Presents with a bespoke blend of personalisation and flair have long been a thing of the past, commercial brands have saturated the market with gifts that are mass-produced, cheaply made and lack that creative edge.  Now South Buckinghamshire based firm, Personal Presents are surviving the credit crunch by a brand new highly tuned and targeted marketing strategy, bucking aimed at bringing personalised presents to gift givers everywhere.

Phil Hertel, managing director of the firm who offer everything from christening gifts to personalised anniversary gifts, said, "There is a huge gap in the market for good honest products that encapsulate the excitement of receiving something original and hand-made, and since the credit crunch hit we have employed new methods aimed at surviving these hard times.  These new methods include the implementation of a brand new online marketing strategy overseen by Top Position, the search engine optimization specialists, and by expanding our existing product line." 

Whilst High Street chains such as Argos, Woolworths, Adams and Barratts are axing jobs or closing their doors permanently, firms such as Personal Presents are paving the way for stores offering individual items, which is a godsend for both shoppers and the economy more widely.

Between December and February this year, sales figures for the UK, were down 1.4 per-cent, but according to Mr Hertel, this is because companies are failing to reach the expectations of the 2009 consumer and failing to reach those who matter.

Mr Hertel added, "With decreased job security and lack of public spending, stores need to be upping their game, to create something worthy of the money, and I think that this is where Personal Presents really comes in to its own."

The firm opened its doors back in 1995, offering products for every occasion, and after taking on board the expertise of Jennie Matthews, the firms co owner and director, who previously worked at the Heinz Baby Club, it was found that card shops and gift shops often fail to offer godparents gifts, nursery accessories and birthplates. 

Mr Hertel from the firm who are fighting hard to stay in business, added, "Most of our business is conducted online, and we are finding that we are getting more custom from overseas consumers, in particular from Canada, Japan, Sweden and South Africa.  Our site has amazed us all and we are now receiving over 300,000 hits to the site every month from people looking for personalised gifts with a difference." 

Favourites gifts of 2009 so far, include, their Magic Custard Casting Kit, which allows you to cast an exact copy of your child's hands or feet in plaster, their Godparent candles, and their Christening Bootees, all aimed at inducing an emotional reaction from anyone lucky enough to receive one! 

For more information on the bespoke products offered by Personal Presents, visit their website at www.personalpresents.co.uk