2026 Winners -- If

From Bright Ideas to Award-Winning Products: A Conversation with IF

For nearly 30 years, IF has been creating original, thoughtful products designed to bring a little more joy to everyday life. What started in 1996 with a wearable cardboard biplane called Bertie! has grown into a globally recognised business known for its innovative gifts for readers and book lovers.

We caught up with the IF team to discuss what winning Gift of the Year means to them, the inspiration behind the product, their proudest business milestones, and what exciting developments lie ahead. Their story is a wonderful example of how a simple, creative idea can blossom into an award-winning success.

How does it feel to be a Gift of the Year winner?

It feels fantastic. It’s a real honour for the whole team to have one of our products recognised by a well-respected industry award.

What does this recognition mean for your business?

It’s a great endorsement for the product and gives us something really positive to share with our customers, retailers and the team.

Tell us the story behind your winning product.

The idea was to create something that would brighten up a book in the same way flowers brighten up a room. From there, the Flower Bookmarks developed into a practical and colourful product.

What makes it stand out in the market?
They have a lovely balance of being useful, affordable and giftable, while the vase display gives them real impact in store.

How did your business begin?

IF began in 1996, with a wearable cardboard biplane called Bertie! We then moved into creating original and useful gift products for readers and book lovers.

What has been your biggest milestone so far?

One of the biggest milestones has been building a team and product range we’re really proud of and seeing those products reach customers all over the world.

What’s next for your brand?

We’ll continue creating original, useful and fun products, with plenty of new ideas already in development.

You can find out more about IF here - https://www.ifplc.com/