2026 Finalists - David & Charles
We’re delighted to introduce David & Charles Ltd, finalists in this year’s Gift of the Year Awards, with their beautifully inventive product The Bouquet in a Book: Spring. Speaking with Lizzie Kaye, we explore how this unique creation brings together the timeless joy of flowers with the mindful pleasure of crafting. Known for making creativity accessible, modern and joyful, David & Charles have created a gift that is both an experience and a keepsake — allowing recipients to press out, assemble and enjoy an everlasting bouquet straight from the pages of a book. With its thoughtful design, emotional resonance and screen-free appeal, it’s a product that perfectly captures the growing demand for meaningful, creative gifting.
Company Name: David & Charles Ltd
Product(s) in the Finalist: The Bouquet in a Book: Spring
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised in the Gift of the Year awards – it’s such an honour to be included among so many creative and innovative brands. To be named a finalist is a real testament to the hard work of our team, the imagination of Prudence Rogers, our author on this stunning series, and the love that’s gone into developing The Bouquet in a Book: Spring. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that resonate with both the judges and the wider gifting community.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? At David and Charles, we’re passionate about creativity and making craft accessible, inspiring and joyful. Our publishing focuses on bringing fresh, modern ideas to traditional crafts, and The Bouquet in a Book: Spring is a perfect example of that. The inspiration came from combining the timeless appeal of a beautiful bunch of fresh flowers with the satisfaction of mindful making – creating a gift that is both beautiful and interactive, allowing people to craft their own everlasting bouquet from the pages of a book.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? What makes The Bouquet in a Book: Spring special is its unique blend of craft book and gift in one. It’s something to both experience and create. The high-quality press-out designs, thoughtful construction, and the emotional connection of making your own bouquet all contribute to its appeal. We think it stood out because it offers a meaningful, hands-on gifting experience that feels both excitingly innovative and personal.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? The product is designed for a wide audience – from craft lovers and stationery enthusiasts to anyone looking for a thoughtful, creative gift. With no previous crafting experience necessary! It’s particularly popular with people who enjoy mindful activities and want something a little different from traditional gifts. The response so far has been incredibly positive, with customers loving the combination of creativity and keepsake value. Many have shared how much joy they’ve found in making and gifting the bouquets.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? We’re seeing a strong shift towards meaningful gifting – people want gifts that feel personal, creative and lasting. Sustainability is also a major influence, with a growing demand for products that are reusable, long-lasting or environmentally conscious. Craft and DIY continue to be key trends too, as more people look for ways to slow down and engage in mindful, hands-on screen-free activities.
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards? Being shortlisted and now named a finalist has been a fantastic boost for the brand. We hope the awards will help us reach even more customers and retailers, and continue to highlight the value of creative, interactive gifting.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We’re excited to continue expanding the Bouquet in a Book series and exploring new ways to combine craft and gifting. We’re always looking at fresh formats, seasonal ideas and innovative concepts that bring creativity into people’s everyday lives. There’s plenty more to come so watch this space!
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? The best gifts are always the ones with a personal touch – something that shows real thought and care. Whether it’s a handmade item or something that creates a shared experience, those are the gifts that stay with you. That’s exactly what we aim to capture with The Bouquet in a Book: a gift that feels special both to make and to give.
