2026 Finalists - Joe Davies
We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on Joe Davies, whose beautiful Fox Under The Moon collection has secured finalist positions across three categories in the 2026 awards. In this interview, Paul Hooker shares the story behind the brand, what makes the range so special, and how it feels to be recognised in such a competitive and creative industry. From authentic storytelling to the growing trend of emotionally rich gifting, this conversation offers a wonderful window into why Fox Under The Moon has captured hearts — and the judges’ attention.
Company Name: Joe Davies
Product(s) in the Finalist: Fox Under The Moon - 3 Categories
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 named a finalist – it’s a real honour, especially in such a competitive and creative industry. To have the Fox Under The Moon range recognised is incredibly special. The whole team have worked passionately to bring together a range of meaningful giftware across multiple product categories.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? At Joe Davies, we’ve been supplying giftware to independent retailers for many years, with a focus on products that connect emotionally with the end customer.
The Fox Under The Moon range is inspired by the beautiful and heartfelt artwork of Stacey McNeill, whose storytelling through art has resonated with so many people. Her work captures themes of love, friendship, comfort and emotional wellbeing – messages that feel more important than ever.
We wanted to translate that magic into a giftable range that allows people to share those sentiments in a tangible way.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? What makes this range truly special is its authenticity. Stacey’s artwork already has a deeply engaged audience, and we’ve worked hard to ensure the integrity of her message is preserved across every product.
Each item is more than just a gift – it’s a moment of connection. Whether it’s reassurance, encouragement, or simply letting someone know you’re thinking of them, the range speaks to real emotions.
We believe, and hope it stood out because it combines strong visual appeal with genuine emotional resonance – something that customers increasingly value.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? The range is designed for anyone who wants to give a meaningful gift – whether that’s to a friend, family member, or even themselves. It spans occasions, but also “just because” moments, which are often the most powerful.
The reaction has been fantastic. People are not only drawn to the artwork but often take time to read the messages and connect with them. It’s a range that encourages people to pause, reflect, and feel – which is quite special in today’s fast-paced retail environment.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? We’re seeing a continued shift towards more meaningful, sentiment-led gifting. Customers are looking for products that say something – that tell a story or express a feeling.
There’s also a strong focus on wellbeing, mindfulness, and emotional connection. People want gifts that uplift, comfort, and strengthen relationships.
At the same time, authenticity is becoming increasingly important, as customers value originality and a genuine creative voice.
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 a finalist has already created a real buzz, both internally and with our customers. It’s a great endorsement of the range and gives retailers additional confidence when selecting products.
From the awards, we hope to further raise awareness of Fox Under The Moon, introduce it to new audiences, and continue building on Stacey's success. Ultimately, we want to keep spreading the positive messages behind the artwork as widely as possible.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We’re excited to continue developing the range with new product formats and fresh designs, while staying true to the heart of Stacey’s work.
There’s also strong potential to expand the collection into new categories and occasions, ensuring it remains relevant and inspiring for customers.
Above all, our focus is on growing the range in a way that keeps its emotional authenticity at the forefront.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? The most meaningful gifts are always the ones that carry emotion and thought behind them. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a small token during a difficult time, or something that simply says “I’m thinking of you,” those are the gifts that stay with you.
Perhaps that's because they are considered a gift, one that takes thought and time, and time is one of the greatest gifts you can give anyone.
