Thinking inside the box

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This article was published 06/03/2021 (1811 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whether you’re searching for a birthday gift, a baby shower surprise, or a bridal party “just because,” finding the perfect present can often seem like a never-ending hunt.

But two Steinbach entrepreneurs are on a mission to change that with their specialty gift product, Simply Boxed.

In September 2020, just before provincial COVID-19 pandemic restrictions shuttered brick-and-mortar stores across the province, co-owners of Simply Boxed Ashley Thiessen and Jenelle Fender decided to launch their luxe boxed gift baskets on social media.

“I was just tired of running around from store to store looking for a really thoughtful gift,” said Thiessen.

“I love giving people gifts that make them smile when they open them, and I wanted to create that for people in a more simplified way.”

Word of mouth about their business spread quickly in Steinbach and by December, Simply Boxed began focusing its efforts on gift solutions for corporate offices. But as COVID-19 infection numbers rose, so did sales for curated care packages.

“We’ve been able to see sales change towards care baskets and for people that are in isolation, they can get baskets specifically for those needs,” said Thiessen, adding there was a clear interest to have the packages available year round.

So, what’s in the box?

From snacks for the pantry to self-care products for rest and relaxation to even succulents for the home, the boxes feature locally and Canadian-made goods. To date, the company has partnered with over 40 Canadian businesses to include beauty products like bath bombs and scrunchies, to baby swaddles and even handmade signs — crafted by Thiessen herself.

“That’s something that amplifies our gifts that we create and so that aspect just allows people to personalize that gift that much further,” said Fender.

Fuelled by their love for local, Fender said featuring both known and new products just made sense.

“We find it very important to have both products that people are familiar with and love but at the same time source out products that are very new and something different that they’re trying for the first time,” said Fender.

Although the duo says they are always trying to find new products to place in the boxes, one sales trend has remained steady: you can’t go wrong with food.

“Consumables don’t collect dust,” said Fender. “So all of us have been in that position where we have to find a gift for a person that already has everything, so moving in that direction where you’re purchasing something with a lot of consumables kind of just speaks to everyone.”

Customers have the option to choose a curated package like the spa-inspired basket, the welcome home bundle, or can customize the gift right down to the type of box they prefer. Current boxes on their website range in price from $70 to $150 and are available for delivery within Winnipeg and surrounding areas.

nadya.pankiw@freepress.mb.ca