2023 Entrants - Marvling Bros Ltd
Company Name Marvling Bros Ltd
Products Entered
Products from our matchbox range including Dinky Donuts In A Matchbox and Mini Marshmallow Toasting Kit In A Matchbox
Tell us about your business
Marvling Bros Ltd is a trusted British gift company, that makes it easy to send fun and affordable matchbox-sized creative gifts, lighting up the world of your someone special with thoughtfully crafted messages – a present that truly says ‘I’m thinking of you’.
We design and make beautiful keepsakes, small enough to pop in your pocket, yet large enough to create a lasting impression.
The creation of Marvling Bros is a story that began in 2010 with two mums at the school gates of a sleepy suburban primary school in Essex…
In 2010 the headmistress of the school held a competition for the pupils. The task seemed straightforward and simple enough: How much can you fit in a matchbox?
Hayley’s seven-year-old son was not enthused by idea, but Hayley entered for him and came up with all sorts of objects that not only fitted in the matchbox but fulfilled a concept too. For example, a grain of rice and a coriander seed which she labelled ‘curry takeaway’, and a picture of the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers became a miniature art gallery.
She did not win the competition, and most people thought it was mad, but one other person at the school totally got it - Emma.
Two years later, Emma, inspired by the matchboxes, (and having just offloaded her youngest child at school) thought the concept could be the basis for a business and for nine months she and Hayley beavered away researching products, developing ideas and learning how to run an eCommerce company.
They launched in July 2013 with an eCommerce website and 12 different product designs. In the first week, they sold exactly ten matchboxes, half of those to people they knew. Not the big hit they were hoping for. However, by their first Christmas, they were flying out of the door.
In the last eight years the business has gone from strength to strength, while keeping the company ethos - to provide inspirational gifts at affordable prices. Hayley and Emma still design, develop and hand-produce all the products, with the help of their small team in Essex, England.
Tell us about the products you have entered?
We've entered a few of our favourite matchbox creations including:
Dinky Donuts In A Matchbox - Introducing the world’s smallest – and most fun - donut kit! It’s super tasty and guaranteed to raise a smile. Whether you want to delight your friends with the cutest miniature food, or are keen to produce Instagram worthy culinary delights, Dinky Donuts In A Matchbox is a guaranteed winner for the young and young at heart.
Mini Marshmallow Toasting Kit In A Matchbox - Give them an adventure to remember with this beautiful mini marshmallow toasting kit. You can experience the thrill of a campfire, and the mouth watering smell of toasted marshmallows without having to brave the great outdoors, with this fun and tasty gift
Why did you choose to enter the GOTY competition? have you entered in the past and has it helped your brand grow?
We've talked about entering for years - and this year finally got round to entering!
What other products will you be bringing to market in 2023?
Our favourite thing is designing new matchbox gifts. We have hundreds of ideas so it's literally a case of producing as many as possible each year. We are keen next year to focus on fun experiences in a matchbox.
Where can your products be purchased?
Our products are available on our website at https://inamatchbox.com/
Website https://inamatchbox.com/
Instagram handle https://www.instagram.com/inamatchbox/
Facebook handle https://www.facebook.com/inamatchboxgifts/
