Happy Box Blog

Written by: Brigid Fallon

Social media can be a negative place sometimes, but hey, it’s 2021 and strong, powerful women do NOT have time for that kind of energy (we’re too busy breaking glass ceilings). However, it also has the potential to effect change in positive ways. International Women’s Day (3/8) is a day that honors the great achievements of women and raises awareness about women's equality in society. This is why we want to highlight women who choose to spread positivity as well as empower other women on social media. These accounts will grace your feed by inspiring you through daily advice, memes, and quotes to spread good and raise one another up. 

So while International Women’s Day is one day of the year, be inspired every day by following these amazing accounts:  

Sara Blakey (@Sarablakely) 
Businesswoman, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist, Sara Blakley is the founder of Spanx, a brand of body-slimming undergarments, leggings, swimwear and maternity wear. In 2012 she became the world's youngest female self-made billionaire (if that’s not inspiring idk what is). Through her philanthropy work she continues to back a fund for female entrepreneurs. Her instagram account is full of personal pictures of her family as well as career and self-love advice that every woman should hear. Sara is the ultimate power woman being a mom of four AND an inventor.

SoGal Foundation (@imsogal)
As it says in their insta bio, the SoGal Foundation is on a “mission to close the diversity gap in entrepreneurship and investing globally”. The foundation is the largest global platform for the empowerment of diverse entrepreneurs and investors. Founded by Yiqing Sun, she felt that the road to entrepreneurship was very lonely since it is a male dominated industry and there was not enough support for women within this industry. She created the SoGal Community during her time at USC and it immediately began to gain global recognition. We stan this entrepreneurial foundation with it’s main goal to support women in business!

Sallie Krawcheck (@sallie.krawcheck) & Ellevest (@ellevest) 
Sallie Krawcheck is the founder and ceo of Ellevest, “a financial company for women, by women”. Their overall mission is to help women get more money into their hands by offering career coaching, financial planning, and investing services. The instagram account for Ellevest is full of inspirational quotes, tips, and tricks on how to achieve your goals as a woman. Along with her work with Ellevest, Sallie is also the chair of the Ellevate network, a global professional network for women. Her professional goal is to help women achieve their fullest potential professionally and financially. 

Dr. Akilah Cadet (@changecadet) 
Self-appointed as the “Olivia Pope of Diversity” Akilah’s platform is specifically to ensure change for people of color everywhere and overall has great content that empowers. The Change Cadet offers multiple services that help your personal development as well as group development aimed towards anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. They encourage followers to be uncomfortable in order to impact change and their instagram is full of informational quotes, personal stories, and ways for you to get involved to create your own change. 

Ladies Get Paid (@ladiesgetpaid)
Ladies Get Paid is a service that helps women in their financial and professional endeavors. By becoming a member you are accessing a worldwide network of women that offers education and resources to help you advance! They instagram a lot of informational posts about helpful webinars, the guests that will be included in their “fireside chats” as well as memes and inspirational quotes.  A must follow!

The Female Collective (@femalecollective)
The Female Collective is an amazing resource if you need some self-care content and quotes about self-love (let’s be real.. Everyone needs that). Founder and activist, @candacereels created this platform as a way for women to be celebrated, supported, and empowered 24/7. 

And finally...

Girlboss (@girlboss)
Girlboss is a community that brings together ambitious, career-driven women who are redefining what makes them successful. On their aesthetically pleasing Instagram account, Girlboss offers advice, relatable memes, and brings awareness to women’s achievements. They also have an amazing podcast called Girlboss Radio Podcast which provides honest and uplifting content that will leave you feeling like you can achieve anything! If you need motivation- get on the Girlboss train.  

Whether you need a confidence boost, advice, ways to get involved, or some life motivation- these instagram accounts and their organizations as whole are our go-tos. All of their missions mean a lot to us and as women we should be hyping one another up everyday! 

Happy International Women’s Day, you’re beautiful and strong. Now go seize the day! 

Written By: Brigid Fallon, Marketing & Partnerships Specialist @ Happy Box

Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Quarantine
If you don’t already know, Galentine’s Day stems from an episode of the popular TV series, Parks and Recreation that came out in 2010. Every February 13th, fictional character Leslie Knope hosts a brunch to celebrate the lovely ladies in her life which then became the unofficial holiday that allows women to celebrate each other single or not. Compared to the daunting pressure of Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day is known for its pink themed celebrations and anything heart shaped that you can get your hands on. 

This year has made us appreciate our friends and family SO much more. Even though you may not be physically there to shower your BFFs with love and affection, the Galentine festivities must go on! We’ve come up with a few ideas on how to celebrate Galentine’s Day ~covid style~. 

Rom-Com Movie Tandem Watch Party
Have everyone pick out their favorite romantic comedy and grab the popcorn and wine! There is no better way to celebrate Galentine’s Day than to live vicariously through Kate Hudson in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” We suggest streaming through teleparty, zoom, and hulu watch party so both you and your socially distant friends can swoon over Matthew McConaughey together.

Dinner and Dessert à la Zoom
If eating your feelings sounds about right- we’re all for it. Host a virtual GNO and have everyone order in their favs. Afterwards satisfy that sweet tooth and have a lil’ dessert party. Bake some galentine themed sweet treats that you can happily indulge.  Here is some treat inspo to share with your girls.

Jam out to a not-so-sad playlist
Hop on over to Spotify- they have so many different playlists for any occasion or mood that will definitely pick up your spirits. Have a dance party or go for a drive to really get in touch with your inner Mariah Carey. 

Get Outside
These winter blues are hitting hard right about now. If you can, go on a socially distant walk/hike with your friends! When it’s harder to get a gossip sesh in over brunch, take it to the trails and burn some calories!

Cheers to Friendship!
Host a virtual Galentine’s cocktail hour and have everyone create a Galentine’s themed drink. Here are some pink and pretty cocktails that will definitely taste as good as they look.  

Send your Gals some Valentines
No doubt the best part of Valentine’s Day as a kid was picking out the perfect Valentine’s to give to your classmates! You’re never too old to send some valentines to your BFFs. Relive your youth and see what cute and fun valentines your local store has to offer. You can also check out our Valentine’s Gift Guide that has many lovable gift options your long-distance gal will appreciate. 

Treat yo’self 
Celebrate YOU. Have the ultimate spa night in by throwing on your favorite pj’s, picking out a face mask, and having a movie, tv show, or podcast ready to play. Oh and don’t forget your go-to take-out place that you have on speed dial.

Written by Brigid Fallon

*I’m worried about your extroverted friend, send them a text*

This year has been tough to say the least. Everyone has had tremendous ups and downs and will continue to ride that roller coaster next year. With “Social Distancing” being the new normal and the unknowingness of how long that will last, it feels so d*mn hard to be positive and to stay connected under these circumstances. With the New Year approaching, we wanted to come up with a guide that can help you feel less isolated and more connected in fun and creative ways. Together, let’s resolve to stay in touch this New Year (and all year)! 

Make Regularly Scheduled Facetime “Dates”
Facetiming is downright the easiest way to connect to your long distance people. As someone who usually hates talking on the phone, I have become accustomed to facetiming my friends and family daily and it makes feeling connected so much better. Make regularly Facetimed “Dates” that you have set in stone. When it’s marked on your calendar you have no excuse to cancel and it will make you feel so much better! You can also do Facetime dinner dates with friends and your S/O- make the same recipe or order in dinner. There are other ways that you are able to video chat online; Google Hangout and Zoom! 

(Virtual) Book Club
Do you miss your in person book club where it was less talking about the book and more gossiping and wine? Don’t worry! With Zoom and Google Meet you can send a link to your girls and continue the discussions about your favorite reads right now. Send your club the same bottle of wine to make it feel even more like the 2019 version of book club.

Netflix and Chill
Binge watching shows and movies with your long distance BFF or S/O is so much easier now with Teleparty, formally Netflixparty. If you have the Chrome Browser, you can download the Teleparty extension and start watching shows from HBO, Netflix, Disney, and Hulu at the same time as your friends. Invite your friends to watch a movie by sending them an invitation link and voila, let the bingeing begin! 

 Send “Old Fashioned” Letters/Cards
There is something so sentimental about receiving a letter in the mail. Hand written notes are significantly more special rather than sending an email or quick text. Buy some cute stationary and keep your friends up to date with a more authentic and personalized touch.  

New Hobby with a Friend
Getting into a new hobby is the perfect way to start off the new year and name a better way to re-clique with friends! Start a workout together. Exercising alone is fine but exercising with friends makes it so much more bearable. Together you can hold one another accountable and it’s the perfect way to de-stress. If working out is not your cup of tea get into DIY projects! There are so many projects and crafts that you can do together that are affordable and cute *cue a deep pinterest search hole*. And finally, get into cooking! If you’ve been eating out a lot and it’s taking a toll on your wallet this will help you save and you’ll become a master chef. Start by finding a new meal to make once a week and go from there. Cheers to new skills! 

Download Games on your phone
If you don’t have a lot of time to chat, or there’s just no new updates in your life but still want to feel connected, download games on your phone to play with friends. Some of my favorites are Trivia Crack, Words with Friends, and Gamepigeon which lets you play games right through imessage.

Send a Care Package
And finally, there is nothing more special than receiving a well thought out gift in the mail. Let your friends know that you’re thinking about them by sending a care package. With Happy Box, you can shower your friends with love by building your own or picking from our curated collection and it’s so simple! 

Just because we have to stay distanced doesn’t mean we have to be distant. Staying connected is now more important than ever. With creativity, and of course technology staying in touch is so much easier. With these tips and tricks you’ll be in touch with friends and family no matter how many miles apart you are.

Written by: Brigid Fallon, Marketing Intern

Here at Happy Box we love to divulge in holiday treats and drinks and we never shy away from trying something new and neither should you. This year has been quite different, and so can your dinner whether it’s adding a new dish or drink to the menu. Regardless if you’re feasting safely with friends or family, our team came together to share our festive favorites that you should definitely add to your list. None of us are top chefs but these recipes will definitely make you feel like you’re on Barefoot Contessa and your guests will think so too.

Bacon Jam Cinnamon Rolls

"I recently came across this recipe for Bacon Jam Cinnamon Rolls and I knew I had to try these for the holidays! I will personally use crispy turkey bacon but who can turn down warm cinnamon rolls period...(plus this recipe uses my favorite jam from Trade St. Jam & Co - Cranberry, Raspberry, & Sage). Excited to add this to my recipe book!" - Marquise

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread
"This is my favorite holiday recipe and I make it every year, going on 11 years. It is THE BEST pumpkin bread recipe there is (with 10,000+ 5 star ratings on allrecipes.com, seriously.) Pro-tip: cut the sugar in half and double the spices (especially the cloves....my fave!), makes for a less sweet, spicier treat. Oh and always eat it warm." - Hannah 

Mulled Wine
"My favorite dessert is Pecan Pie ...HOWEVER baking is not my strong suit. I typically make a trip to Petee's Pie's in the city during the holidays to pick up some of my favorites. Something I CAN make and have mastered is Mulled Wine. For those who do not know, mulled wine is heated red wine and winter spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. It really hits the spot in the winter. You can find my favorite recipe here: Mulled Wine Recipe | Gimme Some Oven.  Trust me on this one, it’s delicious. Pro tip: Keep the heat on a low simmer and make sure you don’t let the wine bubble. It will burn off the alcohol… something you don’t want.”- John

Linzer Tart Cookies
“It’s not Christmas without cookies and my family has been making Linzer Tarts for as long as I could remember- it’s a staple in our family. We make loads of these to give to family and friends every year and I must say it is a favorite. With powdered sugar and raspberry jam, it’s the epitome of Christmas in a cookie and you cannot go wrong with making these.” - Brigid  

Cinnamon Rolls
This is my mom’s old recipe we’ve been using for years. We always eat them on Christmas morning! - Callie 

Ordering from Local Restaurants!
"The holidays are crazy, and sometimes, you need to throw in the dish-towel. I love finding festive faves at local restaurants. I feel good knowing i’m supporting local spots, and there are no dishes to do! I’ve never felt better ordering takeout." - Ariel

Written by: Brigid Fallon

The holidays look slightly different this year - consider Thanksgiving the appetizer. That doesn’t mean you can’t be festive this holiday season, you’ll just need to adapt to a new normal and make new memories in new ways. It’s definitely time to get creative. 

We’ve come up with a few tips on how to host a virtual party this season that will keep everyone’s spirits up. Whether it’s a family Christmas celebration, a friends get-together, or an office party- we got you.

But first, how do you start? 
Well, it’s simple. Decide what platform you want to use; Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime. Create an invitation to send via text, e-vite, email, or even a paper invitation to make it even more formal and real. Make sure the invitation is sent on time with the correct time and date as well as the link to the meet. No one wants to be waiting for a zoom call that doesn’t exist...

Tip #1: Plan your virtual party in advance 
Whether you planned a theme, a gift exchange, or a hefty heap of holiday activities, You want to make sure there is no awkward silence! Keep it light and fun.

Tip #2: Do something fun and creative for food and drinks *yum*
Food and drinks are key, just ask Santa. He doesn’t bother going to a house unless he gets milk and cookies, and your guests expect the same. Also, due to Covid, people have become connoisseurs in both food and drinks whether it’s charcuterie boards, making bread, or becoming mixologists. 

Everyone could use a drink and treat after this whirlwind of a year so here are a few easy ways to mix in the part of the holidays that everyone looks forward to:

• Wine Tasting: have everyone find a fun wine and curate a list of all the wines to send out to your group. Then, have everyone go buy a bottle of each for an at-home wine tasting! Put on your PJ’s and taste each one together, one by one and discuss like the classy ladies you are. 
• Recipe Exchange: Have everyone exchange recipes to one other person that they have to make for the virtual event. You can use a generator online or do it yourself. Recipes can range from appetizers to dessert, it is up to you! Be sure to make them ~holiday~ themed!
• Cookie Decorating: You can either have members bake their own cookies or send cookie kits right to their door for a fun night of decorating. 
• Christmas Carry-Out Night: This is for those looking to keep things really simple but still feel connected. Decide on a local restaurant (if you live locally) to eat at, the way you normally would if you were going OUT to dinner, and all friends order from the same place, It’ll feel like you all are in person at the same place!
• Virtual Cocktail Hour: if you are keeping it simple, plan a cocktail hour. Invite your group and encourage them to become a mixologist for the night by sending a list of cocktail ideas that they can make at home! Happy Box has plenty of cocktail mixers, cocktail accessories, and syrups to choose from, and even a cute, helpful hangover kit so you can show your friends and family some TLC after a crazy night of virtual drinking. Check out our Hot Toddy Box that delivers your cocktail needs.

Tip #3: Plan Activities
To make this feel like a real party or event, keep the party busy! Consider offering prizes for games.

• Host an Ugly Sweater Contest: Make an ugly holiday sweater the mandatory dress code and vote on who has the ugliest/most festive. This will also help people get into the holiday spirit. Have everyone vote on who’s is the best 
• Secret Santa/White Elephant: Have everyone participate in Secret Santa with a little time in advance. Use a generator online like Elfster that sends their chosen person via text or email and set a price limit! Make sure everyone includes their address so members can get their gifts in time for the event. Happy Box is the ultimate gifting destination for long distance giving and secret santa- so check out our curated holiday boxes or create your own gift!
• Holiday Charades: You can create a holiday-esque list for charades that you send to everyone via email/text. Divide everyone into teams and each team guesses what was chosen off the list; it can be a movie title, song, book title, virtually anything! 
• Name that Holiday Tune: Create a playlist of holiday cover songs  and play the song for a few seconds. The person to guess the name of the song first , wins a point. Keep track of the points and announce the winner at the end.
• Holiday Trivia: Find questions and answers online that go hand in hand with the theme of your party. If it’s a cocktail themed party, make it about mixology and drink history; if  it is a bunch of your childhood friends make it about each other and some memories! Divide everyone into teams and let the games begin!  

Covid-19 has changed so much within the last year but that is no reason it should change holiday rituals. Yes, a virtual holiday party will look slightly different but with this guide you’ll be hosting a party that doesn’t actually suck. Yay! Merry Zoom-mas.

Written By: Caitlyn Conville / @cat_lyn99 

Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or you and your significant other are quarantining separately, this year has familiarized everyone with virtual dating! Lucky for you, Happy Box and all of our awesomely unique items are here to make sure that your virtual dates are as interactive and intimate as they can be.

So quick, open Zoom and let’s get started with some long distance date ideas! 

A Flippin’ Good Morning
Nothing quite stacks up to treating your love to breakfast in bed, even if you’re miles apart and they have to make it themselves… the sweet sentiment is still there!

Send yourself and your partner matching custom gift boxes for a brekky date one morning, complete with pancake mix and rich maple syrup. Happy Box has just starting stocking fun fall flavors for all your pumpkin spice breakfast needs!

Set up your laptops in the kitchen and compete to see who’s the master pancake flipper, then write sappy love notes for each other in syrup, all without ever changing out of your PJs!

Keep Calm And Get Your Spa On
Now that you’ve got a social distancing date idea for the morning, you need one for the evening! And an at-home spa is just the right way to treat yourself and your beloved after an exhausting day of being apart.

From sheet masks to body butter to bath bombs, Happy Box has all the luxurious products you could want for a relaxing night in. There’s even a “bro mask” to convince your manly fella to do a sheet mask with you (and secretly take screenshots)!

Alcohol You Later
Do both of your time zones sync up for happy hour? Then let Happy Box propose a toast to celebrate!

Whether you play a drinking game during a movie, or just sit, sip and enjoy each other’s company, this virtual date idea proves you don’t need to go to the bar to have a good time.

Happy Box has plenty of cocktail mixers and syrups to choose from, and even a cute, helpful hangover kit so you can show your sweetheart a little extra care the next day.

Technically it’s not drinking alone if your partner’s on the other side of the screen!

Hindsight 2020
November 3rd might just be the end of the world, so we might as well party, am I right?

Help your dearest prepare for Election Night with a survival kit from Happy Box. We have funny political-themed cocktail picks and comfy gym socks that proudly proclaim “I Vote for Snacks,” because clearly they’re the best candidate. Maybe throw in something to craft a drink for good measure.

The two of you can spend your virtual date updating each other on the election results and looking up plane tickets to Canada.

Written By: Caitlyn Conville / @cat_lyn99 

The Best 2020 Birthday Gifts are the ones you make yourself.
2020 has been rough so far - your loved one could probs use a little extra affection and a little extra surprise and joy on their birthday this year. Rather than just ordering something random from Amazon, make them something personalized in a few clicks with our custom gift box builder! Why?

They’re More Thoughtful than the Average Gift Basket
Hand-picked, personal birthday gifts just radiate love and consideration. A DIY project like building a custom care package tells the recipient that you put in the time and effort to hand-select each and every item. You showed that you pay attention to their interests and personality, which in turn shows just how much you care about them!

They’re One of a Kind - Truly
Every hand-crafted care package gift is unique! That exact box with those exact sentiments will never be created again. It’s a treasure, and makes for a very special experience. Something precious shared between only you two.

They're Affordable 
Custom gift boxes from Happy Box are already affordable, but you can still control the total cost by picking out more affordable items (we have 99+ to choose from) to your heart’s content without sacrificing quality.

They’re More Personal with a Beautifully Handwritten Note 
The best part is writing your message in the card - the pièce de résistance! - to tell them precisely the reason you picked each and every gift. Whether the item is emotionally tied to a memory or just something you know will make them laugh, you and your recipient have endless memories between the both of you. Use them to your advantage!

Happy Box Pro-tip: Think back to all your shared years of friendship to when you build them the perfect custom gift box and mention your thinking in your card: “I got you a face mask because you need to chillax! And it’s watermelon-scented - your favorite!” or “Here’s a sticker of Drake, because I know you still listen to God’s Plan on repeat,” or “A pink scrunchy to finally replace that one I stole from you, teehee!” or “The Brunch candle represents all the times we’ve drank too many mimosas at brunch together.”

Using the Happy Box custom gift box builder, smiles are guaranteed.

Written by the talented Megan Breukelman of Brooklyn Wedding Photo (Be sure to follow Megan at @meganbreukelman)

When you are a wedding photographer, your job doesn’t start and end on the wedding day. Cultivating a photography client experience is crucial to your business. Your client experience involves thoughtful and intentional customer service from start to finish. One major component of a customer journey for wedding photographers is client gifting.

How Client Gifting Can Impact a Wedding Photography Business
Client gifting for wedding photographers can become a streamlined process with gift boxes. You may think of gift boxes as a corporate gift, but they work wonders for small businesses. Creating good customer experiences by surprising your clients with a gift box can be simple. Once they sign on for their big day, receiving a box from your business will be the best surprise!

You could just have your wedding photography clients sign the contract and be done with. But they’ve chosen you and your business to capture their wedding photos – lifetime memories! This is a huge testament to the amazing service you’re providing. Thanking them for their choice and their consideration in return can make a meaningful impact.

Gift boxes not only benefit your client, but they can benefit your wedding photography business as well. Let’s dive into why client gifting is important for photographers.

Advertise Your Business
Imagine this: you send out an amazing wedding photography client gift box. They love it so much that they post it on their Instagram Story. Their friends, engaged and in relationships, see your thoughtful and intentional gesture. In turn, those friends follow and engage with your content.

You’ve now created brand awareness with an entirely new audience.

With a simple act of kindness, you’ve now set potential customer expectations. You’ve delivered something memorable that not only sparked joy, but sparked new interest as well. For couples that don’t end up posting on their story, they may still share with friends and family. Imagine your clients texting their friends about the sweetest treat they received in the mail from their photographers!

As a business owner, you can also measure customer satisfaction with how your clients respond to your gesture. Are they coming back to you to let you know what they loved? How about posting on social media? Keep tabs on how your wedding photography clients are responding.

Crafting a Brand Experience
Craft your brand experience with the addition of physical gifts for your wedding photography couples. Create a customized surprise box to round out your positive customer experience. Beyond your website and visual branding, you can create a rounded brand experience for your photography business.

Adding gift boxes can signal to your clients that they’re in for a high-quality experience. When you decide to build a box specifically for your business or use a pre-made Happy Box, it shows that you take time for your clients. They will remember this when talking about your business. If word of mouth is important in your photography business plan, this rounded brand experience will make an impact.

Bring Joy to People’s Lives
At the end of the day, giving your wedding photography customers a gift box brings joy to their lives. If your client’s love language happens to be receiving gifts, this can be especially impactful. While weddings are a joy in people’s lives, they can also create a lot of stress. Bring joy and value into the lives of people who want you involved in their big day.

Client Gift Ideas for Wedding Photographers
Whether you’re just starting a photography business or you’re a full time wedding photographer, client gifts can create impact. It could be something small or a larger gesture to say thank you for involving me in your celebration. But what exactly should a client gift for wedding photography couples look like? Here are some box ideas for wedding photographers.

De-Stressing Gifts
Wedding planning can be a stressful experience for your clients. Gifts that focus on de-stressing your client’s life can be meaningful and bring value. Look into spa-themed items like face masks, bath bombs, and candles. Happy Box has an assortment of self care gifts that will de-stress your clients!

There is one important thing to remember about experiential marketing like gift giving. Your couples will always remember how you made them feel. Consider your brand messaging and how it aligns with the gifts. If you emphasize a low-stress wedding photography experience, self care gift boxes match that energy perfectly.

Party Themed Gifts
Being engaged is a time for celebration! Make your clients feel excited about their big day and about your new connection. Something like a happy hour box might get your wedding photography couples feeling festive! Remind your couples that this is their party, and they can celebrate how they want to.

Practical Gifts
Practical gifts for their engagement like a ring dish and notebooks will mean a lot to marrying couples. If they’re early on in their wedding planning process, they may not have those little details prepared yet. That ring dish can come in handy at home and can make an awesome prop on the wedding day. Stylish notebooks for their vows can come in handy on the big day as a beautiful alternative to reading vows off a piece of paper!

Giving chic, practical gifts to your wedding photography clients will show them how much you care. You understand what they’re going through and want to help them through the process. Practical client gifts show that you’re a professional who knows the ins and outs of a wedding.

What Should Your Experience Look Like?
Figuring out how to shape your experience for clients is the most fun part of the process! First you need to figure out what’s actually going into the box. Moreover, it’s time to figure out how to make your experience unique and beautiful! Let’s figure out how to craft your Happy Box.

Represent Your Brand with Your Client Gift
When building a gift box for your wedding photography clients, it’s wise to align it with your brand. If your website heavily features pink, for example, having pink items in your box will match your aesthetics. Think about how the boxes align with your overall brand experience from a visual standpoint.

Creating Custom Client Gifts with Happy Box

Create customized client gifts for your wedding photography business with Happy Box. By choosing to use customized packaging, you can immerse your clients deeper into your brand. This creates more opportunity for brand recognition. Get started by reaching out to our corporate gifting team for your wedding photography business of any size.

Written by Ariel Redmond, Co-Founder, Happy Box & #CoronaBride2020

Pushing your wedding SUCKS. It will suck, and we would NEVER take that away from you. You can tell us how much it sucks until 2022 and we won’t blame you. As someone who has postponed once, and probably has to postpone again in July, Let me tell you, I GET IT. However, staying positive is key here, ladies. I’m no expert on Corona weddings, BUT here are a few tips from one corona bride to another:

1. Call your bridesmaids & have a chat. They’re your closest friends and you chose them because of the support and love they’ve had for you from the get. Nothing puts things in perspective like a #realtalk with your girls.
2. Know that everyone wants to party. They want  to come. They are scared and just as bummed as you are. Try like hell not to take it personally if you have an uncertain guest-list.
3. Look at your ring. It's so pretty. Repeat when sad.
4. When you do have your big day–it will be EPIC. MONTHS of pent-up need for socializing and partying with people has built up for your guests, and it will all be unleashed when you finally have your wedding day. Prepare for the  party, the after party, the sunrise party, and day drinking the next day–I sure am!
5. Know this is totally out of your control. The decisions you've had to make to cancel are being made FOR you, so there’s no need to worry or be upset, this is horrible but it’s also not your fault at all.
6. Remember, you found a soulmate--that’s INCREDIBLE. It’s really easy to get caught up in all the “wedding day” hype, but truly remember this is all about you and your partner. A few masks, less guests and a global pandemic can’t take that away from you. <3

These 10 gift ideas are guaranteed to solidify your well-deserved spot as Favorite Child. 

Written By: Hannah Redmond, Co-Founder @ Happy Box

It's a weird time: we're living through a global Coronavirus pandemic that comes with mandatory social distancing and self-isolation. Crazytown.

As a company built on preserving long distance connections with friends, we thought we'd share some of our team's fave tips for staying in touch with friends during social-distancing to help us all survive what could be a pretty lonely time. 

1. Schedule a virtual hangout (or better yet, a virtual happy hour) 
Zoom and Google Hangouts aren't only for meetings. Schedule a hangout or happy hour with friends using one of these group video call services, make yourself a drink with what you have on hand (use this cocktail builder for help), and curl up on the couch and catch up with friends, without ever having to put on pants. Or a bra. #FREEDOM. Play never-have-I-ever, truth or dare, do it up! Fun fact: Japanese women coined a new term for drinking in self isolation.

2. Take an online workout class with a friend
So many workout studios and trainers are offering free online workout classes and free extended trials for workouts you can do right at home. So, (virtually), grab a friend and dedicate some time to take the workout class during the day together. Check out obé or Blogilates, and don't forget to check out what local boutique studies near you are doing - many are live streaming home workout classes for free on social media. Working out not your thing? Join a virtual dance party.

3. Party like it's 1998: challenge a friend to an online game.
So, looks like Slingo won't be around for much longer (damnit, this is the worst timing!), but there are plenty of apps, online games, and video games you can play with friends. Let your inner child come out and have some fun! Some ideas: Chess, Battleship, Speed Sudoku, Pictionary and more. Go ahead, do a quick Google search for your favorite multiplayer games and see what's online.

4. Call friends & family you don't see often.
Yes, with the phone - we've gotten too used to texting. With no commute time, you'll have plenty of time to call grandma, or FaceTime your roommate from college and check in. Use this time to reconnect. Ask how your friend's kid is doing, ask your cousin how school is going. Hell, write someone a good old fashioned letter. You'll be happy you did, and they'll be happy to have heard from you.

5. Binge watch Netflix together - on different couches.
Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online - it synchronizes video playback and even has a group chat feature. So, make it a movie night with your gals, or turn Love Is Blind into a drinking game together...

Remember: we will get through this. Stay safe and stay connected, everyone. <3

XO,

Happy Box Team

Click here to build a cute custom care package shipped to your friends' doorstep.

Written By: Caitlyn Conville / @cat_lyn99 

It’s hard enough shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriends, but if you two are long distance, it’s even more difficult. You want to give him something that not only reassures him of your love, but is worth the shipping costs. See below for some creative gifts for your long distance guy this Valentine's Day:

1. Ship him a Care package, like our Beer or Bourbon Happy Boxes
Raise your boyfriend’s spirits this Valentine’s Day by sending a boozy-themed care package from Happy Box. The curated “Beer Box” comes with gourmet craft beer cheese pretzels and a barrel aged brown ale candle for your brew-loving dude. The “Bourbon Box” will meet all your sweetheart’s neat needs with a bourbon cask aged dark chocolate bar and his very own flask.

You can also build your own long distance Valentine’s Day gift box and fill it with goodies picked specifically for your favorite fella. 

2. Make a “52 Things I Love About You” Book
The way to ace Valentine’s Day gifts for your boyfriend is to give straight from the heart. Playing cards are widely available at many price points, and are sturdy enough to arrive at their destination intact. On each of the 52 cards, write something about your boyfriend that you love. It can be anything from the color of his eyes to the way he only ever drives with both hands on the wheel. Be creative, but heartfelt! It’s an easy, adorable long distance Valentine’s Day gift to remind him that he is your king, even if he acts like a joker sometimes.

3. Buy Long Distance Touch Lamps
Light up your boyfriend’s life with a unique in-sync lamp this Valentine’s Day. You and your boyfriend each set up your own lamp via wifi, then when one of you touches the lamp to turn it on, its paired mate will emit the same colored glow. These lamps are perfect long distance Valentine's Day gifts because they function no matter how far apart you two are. With a simple touch of your hand, you can let him know that you’re thinking of him and he can do the same for you.

4. Surprise Him with An In-Person Visit
Don’t just surprise him with presents, surprise him with your presence! The best Valentine’s Day gift for your boyfriend is your company. Hit the road or take to the skies, since it’s already been way too long since you’ve given each other a hug.

Written By Erin Celletti 

Galentine’s Day is all about the gals — that’s a given. But what is it, really? And how did it come to be? 

Well, it’s actually the title of the 16th episode of the second season of Parks and Rec. Yep - it’s from one of our fave TV shows!

In this iconic episode, Leslie hosts her annual "Galentine's Day" party for her girl friends on February 13th — aka the day before Valentine’s Day. They exchange stories of crushes and unrequited love which then (of course) manifests into antics of tracking down old flames, senior dances, jealousy and even heartbreak. It’s a doozy.

But Galentine's Day has taken on a whole new meaning in society as girl gangs across the country now partake in fun festivities prior to actual Valentine’s Day — whether they’re single, taken, or ready to mingle. It has nothing to do with romance, and everything to do with celebrating femme friendship. 

Here are some fun ways to celebrate. 

Girls Night In
Sometimes swanky reservations or a big girls night out is appealing but more often than not, there’s nothing better than some quality time at home with your girls. So instead of getting dolled up and spending big dough for a night on the town, get together on the couch. Cook or bake, cheers to your friendship, scrapbook, make vision boards — whatever your heart's desire. All that matters is that you’re together making memories. 

Fun Photoshoots
If it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen? Chances are you have plenty of photos with your best friends — but kick it up a notch and have a fun, professional photoshoot together instead. Services like Shoott.com make it easier and more affordable than ever to beautifully capture memories. 

Take a Class
Friends that learn together, stay together. For a more experiential Galentine’s Day celebration, why not learn to cook, paint or build a craft together?  Bonus points if it’s BYOB, obviously.  Or, why not take a new studio workout class together — because nothing says forever friendship like sweating it out, right? 

Spoil Each Other
The season of gift giving may have just ended, but Galentine’s day certainly calls for special treatment. Whether you’re long distance friends or live down the block from one another— what’s better than an unexpected (and adorable!) package showing up on  your friend’s doorstep that’s choc full of items they’re sure to love? Let Happy Box help you create a custom care package for Galentine’s Day, complete with a handwritten, personalized note shipped right to your friend's door.

Oh, and remember those 90’s classroom Valentine’s with your favorite stars and cartoons? We have those, too, so you can relive your childhood classroom parties with your besties this Valentine’s Day.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your Galentine’s Day, we wish you a day filled with laughter, love, and all the Happy—ness.

 By Erin Celletti

Have you ever spent hours browsing in a store hoping that the perfect gift for your friend will just come jumping out in front of you? Finding that perfect gift can be a long and confusing process, but it doesn’t have to be!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting the best gifts before you break out that credit card:

1. Do Your Homework
Before picking anything out, now is the time to put Harriet the Spy out of business and stealthily find out all those little things you don’t already know about your bestie.

For example, no one in their right mind could turn down chocolate, so this tasty treat is always a good choice, but for a more custom gift, incorporate her own personal chocolate preferences! Does she like milk or dark better? Is she nuts about nuts? How does she feel about nougat? When you hand her a custom gift box of chocolate perfectly tailored to her liking, she’ll be thrilled (and surprised) at just how well you know her!

2. Think of ALL of her Various Interests! 
There’s always one girl in every friend group that’s obsessed with her dog, so she’s probably already received every pooch-related gift under the sun. But maybe this pup-preoccupied pal also likes to pamper herself every now and then, so a quality bath bomb or a delicious-scented face mask would really stand out among all the fur and whiskers as a unique gift!

3. Remember: She Deserves to be Spoiled
Your best friend deserves only the finest things in life, so give her the lavish lifestyle you know she wouldn’t buy herself but would totally appreciate anyway. The best gifts are things she would love Present her with gourmet, luxe, jumbo-sized, or handcrafted prezzies that will make her feel like the princess you know she is.

4. It’s the Thought That Counts
No gift is too small when the amount of thought and love behind it is so big. A sleep mask is a simple yet sweet way to tell your friend that you care about her well-being and how much sleep she’s getting. A pen shows her that you believe in her dreams of stardom when you pair it with a handwritten note that says she should really start practicing her autograph. Make sure you choose her favorite colors and patterns and you’ve got yourself a tiny but mighty, unique, and personalized gift.

Whether your friend loves chocolate, dogs, spa days, or anything in between, Happy Box has got you covered. You can choose a themed gift box filled with curated goodies or you can build your own box for an even more personalized gift. Either way, Happy Box will ensure that your friend will be thoroughly pleased with how much you care about her.

 By @cat_lyn99