2026 Finalists - Gibsons Games
We’re delighted to celebrate Gibsons as a finalist in this year’s Gift of the Year Awards, recognised across three categories for their beautifully designed puzzles and games.
We caught up with Megan Bradley‑Zeng to talk about what finalist recognition means to the team, the inspiration behind their standout collections, and why puzzles continue to spark joy, connection and screen‑free fun.
Company Name Gibsons
Product(s) in the Finalist The Art File Classic Games Collection (Games & Puzzles category), Tales of Christmas Puzzle Advent Calendar (Festive & Occasion category), National Trust Puzzle Collection (Heritage Gifts incorporating Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable)
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? With so many incredible products and inspiring brands in this year’s line‑up, it truly feels like an honour to be recognised across three categories. Being named a finalist is a wonderful moment of validation for our team, and a reflection of the hard work, care and creativity they pour into every product we make. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that effort acknowledged by the industry.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? At Gibsons, we create joy. It’s really as simple as that! We’re a family business with over 100 years of history bringing jigsaw puzzles and board games into people’s homes, and that heritage shapes everything we do.
We put people and the planet at the heart of our business, and the products we create are designed with that ethos in mind. From meaningful themes to thoughtful artwork and sustainable choices, each product aims to bring connection, creativity and quality time into everyday life. That spirit is what inspired our shortlisted and finalist products and continues to guide our future designs.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? Our products combine beautiful, ethical design with the classic joy of puzzling and gameplay. We take great care to work with talented artists, create meaningful stories through our designs, and produce everything as responsibly as possible.
The results are products that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Items that look stunning, feels good to gift, and brings people together. We believe that thoughtful balance is what resonated with the judges.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? Our products are designed with the gift‑givers of the family in mind, the people who love finding something a little special. It’s also perfect for families, puzzle lovers and anyone who enjoys screen‑free fun.
The response has been fantastic. Our Tales of Christmas Puzzle Advent Calendar, for example, completely sold out in the run‑up to Christmas. Customers have told us they love the creativity, the storytelling and the chance to enjoy a shared experience throughout the festive season.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? There’s a noticeable shift toward nostalgia, screen‑free entertainment, and more unique, meaningful gifts. People are increasingly looking for presents that feel personal, encourage connection, and gifts that offer an experience rather than just an object. Puzzles and games fit beautifully into that space.
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 reaching finalist status has given us a brilliant opportunity to celebrate our collections and shine a light on the work our team and artists put in.
It also came at the perfect moment - we were able to launch our National Trust collection as being GOTY shortlisted within a month or so after its release, creating an additional buzz around the range.
Looking ahead, we hope the recognition helps us continue championing innovative products like our Advent Calendar. We update the design every year to keep customers coming back for the next one.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We have plenty of exciting projects on the horizon. We’ll be expanding some of our best‑selling collections, introducing new licences that align with our people‑and-planet‑first values, and continuing to develop products that spark joy and connection.
We’re also looking forward to growing our presence internationally, particularly across the pond, and sharing even more of what makes Gibsons special with a wider audience.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? My Mum gifted me a box of my late Nan's jewellery about three years ago. They were simple items that she wore every day, and in all of the memories I have of my Nan she would be wearing them. They have such a high sentimental value to my Mum and I, and wearing her necklace or a pair of her earrings really feels like bringing a piece of her with me wherever I go.
