The countdown to The Licensing Awards 2026 in September is officially on, with the finalists across all categories having been announced.
Once again, The Licensing Awards attracted a phenomenal number of entries and nominations this year across all the categories.
Over 5,000 products were entered across the 12 Product awards categories, with the finalists being arrived at by retail buyers across the whole gamut of licensed and consumer products.
The judges included buyers from retailers such as Asda, Calendar Club, Cardfactory, Character.com, FatFace, Iceland, John Lewis, Longleat, LPP, Lush, Matalan, Marks & Spencer, Moonpig, Next, Primark, Pull&Bear, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Skinnydip, Tesco, TruffleShuffle, Vanilla Underground, Voisins, Waterstones and The Works.
Various validation panels have also convened to discuss, debate and validate all the other categories to arrive at the worthy finalists.
“A huge congratulations to all of the 2026 finalists – from the 12 young professionals who have been nominated for UK Rising Star through to the evergreen properties in the running for the Classic Licensed Property award,” commented Ian Hyder, ceo at Max Publishing (which owns and organises The Licensing Awards). “The overwhelming amount of entries has led to a shortlist which reflects the success, trends, innovation, joy, passion and creativity of the UK licensing business.
“Congratulations to all of the nominees; we can’t wait to celebrate with you all on Tuesday 8 September.”
The Licensing Awards 2026 are supported by a wide array of partners including Brand Licensing Europe as headline sponsor, and trade body Licensing International, a key support and sponsor of the UK Rising Star award.
The finalists in The Licensing Awards 2026 are (all categories are for licensing activity over the period between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026):
THE UK RISING STAR AWARD FINALISTS
This is a Licensing International UK award. The award is designed to recognise excellence among junior industry professionals in the United Kingdom under the age of 35.
Lucy Arguile, licensing executive, Reemsborko
Sam Billinghurst Brown, licensing and product development manager, Retail Monster
Kathryn Brand, editor and content manager, Products of Change
Josephine Hodges, product developer softlines, SEGA
Lucy Lloyd, retail sales and marketing manager, Disney
Brittany MacPhail, design manager, Banijay Rights
Alberto Massaro, licensing executive, Born Licensing
Mollie Moore, senior executive, McLaren
Russell Mountford, senior product designer and developer, Fanattik
Emma Ritchie, EMEA senior licensing executive, BBC Studios
Laura Jane Rock, assistant buyer, Primark
Byron Williamson, license and marketing manager, Spike Leisurewear
THE RETAIL CATEGORIES:
Best Retailer of Preschool Licensed Products (age group 0-5)
Asda
Boots
Character.com
The Entertainer
Marks & Spencer
Morrisons
Next
Sainsbury’s
Smyths
Tesco
Best Retailer of Kids’ Licensed Products (age group 5-16)
Asda
B&M
Character.com
The Entertainer
Home Bargains
Marks & Spencer
Next
Primark
Sainsbury’s
Smyths
Tesco
Best Retailer of Adult Licensed Products
Asda
Forbidden Planet
HMV
Home Bargains
Lush
Next
Primark
Tesco
TruffleShuffle
Vanilla Underground
The Radar Award
BargainMax
Cardzone
Dunelm
Gettrend
Monsoon Children
My 1st Years
Pop Mart
The Range
The Works
Best Overseas Retailer
Aldi
Bershka
H&M
Lidl
MINISO
Pop Mart
Pull&Bear
Smiggle
Uniqlo
Zara
Best Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative
Bluey Summer Campaign with John Lewis
Bridgerton Campaign with Liberty London
Cars Roadshow with Smyths Toys Superstores
NANA Collaboration with Vivienne Westwood
Pokémon Experience with Natural History Museum
Star Trek 60th Anniversary Campaign with the Science Museum
Stranger Things: Season 5 Campaign with Primark
Superman Campaign with HMV
Wicked: For Good Campaign with Asda
Best Licensed Promotions Campaign
BFG The Unexpected Guest Campaign for Sainsbury’s from Born Licensing and The Roald Dahl Story Company
The Christmasaurus Trail at Cribbs Causeway from Bakehouse Factory
Cluedo at Slim Chickens’ Restaurants Campaign from Hasbro
Crayola Play with Colour Campaign with Clinique
The Grinch Adult Meal Promotion from McDonald’s
Love Actually It’s Pixel, Actually Promotion from Born Licensing
Mog’s Christmas Trail at Victoria Centre from Bakehouse Factory
Paddington’s Postcards Campaign with UNICEF
Trivial Pursuit Win a Wedge Promotion with Marston’s Pubs
Wallace & Gromit Cracking Christmas Campaign with Barbour
Best Licensed Live Event
Beano Mischief at the Tower of London from Historic Royal Palaces
Beatrix Potter Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
Bluey The Ride: Here Come the Grannies! at CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort from Merlin Entertainments
Care Bears Spring Celebration at Drayton Manor
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical from Secret Cinema and TodayTix
The Gruffalo at Lanterns of the Wild with Twycross Zoo
Horrible Histories: Vile Victorian Halloween at Milestones Museum
Paddington: The Musical from Sonia Friedman Productions/STUDIOCANAL/Eliza Lumley Productions
PAW Patrol at Chessington World of Adventures from Merlin Entertainments
Peppa Pig’s Space Adventure at NEC Birmingham from The Path Entertainment Group
Pokémon and JimmyPaul ROAM Fashion Show by Difuzed
The Traitors Live Experience from Immersive Everywhere
THE PRODUCT CATEGORIES:
Best Licensed Toys or Games Range
Bluey Range from LEGO
Care Bears and Wicked Plush Range from Basic Fun!
FIFA World Cup 2026 Plush Toy Range from Jazwares
Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Range from Spin Master
Hot Wheels Formula 1 Range from Mattel
How To Train Your Dragon Range from Spin Master
KPop Demon Hunters POP! Range from Funko
Minecraft Tabletop Arcade Games by Merchant Ambassador
Mr. Men Little Miss Range from Rainbow Designs
One Piece Live Action Range from LEGO
Peppa Pig Whizz-Around Range from Character Options
Pikachu Puppetronic by RealFX from WOW! Stuff
Stranger Things 5 Range from LEGO
Super Mario Galaxy Movie Master Toy Range from Jakks Pacific
Taskmaster Games Range from Ginger Fox Games
Best Licensed Health and Beauty Range
Bluey Suncare Range from Childs Farm
Bridgerton Bath & Body Collection from Dove
Care Bears Health and Beauty Range from International Stock
Miffy and Cath Kidston Range from Heathcote & Ivory
Miffy Personal Care Collection from Wild Cosmetics
Mr. Men Little Miss Haircare Range from Matrix
Ozzy Osbourne Collection from Jolie Beauty
PAW Patrol Oral Care Range from Aquafresh
Peppa Pig Pampers Premium Protection Pants from Procter & Gamble
Pokémon Health and Beauty Range for Boots from H&A
SpongeBob SquarePants Cosmetics Range from Made by Mitchell
Squishmallows Sonic Kids Electric & Battery Toothbrush Range from Ordo
Wicked: For Good Bath & Beauty Collection from Lush
Wicked Health and Beauty Range for Sainsburys from H&A
Winnie the Pooh Festive Collection from Mad Beauty
Best Licensed Preschool Apparel or Accessories Range (0-5)
Bluey Collection from Converse
England National Football Team Babywear Collection from Blues Group
Flower Fairies Collection from Posh Peanut
Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Collection from Primark
The Gruffalo AW25 Range from JoJo Maman Bébé
Harry Potter Hedwig Collection from Blade & Rose
Hello Kitty and Friends Collection from Du Pareil Au Même
Miffy Babywear Collection for M&S from Blues Group
Miffy Girls Footwear Collection for Next from Brand International Group
PAW Patrol and NSPCC Range for Matalan from Fashion UK
Peter Rabbit Hosiery Range for Sainsbury’s from Misirli
Peter Rabbit Spring Collection from Vanilla Underground
Shaun the Sheep Footwear Collection from Vivobarefoot
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Babywear Range for Boots from Poetic Brands
Toy Story 5 Collection for Character.com from Fashion UK
Toy Story Jessie Footwear Collection from William Lamb Group
Best Licensed Children’s Apparel or Accessories Range
Blondie Apparel Range from Somerbond
Care Bears Colours of Caring Collection from United Colors of Benetton
KPop Demon Hunters Collection from Primark
KPop Demon Hunters Collection for Tesco from Brand Alliance
KPop Demon Hunters Collection from ZARA
McLaren Racing Collection for M&S from Outerstuff
Minecraft Collection for Next from Fashion UK
My Little Pony Collection from Monsoon
PlayStation Accessories & Footwear Collection for Zara Kids from BM Fashions
Pusheen Tropical Vacation Girls Apparel & Accessories Collection from Reserved
Squishmallows Kidswear Collection from M&S
Stitch Nightwear Collection for Next from Cooneen by Design
Toy Story 5 Collection for George from Blues Group
Toy Story Rags & Rascals Collection for Next from Brands In
Wallace and Gromit 50 Years of Aardman Collection for M&S from Aykroyds
Wicked: For Good Collection for Character.com from TDP Textiles
Best Licensed Adult Apparel or Accessories Range
Arsenal FC Collection from Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister
Barbie and Red Roses England Women’s Rugby Union Team Collection from Castore
Bridgerton Collection from Liberty
Chelsea FC Collection from October’s Very Own (OVO)
Minecraft Collection from AntiSocialSocialClub
Moomin Womenswear Collection from Cath Kidston
NFL Underwear Collection from OddBalls Apparel
Oasis Apparel Collection from Levi Strauss & Co
One Piece Men’s Collection from Quiksilver
Paddington Classic Collection from Skinnydip London
Pingu Adults Apparel Collection from Vanilla Underground
Stranger Things Apparel and Accessories Collection for George from Brand Alliance
Stranger Things 5 Collection from Pull&Bear
Stranger Things 5 Reclaimed Vintage Collection from ASOS
Wicked: For Good Collection from Cambridge Satchel
Winnie the Pooh 100th Anniversary Collection from Primark
Best Licensed Dress-up or Partyware Range
Bullseye Dress-up Range from Blues Group
The Gruffalo & Friends Dress-up Collection from Blues Group
KPop Demon Hunters Dress-up Collection from Rubies
KPop Demon Hunters Party Collection from PROCOS
Minecraft Collection from OppoSuits
Minecraft Party Collection from PROCOS
My Little Pony Collection from OppoSuits
PAW Patrol Dress-up Collection from Rubies
Peter Rabbit & Flopsy Collection for George from Blues Group
Rocky Horror Costume Collection from Smiffys
SmileyWorld Party Range from UK Greetings
Superman and Krypto Dog Costumes from Rubies
Toy Story Jessie Dress-up from Disguise
The Traitors Dress-up Collection from Blues Group
Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range
Black Mirror Graphic Novels from TPub (Twisted Comics)
Crayola Homework Helpers Range from Centum Books
Disney Mini Books from Hachette Partworks
Disney Stitch Publishing Programme from Bonnier Books UK
FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Sticker Collection from Panini UK
Fun with Spot Collection from Phidal
Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: A Book of Magical Surprises from Insight Editions
KPop Demon Hunters Publishing Range from Puffin
Moomin Publishing Range from Macmillan Children’s Books
Mr. Men Little Miss Agatha Christie Mysteries from Farshore, HarperCollins
Numberblocks Countdown to Bed: Symbolised Storybook from Every Cherry Publishing
Peppa Pig Publishing Programme from Ladybird Books
Sonic the Hedgehog Publishing Range from Farshore, HarperCollins
Squishmallows Magazine from Egmont
The Traitors Search and Find Book from Walker Books
Winnie the Pooh Publishing Programme from Farshore, HarperCollins
Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range
Care Bears Stationery Collection from Smiggle
Flower Fairies Stationery Collection from Paperblanks
Fourth Wing, Shadows of Navarre Range (Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Collection) from Paperblanks
Fuggler Stationery Collection from Hunter Price International
KPop Demon Hunters Calendar, Card & Gift Wrap Range from Danilo Promotions
KPop Demon Hunters Huntrix Stationery Range from Pyramid International
KPop Demon Hunters Stationery Range from Blue Sky Studios
Miffy Buttercup Stationery Range from Blueprint Collections
Moomin Stationery Collection for Waterstones from Flame Tree Publishing
Moomin Father’s Day Range from Thortful
Mr Bean Greeting Card Collection from UK Greetings
Original Stormtrooper Pop Art Stationery from Puckator
Peanuts Greeting Cards Collection from Hallmark Cards
Peanuts Stamps & Gifting Collection from Royal Mail
Stitch Christmas Activity Range from IG Design Group
Toy Story Adult Greeting Card Range from Moonpig
Best Licensed Giftware, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range
Bridgerton Home Collection for George from Brand Alliance
England FA Homewares Collection from Dreamtex
Formula 1 Homeware Collection from Pottery Barn
Gilmore Girls Homeware Collection from Home Bargains
The Grinch Small Domestic Appliances Range from Eurosonic Group
Hello Kitty Home Collection from H&M
Hello Kitty and Friends Seasons Collection from Dalian Talent Group
KPop Demon Hunters Home Collection for Amazon from Character World Brands
Marilyn Monroe Collection for Next from Rockett St George
Minecraft Lighting Range from Paladone
Monopoly 90th Anniversary Coin Collection from The Royal Mint
Oasis Collection from Casetify
Paddington Homeware and Accessories Range from Half Moon Bay
Peanuts Lifestyle Range from Bioworld International
Pembe the Pink Cat Collectable Range from Rainbow Designs
Peter Rabbit Vegetable Thief Collection from Toasted Crumpet
Best Licensed Food or Drink Range
Bing Dairy Free Seasonal Confectionery Range from Moo Free
Bluey Multigrain Shapes Breakfast Cereal from Kellogg’s
Disney Classics Patisserie Range from EL&N
Emily in Paris Limited Edition Range from Boursin
The Gruffalo Snack Bar Range from Organix
Harry Potter Butterbeer Maryland Cookies from Fox’s Burtons Biscuit Company
The Mandalorian and Grogu Robinsons Drinks Range from Britvic
Minecraft Celebration Cake and Cupcakes from Finsbury Foods
Mr. Men Little Miss Mr. Ridiculously Good’s Smooth Tomato Bolognese from Heinz
Peppa Pig Apples for Tesco from Little Joya
Peter Rabbit Easter 2026 Collection from Montezuma’s Chocolates
R.Whites Freeze Pops from Rose Marketing UK
Stranger Things 5 Chupa Chups Range from Perfetti Van Melle
Toy Story Horseshoe Cereal from Weetabix
Wicked: For Good Poppets from Valeo Foods UK
Winnie the Pooh Collection from Lola’s Cakes
The Innovation Award
2000 AD Guitar Pedals from ThorpyFx
The Adventures of Paddington Create & Play + from Crayola
Blippi and Natural History Museum Collaboration for Character.com from TDP Textiles
Care Bears Digital Pets from You Tec
Harry Potter Diagon Alley Advent Calendar from The Carat Shop
Jurassic World Primal Hatch T. Rex Specimen TR-1.0 from Spin Master
KISS Culinary Collection from Dalstrong
Minions Palm Puppetronics from WOW! Stuff
Peppa Pig Hear The Fun Collection for Character.com from Aykroyd & Sons
Peppa Pig Symbolised Stories Collection from Every Cherry Publishing
Star Wars Collection from Target Darts
Sonic the Hedgehog Limited Edition Poster from McLaren Racing
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sewer Oil Diffuser and Humidifier from Rubber Road
Toy Story 3D Hat Backpacks for Character.com from Fashion UK
Wallace & Gromit Cheese Making Kits from The Big Cheese Making Kit
Wicked Sonic Lite Toothbrush Range from Ordo
Best Sustainable Licensed Product
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Compostable Dog Poo Bags from Adios Plastic
Disney Christmas Range for Sainsbury’s from IG Design Group
The Gruffalo Play-sets from Playpress Toys
The Gruffalo and Zog Epic BOTL Collection from One Green Bottle
Haynes Apparel & Gifting from Shirtbox.com powered by Teemill
Marvel Eco Nature Range for Tesco from IG Design Group
Miffy Fashion Collection from Chinti & Parker and Fabacus
Paddington Bath & Body Collection from Lush
Pokémon and Natural History Museum Collection from A2V
SmileyWorld Party Range from UK Greetings
Best Preschool Licensed Property (0-5)
Bing
Blippi
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Numberblocks
Zog
Best Children’s or Tween Licensed Property (5-12)
Beano
Mr Bean
Paddington
Pusheen
Squishmallows
Best Teen or Adult Licensed Property
Bridgerton
Care Bears
Fuggler
The Grinch
Harry Potter
Hello Kitty
The Traitors
Best Gaming Licensed Property
Astro Bot
Call of Duty
Fortnite
League of Legends
Minecraft
Roblox
The Sims
Sonic the Hedgehog
Stumble Guys
Super Mario
Warhammer
Best Film Licensed Property
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
How To Train Your Dragon
Jurassic World Rebirth
KPop Demon Hunters
Masters of the Universe
Superman (2025)
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Wicked: For Good
Zootopia 2
Best Music or Celebrity Licensed Property
The Beatles
Gorillaz
Grateful Dead
Iron Maiden
KISS
Oasis
Ozzy Osbourne
The Rolling Stones
Best Sports Licensed Property
Arsenal Football Club
Chelsea Football Club
Formula 1
The Football Association
Liverpool Football Club
Manchester City Football Club
McLaren Racing
Newcastle United Football Club
Scottish Football Association
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
The Classic Licensed Property Award
Bullseye
Care Bears
The Grinch
The Gruffalo
Me To You
Moomin
Mr Bean
Mr. Men Little Miss
Sesame Street
Sonic The Hedgehog
SpongeBob SquarePants
The Polar Express
WHAT KIDS LOVE AWARD 2026:
Batman
Bluey
CoComelon
Harry Potter
Minecraft
Mr Bean
PAW Patrol
Peppa Pig
Pokémon
Spider-Man
SpongeBob SquarePants
Superman
Super Mario
Wicked
HONORARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
There are no finalists announced for this prestigious award. It will be given to someone in recognition of their contribution to the industry.
The Licensing Awards 2026 takes place on Tuesday 8 September at Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085.
For sponsorship or general questions regarding The Licensing Awards, please contact Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Rob Willis or Samantha Loveday.