REVIEWSCommunity
Q + A with Tara Hodgkinson, Owner, Happy Baby Boxes
Family, friend or colleague just have a baby? Need a gift idea but not sure where to start? Happy Baby Boxes will curate a beautiful gift box for you and deliver it without even having to leave your home. We would love to introduce you to our friend, Tara, who created this idea while pregnant with her first baby.
We asked Toronto resident Tara some questions on her thriving business and how she came up with this marvelous idea.
Q. Hi Tara, tell us a little about yourself?
A. Thank you very much for this opportunity! I stepped into my favourite job in the world just over 2 years ago which was being a mother. Before I had my daughter, I worked for many years in a corporate 9-5 job and was very scared to be taking on this new title as mom and doing a complete 180 to what I was used to. I always had a goal of starting my own business so when I was on maternity leave I created Happy Baby Boxes knowing I could offer new parents quality products and value. I am a big believer on following your dreams and being your own best cheerleader.
Q. How did you come up with the idea for this business?
A. I love a good subscription and the feeling of getting a gift for myself that arrives at my door every couple of months. When I was pregnant, I looked for a helpful subscription but was disappointed in my choices. Once I had a baby and found products I loved and trusted, I wanted to share this with other expecting parents to make the journey easier for them. I curated all of my boxes with essentials that parents will love and make each stage of your baby’s development easier. When designing the boxes, I consulted with a team of professionals including a doctor and nurses, ensuring all products are safe and recommended for your baby. I chose eco-friendly and safe products and the packaging is 100% post-consumer recycled material. I also prefer to work with manufacturers from North America as much as possible.
Q. What different boxes or products do you offer?
A. We offer both subscription and curated baby gift boxes designed to help parents get through the first year with their baby. All boxes contain must-have clothes, essentials and toys. Our 4-box subscription provides one box for each of the following key development ages: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and 9-12 months. The 6 box subscription includes all boxes from the 4 box subscription and adds an additional summer and winter box with the essential seasonal items. We also offer curated gift boxes for all different price points and purposes as well as all of the items in the boxes are available for sale individually.
Q. What are your most popular boxes that you sell?
A. Our 6-box subscription is our most popular item as it makes for a great gift for a loved one or for yourself and offers all the products to get a new parent through the first year. We also have a registry which makes gifting all the boxes very easy.
Our boxes also designed for the newborn baby stage in the 0-6 month range are very popular gifts for new parents.
Q. Can you customize the order?
A. The subscription will be customized by the due date, gender (girl, boy or gender neutral), and climate (summer, fall, winter, spring; depending on your location) and will arrive exactly when you need it.
Q. Where do you deliver?
A. We deliver to Canada and the US. All boxes have free shipping in Canada and flat rate of $15 for delivery to the US.
Q. Do you have a team of people helping you?
A. Right now, Happy Baby Boxes is run just by me! When I need to work late into the night and everyone is asleep, I am lucky enough to have my dog join me and keep me company and awake from constant nudges for belly rubs.
Q. When you are not creating what do you like to do?
A. Right now, because of the lockdown situation in Ontario, my favourite thing to do is go for long walks with my daughter, husband and dog and if we are lucky go on a nature hike out of the city. I also love exploring local restaurants in Toronto and doing take-out. At home we add themed music to our dinner and it feels special and fun.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! For anyone looking to order from Happy Baby Boxes you can contact Tara at www.happybabyboxes.com and on IG: @happybaby_boxes.
