Remember when Birchbox was a wild and crazy novelty? The idea that someone, somewhere was carefully curating a package of things that would just show up in your mailbox one day felt so innovative and exciting. And though it may not feel quite as innovative these days, it’s still just as exciting.
Here, we’ll help you navigate the local custom gift box scene so you can shop for everyone (and give them a taste of Dallas) without ever leaving home.
Loved & Found
The Founder: Liz Vidrine, a former textile artists for companies such as Nasty Gal, Michael Kors, and Martha Stewart.
The Pitch: “A boutique gifting studio that specializes in curated and custom gift boxes that tell a story through carefully selected products and wrapping details.”
The Price Range: $48-$148
The Bottom Line: While the themes of Loved & Found’s boxes include everything from “Happy Hour” to “Unwind,” the company’s real focus seems to be wedding-related. With an entire page dedicated to the subject, L&F has you covered from your engagement to your “Something Blue.” Also, given Vidrine’s textile experience, the wrapping details truly are top notch.
Just Hit Send
The Founder: Annie Shamoon, a former events coordinator at LARK on the Park
The Pitch: “We specialize in gift packages featuring high-end, name brand products, including those from several Dallas-based brands, such as Dude, Sweet Chocolate & Gaia for Women.”
The Price Range: $48-$145
The Bottom Line: While all services work to hand pick interesting brands, Just Hit Send incorporates more local brands than most. The site also features a fantastic “Never Forget” function that will send you a reminder when it’s time to (wait for it) just hit send.
Buttermilk Babies
The Founders: Local moms McKenzie Mitchell and Nicole Broadhurst
The Pitch: The Dallas-based company that proved swaddles can be cool launched a gift box service last spring that just as hip as their product.
The Price Range: $75-$250
The Bottom Line: The most specific of our gifting services is also the most local. Each bundle includes Vim + Vigor juice, Joy Macarons, and flowers by Bows + Arrows, while the largest box also includes a bag of Village Baking Co. coffee.
To & From
The Founders: Ali Hollins and Meg Jones, two SMU grads and former RewardStyle employees
The Pitch: “Our basic services include curating and sourcing gift options and customizing a complete package for your gift.”
The Price Range: The duo will work with your budget.
The Bottom Line: The service just recently launched, and though their online shop is “starting small,” To & From’s polished website (which includes examples of curated boxes) inspires confidence in the quality of their custom gifting service.
Velvet Crate
The Founders: Sisters Allison Loftus and Amy Sullivan
The Pitch: “A VelvetCrate is a gift package that makes a perfect gift for every occasion… [and] delivered with a custom card that can be personalized with your message. Shipping is free, fast, and you can select your desired delivery date.”
The Price Range: $50-$58
The Bottom Line: Their website may not be as flashy as the others on this list, but the brands they box really do make excellent gifts. Our recommendation: “Cheers to HIM.” There’s not a man on Earth who doesn’t dig Jack Black.
