2025 Finalists - Puzzle Post
This year, Puzzle Post has brought a clever twist to the festive table with their House of Games and The Official Traitors Christmas Crackers - earning them a finalist spot in the GOTY Festive & Occasions category. Known for their immersive, puzzle-driven experiences, the team has transformed a classic holiday tradition into a memory-making game for all ages. We caught up with them to learn more about their journey, creative process and what makes these crackers a standout seasonal gift.
Company Name: Puzzle Post
Product in the Finalist: House of Games Christmas Crackers, The Official Traitors Christmas Crackers
Congratulations on being a finalist! How does it feel to be recognised in this year’s Gift of the Year awards?
We’re absolutely thrilled! Being named a finalist in the Gift of the Year awards is a huge honour, especially in such a competitive space. It’s a big moment for our team and speaks to the creativity, passion, and innovation we put into everything we make. Seeing the House of Games and The Traitors Christmas Crackers recognised is extra special because they reinvent a holiday classic in a way that brings people together for fun - which is exactly what Puzzle Post is all about!
Can you tell us a little about your brand and the inspiration behind your successful product?
We’re Puzzle Post - creators of fun and innovative escape room-style games designed to be enjoyed at home. Our journey started during lockdown, as a team of four friends who have always loved a brain teaser and the feeling of finally cracking the puzzle that the rest of the room thinks is still impossible.
We wondered - what if solving puzzles unlocked a surprise? That spark of mystery and bespoke ‘reward’ became the foundation of our brand. Fast forward four years, and we’ve sold over 500,000 puzzles, collaborated with beloved brands and gained industry recognition!
What makes your product special, and why do you think it stood out to the judges?
Most Christmas crackers are a quick pull, a tacky joke, and a plastic toy you forget about. We wanted to switch up a classic tradition and create something that gets the whole table engaged - a true highlight of Christmas dinner.
We think the judges recognised that these aren’t just fun - they’re memorable, interactive, and something people want to come back to year after year. Both the House of Games and The Traitors Christmas Crackers are packed with gameplay and interaction, drawing on each show’s elements. Whether you’re competing in trivia challenges with House of Games or figuring out who the traitor is at your dinner table, our crackers make Christmas even more entertaining.
Who is your product designed for, and what kind of reaction have you had from customers so far?
These crackers are perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone who loves a bit of competitive fun. They’re designed to bring all ages together, whether you’re a fan of the shows or not, a trivia lover, or someone who just enjoys watching the chaos unfold.
Customer reactions have been great, noting that they’re a fresh alternative to traditional crackers, keeping the festive spirit of a hat and silly joke but adding an interactive twist that gets everyone involved. They have also mentioned they love how the games bring out the competitive side of the family (in a good way!), act as conversation starters, and are quality crackers from the usual throwaway novelties. Even those who haven’t seen the shows find them easy to grasp and just as enjoyable. People also appreciate the sustainability aspect, with no plastic waste and a game that is entertaining through the evening.
What trends or themes do you think are shaping the gifting industry right now?
Gifting is shifting towards experience-led products that create memorable moments which is exactly what our games and crackers do, making them the perfect gift for those who value shared experiences. Sustainability is also a huge focus as consumers are looking for gifts that aren’t just single-use novelties but thoughtfully designed. We’re committed to making sure our products are as eco-friendly as possible, without compromising on the fun!
How has being shortlisted, and now being a finalist impacted your brand so far, and what do you hope to achieve from the awards?
Being shortlisted has been a great experience for us - helping to shine a spotlight on our brand, introduce us to new customers and gain recognition with retailers/stockists. It’s also a fantastic team moment, recognising all the creativity and hard work that goes into making products that people genuinely love. From the awards, we hope to continue growing our audience and ultimately get more people playing and laughing together - just like how we make them! Winning would be an incredible achievement, but even being finalists in two categories is something we’re really proud of.
What exciting plans do you have for the future?
We’re working to expand our existing ranges, introduce brand new games, establish new collaborations and continue building on being the go-to for unforgettable game nights. We’re also excited about upgrading our production which means that we can bring even more exciting ideas to life. And of course, we’re already working on this year’s Christmas crackers (it’s never too early).
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received (or given), and why?
As a team, we all agreed that the best gifts are the ones that you experience, remember and talk about long after. We’re big believers in gifts that bring people together, which is probably no surprise! It’s those shared and meaningful moments that stick!
With a passion for puzzles and a knack for creating moments that bring people together, Puzzle Post is turning game night into a festive tradition. Their innovative take on Christmas crackers proves that gifts don’t just sit under the tree, they create lasting memories around the table. We’re delighted to have them as finalists and can’t wait to see what exciting ideas they unwrap next.
To explore the range, visit the the Puzzle Post website.
