Thumbsie® Wins Silver at the Junior Design Awards!

We are absolutely thrilled to share some wonderful news – Thumbsie® has won Silver in the Best Health & Wellbeing category at the 2025 Junior Design Awards!

This recognition means so much to us, and we’re honoured to be featured alongside some of the most creative, innovative, and inspiring names in the family lifestyle industry.

Why the Junior Design Awards Matter

The Junior Design Awards (JDA), run by Junior Magazine, are among the most respected accolades in the parenting and family lifestyle world. For over a decade, they’ve celebrated the very best in design, innovation, and game-changing ideas for families.

Each year, winners are carefully chosen by an expert panel of judges from design, lifestyle, and parenting sectors. With their keen eye for quality and creativity, the judges are known for setting a high bar – and that’s exactly why these awards are so special.

Not only do they spotlight big-name brands such as Marks & Spencer, MK Kids, and Little Prince London, but they also celebrate independent businesses who are making a difference. To be recognised in such company is an incredible milestone for us.

A Milestone Moment for Thumbsie®

As we mark our 12th anniversary, this award feels particularly meaningful. From the very first Thumbsie® to where we are today, our mission has remained the same: to support children and families with gentle, effective solutions.

We’ve always believed that breaking the thumb-sucking habit shouldn’t feel like a punishment. That’s why every Thumbsie® is designed to be colourful, fun, and empowering – helping children to feel proud of their progress while supporting their oral health in a positive way.

What the Judges Said

We were touched and inspired by the judges’ feedback. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“These colourful, handmade fabric thumb and finger guards were a big hit with the JDA judges, especially those who had experienced the frustration of trying to train their children not to suck their thumbs. This non-invasive and gentle method for deterring thumb sucking was hailed as genius… The panel was excited to learn that Thumbsie® is recommended by dentists and orthodontists and is an approved product of the Oral Health Foundation.” – Junior Design Awards

“So excited to see this brand here! I’ve had two finger suckers and found these extremely effective. Gentle and kind (no poor tasting nail polish which feels punishing) and helps engage and empower the child in stopping a behaviour.” – Bridget MacKinnon, Content Creator

“I’ve been here! It’s very hard to encourage a thumb sucker to give it up, so it’s wonderful to see some innovation and enthusiasm in this area.” – Lucy Clayton, Writer & Podcast Host

“These guards are genius in their simplicity. And they’re backed up by so many success stories, from parents of children who no longer suck their thumbs!” – Charlotte Jolly, Creative Director & Junior’s Contributing Beauty & Wellness Editor

“Such a simple, clever design that will empower children and their parents to break the addictive cycle of thumb sucking!” – Bonita Turner, Editor, Junior

A Word from Our Founder

Jo Bates, Founder of Thumbsie®, shared her thoughts on this special moment:

“I am absolutely delighted that Thumbsie® has won Silver at the Junior Design Awards. This recognition is a true celebration of the families we’ve supported over the years. Our mission has always been to provide children with a gentle, positive way to stop thumb sucking, and it’s so rewarding to see our little fabric guards making such a difference to children’s health and wellbeing. Thank you to the judges and to all our wonderful customers who continue to inspire us every day.”

Thank You

Winning Silver at the Junior Design Awards is not just an award for us – it’s a celebration of the families and children who have trusted Thumbsie® on their journey.

We’re so proud of this achievement and excited for what’s to come. Here’s to continuing to help children break the habit, one Thumbsie® at a time! 💜