The Giftware Association is delighted to reveal the official Gift of the Year 2026 finalists, including a number of POC Members.
After months of anticipation and hundreds of exceptional entries, the very best products from across the home and gift world have been selected to move forward in the competition, with the full list of finalists available to view at: www.giftoftheyear.co.uk. Simply click on the finalists tab.
The finalists this year include POC Members: Rainbow Designs, Gibson Games, The Art File, and Talking Tables – which received the nod under the Ethical and Sustainable Gift category for which POC is involved in the judging process.
“Every year we are blown away by the creativity and the hard work shown by the home and gift industry and 2026 has raised the bar even higher,” enthuses The Giftware Association’s head of operations, Chris Workman. “Seeing the products finally displayed in real life after months of planning is always a highlight for me.”
He continues: “Each category has grown again with new products and new ideas that have wowed the team and the judges. The judging panel had an incredibly tough task choosing their favourites from such an outstanding selection, so congratulations to all of our finalists. It’s a huge achievement, and we can’t wait to reveal the winners at The Gift Awards in May.”
The Gift of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting, innovative successful products across 20 diverse categories, spanning Affordable Gifts and Beauty, Bath & Spa to Contemporary Gift, Fashion Accessories, Textiles & Jewellery, and Home Fragrance.The competition has continued to evolve attracting new brands and exciting products and ranges cementing its reputation as one of the most influential awards programmes in the industry.
This year has been one of the most competitive to date, with judges from leading retailers, trade publications and industry bodies challenged to select their top contenders from an outstanding 700+ entries.
The second round of judging at Spring Fair 2026, which welcomed thousands of visitors, saw many of them eager to explore the shortlisted products, collect the official shortlist brochure, and discover the most exciting new launches.
The final round of judging will take place over the coming weeks to determine the coveted Judges’ Choice – Gift of the Year winner.
The ultimate winners will be announced at the fabulous The Gift Awards which will be held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel in partnership with The Greats gift retailer Awards, owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide. The event will bring together the brightest names in the industry for an unforgettable night of celebration.
Tickets to the 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 £240 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available.
To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for The Greats and The Gift Of The Year Awards, contact Ali Farrell (e: alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07872 113635); Ian Hyder (e: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07525 634 306); Rob Willis (robw@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07792 016832); Warren Lomax (e: warren@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07977 572086).
Meanwhile, it’s not over yet for the Gift of the Year shortlisted brands as the public are already voting for the Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice Award which is now open!
Anyone is eligible to vote: customers, followers, communities and supporters across the industry. Simply visit the website, find your favourite product in your favourite category and click ‘Cast My Vote’. Voting closes on Saturday 16 May.
