It’s the news that the gift industry has been waiting for! After four live judging days at Spring Fair earlier this month, the judges’ votes have been counted, with The Giftware Association delighted to reveal today (Wednesday 19 February) the official finalists in the Gift of the Year (GOTY) 2025.
The full list of finalists is available to view at: www.giftoftheyear.co.uk. Simply click on the finalist tab.
After months of anticipation, hundreds of “incredible” entries, and two rigorous rounds of judging by a panel of over 120 industry experts, the very best products from the home and gift industry have been selected to move forward in the competition.
“This year’s Gift of the Year has been one of the most competitive yet, with judges from leading retailers, trade press and industry professionals struggling to select their top choices from a truly outstanding pool of over 900 entries,” commented The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman.
The Gift of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting, innovative, and commercially successful products across 20 categories to include Affordable Gifts, Beauty Bath & Spa, Contemporary Gifts, Fashion Accessories, Textiles & Jewellery, Games & Puzzles, Health & Wellbeing and Accessible Gift, Home Fragrance, Home and Kitchen and Pet Gifts, as well as introducing new categories such at the Made in The UK category for this year.
At Spring Fair, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the second round of judging saw hundreds of visitors across the week view the shortlist, taking away a shortlist brochure and seeing the best new products to be released this year.
“Each year, we are blown away by the level of talent and creativity within the home and gift industry, and 2025 has been no exception. It’s nice for me to set up the display and finally see the products in the real life. The Home Fragrance category in particular this year, along with all the others, has amazed me with its increased innovation, new design-led vessels for the candles, as well and brilliant new fragrances and box designs really pushing innovation within this sector. The judging panel faced an incredibly tough decision, with so many outstanding products and brands. Congratulations to all the finalists – it’s a huge achievement to be selected, and we can’t wait to reveal the winners at The Gift Awards in May.”
The final round of judging will take place over the coming weeks, which will decide on the Judges’ Choice or Gift of The Year, with the ultimate winners set to be announced at the highly anticipated The Gift Awards. This prestigious event will be held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel in collaboration with The Greats Gift Retailer Awards, bringing together the biggest names in the industry for a night of celebration.
Tickets to The Gift Awards can be booked by visiting www.max-tickets.net or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085).
Tickets cost £230 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com
But it’s still not over for the shortlisted brands which can now push for The People’s Choice Award which is voted for by the general public, brands’ audiences, and everyone in between.
Explains Chris: “To vote, visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk, find your favourite product or category, choose Cast My Vote and it will be taken automatically.”
Votes for The People’s Choice Award close on 16 May.
