2026 Finalists - Undersky
We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on UnderSky, finalists in this year’s Gift of the Year Awards with their wonderfully creative Grab & Go Outdoor Activity Cards. Founded by Kathryn McNally and Katie Walker, UnderSky is driven by a simple but powerful ethos: helping families reconnect with the natural world right on their doorstep. Inspired by everyday outdoor adventures and backed by over 20 years of hands-on experience exploring nature with children, their products turn learning outside into something imaginative, practical and full of joy. From encouraging curiosity to promoting physical activity and a love for wildlife, UnderSky’s cards are designed to help children flourish — and it’s easy to see why they captured the judges’ attention.
Company Name UnderSky
Product(s) in the Finalist: Grab & Go Outdoor Activity Cards
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards? Truly wonderful! We’re buzzing like a Queen Bumblebee recently emerged from hibernation to feel the warm sunshine on her fluffy face!
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? UnderSky’s ethos is very simple – let’s all learn about and love the wonderful wildlife on our doorstep. We’re inspired by the great outdoors every day, rain or shine - there’s always something to fill our days with wonder! Our range of Outdoor Explorer cards offer convenience, inspiration and lots of fun - all in one handy educational resource.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? We’ve combined imaginative ways of connecting with the great outdoors with an eye-catching and practical design. We’ve put over 20 years of our experiences exploring nature with children into our products. Each activity has been truly tried and tested by kids all across the country. Our Outdoor Explorer cards engage learning and encourage physical activity, helping children flourish as they grow.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? Our product is for anyone who has a connection with children and who recognises the massive importance of nature in our lives. We’re equipping our customers with fun and engaging ways of play outside with their children while also learning about nature at the same time. We’re delighted to see them so well received.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? There’s certainly a trend towards fewer, more meaningful and sustainable gift purchases. Customers look to be focusing upon gifts which last longer (or have a dual purpose) and an environmental responsibility.
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’ve already seen an increase in our wholesale market with new retailers contacting us to become stockists. This is all thanks to the increased awareness and trust in our brand, which being a finalist has built up. We’ll be proudly wearing this badge of honour on our website and sharing it with retailers to further promote the awards.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? We have so many new ideas for products which we can’t wait to materialise. This is the great thing about working with the natural world as your inspiration, the potential is endless!
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? The gift of wonder – there’s always something awe-inspiring around the next corner.
You can find out ore about Undersky here - https://www.undersky.co.uk/
