The shortlist for this year’s Gift of the Year competition, organised by The Giftware Association, has been announced – with a number of familiar licensed names making the cut.
Due to demand from the judging panel, this year’s shortlist has been expanded, reflecting the scale of some of the most popular categories.
The competition has been judged by over 100 judges, all retail experts.
“The consensus is that it was the hardest to judge to date, because of the amount of quality on display,” Chris Workman, The GA’s marketing and PR manager, points out. “We are hugely grateful for the time and expertise given by the judges, who worked though the Christmas break to select the shortlist in each category and, this year, the judges were able to use the new system. We have had some standout products and have received record votes in each category.”
The shortlist for the Branded Gift category includes Widdop & Co for its Disney Home range; The Crafty Kit Company for its collaboration with Moomin; Puckator‘s Minecraft Fine Tip Pen; Build Your Own – Wallace & Gromit Rocker from Build Your Own Kits; and Cardology‘s Peter Rabbit Pop Up Card Collection among others.
Meanwhile, Widdop & Co also appears in the shortlist for Festive & Occasions for its Harry Potter Charms.
Kimm & Miller finds itself in two shortlists – My Gift of All Time for its Marmite Spreader and Novelty, Tech and Gadgets for the Pot Noodle Bombay Bad Boy Spinning Fork Gift Set.
Fizz Creations has been named in Home and Garden (for its Peter Rabbit Rabbit Grow Your Own Herbs), while Enesco appears in Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable (Beatrix Potter soft toys) and Contemporary Gift (Scion Living baby collection).
Rainbow Designs makes the My Gift of All Time shortlist for its Large Classuc Cuddly Paddington Bear, while Exquisite Gaming‘s Cable Guys IKONS are recognised in Novelty, Tech and Gadgets.
Other licensees and brands appearing across the shortlist include Burgon & Ball, Heathcote & Ivory, Elite, Emma Bridgewater, Ginger Fox and University Games and The Lagoon Group.
To check out the full shortlists across all categories, click on this link.
The next round of judging will be the live round, which will be held for the duration of Spring Fair, taking place from 5-8 February at the NEC.
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