Issue 24: April 14, 2020
Hello Dears,
Welcome to another issue of The Wrap. We remind new friends and followers that The Wrap is our weekly newsletter (published each Tuesday morning) connecting you with important news and updates about Secretly Gifting.
We’re a luxury gift concierge servicing individuals and businesses all over the world. We’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Oracle, and Coldwell Banker Real Estate, in addition to everyday people like you. (Maybe you’ve read about us in The Wall Street Journal or The Washington Post or seen us on NBC 4 News!).
Businesses work with us to nurture client relationships, and develop programs from incentivizing and rewarding top performers. Event planners partner with us to design lasting impressions (think welcome gifts, favors, thank you presents)…and individuals work with us to lighten their personal load!
We assist with gift concept generation, procure of specialty items (think vintage pieces, special editions of books, and rare collectibles), as well as presentation – wrapping and delivery – for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
These days, however, our business looks different. Individuals are requesting activity kits and care packages while businesses are making contingency plans and dissecting their bottomlines. We’re anxiously anticipating a return to normalcy, but we know that the “new normal” will be uncharted territory. Its times like these that we feel especially grateful to have such a resilient and caring community of supporters.
We’re focused on family, friends, and loved ones right now and we know that you are too. So, in this week’s newsletter issue, we’re featuring more "feel good" activities and causes that you can support and with your nearest and dearest during these dark times.
(If you have children at home, we highly encourage you to check out the interactive programs and events offered by DC’s own Imagination Stage. This theatre collective for kids and teens -- run by our lovely friend and colleague, Bonnie Fogel -- offers games, crafts, projects, and that stimulate curiosity and nurture the creative spirit within every child.)
And for adults, continue reading below for "at home" activities and projects you can turn to when you need a mental break, or an inspirational “pick me up”. We love sharing these with you each week, and look forward to delivering additional ideas (our favorite workouts, and some unique craft projects) next week. If you have an idea to share with us, please do drop us a line, and we’ll feature it in an upcoming issue! Sending you positive vibes and virtual hugs your way…
xo
Ashley and Candace
Co-Founders, Secretly Gifting
8 Ways to Indulge in “Art Therapy”
We're firm believers that the benefits of artistic expression extend beyond relaxation and enjoyment (its proven to provide a dopamine boost, really!). So, there's no better time to kick anxiety, stress, and worry to the door by exploring new mediums and rediscovering the comforts of creation.
Journaling, sketching, collage, and painting are wonderful options...but it’s the explosion of printable coloring "pages" and books that have caught our eye recently! These sheets feature designs ranging from abstract to complex, and are the perfect antidote to feelings of apathy, lethargy, or general ennui. Click the links below to download and print!
"Smile": The Art of Colouring (fashion-forward printable coloring pages released by shoe designer Manolo Blahnik in partnership with The Mental Health Foundation)
The New York Botanical Garden Printable Coloring Book (12 free black and white sketches from the LuEsther T. Mertz Garden Library)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art "Color Our Collection" Printable Coloring Book (6 free pages from the Thomas J. Watson Library; use #ColorOurCollection to share your work on social media!)
The New York Public Library Coloring Book (printable sketches sources from over 700,000 scholarly works featuring floral, fauna, and historical figures)
The Smithsonian Institute "Color Our Collection" Printable Coloring Book (6 free illustrations; use #ColorOurCollection to share your work on social media!)
Printable coloring sheets featuring floral designs from our favorite local watercolor studio, Brake Ink (add item to "cart" and initiate checkout process to download free PDFs)
Combine art + history for kids with The Walters Art Gallery free lesson plans on everything from classical portraiture to Japanese printmaking to Egyptian architecture.
Throw a Puzzle Party!
It's official: puzzles are the latest hot ticket quarantine phenomenon, and we're here for it! So, if binging Tiger King and baking banana bread feels so "two weeks ago", then it’s time to get your hands on one of the stylish puzzles linked below, for some isolation entertainment.
Schedule a FaceTime date and puzzle with a friend, or secure some solo time to tackle a puzzle when you're in need of a mental release. The best part is, your purchase of a puzzle below will support the independent designers, artists, and puzzle companies that keep these creations coming!
The "Debut Collection by Jiggy Puzzles featuring works by Diana Ejaita, Julia Heffernan, Karen Lynch, Emma Repp, Susan Lerner, and Alja Horvat.
Contemporary Art puzzles by Inner Piece, a Los Angeles based puzzle company, featuring works from Seth Armstrong, Andrew Watch, Ray Oranges, Bijou Karman.
Printworks' calming, nature-inspired "Dawn", "Dusk", and "Night" puzzles.
Frank Lloyd Wright, Andy Warhol, and Jonathan Adler design collection puzzled by Galison Stationary.
Colorful "Gradient" Puzzles and mini designs by "Little Puzzle Thing" from Areaware Puzzles.
Vintage 1970s party scene puzzles (we love Disco Queen, Champagne Problems, and Life of The Party) from Piecework Puzzles.
Help a Worthy Cause
Charitable causes, relief funds, and donation efforts are popping up right and left, and they desperately need contributions of time and money from those with means! See below for a round-up of our favorite causes at the moment, and keep an eye on future issues for a growing list of ways to support front-line medical professionals, volunteers, and everyone doing their part to support our communities right now.
Support ROAR (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants) with a cash donation
Start a "crayon drive" in your community (sponsor contact-less drop at a specified location) to support Crayon Collection, an arts organization assembling coloring kits for kids in need
Give diapers and essential babycare supplies (wipes, ointment, etc.) to the Greater DC Diaper Bank for families in need
Purchase bagged emergency meals for DC families in crisis through the DC Food Project
Get curbside pick-up or delivery from &Pizza this week! They are currently providing free pizza to all hospital workers, and your takeout order supports keeps this effort going! (Order from their locations in Bethesda, Rockville, Tysons, Georgetown, U Street, Potomac Yards, H Street, Barracks Row)
Pledge cash to the #FirstRespondersFirst campaign from Thrive Global and Harvard School of Public Health, providing essential supplies and equipment for front-line healthcare workers.
Make a $5 donation, which makes one mask (covers cost of fabric, thread, needles, and elastic) which will be given to an essential worker without one.
Breakout your needle and thread, grab an old pair of jeans or cotton pillowcase, and make a mask for someone in need with this 10 minute DIY tutorial.
