2025 Finalists - Sock Academy
Sock Academy has been named a finalist in the Fashion Accessories, Textiles and Jewellery category at the 2025 Gift of the Year Awards with their brand-new product Stay Groovy. Launched earlier this year, the colourful and creative sock set has already received fantastic feedback from customers and industry insiders alike. We spoke to Alice from the team to learn more about the inspiration behind the product, what sets it apart, and what the recognition means to them as they gear up to celebrate a milestone anniversary.
Product in the Finalist: Stay Groovy, 6 Funky Oddsocks!
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards?
We're absolutely over the moon to be named finalists in this year's Gift of the Year Awards with our product Stay Groovy which is brand new this year! This product launched in February 2025 and the feedback we have received especially since being recognised as a finalist has been incredible.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product?
Our brand United Oddsocks burst onto the scenes almost 20 years ago with the mission to create products that ooze individuality with bold and fun designs, creating a unique experience for every customer! With that mission still at the forefront of our minds, our brilliant designers have created Stay Groovy, a vibrant gift box containing 6 funky patterned odd socks- guaranteed to brighten up the dullest of days!
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges?
We're constantly looking into current trends and evolving our product to stay relevant, whilst remaining true to our brand. This new product is exactly a result of that and how hard our team work to keep our brand unique and exciting to anyone who purchases our products.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far?
Stay Groovy makes a perfect gift for anyone with a shoe size of 4-8 (UK Adult).
We've received amazing feedback from our customers, each of them just as excited as we are about being named as finalists.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now?
Sustainability is becoming more important to both consumers and brands. This is something we are being mindful of as we transition from plastic containers (99% recycled plastic) to fully recyclable card packaging as part of our ongoing efforts to be more sustainable.
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards?
With the announcements from Gift of the Year and through our own social media posts, we’ve been able to connect with a lot of different people in the Gift Industry and have been delighted to hear all their positive and encouraging words surrounding our new products. We’re so excited to start getting them into customers stores for everyone to enjoy! We can’t wait to hear the results at the awards in May, we’re keeping all our toes crossed!
What exciting plans do you have for the future?
With our 20th anniversary coming up next year, we’ve got lots of exciting things in the pipeline and it is already shaping up to be an incredible year. You can expect new designs, new packaging styles and lots of other new and exciting surprises to celebrate 20 years of United Oddsocks.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why?
Since working at Sock Academy, I’ve been able to step up, not only my own sock game but also of those around me. I never grow tired when gifting our own products to friends and family, not just because they give a feeling and experience when gifting but also because I know the passion and drive behind every product we make. And socks always make a great gift!
With Stay Groovy earning its spot as a finalist and their 20th anniversary just around the corner, it’s clear that Sock Academy is stepping into 2025 with style, colour, and plenty of excitement. Their commitment to creativity, individuality, and sustainability continues to shine through in every product — and this finalist nod is well-deserved recognition for the passion poured into their work. We’ll be keeping our toes crossed for Alice and the team at the awards in May!
Learn more about Sock Academy and discover the full range on their website, and explore their product in the GOTY final.
