This is one of those personal moments.

Certain moments in our lives invite us to take time off to be fully present with family and close friends, to reflect, and to experience joy. This week is one such occasion. In the coming days, we will be sharing the joy of our daughter’s wedding. This event has been years in the making with law school graduation, passing the bar, and the design of multiple Michelin star restaurants accomplished between these two amazing young women. As a content writer at heart, I can’t help but jot a few words about this moment. I expect the excitement, scenery, and design details (not to mention the dancing and after-party) will continue to inspire us upon our return.

Throughout the festivities, we’ll be using our beautiful, custom wood boxes (and more). We look forward to sharing a peek behind the scenes in the coming weeks. As you plan your milestone moments, we invite you to visit our Specialty Series, where you can select custom gift boxes, and other unique accents, for your big life occasions.

Taking the plunge, the last picture of their engagement photos. Photo @alexandraroberts

Are Your Client Gifts Saying What You Think?

Updated: August 28, 2023

This is a two-part blog series. This first post is to help you define your intention and clarify the impression you want to make with your gifts. The second post shares ideas and examples to help you achieve that impression.

Part 1 of 2

Every gift leaves an impression; the question is, what statement is your gift making? Is it one that's lasting or last minute? Rushed or refined? Will the shrink-wrapped container from a big box store reflect the way you want your clients and guests to think about you? Before you make a mad dash down the retail aisle or a rush order on Amazon, we encourage you to take a moment to be intentional about the impression you want to make with your gifts and ask yourself these questions:

What is the intent of your gift? How do you want people to feel when they open it? Is it important to be memorable? One of a kind? Is it to impress a new client or to upgrade their experience with you? Do you want the gift to last beyond the occasion? Is the goal to show them you stand apart from the rest and are unique in what you do? No matter the size, your gift can demonstrate that this personal or professional relationship matters.

What unspoken message do you want the gift to send? The beauty of custom-made is what it says on your behalf. Giving a customized gift expresses thoughtfulness, time, and planning. It means you've considered the people receiving it, evaluated what would be meaningful, and that you’re willing to prepare in advance. It represents craftsmanship, exquisite attention to detail, and quality. It radiates value. The art of custom reflects a commitment to training, skill, and the tools to craft raw materials into something beautiful. Whether you send our gift boxes, cutting boards, coasters, or artisan stands, the details are evident. In our business, we handpick the wood, study the grain pattern, and plan where the design will appear. These details take time - and it's time well spent.  

Without saying a word, custom speaks volumes about the importance of the relationship and your commitment to sharing something meaningful and long-lasting. As you look ahead to your gift selection, consider the impact and message you'd like to deliver. And in our next post, we'll talk about different ways to help make that happen.  

Off-Road and Online

Updated: April 6, 2023

Adventure lovers, beach-goers, and trail seekers now enjoy the opportunity to build collaborations and take conference calls on the road. The workspace concept is redefined as the family dog makes regular on-screen appearances, and the back of a pickup truck transforms into a workstation. With the shift to fewer in-person meetings, you may wonder how to stay top-of-mind with customers. The hidden benefit of remote work is seeing your clients in a new light, in more personal and interesting surroundings. It's a great chance to get to know the human behind the email and better understand how to celebrate what matters to them.

As we weave personal travel into our business agendas, deal-making, and day-to-day business decisions move from the mainstream to the airstream. Designs are drawn from the comfort of deck chairs, and strategies are solidified from the shorelines. Successful entrepreneurs drop knowledge from behind the wheel of an RV (@Jesseitzler), while others work from converted Sprinter vans nicer than most apartments. Mini cabins and newly renovated motels are enjoying a resurgence as clients post from locations that tout open hallways, no elevators, and no closed corridors.

All this blending of work and home offers a glimpse into people's passions, a chance to note their travels and tendencies. Tap into these passions as you think about your client gifts. Upgrade their morning java with a beautifully glazed ceramic mug, or add a spark of style to their campfire with a unique whiskey tumbler. Send colorful, handwoven coasters or bar towels that spice up the park table yet require little space to carry. Whatever the favored activity, a nod to your client's lifestyle with a handcrafted artisan gift box reflects genuine thoughtfulness that will last through years of road trips and rendezvous.

For all of our explorers out there, honk if you love artisan gifts, refill your mug for the ride, keep the mints and chapstick close, and set your course for the next destination.

Clink Outside the Box

Updated April 30, 2024

Centerpieces and seasonings, treats and treasures, and an elegant serving tray are a few of the ways your gift box recipients keep their favorite items organized and on beautiful display. Between sipping, toasting, and pouring, artisan gifts are meant to be enjoyed.

Handwoven towels and textured ceramic tumblers make a stylish addition to the kitchen or bar. What about handcrafted mugs, porcelain cups, or espresso cups for breakfast in bed? A custom box makes a special place to keep your favorite recipe books. As a beautiful centerpiece, your handcrafted box will spark fresh conversation around the table with friends and family. Whether you work from home or at the office, a custom gift box adds style to your writing papers and pens.

These artisan gifts are here to elevate and celebrate your lifestyle.