When you have a special occasion on the calendar that requires a special gift, finding the right one can be a bit daunting. What exactly is the perfect thing? Will the gift be loved and appreciated? The old cliche that “it’s the thought that counts” comes from a good place, but what if you choose your gift carefully and it falls flat?
A Heartwood box always has that touch of magic that makes a gift feel truly special. There’s something nostalgic about them; they’re simple and natural and connected to the earth; and they’re touched with an artistry that is immediately obvious. Better yet, they make an excellent vessel for presenting a special gift, as they’ll be useful and beloved far beyond the day that your loved one is ripping away the wrapping paper.
We are always so touched by the fact that we have so many wonderful stories from customers, for whom their box has become a part of their life story. It has taken sentimental attachment to their box to a whole new level. We love hearing about these special ways that a box has played a part in someone’s life - whether it holds a sentimental note or a tidbit from nature, whether it’s used by generations or remembered from childhood, our wooden keepsake boxes speak to the soul of many. Do you have a story about your Heartwood Creations box? Here are a few uplifting ones we especially love:
"The smell of teak wood always brings me back to that day. It was the early 80s and I was with my family in a wood merchant’s store in Illinois. I noticed this wooden block that was shaped like a bar of soap. The wood was oily to the touch and it smelled earthy. I eventually realized that the box had a sliding lid. My family and I wandered about the store, but I kept going back to that secret box. My dad asked me if I had enough money to buy it and I said that I did. I bought that box which I still have to this day and I still love the smell of teak wood too - there’s nothing quite like it." - Amy from Illinois
"When I was dating my wife, there came a time when we found ourselves a great distance apart, geographically. She had moved to New York and I was living in Minnesota. I often went to the state park where we used to go on long walks and found small items-sometimes a pinecone, an acorn, a flower or even a well-preserved beetle. I mailed these items one by one to her in a secret box just to let her know I was thinking of her. It kept us close at a time when there were many miles between us." - James T from Saint Cloud Minnesota
"About 30 years ago, I purchased a secret box on Cape Cod, MA and have used it on a daily basis ever since to carry my medication. Last summer, I saw them again and bought one for my daughter and one for my niece. They have both seen me use my “secret box” for years and it’s nice to pass on the tradition. The box is in the same condition today that it was 30 years ago and I thank you for your fine craftsmanship. I’m so happy to be able to pass this treasure on to my family." - Hazel from Boston
"I wanted to do something special for my parents on their 40th anniversary, so one day while they were out, I broke into their house and took all of the family photographs. I scanned them into my computer and made a movie about their life together, complete with a soundtrack. I then transferred the movie to a flash drive. I knew this was a gift that you couldn’t put a price on, but how to give it to them? The flash drive is so small and would they even know what it was since they weren’t the most technically advanced? A week before their anniversary, I still hadn’t found a creative way to give them this gift-until I saw one of your secret boxes with the word “Love” on the outside. I knew that was the answer. The flash drive fit perfectly in the box and provided the perfect way to present the gift to them." - Nicky from Paris Kentucky