Grey Willow Gifts is proving that the best gifts are about more than what’s inside the box. Founded by Victoria-Rose Bozzelli, the Canadian gifting company curates thoughtful gift boxes featuring more than 200 Canadian brands while helping businesses and individuals create more meaningful connections. We spoke with Victoria-Rose Bozzelli about building a purpose-driven business, supporting local makers, and why personal touches make every gift unforgettable.
What is your business called and what does it do?
The business is Grey Willow Gifts, a female-founded Canadian gifting company known for its elevated gift boxes that showcase more than 200 Canadian brands while making gifting feel personal, purposeful and memorable.
What made you want to do this work?
The idea for Grey Willow Gifts began in 2020 when I created gift baskets for a charity fundraiser at my office. Colleagues loved them and suggested I start selling them, with several asking if I could create gifts for them personally. Their encouragement sparked what would eventually grow into Grey Willow Gifts.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I founded Grey Willow Gifts with a simple goal: to make gifting more thoughtful and impactful. As gifting became increasingly standardized (read: boring) and filled with mass-produced products, I saw an opportunity to spotlight the incredible Canadian brands and artisans creating exceptional goods. Grey Willow Gifts connects those brands with consumers looking for gifts that feel personal, intentional, and meaningful.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Grey Willow Gifts serves both consumers and corporate clients. One of the things I love most about Grey Willow Gifts is the variety. In the same day, I might be coordinating a large-scale employee appreciation program for a major corporate client and curating personalized gift boxes for a bridal party, baby shower, or milestone celebration.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We create gift boxes serving both corporate and consumer clients. We take care of the entire gifting process—from curating products and designing the presentation to packaging and shipping the final gift. Whether a client wants us to curate something on their behalf or build a completely custom gift box, we create gifting experiences that feel thoughtful and intentional. We also offer recipient-selected gift programs, giving recipients the freedom to choose the products they genuinely want from a curated selection.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Grey Willow Gifts is based in Mississauga but ships Canada-wide.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: What sets your gifting company apart from the others?
Answer: Look for a corporate gifting company that acts as a strategic partner, not simply a supplier. The right company should take the time to understand your brand, your recipients, and the purpose behind the gift before making recommendations. At Grey Willow Gifts, we believe every gift should strengthen relationships while reflecting both your brand and your values. That’s why we take a thoughtful approach to curating gifts that feel intentional and leave a lasting impression. Creating a positive impact is equally important to us, which is why we proudly source products from more than 200 Canadian small businesses and plant a tree for every gift purchased.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best Part: The best part is knowing that our gifts become part of some of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone, welcoming a new employee, thanking a valued client, or offering comfort during a difficult time, it’s an honour knowing something we’ve created is part of that memory. I also love seeing the ripple effect that follows. We regularly hear from recipients who loved receiving one of our gifts so much that they end up becoming a client of ours as well! To me, that’s one of the greatest compliments because it shows the experience left a lasting impression.
Worst Part: The hardest part is that there are never enough hours in the day! Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, from creative direction and client calls to logistics and shipping. One day I’m curating luxury gifts, and the next I’m wrapping pallets for freight shipments. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s all part of building something you’re proud of.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
People think I spend my days just tasting chocolate and tying ribbons! While that is part of it, I spend just as much time coordinating freight shipments, responding to client emails, and carrying boxes around the warehouse.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
One local business I absolutely love is Revival Med Spa. As a small business owner, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, so I think it’s incredibly important to prioritize your own wellness, too. What I appreciate most about this spa is that they genuinely care about your results. They take the time to check in, celebrate your progress, and make you feel supported long after your appointment. That level of care is something I really admire and strive to bring into my own business as well.
