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Quick 2020 Review!

Hello!

I hope you’re keeping safe and well.

We’re reaching the end of the year, so I wanted to do a little round-up update post today!

We’re all sadly aware of the negatives and challenges, and for some, tragedies that 2020 brought, but I wanted to take some time to focus on some positives.

Firstly, lots of us had the opportunity to spend lots more time at home with family, something that we may not get to experience again and I know so many of you made the most of this time, and we were made so much more aware of the amazing work of our frontline workers and their dedication to help others – something that we are all the more grateful for and won’t take for granted.

The kindness that has been shown to others, by the majority of people, whether it be raising money for struggling charities, or helping neighbours, or even strangers in times of need.

On a personal note, we’ve been touched by the support you’ve shown The Smile Parcel during this time, and it’s been a pleasure to handwrite your lovely notes to go inside surprise pick-me-up parcels to send to friends and family.

This time enabled us to re-evaluate our goals, and so we saw the comeback of our letterbox friendly “The Smile Parcel Mini” gifts – which we love creating.

We also joined a new exciting platform, KINDpreneurs – kind shopping, an online marketplace to showcase small businesses and entrepreneurs using their business as a force for good, offering products with purpose that have a positive impact on people, the planet or animals.

You can find out more about KINDpreneurs here: http://www.kindpreneurs.com

We’re so grateful for your loyalty to The Smile Parcel, lots of you have been receiving our subscription parcels for a long time now and we appreciate every single order, as your purchases means we are able to create more parcels and reach a wider audience, to share a smile and a mental health boost to more people – which means you are pretty fabulous!

I hope you have a lovely Christmas and we’re keeping our fingers tightly crossed for a better 2021.

Karen x

November 2020 – Parcel Contents

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you’re keeping safe and well.

We’ve reached the end of November and we can almost smell Christmas, so it’s time to reveal the contents of this months parcels…

Our theme this month was “Get Cosy” and they contained products all connected with encouraging the recipient to make the most of the colder days and nights, and get cosy!

November Contents:

Scarf –

The theme of your parcel this month is “Get Cosy”, so we’ve tried to include items with this in mind, starting with a scarf, which in the current circumstances, also doubles up quite nicely, as a face covering!

It has a great geometric design and is bigger than it looks at first glance, so wrap up warm, it’s cold out there.

Christmas Countdown –

Now, don’t panic, we know this is your November parcel and not December, but as you won’t receive your December parcel until after 1st December (for those of you with a subscription), we wanted to include this Christmas countdown in this parcel.

We loved the simple design, with its slight bit of sparkle – now it’s just up to you whether you put it away until December arrives, or not!

Save The Drama… –

When we’re thinking about getting cosy, we’re thinking of PJ’s, hot drinks, blankets, fluffy socks and a boxset- so there’s definitely no space for everyone else’s drama – save your drama for the llama, because we don’t want to know…

This wooden block can be stood on a shelf or hung on the wall, but whichever you choose, make sure it’s visible to all those who need to see it!

Coaster & Popcorn Tea –

We just mentioned hot drinks and for us, a key ingredient to getting comfy and cosy, is a nice hot cuppa! So, while you’re getting settled with your boxset, you may also be tucking in to some popcorn, so what is more appropriate than popcorn flavour tea, honestly!

We’ve included a slate coaster too, as you need somewhere to put that cuppa while it’s a little too hot!

 ”The Proud Potato” –

The Proud Potato is here to tell you to always be proud of who you are – they’ll only ever be one of you, you are totally unique – and no one can do you, better than you. Postcard from Katie Abey.

Smile Cards –

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or maybe, leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find.

Parcel Assistant –

The Pom-Pom Parcel Assistant who helped (or hindered!) us with packing your parcel this month was, Bailey.

Karen x

October 2020 – Parcel Contents

Hello Lovelies!

It’s all getting very spooky at TSP HQ! It’s almost the end of October, which means it’s time for another parcel contents reveal…

Our theme this month was “Hello Autumn” and they contained products all connected with this colourful (and slightly scary) season!

October Contents:

Autumn Garland –

Now, the first item in your parcel this month has become a bit of a The Smile Parcel tradition – I know many of you have been receiving our parcels for a long time and will be familiar with our Autumn string garlands! We include approx. 1metre of garland in each of our October parcels, as we love Autumnal decorations, and it seems you do too. If you have a collection of our garlands, feel free to add them together or mix and match them (we’d love to see your photos over on our Instagram or Facebook page).

Shine Tea Light Holder & Fragranced Tea Light –

We don’t usually include sets over subsequent parcels, but there seems to be a pattern going on this month …for those of you who received our September parcel, you’ll also have received the “Be Happy” tea light holder, which matches this “Shine, Shine, Shine” design. These are great to stand alone, or you can pop them together as a pair.

We chose a fragranced tea light this time, and these have a lovely scent of vanilla and coconut.

Steal Your Magic Plaque –

Halloween is quickly approaching, so of course, it wouldn’t be right for us not to include a couple of items from this range, starting with this plaque. Although it is Halloween themed, we think the message stands whatever the time of year – “Don’t let anybody steal your magic” ever!

Felt Ghost Brooch & …Trick or Treat? –

This fabulous “spooky” ghost brooch was a must-have for this month’s parcels, on its cuteness levels alone! It has been carefully handmade by Gail from ‘Felty Things’, who you can find over on eBay.

And, of course, the all-important orange stripey paper bag – but is it a trick, or treat?!

 You’re Not Alone –

Remember, you’re never alone, whatever you’re going through or have been through, there’s always someone to speak to. At The Smile Parcel we work closely with mental health charity, Shout, so I’ve popped their card with more details, in with this parcel.

Postcard from Katie Abey Design.

Smile Cards –

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or maybe, leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find.

Parcel Assistant –

The Pom-Pom Parcel Assistant who helped (or hindered!) us with packing your parcel this month was, Henry.

Karen x

We’re A Kindpreneur!

Hello!

I want to share something brand new with you today.

We’ve recently been accepted to become part of a new exciting venture – Kindpreneurs …the UK’s Kind marketplace!

Kindpreneurs was founded by Karen Thomas to showcase purposeful kind businesses and the unsung entrepreneurs behind the brands, while helping shoppers to connect with mission focused businesses.

Kindpreneurs focuses on small businesses, all with the same mission of wanting to make the world a better place!

These may include:

  • Earth Friendly – Eco friendly, recycled, compostable, biodegradable, plastic free, carbon reduced, energy efficient, zero waste or sustainable,

  • Animal Welfare – Free from animal cruelty throughout the development and manufacturing process or supports animal welfare,

  • Ethical or Fair – Ethically sourced or Fair Trade standards throughout the manufacturing process ensuring workers rights are looked after,

  • Reduce Poverty – Enabling the poor or homeless to create wealth for themselves as a means of ending poverty forever,

  • Giving Back – Helping those in need via voluntary time, pay it forward or buy one gift one campaigns (rather than just charity donations),

  • Kindness – Sharing compassion and acts of kindness to bring joy to others and make the world a better place by spreading ripple of kindness,

  • Communities – Engaging in community projects to create a sense of belonging and lasting change for those involved,

  • Diversity – Protecting those at most risk of prejudice and discrimination due to ethnic minority, race, sex, gender or disability,

  • Mental Health – Supporting those who experience mental health difficulties. Helping to prevent suicide or introducing mindfulness practices.

This platform is a brand new venture for Karen, but I have to add, that she is also a really lovely person, inside and out, and we wish her all the best of luck with such an inspiring project – we’re sure it’s going to be a great success!

If you’re looking to buy from, and support small independent businesses this Christmas, Kindpreneurs is a fantastic starting point!

If you’d like to have a browse, you can find our Kindpreneurs shop here: https://www.kindpreneurs.com/shop/the-smile-parcel/

 

September 2020 – Parcel Contents

Hello Lovelies!

It’s almost at the end of September, which means it’s time for another parcel contents reveal…

Our theme this month was “Me-Time” and they contained products to give the recipient an excuse to take a step back and prioritise themselves for once!

September Contents:

Sleepy Sloth Mug –

After a very odd summer, this month we wanted to celebrate you, and remind you to simply take a little me-time, and this cute sleepy sloth mug was a must-have, as your first item.

Make sure anyone in your household, or even visitors, are fully aware that when the sloth mug is in use, you are not to be disturbed, as very important me-time is in progress!

Be Happy Tea Light Holder –

We wanted to help you to create a nice relaxing atmosphere while taking time for you, so we thought lighting a tealight sounded like a great idea. This “Be Happy” glass tealight holder seemed to be a perfect choice – we’ve included a tealight for you too, so all you need to do is find a lovely (and safe) place for it to sit, so you can watch the calming flame flickering.

Lucky Stars –

Now, these are very special “Lucky Stars” that have been carefully handmade by Ellesha from Craft Create Dream. Each of the 5 colourful paper stars contains a hidden inspirational message, just for you. Sometimes, when we’re feeling low, a simple pick-me-up and motivational quote can be enough to give us a little lift. You can find Ellesha over on Instagram or her Facebook business page.

I Can’t Adult Today Coaster & Tea Bag –

I think there are times when all of us are allowed a “non-adulting” day, and while having me-time, is definitely that time! Keep this coaster close to your sleepy sloth mug, and you’ll be ready to go. And, of course, we couldn’t give you a mug without including something to go inside, so we’ve given you a “Chocolate Flake” flavour teabag, to help you melt away…

 Stronger Than You Think –

We’ve included another postcard from Katie Abey this month, and this one is a reminder that you’re stronger than you think – the bunny says so! (P.S. These postcards look great in frames!).

Smile Cards

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or maybe, leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find.

Parcel Assistant

The Pom-Pom Parcel Assistant who helped (or hindered!) us with packing your parcel this month was, Colin.

 

Karen x

Have You Visited Us On Etsy Yet?

Good Morning!

We’ve been super busy getting organised and adding to our parcel ranges at TSP HQ, so I thought I’d do a little update post today!

We first opened the Etsy shop last year, but due to lots of different reasons (and possibly a few excuses too! 😉 ) it, sort-off, well, was ignored and forgotten about!

But, this year we got ourselves organised and finally got it up and running properly.

You can have a nosey here: http://www.thesmileparcel.etsy.com

Over in the Etsy shop you’ll find our complete range of Smile Parcel’s, including our ‘Plus’ monthly subscription boxes – these are a ‘Plus’ because they contain all our usual monthly surprise contents, but also include a beautiful candle and 10% from each one is donated to mental health charity, Shout, which helps support those experiencing crisis, via a text messaging service.

Shout website: http://www.giveusashout.org

We have a range of ready-to-post parcels, each with set contents, so you know exactly what you’ll be getting with this range…

And finally, you’ll find our latest additions, which you are loving and we love making them just as much, our “The Smile Parcel Mini” letterbox friendly gifts – these offer our same mission of sharing a smile, inspiration and a mental health boost, but all neatly wrapped into a compact pick-me-up.

Our prices range from just £9.50, up to £24, all with free UK delivery.

As always, if you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we love chatting to you…

You can get in touch via the “Contact Us” page on this website, or find us over on Facebook or Instagram.

Karen x

August 2020 – Parcel Contents

Hello Lovelies!

It’s almost at the end of August and so it’s time for another parcel reveal!

Our theme this month was “Homely Holiday” and they everything you need to take a relaxing holiday closer to home, whether that be a stay-cation, or in the back garden!

August Contents:

Retro Light Bulb Glass –

This time of the year is usually all about enjoying the holiday season and maybe even escaping away for a sunny break. But this year has been anything but ordinary and sadly lots of us have either had to, or chosen to, not go away on holiday this summer, so, we decided to bring the holiday vibes to you instead!

Your first item is this super cool retro drinking glass and stripy straw – and it even comes with a cocktail recipe! So, make your cocktail, add some ice, and relax on a poolside lounger (you may need to use your imagination for the last bit!)

Bunting –

This beautiful handmade bunting gave us all the vibes of a lovely beach hut – we love the nautical red and navy stripes. This has been lovingly handmade by Maria, over at Oscars Craft Store, who you can find on Etsy.

Notebook & Bee Pencil –

The strange situation we all find ourselves in at the moment, is only temporary and we will come through the other side. It’s a great opportunity to make plans for what we want to do when we are able to travel again, go abroad or have adventures further afield.

This notebook has been included this month for this very purpose – make lists, create goals, dream destinations, basically anything that helps you to look forward to the future and have something positive to focus on, which is so important.

We’ve given you a bee pencil and eraser too …for no other reason than it’s very cute!

Good Vibes Only –

This button badge from Colour Your Life Club is to pin on your jacket, bag, or anywhere else you choose, to remind you, and others, that you’re accepting good vibes only – other people can keep their negativity to themselves, we’re not interested!

 Yes, I Can –

Like a lot of us, you may have had plans for this year, that unfortunately had to be put on hold, postponed or even cancelled, but this postcard is here to tell you that, although things may not of happened just as you had planned, it doesn’t mean they won’t happen at exactly the right time that they were supposed to. No matter what gets in the way, it won’t stop you, repeat after me “Yes I Can”!

Postcard from Colour Your Life Club.

Smile Cards –

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or maybe leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find?

Parcel Assistant –

The Pom-Pom Parcel Assistant who helped us to pack your parcel this month was, Herbert!

Karen x

Letterbox Gifts Are Back!

Hello!

If you’ve been following The Smile Parcel for a while, you may briefly remember our “Mini” parcels, well, they’ve made a return…

“The Smile Parcel Mini”, (as I’m sure you’ve figured out from the name) are Mini versions of our original The Smile Parcel, to create a compact, letterbox friendly option.

You can expect to find 5 or 6 products inside, all with our same mission of sharing a smile, inspiration and a positive mental health boost, and, as with all our parcels, we can add a handwritten note inside too, if you’re giving, or sending as a gift.

These aren’t available as part of a subscription and are instead, one-off, single purchases.

Our letterbox gifts contain surprise contents, as we know our customers love to open a surprise, but we will be adding some parcels to the Mini range, with set contents, for those of you who want to see exactly what will be inside – we already have a Christmas version available! Eek!

We have added boxes for different occasions or recipients, so whether you’re looking for a compact birthday gift, want to send a thank you, to treat your best friend, or give someone a little something just because, or maybe to simply say hello, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve been overwhelmed to the response to our parcels over the last few months, with so many uncertainties surrounding all of us, it was lovely to read your feedback and reviews upon receiving your little pick-me-up, whether it came through the letterbox, or by courier, so a huge thank you for your ongoing support of our small business, it means so much.

You can order The Smile Parcel Mini through our Etsy shop here: http://www.thesmileparcel.etsy.com/

Or, if you prefer, pop me a message through the Facebook page or send over an email, and I can send you our PayPal link or an invoice to pay using a credit or debit card.

Letterbox gifts are just £9.50, or £10, if you’d like a greeting card adding inside.

Karen x