If you wanted to send a box of ‘treats’ to a friend…

[StrangelyAmbitious]

No really an AIBU but I would love some opinions..
So for a while I have wanted to start my own side hussle…
Posting boxes of treats, I know it’s a flooded market but you never know if you don’t try…
If would be so kind to answer:

• if a friend posted you a box of goodies/treats, what would you like to receive in it?


• if you wanted to send a box to a friend, for what occasion would it be for? e.g maternity leave, just had a baby, to offer condolences

Thank you so much in advance for any replies :)

I find there is a bit of a gap in tasteful consumable mens gifts to order online.
I scramble around getting stuff for my Dad for example.
In the past, I have ordered selection of boutique beers, a lot of gourmet sausages, waygu steaks, coffee beans but nothing is gift wrapped or boxed. Probably doesn't matter to a 75yr old but does to me.

Doesn’t sound at all promising to make money from.

I sent my sister - biscuits , fluffy socks, a candle, and a card with a poem in.

I bought last night actually for my friend who suffered a miscarriage. Posh biscuits with messages on them, warm socks, warming eye mask, candles and mini wine!

I wish people would piss away less money on this sort of shit.

OP we are headed into lean times, the kind of people who waste money on treat boxes aren't going to have a pot to piss in. If you want to make some money get a job.

I was looking for a box for my friend and could find very few that were vegan and also eco friendly. The type of box with minimal waste or especially ethical products. I have a friend who is super OTT into this stuff (actually, I know a lot of people like this, it seems very trendy at the moment) and none of the boxes really fitted.

I also felt there weren't many boxes with enough of a selection. For example, it was ALL candy, or ALL little pamper items. I wanted something with a bit of everything. A small bottle of booze (with a choice), some food treats, some pamper stuff. So I'd offer a mix and match box or just make a box which is a good selection of different stuff.

As for demand, I once received a box, like a care package with a sort of mental health support/anxiety theme. Just to show someone cared. This type of gift. I think this is really lovely. I'd like to see more of these with a bigger selection of things. Maybe some kind of journal, some relaxing items, maybe a good, positive, related book, some little treats and self care items. I loved my box and I haven't seen many others like it.

Ooh yes. Men's gifts. So hard to find.

I also disagree that they're only popular in lockdown. I received mine before COVID even existed, and I also know a lot of people who live abroad or at the other end of the country from their loved ones, me included, and these are a lovely way to show we care and are thinking of each other! Mumsnet is a bit negative about these small home businesses, but you only need to look on Etsy to see that they do exist and they do seem to be getting bought - the shop I bought one from had literally thousands of purchases (again, wasn't during lockdown).

Mumsnet is a bit negative about these small home businesses, but you only need to look on Etsy to see that they do exist and they do seem to be getting bought - the shop I bought one from had literally thousands of purchases (again, wasn't during lockdown).

Mumsnet is negative about them because it's extremely difficult to actually make a profit for your time spent doing these sorts of activities.That seller might have sold five thousand, but if they are only make 50p profit a box and they've spent 20 hours a week all year doing it, it's only £2.50 an hour to the seller.

I hate receiving treat anything except from my DH, nobody else appears to know what I like. I don't like candles, random chocolates, hand cream, bubble bath etc etc etc.

Prosecco / cava, crackers, tapenade and a decent cheese would be nice. Maybe a choice of different box inclusions for different tastes.

For a new baby, I've made up packs for friends with prosecco, painkillers, a book they would like, lansinoh cream, a jellycat toy and a soft adult blanket (I've always felt the cold more when feeding). No idea if it's wanted or politeness in thanks, but I've seen the blankets and toys being used.

Sorry, but I don't think any of the ideas discussed have legs. You either have to specialise, so that you can order in bulk and get discount, and that means really knowing your market, both customer and goods (take the gardening one; is your buyer a garden noob or an experienced gardener, and either way you need to have some knowledge) or else you're going to be paying the same retail price for the products as your customer, which means you have to apply a stiff markup to make any money at all even if you completely discount your time sourcing and sending, which means you're already costing more than the vast, vast majority of people are willing to pay.

If you want a "side hustle" that actually results in more £ in the bank account, do some shifts in a local pub.

Haven't read the whole thread but I received a box when I had a miscarriage and it was very welcome. I haven't looked but would imagine the market isn't flooded for that.
I like the idea of other condolence things like the person sending lovely things to their terminally ill friend.
Also agree about gluten free.