6 minute read
GIFT FAIR: BEST IN SHOW
BEST IN SHOW
Once again, AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair and Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne have awarded those brands that have been innovative, new companies exhibiting for the first time and some long-standing exhibitors who just know how to create a look that stands out and captures everyone’s attention.
Entrepreneur of the year (AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair) – Little Bread Winner (Cascie Kambouris)
“Being named AGHA entrepreneur of the year is such an incredible honour, especially as a small Australian-made business that started with one simple mission: to make bread slicing better. For us, this award is a celebration of innovation, sustainability and the power of staying true to your values, even when you’re growing. It means the world to have our hard work recognised alongside so many other amazing businesses. This recognition has only made us more excited to keep creating purposeful, handcrafted products that people love to use and feel good about owning.”
Breakthrough brand (Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne) – Inspire Threads
“Receiving the breakthrough brand award is a huge honour for everyone at Inspire Threads (that’s me and my best friends). It marks a massive milestone and a true validation of all the hard work we’ve poured into the brand over the past few years.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing community backing us, helping us do what we love and allowing us to keep pushing our narrative forward. This award is also a reminder that our mission— to create genuinely unique reversible bucket hats that spark self-expression and give back to the community—truly resonates with people.
“And this is just the beginning—it’s our second award since starting Inspire Threads and it certainly won’t be the last.”
Best new stand (AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair) – Stacey K. Studio
“Winning best new exhibitor was such a meaningful and humbling moment for me. Stacey K Studio has been built quietly and intentionally, from a place of stillness, care and sacred purpose. To have that recognised at AGHA felt like a gentle affirmation that the work I’ve poured into creating something thoughtful and different does matter.
“I’ve always hoped the pieces I create— whether it’s a cave chapel, a scent or an invitation to pause and create a moment of ritual—might help people slow down and reconnect with what’s truly important to them.
“This honour meant everything to me and gave me the validation I needed to keep going. My hand carved cave wall drew in so many heartfelt conversations. Having the award displayed in my studio now reminds me that the work is touching people in the way I’d hoped it would.”
Best new stand (Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne) –Wonderlings
“The Oxyrhynchus rag doll charmed children in Roman Egypt nearly 2,000 years ago. Today, Wonderlings pick up that thread—offering a new era of plush collectables designed for storytelling, gifting and repeat retail. Wonderlings aren’t just toys—they’re making history.”
Best small stand (AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair) –Lanolin Beauty
“It was very nice to get recognition for all the time, planning and effort that goes into converting such a small space into an area that reflects our brand, our ethos and is appealing for people to stop and chat.”
Best small stand (Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne) –Connetix
“We’re thrilled to have won best small stand at Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne. It’s a proud moment for our team, who put passion into creating a space that offers immersive, open-ended play experiences through magnetic tile play. This one was particularly special as it marked the Australian debut of our newest products. Connecting with loyal customers and engaging with new partners at these events is always energising, it’s a joy to share in their excitement while they experience the award-winning Connetix difference.”
Best medium stand (Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne) – Lisa Pollock
“We are absolutely overjoyed and incredibly honoured to have been awarded best medium stand.
“None of this magic would have been possible without the extraordinary team I’m so lucky to work alongside. They poured their hearts and souls into every detail—from months of planning and dreaming up ideas in the quiet hours of the night, to designing a brand-new outfit for our beloved mascot, MARG the EMU, using our very own Lisa Pollock tea towels.
“We were genuinely touched by the beautiful feedback and heartfelt words from everyone who visited our stand. Your kind energy and warm presence helped make the whole experience feel truly magical.
“This award is more than a win—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection and the power of passionate, purpose-driven teamwork.”
Best large stand (AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair) –Reliance Trading Corporation
“We’re honoured we were awarded best large stand. After being part of this industry since 1963, this is the very first best stand award we’ve received and it means a lot to be recognised in this way.
“This award reflects the hard work of our whole team who bring ideas to life (sometimes a little crazy), creating a space that sets the right atmosphere while making sure our products aren’t just beautifully displayed, but accessible for customers to see, touch and experience.
“In these challenging times, this award is a moment for us to pause, celebrate and be thankful for the creativity and dedication that goes into every fair. Here’s to continuing to grow, learn, adapt and bring inspiration to our industry.”
Best large stand (Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne) – Bialetti
“We’re thrilled to have taken out the award for best large stand. This stand was all about creating an immersive brand experience, a space that not only showcased our iconic products and latest collaborations but also captured the heart of what Bialetti stands for: design, innovation and the joy of coffee culture.
“A huge thank you to everyone who visited, we loved sharing the Bialetti experience with you.”
Best x-large stand (Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne) –IsAlbi (home stand)
“We set out to create something engaging and memorable—this recognition tells us we achieved exactly that.”
