2026 Finalists - Paper Engine
Bringing storytelling to life in a truly imaginative way, Paper Engine Limited has captured the attention of this year’s Gift of the Year judges with their enchanting Build Your Own Matilda Book Nook.
With over 40 years of paper engineering expertise behind them, the Hampshire-based team has created a product that seamlessly blends STEM-based creativity, sustainability, and nostalgic storytelling. Inspired by the magical world of Roald Dahl and the iconic illustrations of Quentin Blake, this beautifully designed 3D book nook transforms a bookshelf into a miniature literary escape.
Company Name: Paper Engine Limited
Product(s) in the Finalist: Build Your Own Matilda Book Nook
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? We were absolutely delighted to find out that our Roald Dahl Matilda Book Nook is a finalist at this year’s Gift of the Year Awards. To make it through to the final and be recognised alongside other great innovative gifts is a huge honour for our team.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? Based in Hampshire, our team of Paper Engineers have over 40 years of experience in the industry. Build Your Own was launched in 2019 to inspire young minds through STEM-based play while reducing screen time. The Matilda Book Nook was inspired by the magical world of Roald Dahl; we wanted to recreate the iconic library scene where Matilda finds her escape, bringing Quentin Blake’s original artwork into a 3D miniature world.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? I think our product stands out because it combines sustainable engineering with nostalgic storytelling that explores the world of Matilda in a fun, unique and 3D way. The Book Nook is made from sustainable cardboard and is entirely plastic-free, and the high-end finishes elevate it from a simple toy to a beautiful piece to adorn any bookshelf.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? The Matilda Book Nook is designed for Roald Dahl fans of all ages, though specifically tailored for children aged 8+ and their families. The reaction has been incredible; adding theatre to their bookshelves, customers love the build, revealing intricate hidden details from Matilda's world, like the newt, hair tonic bottles, and chalk!
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? Sustainability: Consumers are moving away from plastic and towards fully recyclable, eco-friendly materials.
Experience-Led Gifting: People want gifts that offer an activity, such as a "family time" building project, rather than just a finished object.
Nostalgia & Literacy: Licensed products that celebrate classic literature and encourage reading are seeing a massive resurgence.
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 has already increased our visibility amongst retailers across the UK. We hope this recognition and exposure allow our brand to be exposed to a wider audience, bringing our unique products consumers of all ages.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We are continuing to develop new licensed ranges with our partners. Later this year Shaun from A Close Shave joins the family of Wallace & Gromit Build Your Own kits. This summer our Roald Dahl Book Nook range increases to three kits, with the addition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? As a team of engineers, the best gifts are always those that challenge the mind. We love seeing new and innovative products in the market, especially those that mean you can switch off from tech and lose yourself in a good build!
Find out more about Paper Engine here - https://paperengine.com/
