

 

12 fancy helmets

Is one of your loved ones a motorcycle or winter sports fan? Gloucester-based Ruroc created the world’s first full face snow helmet in 2011 and hasn’t stopped innovating since. Its Atlas motorcycle helmet, launched in 2019, has been worn by celebrities including Tom Hardy and Ryan Reynolds. The firm has been in the BGF portfolio since 2018.

 

Browse motorcycle and snow sports gear from Ruroc

11 English vodkas

In the early 2000s, William Chase had the idea to make vodka out of potatoes grown on his Herefordshire farm. Chase Distillery has since become an award-winning single estate distillery making a range of spirits, including flavoured vodkas and gin. After backing the business in 2018, BGF announced in 2020 that it would exit its investment when the company was sold to drinks giant Diageo.

 

Check out the range of spirits from Chase Distillery

10 Cornish dresses

Seasalt began as a small shop in Penzance selling traditional workwear to local fishermen, farmers and artists. It has since become one of the biggest employers in Cornwall and a nationwide brand famous for practical, attractive clothes inspired by the Cornish landscape and artistic heritage. It’s been in the portfolio since 2018.

 

Shop the winter collection from Seasalt

9 bags of popcorn

If you’re planning to watch some Christmas movies this year, why not treat your friends and family to some gourmet popcorn. Joe & Seph’s produces more than 50 flavours, and it’s all handmade in kitchens in London by a team of pastry chefs who ‘air-pop’ the kernels and use only natural ingredients. BGF invested in the business in 2019.

 

Pick up a bag of Joe & Seph’s popcorn

8 meals in boxes

Do you know someone who likes to cook, but never has the time for shopping and recipe books? Gousto provides meal kits, delivered to your door, so you can prepare delicious, healthy meals with no wasted ingredients and no hassle. BGF has backed the firm since 2015 in a series of funding rounds – the most recent valued the business at more than $1 billion.

 

Sign up for recipe boxes delivered by Gousto

7 Irish whiskeys

If you like Irish whiskey, you’re probably familiar with Jameson, but there’s more on offer than just this one brand. Renegade Spirits makes a range of premium whiskeys using carefully sourced barley and water from ancient wells. The product is named Waterford Whisky, for the town in south-east Ireland where it is distilled. BGF has backed the firm since 2017.

 

Order a bottle of Waterford whisky

6 handmade watches

You might think a luxury Swiss watch would be too extravagant a gift, even for the most special person in your life, but Christopher Ward has proved that exquisite, handmade timepieces don’t have to cost the earth. The firm’s online-only, highly competitive business model continues to impress us at BFG. We’ve been an investor since 2019.

 

Buy a handmade watch from Christopher Ward

5 craft beers

Because of coronavirus lockdowns, beer lovers have been forced to enjoy their hobby at home more often than in the pub this year. Warwickshire-based Purity Brewing offers its award-winning beers in bottles, mini-casks and even as a 20-litre polypin, perfect for recreating the pub experience in your kitchen. BGF has been proud to back the business since 2018.

 

Stock up on beer from Purity Brewing

4 trunks on wheels

Wait, we forgot to buy something for the kids. Don’t worry, Trunki has it covered. As the travel industry returns to normal operations after the pandemic, the company’s famous ride-on suitcases will be seen at airports and train stations around the world. The business also makes backpacks, travel pillows, car seats, child reins and more. Trunki has been in the portfolio since 2013.

 

Buy children’s travel accessories from Trunki

3 Thai meals

With lockdown restrictions easing, now is a perfect time to buy a voucher so your friends and family can enjoy a meal out, when it’s safe to do so. Giggling Squid is a national chain of Thai restaurants serving delicious, fresh food for lunch and dinner. If you prefer to eat your pad thai at home, you can order a takeaway. BGF has backed the business since 2015.

 

Buy a gift voucher for Giggling Squid

2 pairs of heels

Covid-19 has put a dampener on this year’s festive season, and that’s deprived the more glamorous among your loved ones of a well-deserved opportunity to dress up and have fun. The remedy could be a bag or pair of statement heels from designer Sophia Webster, so at least your favourite fashionista can look elegant at home. The label has been in the BGF portfolio since 2017.

 

Shop designer shoes and bags from Sophia Webster

And a teapot of a pear tree

Picture a writer reworking the lyrics of a famous Christmas song. Imagine their delight to discover that Stoke-on-Trent pottery maker Emma Bridgewater (in the BGF portfolio since March 2020) has produced an entire range of plates, bowls and cups called Pear Tree. The range even includes a teapot with the words “12 Days of Christmas” on it. A serendipitous moment that proves this video was definitely a good idea.

 

Browse pottery and homeware from Emma Bridgewater

But wait, there’s more!

These are just a sample of the stylish, clever, functional and fashionable products made by companies in our portfolio. Of course, many of our businesses don’t make consumer products and gifts – unless you think industrial lasers are good gifts – but, whatever they do, you can bet they’re at the forefront of their sector, breaking down barriers and developing the technologies and business models of the future.

Explore the BGF portfolio