The competition has closed, and even now our panel of 50 judges are combing through every product to vote them onto the Gift of the Year 2018 shortlist.

Already we have had comments from several of the judges praising the quality of the entries, with one saying that the category they were reviewing was “better than any other… competition entry pool [they]’ve ever seen.” It’s a ringing endorsement and absolutely deserved across all of our product categories. Look out for nominated products shown on our Twitter and Instagram feeds in the coming weeks.

Also watch this space for word of the shortlist, which will be announced at around 1pm on Thursday, 14th of December. After that, it’s an exciting time for us and entrants alike, as sample products will start steaming their way toward us in preparation for the final stage of judging, which will happen here in Birmingham on the 11th of January.

Don’t forget that the retailer categories are still open, for retailers and buying teams who have done well over the past year or so. If you want to nominate yourself or suggest to one of your stockists that they put themselves forward, take a look at the categories.

In the mean time, keep your fingers crossed!