Gift of the Year Winners Announced.

In its 31st year the Giftware Association's Gift of the Year awards have once again highlighted the quality of entries and proved why British designers of gift and home products are so respected around the world.

First time judge Sally Trevaskis, owner of Lucas Bond in South London, favoured entries with a “retrospective, vintage feel”. Rachel Davies of Scotts & Co also recognised a strong nostalgic theme across all categories. Witty products were also a hit with another new judge, Tina Botterill of Oswaldtwistle Mills. Isabel Saiz of The National Gallery felt that this year’s competition had attracted an even better level of entries than for some years previously.

All categories were fiercely fought and the winners of each are all excellent in their own field. However the judges felt that they wished to highlight an overall winner in terms of innovation and design and awarded 4D Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle - London by Interplay UK Ltd as ‘The Judges’ Choice’

The winning and highly commended gifts will be displayed on The Giftware Association's stand (A26) at the Home & Gift show in Harrogate in July and also at Birmingham's Autumn Fair International in September.

The winners of the 16 categories were:

Occasions!
This category is for product related to any special occasions (eg: birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, christenings, confirmations and other religious / cultural ceremonies / festivals, Valentine's day, Mother's day, Father's day, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Guy Fawkes, passing exams / driving test etc).
WINNER: Truly Scrumptious tea party set by Talking Tables Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cricket Ball Book Ends by Culinary Concepts LONDON Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: My Beautiful Groom by Oh So Cherished Ltd

Collect It
This is product that as a unique piece or part of a range / collection would be considered a collectable.
WINNER: 4D Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle - London by Interplay UK Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: "It's a Comical World" Snoopy Collectable by Rainbow Designs
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Set of 4 Egg Cups: what came first the chicken or by: Make International Ltd

Home Accessories
This category is for any accessories for the home interior
WINNER: Colour Union Jack Duck Doorstop by Cake Designs UK Limited
HIGHLY COMMENDED: float magazine rack by j-me
HIGHLY COMMENDED: London Landmark Bookends + London Transport Bookends by Susan Bradley Design

Card and Wrap
Cards and wrap is product for any occasion aimed at independent gift and greetings card shops - often handmade / one off design.
WINNER: POPnROCK 3D Greeting Cards by Santoro Graphics Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: ISHey cards by Splimple Limited
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Treemendous Cards by OCEAN PEARL UK LTD

Body, Mind and Soul
This category is for product to complement and enhance personal health and welfare, frame of mind.
WINNER: Fruits Of Nature by Fikkerts Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Car Masutra Male Toiletries Body Repair Kit by Car Masutra Limited
HIGHLY COMMENDED: soap experience by wild-olive ltd

Fashion Jewellery and Accessories
This covers gift jewellery, scarves, bags, belts etc for men, women, children, pets, cars!
WINNER: HELLO SAILOR COLLECTION by Disaster Designs Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: BagPod by RedDog
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Travalo by Aydya Ltd

Kitchen and Dining
This category is for everyday products or those designed for social and special occasions, including tableware, glassware, cutlery, table decoration, utensils and cooking / preparing products / materials.
WINNER: Hands On by Joseph Joseph
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Eggbox by The Original Metal Box Company Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Y-Grinder by Joseph Joseph

Under £10
This category is for anything suitable as a gift that retails for under £10 stocking fillers, Secret Santas etc.
WINNER: Eclectic Selection Emery Boards by Santoro Graphics Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mini-Marks by That Company Called IF
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mr Men and Little Miss by Wild and Wolf Ltd

Kids
This covers gifts for a baby, child or teenager.
WINNER: Ladybird Archive Collection by Wild and Wolf Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Personalised Bunting by Babyface
HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Gruffalo Collection by Wild and Wolf Ltd

Branded / Character
Any licensed product gifts for kids, adults and the home is covered by this category.
WINNER: MOOMINS COLLECTION by Disaster Designs Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Natural History Museum RC Rattlesnake by Wow! Stuff
HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Gruffalo Collection by Wild and Wolf Ltd

Made in UK
To be considered for this category the product must be made in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
WINNER: Icicles Centrepiece Candles (box set of 7) by The Wax Studio
HIGHLY COMMENDED: British Document Tea Towels by Becky Broome Limited
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Landscape Bone China Mugs by The Art Rooms

Hot Novelty
The latest must have silly gift is found in this category.
WINNER: Doggy Bank by Main Sauce Productions Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mini Flaming Ice Fountains by Talking Tables Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Travalo by Aydya Ltd

Eco Friendly
This category covers environmentally friendly green gifts for responsible consumers.
WINNER: Treemendous Cards by Ocean Pearl UK Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Adopt a Meerkat by Gift Republic
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Planet Pixie Kayla by Imajo Limited

Outdoor Living
Any accessories for alfresco living are covered by this category.
WINNER: Birds Away Kit by ATP Gifts
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Small Watering Can Lantern by Culinary Concepts London Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Celia Birtwell Collection by Wild and Wolf Ltd

Premium / Luxury
These are luxury brands and more expensive gifts for those for whom money is no object!
WINNER: Shot Cartridge Case with 8 Stirrup Cups by Culinary Concepts London Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED: BagPod by RedDog
HIGHLY COMMENDED: BagPod Fusion by RedDog

Stationery
This is for diaries, calendars, note books, scrap books, photo albums, notelets, pens etc
WINNER: Mini-Marks by That Company Called IF
HIGHLY COMMENDED: PANTONE Stationery Notebook Range by whitbread wilkinson/w2 products Ltd.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Santoro Eclectic Soft touch Premium Journals by Santoro Graphics Ltd