project

REFLECTIONS

coastal greetings

objective:

The goal was to create a welcome gift that felt less like an amenity and more like an introduction—to place, to story, and to a home deeply loved. For this oceanside residence in Kennebunkport, Maine, the gift needed to reflect the rhythm of coastal life while honoring the relationship between property owner and guest. Above all, it was meant to feel personal: a thoughtful gesture that immediately connected the arriving family to the home, the community, and the memories held within both.

process:

We began with place. Every element of this gift was sourced from local Maine makers, artists, and shops—an intentional choice that allowed the region’s character to speak for itself.
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At the heart of the gift was a Sea Bag, locally made and inherently practical. Designed to carry everything from towels to treasures, it felt like a natural fit for a family moving between home and shoreline throughout their stay. Inside, we layered thoughtful details: locally made sweets and wine, a watercolor map of Kennebunkport to encourage wandering into town, and discovering favorite restaurants and hidden gems along the way.

A locally sourced blanket offered both comfort and versatility—perfect for early morning sunrises, evenings by the water, or cooler beach days. We included personalized sea glass etched with the family’s name and dates of stay, tying the gift directly to their time in the home.The welcome letter served as the emotional anchor. Written from the property owner to the renter, it shared stories of mornings spent combing the beach with children, searching for sea glass, shells, and sand dollars—rituals that had shaped their own family memories. The hope expressed was simple and sincere: that this home, this place, and this community would offer the same sense of joy and connection to the family now arriving.

client feedback:

The response was immediate and deeply affirming. The guests shared that they were genuinely blown away by the thoughtfulness of the gift. Knowing the history of the home and the family who had loved it for so many years made their stay feel richer and more meaningful from the moment they arrived. They noted how special it felt to be welcomed not just as renters, but as part of an ongoing story—and shared that they were already looking forward to returning.

This gift became more than a welcome. It became a bridge—between families, between past and present, and between a place and the people who experience it.

a modern explorer

objective:

This gift was curated to recognize an exceptional team member whose impact reaches far beyond her role. The business owner wanted to acknowledge not only the value she brings to the company, but the care, commitment, and presence she brings every day.

The intention was to create a gift that felt both personal and affirming—one that honored her professionally while recognizing who she is beyond work.

The gift was also designed to accompany her through frequent business travel, bringing a sense of ease, comfort, and thoughtful style along the way.

process:

We began by considering how she moves through her days—often traveling on behalf of the business, carrying responsibility with grace and consistency. Each piece needed to feel purposeful, elevated, and reflective of her importance to the team.

At the foundation of the gift was a monogrammed leather essentials tote, paired with a matching commute clutch—designed to keep chargers, earbuds, passports, and daily necessities beautifully organized. Timeless and practical, these pieces were meant to become trusted companions on the road.

To offer comfort during long travel days, we included an Italian plaid blanket scarf, chosen for its warmth and versatility—perfect for bundling up on a plane or layering upon arrival.

A Printworks coffee table book was added as a place to document the memories made while traveling—moments experienced both on behalf of the business and for herself.

The most meaningful element of the gift was a gold engraved compass necklace from Oak and Luna. Etched with the initials of the employee, her husband, and their two children, the necklace served as a quiet reminder that while her work may take her far, it is her family that guides her.

client feedback:

The client later shared how meaningful it felt to give a gift that truly reflected the person behind the role.
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“I was proud to give my team member a gift that recognized who she is and what she brings to our business.”
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For the recipient, the gift was received as more than recognition—it was affirmation. An acknowledgment that her work is valued, her presence matters, and that she is seen not only for what she does, but for who she is and the life that grounds her.

an experience in taste & tradition

objective:

This gift was curated for a client whose relationship with the business owner extended far beyond the professional. The intention was to acknowledge not only the value of their work together, but the respect, trust, and personal connection that had grown alongside it. The goal was simple, yet deeply considered: to create a gift that reflected who this client is—his interests, his sensibilities, and the story he carries with him.

process:

We began by listening closely. The client was a true wine connoisseur with a love for California reds, a discerning eye for art, and a quiet appreciation for the ritual of cigars. Rather than assembling a collection of items, our aim was to curate pieces with stories of their own—stories that could naturally intersect with his.

At the center of the gift was Maya, a California red chosen not only for its depth and rarity, but for the parallels between the winemaker’s journey and that of the client himself—both marked by patience, vision, and a commitment to craft. The wine set the tone for the entire experience.

To accompany it, we selected Josephinen Hütte glassware—thoughtfully designed pieces that exist at the intersection of function and art. Sculptural yet refined, the glasses elevated the act of enjoying the wine, turning a familiar ritual into something more intentional.

For the cigar ritual, we included the Eleganza tray by Protetta, whose design pays homage to Italian inventors throughout history. The tray served as both a functional piece and a quiet nod to legacy, innovation, and enduring influence—values that closely mirrored the relationship being honored.

The gift was completed with a personal letter, carefully written to articulate what this relationship has meant over time. It spoke to shared respect, appreciation, and the significance of the connection—bringing cohesion and meaning to every element within the box.

client feedback:

The response was immediate and understated. After opening the gift and reading the letter, the recipient shared just one word: Unbelievable.

‍Sometimes, that is more than enough.

FAQ

1. What types of gifting does Alderhaus specialize in?

Alderhaus curates meaningful gifts for corporate relationships, weddings, and personal milestones. From client and team recognition to wedding parties, life moments, and “just because,” every gift is designed to honor connection, story, and gratitude.

2. How personalized are the gifts?

Deeply. We begin by listening—learning about the recipient, the relationship, and the moment being recognized. From product selection to messaging and presentation, each gift is thoughtfully composed to feel personal, intentional, and true to the story behind it.

3. Do all gifts include a letter or note?

Yes. Every Alderhaus gift includes a personal note. Whether written by you or crafted with our guidance, the letter is an essential part of the experience—bringing voice, meaning, and emotion to the gift.

4. Who are the artists and makers you work with?

We partner with independent artists, makers, and small businesses whose work reflects craftsmanship, integrity, and story. Many of the pieces we source are created in collaboration with these partners, allowing us to support their growth while offering something truly special to our clients.

5. How involved do I need to be in the process?

As involved as you’d like. Some clients enjoy collaborating closely, while others prefer to trust us with every detail. Either way, we manage the process with care and precision—making gifting feel seamless, thoughtful, and well-executed.

6. Is Alderhaus a good fit for corporate gifting?

Absolutely. We work with businesses who want to recognize clients and teams in a meaningful way. Our corporate gifting experience is designed to reflect appreciation, strengthen relationships, and follow through on good intentions—without adding extra work to your plate.

7. What is the typical timeline for a curated gift?

Timelines vary based on the level of customization and sourcing, but we’ll always guide you through expectations up front. Thoughtful gifting takes care, and we pride ourselves on balancing intention with reliability and clear communication.

8. How do I get started?

Simply reach out through our contact form. We’ll begin with a conversation—learning about the people, relationships, and moments you wish to honor. From there, we’ll take care of the rest.

9. Can Alderhaus handle gifting at scale while maintaining quality?

Yes. Whether curating a single meaningful gift or coordinating multiple gifts across teams or clients, we approach every order with the same level of care and attention to detail. Scale never comes at the expense of intention—each gift is handled as if it were the only one.

CUSTOM GIFT DESIGN

CORporate GIFTING

project

REFLECTIONS

coastal greetings

a modern explorer

an experience in taste & tradition

the design

Process

Inquiry

Connection

design direction

initial design

refinement & creation

FAQ

1. What types of gifting does Alderhaus specialize in?

2. How personalized are the gifts?

3. Do all gifts include a letter or note?

4. Who are the artists and makers you work with?

5. How involved do I need to be in the process?

6. Is Alderhaus a good fit for corporate gifting?

7. What is the typical timeline for a curated gift?

8. How do I get started?

9. Can Alderhaus handle gifting at scale while maintaining quality?

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