Gone are the days of generic, one-size-fits-all gifts. Now it’s all about gifting something made just for them. Whatever the occasion – a birthday, teacher appreciation, graduation gifts, back-to-school essentials, housewarming gifts—it’s easy to find personalized options from the creative founders of locally-owned Gift Box Social.
Because when it comes to giving gifts to those you care for, what’s better than a gift that has their name written all over it? Literally!
It was in early 2017 that Gift Box Social officially opened online. Co-owners Karen Necciai and Tricia Stimac have earned a faithful following of loyal customers who love their social approach to business, their products, and their prices.
Tricia and Karen’s journey to begin ‘GBS’ began in 2016. They were each invested in other projects at the time, learning how to operate home-based businesses and exploring their creativity. Various influences directed them to the idea of personalized gifts, and they developed a vision to start something together.
They learned how to personalize and add monograms to popular gift items and after a lot of planning and preparation, they created an online social media group and begin inviting their friends and family to place orders. Tricia shared,
It took off fast and required very little marketing. We’re fortunate to have supportive personal networks who shared our products with friends, PTAs, sports teams…many of whom have turned into loyal customers. From there, the business has continued to grow through word of mouth.
With the rapid and organic growth of their customer base, it became clear they could easily justify and benefit from a full website. They launched the site earlier this year and it has quickly proven to be invaluable to their shoppers’ experience browsing products and placing orders, not to mention beneficial to their business processes.
In addition to online shopping, Gift Box Social opens their doors for “Open House” every Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Shoppers can stop by anytime to browse their home-based showroom, explore design options, and best of all, touch, feel and see the products up close.
Because we all have gifts to give…
Whether it’s a gift for your child’s bestie, tokens of appreciation for teachers, end-of-season Coaches gifts, or drinkware for a girls weekend, there are gifts to give all year long. Rather than spend time at the mall, or browsing items on Amazon that may or may not be as cute as they look in the picture, GBS offers unique gifts with a personal touch. After all…
The only thing better than a wine glass, is a wine glass with your name on it.
Miesha Smith has been a faithful customer since they launched the business. She periodically stops by on Open House days to look for unique gifts or essentials for her family. When asked why she prefers GBS to shopping for similar products on Etsy, she says she values the personal relationship she has with Karen and Tricia, versus an unknown vendor.
I prefer to shop at GBS because I know them! And I know I’m going to get good stuff. I like the tote bags, and I’ve ordered a lot of the phone stands. I love my stadium wrap, my kids have the towels…I really like my koozies, and I have the wine glasses… I like all of it!
Clearly, she’s a satisfied, repeat customer! And the “social” side of the business is really what brings Meisha back again and again. She enjoys following the GBS social media page for exclusive product announcements and to share community with fellow fans of the biz. She also appreciates how convenient it is to pick up her personalized orders.
About the Product Line
Karen and Tricia are both Moms of daughters in Frisco ISD, something that has proven quite useful when it comes to product development. Karen says,
Our middle schoolers come home and tell us what everyone’s into right now, and what we “must have” in our product line. Students need pencil bags, so those have consistently been one of our best-sellers, as are water bottles and other school essentials.
PTAs and team sports have caught on as well, with many Frisco schools now calling Gift Box Social for their school-wide Teacher Appreciation gifts, running club essentials, Cheer squad bows, tumblers, and more. With sufficient notice, GBS can ensure they have the inventory and time to prepare larger orders.
Women often order stemless wine glasses and Swig tumblers for their girlfriends, or cute totes with their monogram on them. Last summer GBS introduced beach spikers (cups that sit well in the sand) and other fun beach items.
Tricia and Karen are always thinking ahead about what products might be most useful to their customers. They added stadium wraps to their line, which proved very cozy for parents attending football and soccer games in cold weather. They added clear bags for those attending events at The Ford Center, and just in time for summer, they have brightly colored round towels for kids.
What sets Gift Box Social apart from other online gift shops?
Possibly the best thing GBS offers is preset pricing. Personalization is already included in the price for all items, and there are no variances for the number of characters, font choice or size of the product.
For customers in and around Frisco, the opportunity to attend their weekly Open House allows the customer to touch, feel and see the products and designs before placing an order. They can discuss design concepts and color options with Karen or Tricia, and see the size of the products up close and personal. Once customers are familiar with certain products, they’re more comfortable ordering online in the future. Tricia says,
Customers come to us with their ideas for certain color combinations or designs. They get to express their creativity a bit, and we enjoy helping them bring their ideas to life.
Shoppers love the convenience of swinging by to pick their items up from the GBS home address, with no shipping fees to worry about. As demand from other areas of the country continues to pick up, they’re ready to add shipping options, but for now, their local customers are driving the majority of their business.
Karen and Tricia make a good team not only as business partners but in their personal taste. Karen is drawn to brighter, vibrant colors, while Tricia prefers metallics and more subdued tones. Together, they provide their shoppers with a fun array of design concepts. Karen shared,
I’ve always enjoyed dabbling in businesses that allow me to explore my creativity. Interior design, fashion, jewelry, and now, with our personalized gifts. Not only has Gift Box Social become a successful business that I’m proud of, but it’s fun, and inspiring. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us.”
While the majority of their personalization tends to be names, monograms, and cute expressions, Gift Box Social is able to fulfill most custom orders as well. Shoppers can contact them to discuss custom designs, products, and pricing.
Gift Box Social
Ph: 214-210-0096
Facebook Group: Gift Box Social
Instagram: gift.box.social
Owners: Karen Necciai and Tricia Stimac
