Happy birthday to us! It’s been a whirlwind 12 years, but Thumbsie are still here and still producing amazing thumb gloves which have great results.
By Jo Bates, our founder
I remember back in 2013, standing at my daughter’s school gates and chatting to other mums about my idea for a new product. They were so supportive, and all agreed that there was a need for a solution to thumb sucking. That solution became Thumbsie!
12 years later, we have helped thousands of children kick the thumb sucking habit, been accredited by the Oral Health Foundation, won a number of awards, and received countless positive reviews. And in January 2025, we had our most successful month ever! What a journey.
Even after 12 years, there are exciting new changes and challenges at Thumbsie®.
In June 2024, we launched our own design fabric which has proved hugely popular. After our previous suppliers stopped producing our favourite fabrics, we struggled to find a British-based replacement. So, we decided to design our own. All our new fabrics are 100 per cent cotton and have a darker colour background to ensure they don’t start to look grubby.
All our new designs are made in Britain – ensuring a minimal carbon footprint, something very important to us as an environmentally conscious small business. Also, the fabric is OEKO-Tex certified too, meaning no harmful substances were used when making or printing. Our first run in June proved so popular, that we have recently announced even more new fabrics. Check them out!
Meanwhile, we continue to sell our 100 per cent vegan Skin Balm, which we launched last year. The balm is designed to work in conjunction with a Thumbsie® thumb or finger glove and is not just for thumb sucking, but also children who skin pick – a habit that can also cause damage to thumbs and fingers. This product is ethically made by Sheabutter Cottage who believe in ethical trading and supporting communities with a fair price being paid, and no child labour in any part of the supply chain.
Other recent news includes our full compliance with regulations when selling to Northern Ireland and the EU. All British products must now have a legal representative within the EU and comply with General Product Safety Regulations. We’re pleased to say that Thumbsie® are totally complaint with this and are always very happy to help customers in Northern Ireland and across the EU.
And it was a bumper September for us, as we added two new awards to our “trophy cabinet.” It was a privilege to win both Childcare Brand of the Year at the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards and Most Innovative Children’s Dental Health Product at the SME Awards.
It’s hard to believe, but next year Thumbsie® will become a teenager – 13 years old! Our positive reviews keep coming in, and we are always thrilled to read them. We have 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. If your child has had a positive experience with Thumbsie®, do let us know.
Here are some of my personal favourites from recent months:
“My son is autistic and had been sucking his thumb for 10 years, but since having the Thumbsies, he hasn’t sucked his thumb in 5 months. I would highly recommend.”
“My daughter has sucked her index and middle fingers since she was born, and I had no idea how to break the habit. We purchased both a Thumbsie and the book, and began reading the story most days. Before long, my daughter was asking me if she could wear her Thumbsie. Even now she has given up she still occasionally asks to wear it. Thank you Thumbsie!”
“Thumbsie has worked a treat since the day my 6-year-old daughter used it. My daughter loved to pick her own design too. No more thumb-sucking. Thank you so much!”
Here’s to year number 13! Thanks again to all our wonderful customers and supporters.
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