Alljoy Design, Blue Eyed Sun and Go La La Win Gift of the Year Awards

There was great cause for joy at Dublin-based greeting card company Alljoy Design, the sun was definitely shining down on Blue Eyed Sun while Go La La owners Laura Kavanagh and John Higgins went ‘la la’ as all clinched wins in Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards. Organised by the Giftware Association, the awards event took place virtually during this week’s Spring Fair@Home.

Above: The Gift of the Year awards attracted over 700 entries this year.
Above: The Gift of the Year awards attracted over 700 entries this year.

Alljoy Design won the Card & Wrap category for its innovative 3D Message in a Bottle range.

“We are so thrilled! We really did not expect this – but it definitely brightens up the days during this time and proves that hard work pays off.☺️ We would really like to thank all the customers who have supported us through the years and like our cards – it means a lot to us,” commented Lingxiao Ji, director of Alljoy Design.

Above: One of the designs in the Message in a Bottle range from Alljoy Design.
Above: One of the designs in the Message in a Bottle range from Alljoy Design.

Meanwhile for Blue Eyed Sun and Go La La it was actually their non-greeting card products that were feted in the GOTY awards.

Blue Eyed Sun swept the board, winning an impressive five awards. The company’s Bioloco Loop water bottles won the Contemporary Gift and People’s Choice categories; the Bioloco Plant Kids Bottles won the Ethical Gift category; the Bioloco Plant Lunch Box won the Kitchen & Dining category while the Bamboo Cup by Chic.Mic won the Own Label category.

Commenting, Jeremy Corner, managing director of Blue Eyed Sun said: “It’s been incredible to have such a positive reaction to our latest products. To win five awards after not having won at the Gift of the Year awards since 2003 has just blown us away. Thanks to everyone who voted for us.”

Above: Like the other winners, Jeremy Corner donned his DJ (far column) to hear the news when it was announced at a Zoom video meeting which all the finalists in that category were invited to attend along with members of the GA and the sponsor of the category.
Above: Like the other winners, Jeremy Corner donned his DJ (far column) to hear the news when it was announced at a Zoom video meeting which all the finalists in that category were invited to attend along with members of the GA and the sponsor of the category.

What started as a bit of fun B2C project during the first lockdown for Go La La husband and wife team Laura Kavanagh and John Higgins has seen their Filthy Gorgeous soap range win two Gift of the Year awards, cementing plans to further expand the brand.

After promoting the funny soap bars on social media, Go La La found increased contact from shop buyers wanting to stock their humour product despite the difficult trading circumstances.

Above: The Filthy Gorgeous soap range from Go La La.
Above: The Filthy Gorgeous soap range from Go La La.

“Buyers recognised the great credentials of these bars; ethical and natural to which we applied our irreverent brand of humour. They really are uplifting in every sense!” sums up Laura.

‘When we heard we’d be shortlisted in two categories of the Gift of the Year and then made the finals for the Novelty category, we were blown away. We then learned we’d won the Novelty category and were more than ecstatic! But then soon after that, we were told that we’d secured the top prize and won the Judges’ Choice award. The celebrations haven’t really stopped since!”

The couple have been so blown away by the wins that they have been driven to sing about it!

Click below to see Laura and John full of voice…

The themes of care, gifts that give back, sustainability, helping others and protecting the environment were the key trends throughout the last year and were evident in the types of gifts that were entered and performed well in the GOTY awards. They included jigsaws that gave back to charity, vases that encouraged us to plant more trees as well as gifts and kits that can be posted to loved ones for birthdays, baking and crafting.

The full list of GOTY winners are as follows…

Cards & Wrap

Alljoy Design: Message In A Bottle Pop Up Cards

Beauty, Bath & Spa

The Candle Brand: The Burn & Bloom Candle Collection

Contemporary Gift

Blue Eyed Sun: Bioloco Loop

Above: Bioloco Loop water bottles won two categories at the Gift of the Year awards.
Above: Bioloco Loop water bottles won two categories at the Gift of the Year awards.

Stationery

Thinking Gifts Company: Bookworm Lights

Children’s, Educational and Pre-School

Whiz Kid Games: Passport To Genius

Novelty

Go La La: Filthy Gorgeous Soaps

Above: Go La La’s Flithy Gorgeous Soaps also won the Judges Choice award.
Above: Go La La’s Flithy Gorgeous Soaps also won the Judges Choice award.

Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable

Gibsons Games: Rainbow Heroes In Aid Of Samaritans Charity 500 piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Above: A gift with a cause from Gibsons.
Above: A gift with a cause from Gibsons.

Design & Craft

Fizz Creations: Hyper Jungle Paper Heads

Ethical Gift

Blue Eyed Sun: Bioloco Plant Kids Bottle

Fashion Accessories

Carrie Elspeth: Stay Safe Sentiment Bracelets

Branded Gift

Hacche Retail: Richard Osman’s House of Games

Above: Richard Osman’s House of Games. The category was sponsored by PG Buzz’s sibling, GiftsandHome.net
Above: Richard Osman’s House of Games. The category was sponsored by PG Buzz’s sibling, GiftsandHome.net

Festive & Occasions

Gibsons Games: Christmas Around the World Jigsaw Advent Puzzle

Food & Drink

The Bottled Baking Co: Baking Mixes

Home and Garden

Ilex Studio: Avocado Vase

Home Fragrance

The Candle Brand: The Flower Diffuser

International

Julia Gash: Julia Gash

Kitchen & Dining

Blue Eyed Sun: Bioloco Plant Lunch Pot

My Gift of All Time

The Candle Brand: The Flower Diffuser

Own Label

Blue Eyed Sun: Bamboo Cup by Chic.Mic

Pet Gift

Wren & Rye: Pawbles

Under £15

Craft + Crumb: Birthday in a Box

Above: Each Birthday in a Box comes with a mug cake mix , sprinkles , candle , confetti balloon, party blower, instructions and a personalised birthday gift message.
Above: Each Birthday in a Box comes with a mug cake mix , sprinkles , candle , confetti balloon, party blower, instructions and a personalised birthday gift message.

Tech & Gadgets

Fizz Creations: Make Your Own Tech

Judges Choice Award

Go La La: Filthy Gorgeous Soaps

The People’s Choice award

Blue Eyed Sun: Bioloco Loop

This year’s competition attracted over 700 entries, with over 6,000 members of the public voting for the inaugural People’s Choice award.

Top: One of the Message in a Bottle pop-ups from Alljoy Design.

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