Frequently Asked Questions.
Q: Where does Bow and Bestow deliver?
A: Bow and Bestow currently hand-delivers to zip codes in Marin County. Delivery to several zip codes is FREE. We regret that we are unable to deliver to PO Boxes. We hope to expand to nationwide shipping as we grow. Sign up for our newsletter for delivery and service expansion updates.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: Bow and Bestow is a professional Gift Concierge service. We are proud to be a versatile and multi-faceted small business. Creating bespoke gift baskets is our specialty. Our Services also include Courtesy Baskets, Gift Wrapping, Gift Personalization utilizing custom vinyl applications, and unique seasonal gift offerings.
Q: What is a Gift Concierge?
A: You might get a different answer depending on who you ask, but this is our definition: A Gift Concierge is a professional gift-er, expert wrapper, inspired ideator, present connoisseur, tasteful selector, resourceful curator, creative designer, milestone commemorator, thoughtful adviser, personal shopper, detail-oriented specialist.
A Hotel Concierge makes your stay pleasant by offering helpful advice, facilitating great experiences, making arrangements, and taking care of the details so that you can focus on showing up and being present during your journey. A Gift Concierge makes the gifting experience pleasant by doing the same, so that you can focus on showing up and being present for the important people in your life.
Q: Can you ship a Gift Basket or Courtesy Basket outside of Marin County for me?
A: At this time, we only hand-deliver Gift Baskets to recipients right here in Marin County. Many of our Baskets contain fragile goods and are carefully styled in a manner that does not translate well with long-distance shipping and transportation. When a Gift Basket is hand-delivered to your recipient by Bow and Bestow, you can rest assured that it will arrive just as beautifully as it was when we packaged it. Additionally, we want to focus our time and your budget on curating meaningful gifts - not with with shipping logistics and astronomical shipping costs.
Q: Why should I hire Bow and Bestow to wrap my gifts?
A: Because you have a million other things on your To-Do list, and you’re embarrassed every time you toss a present into a gift bag and call it a day. Our gift wrapping is beautiful and will make a positive impression on your recipient before they even see what’s inside. Bow and Bestow has an (embarrassingly) enormous collection of wrapping paper which allows us to wrap according to a theme or gifting occasion. All of our decorative bows are handmade with love and care. Most importantly, Bow and Bestow carefully sources and only uses wrapping paper that is environmentally friendly and fully recyclable.
Q: What makes your wrapping paper so great?
A: As a California Green Certified Business, Bow and Bestow takes great care to carefully source wrapping paper that is environmentally friendly. You won’t see us using wrapping paper with plastic coating, metallic embellishments, or glitter - those papers are not recyclable and wind up contributing to the estimated 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper that wind up in landfills each year. Our wrapping paper collection consists of a wide variety patterns and styles and we prioritize small brands that use sustainable printing and manufacturing practices. When you bestow a gift from us, you can feel good knowing the paper is absolutely recyclable.
Q: Huh? Gifts for gloomy occasions?
A: Yes. Gifts especially for the gloomy occasions. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, and we recognize it can be challenging to know what to say or do when the occasion is somber. Our gifts aren’t limited to celebratory occasions. We curate thoughtful and heartfelt gifts for when you want to support the people in your life when things get really hard. Or really messy. Or really painful.
Q: Do you have a location or store I can visit?
A: Bow and Bestow operates out of a small (but mighty) home studio in Mill Valley, California. While we don’t have a physical space for you to visit (yet), you may see us out “in the wild” at various pop-up events in Marin County. We also offer a Free introduction to our Concierge Services via Zoom. You can request a Zoom chat by clicking here.
Q: What is a Courtesy Basket?
A: Good question. Courtesy baskets (aka “Hospitality Baskets”, “Welcome Baskets”, “Hospitality Baskets” or “Bathroom Baskets”) are typically found in one of two places: 1) In the restrooms of party or event venues. 2) In the guest rooms of very thoughtful and considerate hosts. Think of these gems like miniature convenience stores that are in the exact right spot when you need them most. They are well-stocked and organized containers with personal care items that you may need in a pinch. A wedding reception courtesy basket may contain items like hairspray, safety pins, Tylenol, and mints. A guest room courtesy basket may contain items like contact solution, extra toothbrushes, and razors. The possibilities for the style, size, design and contents of courtesy baskets are endless. You can read more about Courtney’s passion for Courtesy Baskets in this journal entry.
Q: Can I order gifts or Gift Baskets from your website?
A: Unlike larger, conventional Gift Basket companies, we always prioritize quality over quantity. We also believe that gifts are most meaningful when they are carefully curated with a specific occasion and unique recipient in mind. One size does not fit all. Therefore, we do not carry an inventory of gifts or produce pre-fabricated Gift Baskets (or Courtesy Baskets) for direct-purchase. We don’t like the idea of having a limited stock of gifts on a shelf or being bound by standardized gift selections. When you use Bow and Bestow to fulfill your gifting needs, you receive personalized service and bespoke gifts tailored especially for you and your gift recipients.
Q: Where do you source your gift items from?
A: Bow and Bestow prioritizes sourcing gift items directly from our fellow small businesses here in Marin County and the Bay Area. We continue to be impressed by the wide variety of unique and truly outstanding items that are made and sold so close to home. Additionally, we enjoy scouring online marketplaces like Etsy and Faire to support independent artists and makers across the country.
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: You can take a look at our Price List here. We are happy to provide Custom Estimates for multiples of gifts, or for “over-the-top” gifts with a budget greater than $300, or unique gifting projects. Please feel free to email courtney@bowandbestowgifts.com with any questions.
Q: Can you explain your A La Carte Concierge Services?
A: Sure! We recommend using our A La Carte services when you’d like to gift a single wrapped gift for an occasion, rather than gifting an ensemble of gifts in a Gift Basket. We offer two levels of A La Carte Services: 1. Signature Service - We do it all. This option is for you if you want us to come up with a great gift idea for you. We learn about your gift recipient(s), recommend a fantastic gift, procure it, and wrap it for you. 2. Bestow Service - We do the rest. This option is for you if you already have your gift idea selected. You share your gift selection with us, we procure it, and wrap it. The Concierge fee for both services is $60/hour, and we will provide you with an estimate for you to review prior to getting started.
Q: I have a scathingly brilliant gift idea/surprise/plan/proposal/intention. I’m not exactly sure if it’s something that Bow and Bestow can coordinate. Can you help me?
A: We love a challenge. Especially if it involves unique gifts or the element of surprise. Please send an email to courtney@bowandbestowgifts.com to tell us about your idea.
Q: What and when are your seasonal offerings?
A: Bow and Bestow occasionally creates limited quantities of unique seasonal gifts. We love to come up with special seasonal or holiday-specific items such as unique classmate Valentines, playful Easter baskets, Holiday hostess gifts, Halloween care packages, and useful stocking stuffers. The best part is that these gift items have personalization options for your specific recipient. Be sure to sign up for our Bow and Bestow Bulletin to be the first to know when these become available.
Do you have additional questions?
Don’t be shy - no question is a silly question.