Marcie Fry Copyright (Full)
The Quickest Way to Make Holiday Shopping A Fun Walk in the Park And You the Gift Giving Hero, all while Supporting Local – Gift Wrap Included!
Gift shopping, especially during the holiday season, can be a daunting task. Boxelder would like to put the fun back into holiday shopping and invite you to use their exclusive holiday gift giving guide! This is a featured post*.
A little bit about Boxelder…
Boxelder is a fabulous store located in the downtown historic district. It’s hard to believe but I sometimes still have to refer to this charming store as one of Sanford’s best kept secrets. As you know, I’m on a mission to uncover all those secrets in Sanford – so let’s take on this one, shall we?
In a few words, Boxelder stands for stylish affordable gifts, made in the USA.
To learn a bit more, I visited Kyle Perry, owner of Boxelder, to chat about his shop but also a bit about himself and his vision of Sanford (see interview below). While browsing through the unique gift items at the store, Kyle came up with a fun and easy gift giving guide that will make this holiday shopping season a walk in the park, not only for Sanfordites.
What brought you to Sanford?
My parents moved here in 1979 for semi-retirement after purchasing the Dairy Queen on Park Drive. I lived here for a few summers in the 1980s helping with the business and moved back when my Mom’s health went into decline. Unfortunately she passed away in 2011 and I now live in the house my parents built on the west side of town.
Tell us what made you open a store? How long have you been in business?
Since starting in the retail industry around 15 years ago I have had the desire to open a gift shop. I like the creativity involved in terms of choosing styles that fit your brand and the challenge of finding products that are unique to the market place, priced and marketed well plus in my instance American-made whenever possible. Boxelder opened in April of 2013.
Why did you choose Sanford?
I like the character and history of Downtown Sanford and feel it has great potential to become a destination point. My friend and neighbor Mickey Searcy is the owner of Interiors By Lawrence David which is where my shop is located. I merged my gift store with her design showroom which has worked out quite well for both of us!
What do you want to be known for?
A destination for unique, well-made items for gifts and a little self indulgence as well. We’re more than just a gift store for occasional shopping and I see Boxelder more as a store where one can shop and find affordable luxuries for themselves too. Life can be stressful and I think everyone deserves some self-indulgence from time to time!
Here are my favorite pieces at Boxelder: how cute and unique are those?
Tell us 3 things everyone must know about Boxelder.
- A Boxelder is a tree (actually Box Elder but I thought the one word version looked better)
- We offer free gift wrap/gift bags with each item purchased
- It’s a fun place to shop!
What’s the most rewarding thing about being in your line of business?
Making customers’ days with a smile and conversation, finding that perfect gift or item for themselves and helping to put small manufacturers/artisans on the map.
What makes Boxelder stand out from the competition?
Our unique assortment of products, friendly/personable service and free gift wrap, as well as FedEx shipping across the US.
Marcie Fry Copyright (Full)
The holidays are coming up – are you an early shopper or procrastinator?
A bit of both. I like to leave a few items for that last week in order to get caught up in the hustle bustle which always puts me in the “holiday spirit”.
When do you think is the best time to get holiday gift shopping done?
It depends upon the individual in my opinion. Some can really focus in and make decisions quickly, and others not so much.
What are your future plans for Boxelder?
Hopefully bigger and better of course though we’re taking it slowly and growing responsibly as much as possible.
Marcie Fry Copyright (Full)
What are your 3 favorite things to do in Sanford?
- Dining out when possible
- The Holiday Home Tour
- Strolls on the Riverwalk
Your favorite restaurant and other business in town?
I’m a bit of an Asian food fanatic and love Maru Sushi, Bambu Vietnamese and Hop Sing’s Thai takeout. In terms of other businesses I really like what the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery and Washburn Imports have done for Downtown Sanford.
Boxelder’s Quick and Easy Gift Giving Guide for the 13 People Almost Everyone has in Their Life
1. (Sanford) Hipster
Set Editions’ Good Grief Glasses – Set of 2 $28
2. Home Cook
JosephJoseph Nest Utensils Set $25
3. First Time Mom
80 Acres of McElroy Ranch Olive Oil Salt Scrub $28 (smoothes and moisturizes in one step)
4. Newly Weds
A Boxelder Gift Certificate (available in any denomination!)
5. Young Family
Solmate Socks $16
6. Fido Fan
Magpie’s “Poochies” Coffee Mugs, Espresso Cups/Saucers and Appetizer/Dessert Plates $11-$35
7. Sports & Health Enthusiast
Southern Hospitality’s Foot Scrubs – $25
8. Nature Lover and Green Thumber
Hudson Valley Seed Library assorted Seed Packets (Heirloom, 100% certified organic) $3.75
9. Co-Worker
Bottles and Bonfires 100% pure American Soy Candles (recycled from old wine bottles) $24
10. Millenial
Sparq’s original Soapstone Whisky Rocks $24
11. Foodie
Lark Fine Food’s Salted Rosemary Shortbread Cookies $7
12. Fashionista
European fashion designer Orla Kiely’s Shower Gel/Lotion/Face Cloth Set $22
13. Party Animal
Izola’s “May You Never Go To Hell, But Always Be On Your Way” set of 4 shot tins $22
Now this should help you all to get your holiday shopping done rather quickly this year! Thank you, Boxelder!
Wishing you all a happy holiday shopping season – whether you shop ahead of time or are (like me) a procrastinator – try to enjoy it as much as you can and please remember to support local whenever you can!
More Info:
Boxelder, 278 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 – (407) 323-6060
Mon – Fri: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sat: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
www.boxelder.co | Like Boxelder on Facebook
*I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.
