My Gifts Trade and Apples to Pears among the winners from Sunday night’s event.
My Gifts Trade and Apples to Pears are among the winners of the Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year awards, which were announced on Sunday evening (February 4) at an event held at The Vox, adjacent to the NEC where the Spring Fair is taking place (February 4-8).
The Natural History Museum Gift in a Tin product from Apples to Pears scooped the award for the Licensed category beating other finalists, Game of Thrones shot glasses from Nemesis Now and Mystery Golden Snitch from Wow Stuff.
Meanwhile My Gifts Trade won the Fashion Accessory award for its Sara Miller Silk Accessories collection, which features the distinctive artwork of the talented artist.
Licensing Source Book and sister publication, Progressive Gifts & Home were among the sponsors of the event, which this year was co-organised by the Giftware Association and Ascential (organisers of the Spring Fair) to mark the 40th anniversary of the GA’s Gift of the Year awards programme.
Impressionist and satirist Rory Bremner was an inspired choice of host for the awards event.
Wiping away any feelings of exhibition fatigue, Rory Bremner had the 300 strong audience in stitches as he delved into the rich melting pot of political protaganists for his preamble.
“What a crazy time we’re living in…I feel like I have been given three boxed sets – one named ‘Trump’, one named ‘Brexit’ and one named ‘Corbyn’. I don’t want to watch any of them; I just want to know how they will end!” he quipped before delivering a pacey presentation peppered with impeccable impressions of a myriad of celebs and politicians.
The complete list of 2018 Gift of the Year winners are:
Licensed Product – Natural History Museum Gift in a Tin from Apples to Pears
Fashion Accessory – Sara Miller Silk Accessories from My Gifts Trade
Home Product – Limited Edition Brighton Pavilion Print by I Drew This
Greetings & Stationery Collection – Mono and Pastel Greetings Cards from Peace & Blessing
Shirley Frost Award (for designer-makers) – Handmade Artisan Giftwrap from Paper Mirchi
Hot Novelty Product – Prosecco Pong from Talking Tables
Kitchen & Dining Product – Apron Made from Old Denim by Ian Snow
Festive & Occasional Product – Christmas Roast Dinner Box from Ross & Ross Food
Contemporary Gift – Octagon One Desk Lamp from Gingko Electronics
General Gift – Hand Painted Gin Glasses from Sunny by Sue
Gift Food – Indian Spice Tin and Handmade, Silk Sari Wrap from Spice Kitchen UK
Children’s Gift – Fantastic Dragon 3D Colourable from Ooly
Body, Bath & Home Fragrance Product – Great British Bee Co Handcare Range from Great British Bee Co
Under £10 Product – Gin & Tonic Handbag from Bath House
Garden & Outdoor – Green Picnic collection from Fallen Fruits
The Judges’ Choice award (selected from the winners of all categories) – Octagon One Desk Lamp from Gingko Electronics
All 15 product categories in the GOTY awards were judged by a panel of industry judges, including buyers from John Lewis, Ocado, Dobbies, Notonthehighstreet.com, Fortnum and Mason, Beales and Haskins Garden Centres.
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