This year marks five years of Storybox as a social enterprise.
Five years of working alongside small businesses, social enterprises, artists and community organisations across N. Ireland and beyond. Five years of seeing just how hard it can be for independent makers to keep going year after year, often working against rising costs, limited visibility and constant pressure to stay sustainable in a system that does not always make space for them.
And yet, these are the businesses that quietly hold communities together. They create jobs, protect craft, support local identity and bring meaning into the everyday.
Storybox exists to help change how they are seen and supported.
Across the UK, SMEs make up around 99 percent of businesses, but it is often the smallest and most purpose-led among them that face the most fragility. Social enterprises and artists in particular are continually balancing creativity, purpose and survival.
A new chapter for Storybox
Launching on Thursday 30th April, our new gift box collection marks a significant step forward for Storybox.
It brings a more refined and consistent experience across our ready to go gifts, Build a Box feature and corporate gifting service, but more importantly, it strengthens how we support and showcase the people behind the products.
At the heart of the collection is one simple message: Small Box, Big Impact.
A reminder that every gift represents real people, real work and real impact within communities.
Corporate gifting has always been at our core
Corporate gifting with purpose has been part of Storybox from the beginning. It is where Storybox first took shape, and it remains one of the most important ways we create impact today.
This new collection significantly strengthens that offering, giving organisations a simple and meaningful way to gift with purpose while also supporting social value goals, ethical procurement and responsible purchasing.
It also allows businesses to directly support independent makers, social enterprises and artists who are often operating on the edge of viability, doing everything they can each year just to keep going.
That connection matters.
Designed with purpose and care
Every detail of the new packaging has been designed with intention.
- Soft matte boxes in sage green and natural kraft create a calm, elevated feel
- Gentle messaging encourages recipients to slow down and explore the stories behind what they have received
- The Storycard remains central, sharing the makers behind each product, the purpose behind their work and the wider impact of the box
- Two QR codes extend the experience, connecting recipients with makers and the wider Storybox community, including workshops and collaborations that bring these stories into real spaces
We are also incredibly grateful to our partners who helped bring this vision to life:
- McGowan’s Print, who have been with us from the very beginning and supported us through our first fully printed boxes
- Paul McNally from Stylografik, our Graphic Designer, who brought this vision to life with real care, creativity and understanding of what Storybox stands for
Working with trusted local suppliers like this has been a really important part of the journey.
Making impact visible
Each box includes a simple snapshot of Storybox impact, showing:
- Businesses supported
- Products sourced
- Awareness raised
- Donations made
In addition, £1 from every box continues to be donated to PIPS Mental Health Charity, supporting vital mental health services in our community.
The new packaging is fully recyclable, durable and designed to be reused, reflecting a more considered approach to materials and longevity.
More than a gift
This launch is not just a redesign. It reflects five years of learning, building relationships and understanding what it really takes for product based small businesses and social enterprises to survive.
It is also a commitment to do more of what matters, making their work visible, valued and supported in a more meaningful way.
Because every Storybox is more than a gift. It is a way to support people, stories and businesses doing good, often against the odds.
Explore the collection
Explore the full collection of gift box combinations, new products, our updated ready to go gifting range and the Build a Box experience. Make a start here.
For corporate gifting and enquiries, contact the team at info@storyboxni.com