2026 Finalists - Sting In The Tail
We’re delighted to catch up with Stephen Woodman, from Sting in the Tail, following his success as a Gift of the Year finalist with the beautifully inventive OriBon.
Based in the Lake District, Sting in the Tail creates distinctive lifestyle gift collections inspired by everyday useful items — and OriBon is a perfect example of that philosophy in action. Cleverly combining the crafts of origami and bonsai, this unique kit brings together creativity, gardening, and mindful making in one accessible, gift‑ready product.
Company Name: Sting in the Tail
Product(s) in the Finalist: OriBon
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? In a word, proud! Wherever I have worked in the industry, I have aspired to enter products for GOTY and been involved in winning a couple of times.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? Sting in the Tail is located in the picturesque Lake District, and we create distinctive lifestyle gift collections, inspired by everyday useful items. Our soap bars are made in the UK, and our range of wooden garden tools is either made in the UK or comes from renewable forests in the US. We created OriBon to combine craft and gardening, indoor and outdoor activities.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? OriBon is unique, combining the arts of origami and bonsai, hence the name. Everything needed to start growing is included in each kit and the design of the product makes it ideal for both in-store presentation in the CDU and posting for those retailers with their own dedicated website. The price point is also very attractive, making it a easy impulse purchase.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? We believe the product suits all kinds of retailer, whether garden centre, gift shop or craft shop. The kits will appeal to all ages, from keen gardeners to parents wanting activities to do with their children. Feedback at Spring Fair was very positive, with many retailers visiting us after seeing OriBon on the GOTY stand.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? Having moved from the games and educational product side of the gift industry to Sting in the Tail a year ago, we are still learning, and it is amazing how freely our peers are willing to share their thoughts and offer advice. For now, we are simply focusing on trying to be unique and offer something you don't see in every high street store.
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards? We have seen an uplift in both existing and new client enquiries. We have been sharing our finalist status in our social media posts, but also in daily email communications. With Sting in the Tail changing ownership a year ago, we are hoping to reconnect with clients who haven't seen our products for a while and show the extensive new ranges we have created.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? Having launched three completely new ranges already this year, alongside expanding a number of other ranges, we have more in the pipeline for Harrogate Home & Gift. We are expanding our team to meet increased demand, including growing our design studio to handle white-label requests.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? Without a moment's doubt, my first tennis racket. My Mum was an elegant tennis player, and I will be eternally grateful that she got me hooked on tennis at such a young age. It was emotional to win my club's men's doubles title at the ripe old age of fifty-one, just weeks after she passed away.
