Photos by Phyllis Garito Photography, courtesy of Peaceful Pickings
Briarcliff mom Dawn Catucci launches a luxe-gift-box business that delivers comfort and peace to those who need it most.
During a time of difficulty, a simple act of kindness became the inspiration behind Briarcliff resident Dawn Catucci’s new business, Peaceful Pickings (peacefulpickings.com).
When Catucci’s son underwent heart surgery at age 15, a family friend gifted him a soft throw blanket. The not-your-typical-flowers-and-well-wishes gift stood out to Catucci and became a source of comfort for her son throughout his experience.
When the pandemic hit, Catucci started creating curated gift boxes to make her loved ones smile, just as her son had when he received that thoughtful blanket years earlier. After Catucci had created her 10th box, she realized her passion project had small-business potential.
“[Our experience with my son’s surgery] inspired us to create gift boxes that can serve as symbols of comfort and peace for those who receive them through all of life’s ups and downs,” Catucci explains.
As an alternative to standard gifts of flowers, balloons, and meals, Peaceful Pickings offers boxes that can include an ultra-soft microfiber throw blanket, handmade essential oil soap, a votive candle, silk eye mask, stainless tumbler, and organic popcorn.
There are specific boxes tailored toward couples, those working from home, and newborns, in addition to general boxes. Mini-boxes are $55 and luxury boxes are $75. Corporate versions are also available. The products available are also for sale a la carte by the biz, and some can be customized.
“Our true wish is that our boxes allow the opportunity for relaxation, rejuvenation… the ability to feel pampered every single day for everyone and certainly for families going through hard times,” says Catucci.
Catucci also donates boxes to charities, like the Ronald McDonald House, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and to families with sick children.
Peaceful Pickings products are available online and at March Boutique in Briarcliff Manor.
