2026 Finalists - Jacwicks Design
From a damp rock on a countryside walk to Gift of the Year finalist recognition — Jacwicks Designs is a brilliant example of how the simplest ideas can make the biggest impact.
Founded by Ruth Jacobs, this proudly British brand is all about creating practical, beautifully made solutions for life outdoors, inspired by real-life moments and everyday needs. This year, Jacwicks Designs has been named a Gift of the Year finalist with its standout product, the Pet Perch — a thoughtfully designed, handmade mat that gives pets a familiar, comfortable place to settle, wherever life takes them.
Company Name Jacwicks Designs
Product(s) in the Finalist Pet Perch
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? Being named a finalist in this year’s Gift of the Year awards is a huge honour. To have Jacwicks Designs — and the Pet Perch in particular — recognised by industry experts, and to be included among the final group, genuinely feels like a bit of a “pinch me” moment.
What makes it even more special is that the product came from such a simple, real-life need on a walk in the Northumberland countryside. To see that idea grow into something that resonates with so many people — and their pets — and then be acknowledged at this level is incredibly rewarding. It’s a lovely moment of reflection, and a real boost to keep building the brand and sharing what we do.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? Jacwicks Designs is a small, proudly British brand creating a range of practical, beautifully made waterproof sit mats and picnic mats designed for life outdoors and for those everyday moments where a little comfort makes all the difference.
The idea came about quite simply from real life. Founder Ruth Jacobs was out on a Nordic walk in the Northumberland countryside when she stopped for a rest… only to find herself sitting on a damp rock and spending the rest of the walk feeling cold and uncomfortable. Realising there wasn’t a suitable waterproof sit mat or compact picnic blanket on the market that was both practical and easy to carry, she decided to create her own and from that moment, the Perch range was born.
With many walkers sharing their adventures with their dogs, it felt like a natural next step to design something just for them, too. The Pet Perch gives pets a familiar, comfortable place to settle, whether that’s out and about in pubs, hotels or camper vans, or at home protecting furniture from muddy paws and the occasional mishap. Easy to carry, simple to clean, and thoughtfully designed, it’s become a trusted companion for both pets and their owners.
At its heart, Jacwicks Designs is all about solving simple problems in a thoughtful way — creating products that help people (and their pets) feel comfortable, wherever they are.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? There's nothing quite like the Pet Perch on the market. Its uniqueness makes it stand out from the crowd. Each one is handmade in the UK by a small business in the North East of England. With the rise in pet ownership during lockdown the pet gift market has increased. Dog owners love to spoil their fur babies and the Pet Perch is an incredibly useful quality product which dogs in particular love.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? The Pet Perch is made for pets who love a cosy spot of their own. Whether out and about with a dog or creating a comfy corner at home, it gives them a warm, familiar place to settle and truly relax. While it’s a firm favourite with dogs, it works just as beautifully for cats, guinea pigs and rabbits too.
Designed with pet owners in mind, it’s one of those products that customers quickly wonder how they managed without. From protecting sofas and chairs from fur, muddy paws or the odd accident, to bringing comfort on the go — in pubs, hotels, camper vans, tents or even busy market stalls — the Pet Perch comes into its own. They pop it down, and the pet instantly recognises their space… and settles, calm and content, wherever they are.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? With the way of the world at the moment, customers are being more cautious and thoughtful about the gifts they buy. They are looking for high-quality, environmentally friendly, useful products that will last. With items that enhance wellness and wellbeing products on the rise. The Perch range is perfect for this market.
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 a finalist for this year's Gift of the Year is a huge honour. It's given this small business a boost and showcased the products to a wider audience. Being a Finalist has elevated the business to the next level and is proof that all the hard work over the years has been worth it.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? Exciting future plans for the business are to expand the number of shops and outlets that stock the Perch range of products. Keep doing and improving on what we do best, offering quality handmade items that uniquely solve everyday problems.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? The best present I have received is a difficult one, I have been very lucky to receive many wonderful items throughout the years. One of my favourite ones is a beautiful pashmina given to me by my mother, and though she is no longer with us I remember her every time I wear it.
