Toy Awards 2024 / 5 November 2024

Best Gift Brand | Junior Design Awards 2024

These brands are the ones you need to turn when you need a new baby, birthday, or special gift for little ones.

Winner:JOINT GOLD Best Gift Brand

Who:Little Wrens Nest

What:Maileg (& so much more)

Why:

Opening up Little Wrens Nest’s JDA packages was like delving into a beautifully presented lucky dip and gave us a little window into the passion and care that goes into every parcel that leaves this Cambridge based, family business. Our judges loved the incredibly sweet edit of Maileg toys on offer and were impressed with creative add-ons, including a bespoke subscription service for serious Maileg fans, their own limited edition hand-sewn accessories and exciting collaborations with other small businesses who specialise in the adorable world of miniature.

These are such beautifully crafted toys. What a lovely business.

Daisy Lowe, model and presenter, @daisylowe

I am a complete Maileg addict so to discover a company devoted to these magical toys was such a joy. The subscription service is great and I love the way they involve small businesses who specialise in making miniature accessories. So cute!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior, @juniormagazineonline

You can tell so much love and care goes into this business, which brings so much joy to Maileg fans!

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior, @juniormagazineonline

Winner:JOINT GOLD Best Gift Brand

Who:Katie Bakes

What:Eco-friendly Personalised Baking Kit Party Bags

Why:

In a world that’s overwhelmed by plastic, our judges were delighted to discover this
eco-friendly alternative to the traditional tat-filled party bags that go hand-in-hand with children’s birthday parties. The panel agreed that Katie Bakes’ beautifully designed, personalised baking and pancake kits, in eco-friendly packaging, were a fantastic option for time-poor parents looking for value for money, eco-friendly and ready-to-go party favours that little guests would love.

This is such a brilliant business! I can’t wait for Ivy’s birthday party so we can call on Katie Bakes.

Daisy Lowe, model and presenter, @daisylowe

Great packaging and a great idea. Love how it is allowing parents to customise and with a good eye to sustainability with materials. Baking so much better than plastic!

Jennifer Cattaui, founder of Babesta, New York, @babesta

I really don’t like party bags due to waste - so these are everything.

Portia Freeman, model, presenter and mixologist, @portiaportiaaaa

Gorgeous party packs that provide kids with a lovely activity and something good to eat! We loved the way our kits had been personalised for the JDA awards! A lovely touch!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior, @juniormagazineonline

Winner:SILVER Best Gift Brand

Who:By Alex

What:Christmas stockings and sacks

Why:

The importance of finding the perfect Christmas stocking to fill not only with gifts,
but magical memories, was the inspiration behind this charming stocking and sack brand. Our judges loved these carefully crafted Christmas accessories, made from beautiful tactile fabrics and finished with a running stitch name and a pom pom flourish. With a broad range of options and the most adorable stockings designed especially for dogs and cats, the panel was super impressed with this brand.

This collection is nostalgic with modern flare - I am so excited to buy them for our family for Christmas!

Daisy Lowe, model and presenter, @daisylowe

Beautifully made, super roomy and the personalisation makes them feel incredibly special.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior, @juniormagazineonline

Gosh, these are gorgeous. Choosing a stocking is a big moment and these will bring the magic year after year.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior, @juniormagazineonline

Winner:BRONZE Best Gift Brand

Who:The Baby Gifting Company

What:Organic Cotton New Baby Blanket and Teddy Gift Set

Why:

Our judges agreed that this beautiful knitted blanket and teddy set would make a truly special gift for a new baby. Our judges loved the super soft organic cotton blanket,
which is perfect for cot or pram, however, it was the snuggly 100% recycled teddy bear in a mini sweater who stole the show with its super cute face and lovely textured fur. Both the blanket and teddy’s jumper come in a choice of pink, blue or cream giving further scope for personalisation and the judges thought the smart presentation box helped make this feel like a really premium gift set.

This charming teddy and soft blanket set was a real focal point of our judging day! So cute!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior, @juniormagazineonline

Beautifully made, eco-conscious gifts that can be personalised for an extra special touch.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior, @juniormagazineonline

Winner:HIGHLY COMMENDED Best Gift Brand

Who:Pearhead

What:KeepSakes, gifts and 3D designs

Why:

This wide range of keepsakes, including 3D printed frames, pregnancy milestone journals and putty moulds for little hands and feet really appealed to our judges who thought they would make the perfect gifts for families to cherish.

Just a wonderful collection of keepsakes and memory makers that help families cherish and celebrate every special moment. We are so thrilled to share this US based brand with our UK readers.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior, @juniormagazineonline