GIFT GIVING MADE EASY WITH PRESENT SIMPLE

Gift-giving can be a stressful job, but Present Simple wants to make it a whole lot easier on you. Lisa Bray is the owner and gift selector extraordinaire of Present Simple, a Sudbury shop that aims to work with you to make giving the perfect present, well… simple. Corporate clients, anniversaries, birthdays – shop from a fantastic variety of beautifully bundled baskets for any occasion. If you’re looking for something extra memorable Lisa will even work with you directly to lovingly create the perfect gift. Read on to learn more about how you can make gift-giving easier so you can simply be present in our latest shop local feature.

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Tell us about Present Simple? Where did it all begin!

Since 2004, I have been an event planner. My event business is Eventful Times. I have been fortunate to coordinate memorable events for many amazing clients. From sourcing out everything from decor, wedding favours to gifts for corporate client events, I am always looking for the latest trends in design. This eventually led me to wanting to be creative on a different stage. In 2017, I took the leap into the world of gift boxes (while still maintaining my event business). My idea was to create an event in a box. I loved the idea of a gift box being cohesive & filled with quality products that people can enjoy. I love sourcing Canadian products!

Tell us about some of the products you carry. What are a few of your current favourites!

I have so many! But if I had to choose, it would be the Fraktals which is an artisanal handmade Canadian maple syrup buttercrunch covered in Belgian chocolate. It is made in Aurora and it happens to be gluten-free. It is a rough job having to sample!

I also love my line of bath products called Bathorium. The bath bombs are amazing! My fave is the Mama’s Perch Relaxing Bath…it actually has little rose petals in it. It’s Canadian, there are no detergents or chemical fillers and it’s phthalate-free….and the packaging is pretty and it looks great in my gift boxes (which is important as well!).

What are a few of your most popular baskets available online?

Right now, it’s not a basket but my new line of Sudbury themed glassware is selling really well. I have stemless wine glasses and whiskey glasses. These are exclusive to Present Simple. I worked with a graphic designer to have them created. They are so popular that I am expanding the collection to include some of our local lakes and Manitoulin Island. Many customers want gift boxes designed with these glasses included.

Not only does Present Simple have plenty of pre-made baskets to choose from customers can also work with you to create the perfect custom gift! Tells us about one of your most memorable baskets.

I love custom orders! Whatever tidbit of information that you can provide about the recipient helps me to create that perfect gift! Whether they love the outdoors, red wine, gardening, etc… everything helps. Once I design the box, I normally send a quick picture to my customer for their approval before it goes out. At the very least, they can see what they are sending for when they are thanked!

Again, there are many but the one that sticks in my mind is a gift box that I created for a client that included a Hudson Bay blanket. I had to source out the blanket as well. The box contained everything they needed for a cozy night in! From the blanket, the wine, glasses, charcuterie board to all the treats like brie, wine jelly, and delicious chocolates.

What are a few key things to think about when choosing a present?

You should consider the person’s likes and interests. This will definitely make your gift more meaningful and they will definitely be impressed that you took the time to choose something tailored specially for them.

You should also consider the budget. How much would you like to spend on your gift? This also makes it easier for me to make recommendations.

You’re the master of giving gifts, now we want to know – what is one of the best gifts you’ve received?

I have to say that my family is great at giving gifts! I love the gifts that are about spending time with them. One Christmas, they gave my husband and I a 7 course gourmet meal that they planned and executed for all of us. They arranged everything from flowers on the table, greeting us with prosecco, menu cards…to an amazing prime rib dinner. More recently, my children gave me a family photoshoot with the talented Alex Filion.

Give us a shout out to a few of your favourite local businesses for holiday shopping!

There are so many amazing local businesses! I would never turn down getting a gift card from P&M Kouzzina, Verdicchio’s, DeSimone Shoes & Spa, or something from Positive Inception.

Side note: I am happy to include gift cards from other businesses in my boxes as well if someone requests it.

For Present Simple updates and to see even more of their beautifully created gift baskets follow them on Instagram @presentsimpleinc. To purchase the perfect gift basket for someone on your list check out www.presentsimple.ca or talk to the expert herself about creating a custom basket at hello@presentsimple.ca.

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