For Pam Davis, being eco-friendly and respecting the Earth has always been part of her lifestyle.
“I started using natural products when my children were young,” said Davis, adding, “My husband suggested I open a store selling all the things I loved and believed in.”
That simple encouragement led Davis to establish Our Green House in 2003, an online marketplace located in Sandy Hook.
“The name of our business is a play on words – green meaning eco.”
The eco-conscious gift basket company specializes in pre-made gift baskets for him/her, babies, kids, pets, and corporate gifts baskets. Personalization is also offered.
“All of our products are either organic, eco-friendly, fair trade, or support a craftsperson. We want our customers to feel confident that they are making a difference and getting organic and eco-friendly items. We have something for everyone,” said Davis.
The baskets are categorized by collection, theme, occasion, color, age, and interest, and at all price points ranging from less than $100 to over $300.
According to Davis, the baby gift baskets are very popular.
“We sell and ship to a lot of famous people. It’s fun because we know who had babies and the names before the announcements,” she said.
Our Green House baskets have been featured on ABC News, Cool Mom Picks, People magazine, Better Connecticut, and more. A special aspect of the business is Make your Own gift basket where customers can customize a basket in four easy steps – choose a basket, select items, decide on a ribbon, and select a charity.
“They can make the basket at any price point,” said Davis. Individual items are also available for purchase.
Davis has received glowing reviews from customers. According to one: “The most wonderful gift giving experience! Truly exceptional customer service and attention to detail. My custom gift basket was put together and shipped within one day! They even sent me photos of what all the items I picked out looked like grouped together as well as the final package. I love all the options to choose a charity theme which resonates with the receiver of the gift.”
Another customer said they appreciated the embroidered baby blanket they ordered as a gift for a client.
“We spent a long time looking for organic cotton baby blankets that could be personalized. Our Green House offered the high-quality product we were looking for and were great to work with – the gift was well received and very appreciated.”
Another customer commented that Our Green House is a go-to for special gifts.
“Their products are high quality and each basket is lovingly prepared. The team is very caring and always shares a photo of their work so you know exactly what the recipient will get. My favorite are the build-your-own new puppy baskets with personalized embroidery.”
A portion of every gift basket is donated to a global cause. Customers can select from a list of 20 charitable organizations.
“We couldn’t decide in one cause so we decided to give back to 20. You can feel good knowing your gift gives back globally,” said Davis.
Some of the most popular include elephant orphanage, pet adoption, conservation, veterans, Make-a-Wish NH, Oceana, and a farm sanctuary, among others. “A portion of every gift basket purchased donates to one of these amazing causes. We have always been dedicated to giving back globally through the talented artisans we support and the sustainable materials we source. We took our commitment to a new level by directly giving back to charities,” Davis said.
To date, Our Green House has donated $200,000. “I’m thankful to our customers for being part of the change,” she said.
In addition, Our Green House has a baby registry. “Customers appreciate gifts that they can trust to be organic, natural, and pure,” she said.
Prior to opening Our Green House, Davis had a successful corporate career in the fashion industry for 10 years.
“Back then, I traveled the world and developed at Cygne Designs in New York City as vice president of Ann Taylor Loft Division working on merchandising and sourcing product worldwide. After working in corporate America, I wanted to create a different type of business model that was more flexible for employees and made a difference in the world,” said Davis.
The business is small, having only a staff of six.
“We are all working so hard and competing against large corporations. With a smaller shop you get the customer service that you deserve. We love our customers and make sure that their shopping experience is a happy, feel good one,” said Davis who does most of the buying along with her husband.
“It’s a work/life combo – l’ve always worked with my husband and we raised three kids while doing it. We love group input from all our employees. We’re always developing new products and new prints and we introduce new collections all the time so that people can add new items,” she said. “We travel to different countries and meet with vendors to source. We were just in Peru and were able to meet directly with our suppliers and we support global artisans.”
Davis noted pre-made baskets can take the guesswork out of shopping.
“Our customers love our baskets, appreciate the items are curated, and that each one donates back to a different cause. They’re meaningful gifts that last,” she said.
That makes her happy, she said.
“I feel fulfilled and it inspires me to work harder. We’re looking forward to growing and maybe a brick-and -mortar store. In your life you always want to give back, but it’s not always possible. This just made sense to me that every time we sold a basket it would automatically give back and over time we have been able to make an impact.”