Behind the box
Every Thrive Family Life Christmas box (and product!) begins in prayer. Before sketches or sourcing lists, before color palettes or packaging mock-ups, I ask a simple question:
“Lord, what are You already doing in my life, in our community, in Your kingdom that You want us to echo in tangible form?”
Our 2025 Christmas Gift Box grew from that prayer. It seemed like every aspect of my life had been echoing “I am with you, wherever you go.” From sending my son out into the world for the first time to preschool, to picking up more gig jobs that require me to be away during the boys’ bedtime, to spending time helping families at Dovely navigate paperwork to get vouchers for necessary childcare, I just kept feeling this sense of MOVEMENT. I went back to the Bible and studied the same words God spoke to Joshua: Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
That became the seed. Based on my Bible study in Joshua 1, we created a collection to remind families—whether in motion, in transition, or at home—that God is with them wherever they go. You can read more about the theme behind our 2025 Christmas Box here.
We’ve made our gift-building formula accessible to you in our Gifted Word: Tag Collection and Giving Guide. This printable toolkit is an easy DIY gifting guide with Scripture gift tags, reflection notes, and product suggestions to help you build your own box filled with meaning.
Our Creation Process
When people ask how we design these boxes, here’s the rhythm I share:
Wonder → Scripture → Experience
Wonder: Start by sitting in His presence. Notice, wonder, and listen to what He is already doing in His kingdom. We’re not creating anything! We’re sharing what He has already shared with us through His word and our testimony.
Scripture: Confirm your impressions from this listening time by going back to the Bible. What did God actually say in His word? Does that align with what I thought I heard in my soul during my “wonder” time? Are there other pieces of His character, His story, etc, to glean from Scripture other than where I started? Enjoy this time with Him in His word.
Experience: What truths came from that study? Find a symbol that embodies that truth. How can you share that with others? Give the symbol texture, scent, or sound so your gift recipient can experience God’s truth in a tangible way.
Our Gift Box Formula
There’s another rhythm we follow to delight the people who open our gift boxes. In every collection we curate, we try to include:
A Keepsake: Something the recipient will want to hold onto long after the tissue paper is scattered. A tangible reminder of truth that lingers in their home and heart.
In our 2025 Christmas Box, we included a beautiful cavas banner that repeats the encouragement God gave Joshua before entering the promise land: “Be Courageous. Be Courageous. Be Courageous.” This banner nearly didn’t make the cut. I worried the phrase had become too familiar, until the Lord reminded me that repetition was His idea first. Joshua needed to hear it three times. For me, the banner has become a daily reminder that the same Spirit who strengthened Joshua strengthens me.
Also in 2025, 10% of our Christmas profits went to support Dovely (Boston, MA). So in every Christmas box, we included a handcrafted ceramic dove ornament as a simple reminder of their giving impact.
Biblical Encouragement: Not just a verse slapped on a surface. Each piece is chosen because it carries meaning that can actually nourish the recipient spiritually. We want them to open the gift and feel seen by Scripture, not marketed to.
We created a door hanger with modern symbols representing God’s spiriutal armor (Ephesians 6). Families can hang them on their bedroom or front door as a daily cue to “put on the full armor of God” before they step into their day.
In 2025, we also included a printed testimony letter from a refugee family sharing how God proved His faithfulness to them in the miracle of their son’s birth. You can read their full story here.
Family Activity: Something fun to do together! This is where our motto shines: Make memories while you make disciples. We love it when families say, “Remember when we did that thing together? That was so fun!”
In our 2025 Christmas Box, we debuted our Travel Talks game. In this cooperative, storytelling-based travel game, players move through a map inspired by biblical journeys to share stories and complete challenges. Part conversation, part story adventure.
We also debuted our Planting Paperwhites gospel poem and included a paperwhite planting kit (Potting Shed Creations). Our poem walks families through the gospel narrative as they pot and water their bulbs. As the stems rise and bloom during the New Year, they can remember that God brings life wherever His Word is planted.
Kid Fun: Something the kids can grab right away and dive into. (Bonus points if it doesn’t require adults to read them directions.) Even families without young children will enjoy these lighthearted touches.
In our 2025 Christmas Box, we included Pilgrim Promises. These temporary tattoos become temporary billboards of permanent truth. Whether a child wears Joshua 1:9 on a wrist or a parent carries a verse into a meeting, Scripture memorization can be playful.
Instant Gratification: What good is a gift if you have to schedule time to enjoy it? We always include at least one “open now” thing: something to taste, smell, or experience right away. Usually it’s a snack. Everyone loves a snack.
In our 2025 Christmas Box, we included “Home on the Ranch” snack mix (Poppleton Pantry). It’s delicious and we couldn’t pass up the pun!
Marriage Encouragement: Not always included, but always on our hearts. Marriage is the cornerstone of parenting discipleship and we love slipping in reminders to nurture that partnership.
Container: You could toss everything in a mailer and call it a day. However, we believe the experience starts the moment the gift recipient lays eyes on the box. The packaging itself should whisper, “This was made with care.”
We’ve made our gift-building formula accessible to you in our Gifted Word: Tag Collection and Giving Guide. This printable toolkit is an easy DIY gifting guide with Scripture gift tags, reflection notes, and product suggestions to help you build your own box filled with meaning, even if it’s already Christmas Eve. 😉
