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
The Puppet Company is announcing its second product launch with licensing partner the Natural History Museum: a miniature Dinosaur Plush collection featuring six legendary prehistoric species – Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, Diplodocus and Quetzalcoatlus.
The new launch joins the incredible large-sized plush already at retail.
The new launch was highlighted in late January at The Puppet Company's Toy Fair stand, where it received an excellent response and was one of the main stand attractions.
The initial range of six palaeontologist-approved prehistoric plush launched in October 2025, vividly and accurately recreating five Dinosaurs and one Pterosaur as soft toys ranging in size from 25cm to 48cm.
Posted: 16 March 2026
The Giftware Association is proud to announce that its CEO, Gemma Sault, has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Trade Associations on the 2026 Women in Trade Associations (WiTA) Powerlist, published by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), in partnership with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Launched to mark International Women's Day 2026 on March 8th, the WiTA Powerlist celebrates the exceptional women whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication are shaping the future of UK trade associations. The initiative highlights role models across the sector who demonstrate excellence and contribute to strengthening their industries nationwide.
Posted: 12 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
In 2026, Sara Miller London celebrates its 10th anniversary with the launch of a dedicated Anniversary Collection, marking ten years of evolution from premium greeting card start-up to internationally recognised lifestyle brand. Founded in 2016, the British design house quickly became one of the UK's fastest-growing design brands, selling over one million greeting cards internationally within its first year. Today, the business spans homeware, gifting and fashion accessories, with distribution across 60 international markets and an extensive portfolio of more than 1,000 SKUs.
Posted: 24 February 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
Japanese writing instruments manufacturer, Zebra Pen, is thrilled to announce the recent appointment of two new National Account Managers as it continues to spread its UK operations. With a wealth of industry experience gained over three decades, Jonathan Wint has made the move after spending the past 17 years with the Mitsubishi Pencil Company. Drawing from his rich knowledge of the sector, Jonathan will primarily be focusing upon the expansion of Zebra's retail presence.
Posted: 17 February 2026
Craft & Crumb, the award-winning baking kit brand, is delighted to announce its appearance on BBC One's Dragons' Den. The episode will air on Thursday 12 February 2026 at 8pm and on BBC iPlayer. During the episode, Craft & Crumb founders Louise and Kate pitch their creative kits to the Dragons: Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett, Deborah Meaden, Susie Ma and Touker Suleyman. The founders will present their innovative, family-focused baking kits, which are designed to bring creativity, quality, and a sustainable approach to home baking.
Posted: 12 February 2026
