Harrogate Home & Gift 2026-The Power of Conversation

Five days. Hundreds of conversations. One very grateful heart.

After exhibiting at Harrogate Home & Gift for the second time, I’ve been reflecting on what the week really meant.

Every time someone stopped to ask, “What’s the story behind your bears?” it gave me the opportunity to share why Blue Bear & Co. exists.

I shared the story of Charlie and how Blue Bear & Co. was born from a promise to turn unimaginable loss into something that could bring comfort, connection and lasting memories to others.

As a therapist and bereaved mum, I wanted to create something that could celebrate life’s precious moments, offer comfort during the most difficult ones and help people preserve memories that deserve to be held close.

I watched people’s expressions change as they discovered that our Brown Bear is so much more than just a teddy bear. A keepsake that can hold a loved one’s voice, a meaningful scent and treasured memories, thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, connection and lasting memories through all life’s moments.

Those conversations mattered.

But perhaps what meant even more was sharing the mission behind Blue Bear & Co.

Alongside growing our retail network, one of our biggest ambitions is to place Bears for Life into hospices, hospitals and bereavement services, ensuring families can receive them free of charge through the generosity of sponsors and fundraising.

It was incredibly encouraging to meet retailers, businesses and organisations who genuinely connected with that vision. People who didn’t just see a product…they saw a purpose.

It was also a real pleasure to catch up with some familiar faces and meet so many inspiring new ones. A special mention to Rachel from Love Loss & Disco Balls, who has also created a brand with purpose following her own unimaginable loss. It was so lovely to finally meet you in person after following your journey.

It was wonderful to meet buyers and businesses from overseas too, opening the door to exciting opportunities beyond the UK.

As a small business, trade shows aren’t only about the orders you write over five days. They’re about building relationships, creating opportunities and finding people who believe in what you’re building.

We’re already following up on so many wonderful conversations and I’m excited to say we’ll soon be announcing several new Blue Bear & Co. stockists. I can’t wait to share where you’ll soon be able to find our Bears for Life.

A huge thank you to the Harrogate Home & Gift team for another fantastic event and to everyone who visited our stand, listened to our story, shared your own experiences or simply stopped to say hello.

Every conversation meant more than you know.

Every new retailer. Every new partnership. Every new conversation.

Brings us one step closer to ensuring more families receive a Bear for Life when they need it most.

And that’s a journey I’m incredibly proud to be on.

Thank you, Harrogate🤍

Nici x