2026 Finalist - Whiz Kid Games
We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on Heather Watherston, founder of Whiz Kid Games Ltd, whose product Go Genius Great Britain has been named a finalist in this year’s Gift of the Year Awards.
Designed to get children (and grown-ups) away from screens and enjoying quality time around the table, Go Genius Great Britain combines fun, inclusivity and education in a vibrant, great‑value game that celebrates everything there is to know about Great Britain. Supporting Key Stage 1 and 2 learning — without ever feeling like homework — the game has already captured the attention of retailers and families across the UK.
Company Name: Whiz Kid Games Ltd
Product(s) in the Finalist: Go Genius Great Britain
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? It feels absolutely fantastic to be recognised in these awards. As a small, independent start-up, it’s incredibly rewarding to see Go Genius Great Britain acknowledged alongside so many inspiring products. It really validates all the hard work that’s gone into creating something both fun and educational for children.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? Our Go Genius brand is all about making fun games that get kids off their tech and around a table playing in real life. The games are also educational - they support the key stage 1 and 2 curricula - but because they are so much fun, children often don't even realise they are learning while they play!
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? I think Go Genius Great Britain has made it through to the finals because it is a little bit different. It has vibrant graphics that make it stand out on the shelf, it is really good value at £10RRP, it is great fun to play, and it has plenty of questions so it can be played again and again. It is very inclusive - the multiple choice answers to the questions in it mean different ages and people of different abilities can play together, and it teaches players all about Great Britain as they play. And, as with all Go Genius games, it includes genius stickers as motivational rewards that can be awarded to winners to put in their Go Genius passports (also included for players to personalise). Lastly, it is made with 100% FSC card, which is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? The product is primarily designed for children aged 6 plus, but we actually write "for ages 6-106" on the packaging as it really is great fun for all ages to play, and everyone learns at least one thing they didn't know about Great Britain while they're playing! The game has had a great reaction from retailers, from heritage shops to gift, toy and book stores - particularly those near tourist destinations - from Lands End to John O'Groats!
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? Sustainability is becoming a key expectation from gift buyers rather than a bonus, with shoppers actively seeking products that are responsibly made and built to last. Alongside this, there’s a strong focus on value. People want gifts that offer more longevity, replayability or purpose.
Another big influence is the rise of “kidult” gifting and nostalgia, where products that appeal across generations are performing particularly well. Games and activities that bring people together are especially popular, as they tap into that shared experience and sense of connection.
Within all of this, there’s a clear shift towards gifts that offer a little more depth - products that entertain but also engage, challenge or spark curiosity. That balance of fun and enrichment is becoming increasingly important, particularly for families looking for gifts that feel both enjoyable and worthwhile.
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist, impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards? I think that getting this far in the Gift of the Year has helped spread the word about our Go Genius Great Britain and the Go Genius brand generally. The GA are really good about supplying logos and other marketing assets related to the competition and puts together a shortlisted brochure and fabulous displays of our products at the trade shows - not just during the competition but all year round - it all really helps!
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We have lots of new products in the pipeline - much more than we can bring out at once! It’s an exciting position to be in, and we’re focusing on developing them in a way that feels thoughtful and sustainable rather than rushing to market.
A big part of our plans is continuing to build strong relationships with our customers and retail partners. By really listening to their feedback, we’re able to shape our range around not just what sells well, but what people genuinely want to buy and engage with.
We’re particularly interested in creating products that bring people together and offer more than just a quick moment of entertainment. We want games with lasting appeal that families can return to again and again, while sparking curiosity and learning along the way.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? I think people worry that I’m a difficult person to buy for. Having worked in the industry for so long, they assume I’ll know exactly who made a gift and what it costs - both at trade and retail, including the margin and the pack size!
That said, all gifts are wonderful because it’s the thought behind them that matters most. What I really love to gift and receive are creative pieces that combine storytelling with thoughtful design.
One of my favourite gifts is a picture my husband bought me from an American artist we met on holiday. He didn’t buy it at the time - he hunted the artist down years later and, after a series of emails and calls, chose a piece, had it shipped to the UK and secretly hid it until my birthday. It’s a beautiful, original botanical watercolour, full of tiny details. The more you look, the more you discover, and it comes with a story I’ll never forget.
Find out more about Whiz Kids Games here - https://whizkidgames.co.uk/
