Our Story

Growing up, gifting was more than just an act of giving—it was an art. My mother, the heart of our home, spent every holiday season creating beautiful gift packs for friends and family. She made sure that everyone felt celebrated, no matter their situation. I watched how her thoughtful gifts brought smiles and relieved the stress of so many people. It was more than just a gift; it was a gesture of love and care, one that truly made a difference in people’s lives.

Christmas in our house wasn’t just about presents—it was about connection. I remember working alongside my siblings, helping mom assemble hampers for families who couldn’t afford gifts. It was through these experiences that I learned the true joy of gifting—how it’s about making someone smile, about giving what really matters, even when life gets busy. 

But as I got older, life changed. The stress of finding the perfect gift became overwhelming, and I found myself relying on cash gifts—quick, easy, but lacking heart. I started to lose touch with the art of thoughtful gifting, and I found myself avoiding it altogether. This continued even after I moved to Canada, far from home and without a community.

Living in a new country, I struggled with loneliness and found it difficult to maintain relationships across the distance. It wasn’t that I was seeking “people”, but instead a deeper sense of longing—to be cared for and to show care. Meaningful care. That’s when I had an idea that would change everything.

In late 2022, just before my birthday, I noticed my friends wanted to show up for me, but they didn’t know how. They felt so much pressure to find the perfect gift that they hesitated, unsure if they would get it right. That’s when I created a simple wish list. Suddenly, gifting became easy, fun, and most importantly—intentional. I could see my friends’ relief, and I felt their care, because now they had a clear way to express their love.

What started as a simple list soon became a trend among my circle. My friends began creating their own wish lists, sharing them with others, and it became clear to me—gifting doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be light, thoughtful, and supportive. It can bring joy to both the giver and the receiver.

In December 2023, I returned home and saw my mother still creating her beautiful hampers with joy in her heart. Even in more challenging times, she continued to gift with intention and love. I returned to Canada with a new vision: gifting should, and can be easy, fun, and filled with meaning. People should feel confident about the gifts they give and receive, and that’s why I’m here to make it happen.

So I launched Spruce to be that support.

Gifting, at its core, is about connection. It’s about showing people you care in a way that’s thoughtful, personal, and stress-free. Whether it’s through a simple wish list or a beautifully curated hamper, we can bring back the joy of gifting—and create memories that last.

Spruce isn’t just about products—it’s about the connection and the experience, without the stress. We provide curated gift boxes for various occasions, and we go deeper, allowing for personalization based on what truly matters to your beloved recipient.

Somto Odili

Founder