We’re on a mission to make gift-giving fun, simple, affordable, and stress-free! Each month, we’ll bring you fresh, creative gift ideas to spark your inspiration and make every occasion extra special. This month, we’re creating a “sunshine box” to brighten someone’s day.
What is a Sunshine Box?
A sunshine box is a sweet and thoughtful way to brighten someone’s day! It’s like sending a hug in a box, filled with little goodies and cheerful surprises to make them smile. These boxes are perfect for cheering up a friend, supporting someone going through a tough time, or showing your college student some encouragement when school gets stressful.
What Goes in a Sunshine Box?
Think happy, think yellow, and think joyful! Here are a few ideas:
- Tasty treats: Yellow-wrapped candies, cookies, or even a little jar of honey.
- Feel-good items: A cozy candle, bath bombs, tea, or a soothing lotion.
- Fun extras: A cute journal, puzzle book, or a bright, cheerful mug.
- Personal touches: Handwritten notes, inspirational quotes, or a heartfelt card.
- Decorations: Sunflowers, yellow ribbon, or anything sunny and bright.
The goal is to pack your sunshine box with love and positivity, so the person receiving it can’t help but feel a little brighter. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference! And your box can be as big or as small as you prefer…remember, it’s the thought that counts!
Pro tip: This is also a great gift idea to do with a group of friends. Everyone contributes a few items and you’ll have a wonderful surprise filled with a wide variety of sunshine-y treats!
Sunshine Box Theme Ideas
Use keywords like “sunshine care package for loved ones” and “thoughtful gift ideas for women over 50.”
- Encouragement Box – Full of inspirational quotes, a gratitude journal, and calming teas.
- Self-Care Box – Bath bombs, lavender candles, soft socks, and herbal teas.
- Get-Well Box – Vitamin C packs, comfy socks, crossword puzzles.
- Birthday Sunshine Box – Festive treats, a mini gift card, birthday decorations.
Who Would Love a Sunshine Box?
- Someone going through a tough time (grief, illness, stress, surgery).
- A friend who lives far away.
- A caregiver who needs appreciation.
- A family member who needs encouragement.
- A college student during final exams.
- Your young adult having a busy time at work.
Sunshine Box Essentials: What Megan Recommends
This sunshine box is made entirely of things from Walmart – place an online delivery order and make your box of sunshine without leaving the house! These items could be given as one large gift or pick an item or two. The water bottle and lemonade packets (or Liquid IV) would be a very welcome gift for a friend that’s down with the flu. My stylish friend, Jessica, gave me fuzzy socks and lavender foot masks for a little treat and I am now addicted!
When creating a sunshine box, curate items based on your friend’s situation/needs. If they are stressed, choose relaxing items; if they are sick pick items like lozenges and hydration aids. Everyone loves flowers and cozy blankets. We chose a yellow theme to showcase the term “sunshine box”, but don’t let that pressure deter you from creating a unique and thoughtful gift for a friend. Any color combo will do.
Shop Megan’s Sunshine Box
Sunshine Box Essentials: What Christa Recommends
In one trip to Target, you can create a thoughtful sunshine box filled with treats to brighten anyone’s day! Think outside the box, too – search the accessories, beauty aisle, seasonal department, and book section for more sunshine-y gifts. Pro tip: Make your gifting even easier by using our links and Target’s online ordering for fast drive-up pickup!
And think outside the gift bag when you’re creating your sunshine gift. You could fill the cute yellow makeup bag (linked below), find a pretty basket, or use a reusable tote bag. Just attach one of our tags (below) with your favorite gift ribbon.
Shop Christa’s Sunshine Box
Beyond a Sunshine Box: More Ways to Spread Some Cheer
When a friend is sick or in need of some TLC nothing soothes the soul like homemade chicken noodle soup. I make this soup once a week and it’s my go to for any meal train delivery. Add a loaf of sourdough, a paperback or a magazine from the stack by your bed and you’ve got the perfect Sunshine Box – homemade style.
Chicken Soup
www.StyleAmongFriends.com
Equipment
- stock pot or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 leeks chopped rinse well and peel the tough outer layers off
- 1 box mirapoix or chop 1 onion, 3 celery ribs and 3 carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 rotisserie chicken cut up or shredded
- 1 parm rind optional
- 2 boxes chicken bone broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 large carrots sliced in coins
- 1 tspn apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cups egg noodles or any noodle/rice or your choice
Instructions
- heat oil in pot on medium, add chopped leeks and stir until soft
- add mirapoix and continue to stir until soft, add 2 bay leaves
- add chopped chicken and stir (I salt and pepper at this point)
- add 2 boxes of bone broth and parm rind (optional)
- bring to a boil, reduce to simmer
- after 20 min of simmer add carrot coins
- simmer another 20 min then add 1 tspn of ACV or lemon - taste add more salt and pepper if it's not delicious
- once flavor is perfect add noodles and cook 10-15 min until noodles are finished
- remove the bay leaves and parm rind (discard) and serve!
These are the containers I use to deliver soup. I usually have a few on hand, one of the keys to delivering a meal to a friend is not having to retrieve your container.
Where to Buy a Sunshine Box
No time to create your own sunshine box? You’re in luck because there are some great options available on-line and we’re sharing our favorites with you! Pro tip: Sometimes a little note with a Chick-fil-a diet Coke gift card is all they need, too!
p.s. Don’t forget a gift tag…
Download our printable gift tags here.
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