2026 Finalist - Playpress Toys

|2026 Finalists|Success Stories|

We’re delighted to spotlight Playpress Toys Ltd, whose imaginative Legends Castle has earned its place as a Gift of the Year 2026 Finalist. Led by founder Melvin Wright, Playpress is known for creating sustainable, build‑your‑own playsets that inspire hands‑on creativity and spark the imaginations of children everywhere.

Their Legends Castle, designed in collaboration with English Heritage, has already received outstanding feedback from customers and retailers — with an incredible 100% 5‑star rating on Faire. With accessible price points, a strong sustainability ethos, and a growing global reach, Playpress continues to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

We spoke with Melvin to learn more about the magic behind the brand, what this finalist recognition means, and what exciting plans lie ahead.

Company Name: Playpress Toys Ltd

Product(s) in the Finalist Legends Castle

Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? Very exciting

Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? We make toys to inspire imagination and enable children to use their hands, their ideas and their imagination

What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? We think because it is sustainable will appeal to some. Our price points are exceedingly good, enabling most families to afford our range

Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? We designed this in conjunction with English Heritage, and feedback has been great. On some platforms, the customer feedback is 5 star, amazon a little lower, but the best feedback we get is 100% 5 star from retailers on Faire!

What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? I am not sure, to be honest. Surviving retailers are looking to be different. What is the point of having products that most others have

What exciting plans do you have for the future? We are making products for international airlines, museums and galleries in 3 continents and we plan to do more