Our Mission
At SproutGifts, we believe childhood should be full of wonder, not waste.
We help families shift from accumulating stuff to nurturing growth through intentional gifting, meaningful experiences, and research-backed recommendations.
Our Story
Nicolette
Co-Founder & CEO
Physician-mom who saw firsthand how intentional gifting can support development and reduce family stress. The idea for Sprout was born after flying home with three extra suitcases of Christmas gifts.
Bobby
Co-Founder & CFO
With a focus on long-term impact and financial literacy, Bobby brings institutional investment wisdom to family finances. Passionate about teaching children values like goal-setting and delayed gratification through practical, hands-on experiences.
The idea for SproutGifts came to life somewhere between an overstuffed luggage cart and a minor meltdown in our cluttered apartment. It was my daughter's first Christmas, and we were flying home with three extra checked suitcases—just for her gifts.
I'm talking about toys that lit up, made noise, took up an entire coffee table, and somehow all required different kinds of batteries. As we lugged them through the airport, I kept thinking: “Where are we going to put all of this?!”
Back in our already crammed two-bedroom apartment, I opened suitcase after suitcase and was instantly overwhelmed. It wasn't that I wasn't grateful—it was just too much. Too much plastic. Too much clutter. Too many things she would use once and then forget about.
I vented to a few mom friends, half-joking that I needed a gift registry for kids that helped people give better gifts. They didn't just agree—they lit up. “Omg, please make this,” one friend said immediately. That's when I realized: this wasn't just my problem. We were all drowning in a sea of well-meaning chaos.
The Science Behind Our Approach
Our approach is grounded in child development research and psychology.
Clutter & Overstimulation
Research shows that too many toys can overwhelm children and reduce their ability to focus and engage deeply with any single activity. University of Toledo study found children with fewer toys played more creatively and for longer periods.
Experiences Over Things
Family experiences create stronger emotional bonds and lasting memories than material possessions. Cornell research shows that experiential gifts provide more lasting happiness and connection.
Teaching Generosity
Harvard studies demonstrate that children who learn to give back develop stronger empathy, emotional intelligence, and community-minded values from an early age.
How We Help Families
SproutGifts
Curated, Intentional Giving
Registry items hand-picked to support your child's development—books, educational toys, and experiences that matter. Say goodbye to plastic mountains and hello to meaningful gifts.
Age-appropriate recommendations
Development-focused categories
Curated by child experts
Reduces gift overwhelm
SproutNest
Plant Roots, Not Piles of Stuff
Allows friends and family to contribute directly to your child's future—whether it's for swim lessons, art classes, a first bike, or even a college fund. It's a smarter, more intentional way to give.
Financial literacy starts early
Goal-oriented saving habits
Flexible fund allocation
Teaches delayed gratification
SproutCycle
Give Forward, Grow Together
Our circular gifting program allows families to return gently loved items their child has outgrown. In exchange, families earn credits to use on future gifts—encouraging less waste and more intentional giving.
Teaches children the value of giving back
Reduces household clutter and waste
Creates community connections
Models sustainable behavior