Buttercup Boxed Gifts, founded by Christine Coen, emerged from the deeply personal experience of loss and healing, and has since grown into a brand focused on fostering human connection through meaningful, supportive gestures. Rooted in remembrance, resilience, and relationships, the company delivers curated gift boxes centered on encouragement and self-care, crafted with products from local, women-owned makers.
The story of Buttercup Boxed Gifts began in February 2020, a time marked by profound sorrow for Christine. On Valentine’s Day, she received a call that her father had collapsed unexpectedly and was being rushed to the ICU. A healthy and active 70-year-old, his sudden decline was a shock. Within 48 hours, the family had to say goodbye. The devastation that followed was immense, but so was the outpouring of love that surrounded her. Friends stepped in to support her and her family—caring for her children and pets, dropping off meals and flowers, and sending daily messages of comfort. Their actions served as a catalyst for what would become Buttercup Boxed Gifts.
Christine was reminded, in those difficult days, of the consistent and quiet strength of her mother, who for years had sent handwritten notes of care and support—what she lovingly referred to as “paper hugs.” These gestures, while small in form, carried significant emotional weight. Christine had grown up watching those cards go out the door and into the world. Inspired by this tradition and encouraged by her own need to channel grief into something giving, she began writing cards to friends during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of her friends were struggling too, grappling with the chaos and isolation brought on by lockdowns and homeschooling. In giving to others, Christine found herself beginning to heal.
From those initial cards, Buttercup Boxed Gifts was born. What started as simple notes soon expanded into curated boxes designed to uplift, comfort, and remind recipients that they are not alone. Each box includes items hand-selected not just for their quality, but for their message—items that promote self-love and healing. The company places strong emphasis on working with women-owned businesses and local artisans, ensuring each box reflects a community-centered spirit of care and collaboration.
Buttercup’s mission has resonated beyond Christine’s immediate circle. The company has been featured on WBZ News in Boston, gaining recognition for its commitment to kindness and intentional giving. The focus remains on support, not just celebration. Unlike many gift box companies that revolve around birthdays or holidays, Buttercup Boxes are rooted in emotional connection. Many are sent to women undergoing chemotherapy, grieving the loss of loved ones, or simply struggling with the challenges life presents.
Christine often reflects on the strength of the women her boxes reach. “On a hard day,” she says, “I will look back and think about some of the women that have received support boxes from Buttercup. These are strong women that are going through really hard things like chemotherapy or the loss of a loved one. This reminds me why I started this business and why I will keep going.”
This sense of purpose differentiates Buttercup from others in the space. Each box is not just a gift, but a gesture—carefully curated and personally meaningful. It’s about more than contents; it’s about the message it sends and the moment it creates. It is about seeing someone in their moment of vulnerability and choosing to show up with tangible, thoughtful care.
The connection to Christine’s mother is evident not only in the name—Buttercup, her childhood nickname—but in the spirit of the brand itself. Just as her mother quietly and consistently showed her love through written words, Christine now shares that same love through curated collections that speak to support, encouragement, and resilience.
Buttercup Boxed Gifts offers individuals and businesses alike the opportunity to send meaningful gifts without losing the personal touch. Whether for a friend, a colleague, or a family member, the boxes speak volumes without saying a word. Each one is assembled with a deliberate focus on emotional impact, using goods that echo the core values of the company: authenticity, kindness, and intentional living.
In a world that increasingly feels digital and disconnected, Buttercup Boxed Gifts provides a reminder that small, sincere gestures still carry profound meaning. The brand is not just about gifting—it’s about affirming that someone is thought of, cared for, and valued.
Buttercup Boxed Gifts stands as a testament to how grief can be transformed into generosity, how memories can evolve into missions, and how one woman’s journey to heal became a way to heal others.
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