Welcome to
SproutGifts.
Where giving grows beyond traditional gift-giving and transforms into meaningful experiences and intentional living.
How SproutGifts Was Born
The idea for SproutGifts was born somewhere between an oversized luggage cart and a mini meltdown in our cluttered apartment.
It was our daughter's first Christmas, and we flew home with three extra suitcases filled entirely with her gifts. Toys that lit up, made noise, took up far more space than we had, and somehow all required different kinds of batteries. As we maneuvered through the airport, one thought kept repeating: Where are we going to put all of this?
Back in our already-full two-bedroom apartment, we unpacked suitcase after suitcase, and immediately felt overwhelmed. While we were incredibly grateful, it was impossible to ignore the feeling that something about modern gift-giving had gone off track. The sheer volume of things felt disconnected from what we actually needed and highlighted how easily generosity could turn into excess.
When I shared the experience with other moms, the response was instant and familiar. The stories poured in: closets overflowing, unopened toys, gifts tucked away for “later.”
What I thought was a personal moment quickly revealed itself as something much bigger.
Families everywhere were struggling to balance appreciation with simplicity, and many of us felt the same quiet tension: there had to be a better way.
At the same time, we were already thinking ahead to our daughter's first birthday and asking a different question. Instead of more things, what if gifts could support her growth—music classes, swim lessons, educational experiences, or even savings for the future?
What if giving could feel intentional again, creating memories rather than adding to the clutter?
That also got me thinking about my own childhood. Whenever I received cash as a gift, I'd smile politely while my parents said, “That's going to your college fund!” And just like that, it was gone. I never saw it or felt connected to it.
But what if kids could actually experience their gifts?
What if Nana's $50 went toward horseback riding lessons and your child could send her a photo saying, “Thanks, Nana! That was the best day ever!”
Suddenly, it's not just money. It's a memory. A bonding moment. A way for kids to grow—and for gift-givers to truly feel part of it.
At the same time, these conversations were happening in our own home. As a physician with a master's in public health, I was thinking about child development, environmental health, and intentional living.
My husband—an Ivy League graduate and president of a financial services firm—was thinking about long-term impact, financial literacy, and how children learn values like goal-setting and delayed gratification early.
Together, as parents of two under two, we made a clear family decision:
Less clutter, more practicality, and a cleaner, more intentional way of living and giving.
That decision became SproutGifts.
SproutGifts helps families guide gift-givers toward experiences, savings, and purposeful gifts that support a child's growth. It takes the guesswork out of gifting, reduces overwhelm, and creates a more thoughtful, connected way for loved ones to celebrate children.
Because childhood should be full of wonder—not waste.
And gift-giving should feel as good as it's meant to be.
Our Founders
Nicolette
Co-Founder & CEO
A passionate advocate for children's health, Nicolette brings expertise in child development, environmental health, and intentional living. She envisioned SproutGifts as more than just a platform—it's a movement towards mindful living that shapes happier families.
Bobby
Co-Founder & CFO
With a focus on long-term impact and financial literacy, Bobby brings institutional investment wisdom to family finances. He's passionate about teaching children values like goal-setting and delayed gratification through practical, hands-on experiences.
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.
SproutNest
Plant Roots, Not Piles of Stuff
Let friends and family 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—focusing on experiences and growth, not just toys.
SproutCycle
Give Forward, Grow Together
Our circular gifting program allows families to return gently loved items their child has outgrown. In exchange, earn credits for future gifts—teaching children that joy is something meant to be shared.
The Science Behind Our Approach
Less is More
Research shows that too many toys can overwhelm children and reduce their ability to focus. University of Toledo found children with fewer toys played more creatively and for longer periods.
Experiences Last
Family experiences create stronger emotional bonds and lasting memories than material possessions. Cornell research shows experiential gifts provide more lasting happiness.
Generosity Grows
Harvard studies show that children who learn to give back develop stronger empathy, emotional intelligence, and community-minded values from an early age.