2026 Winners - Rosy Roo
Rosie Roo's journey from a creative side project launched during maternity leave to one of Gift of the Year's biggest success stories is truly inspiring. After winning her category and going on to secure the coveted Judges' Choice Award, Rosie has firmly established her brand as one to watch. Now stocked in more than 500 retailers across the UK, Rosie shares the story behind her award-winning products, what the recognition means for her business, and her ambitions for the future.
How does it feel to be a Gift of the Year winner?
It feels fabulous! It's the first award I applied for, for Rosie Roo and it was the only one that I've really wanted to win! I attend many of the exhibitions, so I knew about the awards from going to those; it seems to be one of the biggest ones in the home and gift industry. So, winning it is extremely exciting for me, knowing the judges are typically retailers; therefore, my customers - it also shows me I am a good supplier because they voted for me. Having my customers vote for me to win, means a lot because the people that I sell to and the people that I work with took the time to vote, it's really cool.
What does this recognition mean for your business?
The recognition is really exciting! Even being shortlisted is a huge recognition! I made a conference banner for the NEC fair back in February which said I was shortlisted, and even just that gave me loads of business. My stand was right by Gift of the Year so it gave a huge talking point. People would approach me and I'd tell them my product right here, have a look or vote if you're one of the judges. Even before winning it was great. I've only just won so it's difficult to know, I feel like I was very vocal with how much I wanted to win - that was a consistent focus of mine and message that I put out there - and I got it!
Tell us the story behind your winning product.
My daughter was born in 2023 and I started to make things, because I was home a lot with my newborn and I was getting itchy feet. I started making greetings cards and candles, and also did some work with resin. I'm naturally quite creative and love making things.
I started to attend different local markets and I sold in David Lloyd lobbies in my local area. The car diffusers that I made sold really well, over 90% was just that product, so I decided to roll with that. I was very fortunate because the packaging that I decided to use worked really well, I feel I was lucky with the development of it and I believe that I hit the market at the right time.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Honestly, winning at Gift of the Year was up there, I am beyond proud. Also, we are now stocked in over 500 retailers, which i still can't believe!
What makes it stand out in the market?
Yes, my product is lovely, yes, my product is a really great price point (it's under £10 retail), but I believe the thing that stands me out the most is the packaging and the display. My focus was heavily on creating different POS for retailers, so they have the correct stands for their shop - which they can choose so I think just the complete package for them. It's just so easy for them to buy and put up, however their space looks. I think that it's just very easy!
What’s next for your brand?
I would like Rosy Roo to be seen in more places! I do actually sell very well in a variety of different retail establishments, such as garden centres, gift shops, airports, boutiques and hotel spas. I would like to venture into different retail spaces going forward.
Product development as well, is key for me. I do have a few things in the pipeline which will improve the car diffuser from a design and usage point of view. My product is custom and different to other products that you may see on the market, because I have design improvements. Also, new fragrances are coming out, soon!
Find out more about Rosy Roo here - https://rosyroo.co.uk/
