2026 Finalists - Spiracle
We’re thrilled to spotlight Spiracle Audiobooks, finalists in this year’s Gift of the Year Awards for their innovative Audiobook in a Card. Designed to bridge the gap between books and gifting, this clever concept transforms audiobooks from purely digital products into something tangible, thoughtful and easy to give.
Founded by Emma Dobie, Spiracle Audiobooks champions independent publishers and experience-led gifting, making storytelling more accessible while retaining the joy of giving something physical. In this interview, Emma shares the inspiration behind Audiobook in a Card, the trends shaping modern gifting, and why creating memorable moments matters more than ever.
Company Name Spiracle Audiobooks
Product(s) in the Finalist Audiobook in a Card
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? It’s incredibly exciting. Gift of the Year is such a respected award in the industry, so to be recognised as a finalist feels like a real milestone for us.
Audiobook in a Card is a new concept, so it’s especially rewarding to see that idea resonate and be acknowledged in this way.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? Spiracle Audiobooks was founded to champion independent publishers and bring their writing to wider audiences through audio. Audiobook in a Card came from a simple idea: audiobooks are amazing, but they’re not always easy to gift.
We wanted to create something that captures the thoughtfulness of giving a physical book, but with the accessibility and convenience of audio. The result is a beautifully designed card that contains a full audiobook, a gift that feels is both tangible and immersive.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? Audiobook in a Card sits in a unique space between books and gifts. It’s not just something you read or listen to; it’s an experience you give.
Traditionally, audiobooks have been difficult to gift because they exist purely in the digital world; there hasn’t been a simple, tangible way to wrap them up and give them to someone.
That’s exactly the gap we set out to solve. What makes it special is that it combines storytelling, design, and innovation. It’s simple to use and beautifully presented. I think it stood out because it solves a real problem in gifting: how to give something meaningful, original, and easy, while still feeling personal.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? It’s designed for anyone who wants to give a thoughtful gift without overcomplicating things, from book lovers and audiobook listeners to people who struggle to find something a bit different.
The reaction has been amazing. Customers tell us they are so pleased to be able to send an audiobook as a real gift. We also hear that people love how easy it is to send, especially when they want something meaningful but quick. It’s also been really popular in bookshops and gift shops because it bridges both worlds so naturally.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? We’re seeing a big shift towards more meaningful and experience-led gifting. People are moving away from purely physical items and looking for gifts that create a moment or a feeling.
There’s also a growing interest in supporting independent creators and buying something with a story behind it. Sustainability, simplicity, and originality are all becoming increasingly important too, people want gifts that feel considered, not generic.
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 helped build credibility, especially with retailers, and helped us gain new stockists. It gives buyers confidence in the product and opens up conversations that might not have happened otherwise.
From the awards, we hope to continue growing awareness, reach new stockists, and introduce Audiobook in a Card to more people who haven’t discovered it yet.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We’re currently expanding our range, including new titles and themed collections, especially around seasonal gifting like Christmas.
We’re also focused on growing internationally and getting Audiobook in a Card into more bookshops and gift gift shops. A big part of our mission is continuing to support independent publishers, so expanding the catalogue is a really exciting part of what’s next.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? I once bought my partner a unicycle for Christmas, about 23 years ago. He was absolutely devastated because he was convinced he was getting a PlayStation. At the time, it definitely didn’t go down well… but it ended up making our Christmas Day. All our family and friends got involved, taking turns trying to stay on it for more than a few seconds, and it turned into a really fun, memorable experience.
It’s a good reminder that the best gifts aren’t always the ones people expect; they’re the ones that create a moment, a story, or something you can share together.
