The Giftware Association is thrilled to unveil the finalists for the Gift of the Year 2026 awards! After months of anticipation, hundreds of exceptional entries, and two rigorous rounds of judging by an esteemed panel of more than 120 industry experts, the very best products from across the home and gift world have been selected to move forward in the competition.
The Gift of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting a innovative successful products across 20 diverse categories, spanning Home Fragrance, Home & Kitchen, Games & Puzzles and many more. The 2026 competition has continued to evolve attracting brand new brands and exciting products and ranges cementing its reputation as one of the most influential awards programmes in the industry.
Posted: 16 March 2026
Labre's Hope, the award-winning non-profit dedicated to supporting young people experiencing homelessness, is proud to announce the arrival of a new cohort of beneficiaries.
The organisation, founded by Aaron Probert in South Yorkshire, continues its mission to provide life changing employment, stability, and social care to young people who need it most.
Through its unique model, Labre's Hope employs young people to handcraft its signature candles and soaps while also providing wrap around support from qualified social workers. This combination of paid work, skills development, and emotional support has helped transform the lives of dozens of young people since the organisation launched.
Posted: 9 March 2026
Crayola, a leader in colourful creative expression, has announced that it is increasing its commitment in the UK and Irish markets with the goal of doubling its business over the next three years and acting as a key growth engine for the European region.
The more than 120-year-old brand seeks to re-connect with British and Irish consumers and retailers through a direct distribution strategy, alongside investment in infrastructure, product innovation, and creative content.
Crayola's plan will empower parents and educators in the UK and Ireland to nurture creativity in children, ensuring they get the benefit of developing essential life skills that will help them reach their full potential.
Posted: 3 March 2026
Transaction Network Services (TNS), a global leader in providing full-stack, modern and secure payment and network solutions, has announced new research from its Keeping Payments Simple: Exploring Consumer Demand for Seamless Payment Methods white paper, highlighting how consumers in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States view payment technologies across key sectors.
While habits vary by country and demographic, the findings are clear: whether paying for parking, fuel, retail or other services, consumers want one thing above all else: simplicity.
"Consumers worldwide are telling us the same story: make payments simple," said John Tait, TNS' Global Managing Director for its Payments Market business.
Posted: 2 March 2026
EXG Pro, the creators of the globally recognised Cable Guys range, has confirmed the launch of its latest fan driven project onGamefound.
The campaign introduces the officially licensedXanatharCable Guy and integrated Dice Tower, inspired by one of the most notorious villains in Dungeons & Dragons lore, under license from Wizards of the Coast.
Designed as both a premium collectible and a functional desktop piece, theXanatharCable Guy is built to hold phones, controllers, remotes, and gaming essentials. Hidden within the sculpt is an integrated Dice Tower, allowing fans to roll directly fromXanathar'slair while immersing themselves in the world he dominates. The piece captures the beholder's imposing presence, obsessive paranoia, and unmistakable personality, withSylgarthe goldfish faithfully by his side.
Posted: 23 February 2026
Global apparel design and manufacturing specialist Dishang UK is marking its 20th anniversary with a significant investment in its new HQ offices and product showrooms. This underlines its long-term commitment to the UK and Europe as it relocates its headquarters to a landmark building in the heart of Yorkshire.
The award-winning subsidiary of Dishang Group has spent two decades building its reputation as a trusted manufacturing partner to some of the UK and Europe's largest brands across fashion, workwear, uniforms and performance apparel. What began as a small extension of Dishang Group's global operation has grown into a thriving UK hub delivering consistent 20 per cent year on year growth over the past 20 years.
Posted: 26 January 2026
Heavenly Feet has strengthened its retail presence with two new stockist partnerships, expanding its network of independent and national partners to more than 400 nationwide.
Heavenly Feet's range will now be available to purchase with global online marketplace Amazon and Leeds-based independent clothing brand Joe Browns, representing a major step forward in the brand's growth strategy and its mission to provide stylish, comfortable and affordable footwear for women across the UK.
DKen Gray, Director at Heavenly Feet, said: "Since its launch more than twenty years ago, building a diverse and resilient stockist network has been central to Heavenly Feet's long-term strategy. Working closely with trusted retail partners has allowed the brand to grow sustainably while reaching customers in the places they already love to shop.
Posted: 22 January 2026
Janie and Jack, the iconic children's fashion house, and Hatch, the premium maternity fashion and beauty brand for all stages of motherhood, will make their UK debut with a new dual-concept retail store in London's Chelsea neighbourhood.
Located in the historic Gaumont Building on King's Road, part of a £40 million investment by Cadogan to revitalize the area while preserving its heritage and cultural character, the opening represents the brands' shared commitment to reimagining modern family retail.
"Our London opening represents more than a retail expansion—it's a symbol of our evolving vision," said Mo Beig, President and Chief Financial Officer of Matri Group, parent company to both brands.
Posted: 22 December 2025
Contemporary giftware supplier Enesco is delighted to share that its parent company based in the US Enesco, LLC and Precious Moments, Inc. (PMI) have announced a renewed joint licensing partnership.
Beginning in January 2026, Enesco will be responsible for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of figural and giftware formats for the Precious Moments brand worldwide.
Michael Griffith, President of Enesco Worldwide, commented, "Almost 30 years ago I began my career with Enesco as a Sales Representative for Precious Moments and vividly recall the excitement each product launch brought to both retailers and collectors. Moving forward, Enesco will work closely with the Butcher family to ensure their father's legacy endures with."
Posted: 15 December 2025
With the Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection, CAPRICE marks the beginning of a season where refined design, premium materials, and functional innovations merge into a distinctive, expressive aesthetic.
Feminine silhouettes, reimagined classics, and a sense of effortless lightness define the overall look. Thoughtfully executed details, balanced lines, and harmonious compositions lend the styles a renewed vibrancy. In doing so, CAPRICE reinforces its commitment to uniting style, comfort, and quality in a signature identity that is unmistakably its own.
Elegant styles receive an urban update and gain noticeable presence in the upcoming Fall/Winter season. The expanded range of knee-high boots – including styles available in width H – reimagines classic shapes with refined, feminine accents.
Posted: 9 December 2025