2026 Finanlists - Widdop
As part of our Gift of the Year 2026 Finalist Spotlight series, we’re delighted to be speaking with Sophia Agnew from Widdop & Co., whose beautifully character‑led Softies range has been named a finalist.
With a heritage stretching back to 1883, Widdop & Co. is one of the UK’s most established names in giftingand with Softies, the team has perfectly demonstrated how a legacy brand can continue to innovate. Created as more than just plush toys, Softies are designed as character companions, each with their own story, personality and emotional depth.
Company Name Widdop & Co.
Product(s) in the Finalist: Softies
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards?C It feels absolutely incredible. For a brand like Widdop & Co which has been part of the UK retail landscape since 1883, being recognised for a newer venture like Softies is a testament to our ability to innovate while staying true to our roots. This recognition belongs to the entire Widdop family, our dedicated team who poured their hearts into bringing these characters to life. To see Softies standing alongside such talent in the industry is both humbling and a huge point of pride for us.
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product? Softies was born from a desire to create more than just a plush toy; we wanted to create character companions with real souls. The inspiration is deeply personal; many of the characters are actually based on our own team members and family at Widdop & Co. For example, Talia the Bunny loves gathering wildflowers while twirling, dancing, and charming everyone she meets; meanwhile, Hampton the Bear cherishes his family, has a curious mind, and loves to learn with boundless enthusiasm. Both are named after the children of the Widdop & Co. owners. We wanted to move away from generic plush and create a world where every child (and adult!) can find a friend that mirrors their own personality and dreams.
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges? We believe Softies stood out because they bridge the gap between a high-quality keepsake and a playful companion. Every Softie comes with a unique bio that encourages imaginative play and emotional connection. Beyond the characters themselves, we’ve focused heavily on giftability, from the beautiful presentation in our signature gift boxes to the fact that they are safe from birth and machine washable. It’s a gift-ready solution, complete with floor-standing and countertop display options, that doesn't compromise on quality or character depth.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far? Softies are designed for everyone. From newborns as a way to celebrate a delightful new arrival, to older children who connect with the characters' diverse hobbies, and even collectors of all ages. The reaction has been heartwarming; we've seen retailers consistently expanding their selection as our range has grown.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now? Right now, we see a massive shift toward hyper-personalisation and storytelling. In a world of mass production, people want gifts that feel meaningful. Additionally, within the current economic climate, value-driven gifting is key. People are looking for high-quality, long-lasting products that offer a premium experience at an accessible price point.
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards? The impact has been immediate. It has opened doors to new stockists and given our existing retail partners even more confidence in the range. Internally, it’s been a massive morale boost, there’s a real buzz in the office! Winning would be the cherry on top, but being a finalist already provides us with a platform to share the Softies story with a wider audience and cements our position as innovators in the plush and nursery categories.
What exciting plans do you have for the future? The world of Softies is only getting bigger! We recently launched our new personalisation experience, allowing customers to make their companions even more unique. We also expanded our lifestyle range with baby comforters, fun bag charms and innovative silicone water bottles featuring removable Softie character heads, bringing the brand into everyday routines. Furthermore, we’re constantly introducing new characters that our customers have specifically asked for; these will, of course, continue our tradition of being named after members of our wonderful team. Our goal is for every household in the UK to have a Softie friend in their home.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why? The best gifts are always those that tell a story. For us at Widdop, the gift of taking over this historic family business as brothers was the most significant. It wasn't just a business transaction; it was the gift of a legacy and the opportunity to carry our family’s values into the next generation. That sense of history and belonging is exactly what we try to bottle up and give back to our customers through brands like Softies.
You can find out more about Widdop here - https://www.widdop.co.uk/
