William James Gifts: Where Gift Giving Meets Food Inclusivity
By Sara Frazier
Whether you host an annual cookie swap, attend an office Christmas party, or gravitate toward purchasing culinary gifts for your loved ones, one thing’s for sure — the holidays and food are inextricably linked. For people who are gluten-free or have dietary restrictions, though, this can prove especially limiting.
“Food is such an important part of our culture. When you do things with friends and family, it almost always centers around food,” says small business owner Calli McPherson, who was diagnosed with celiac disease seven years ago. “When you live a life where that is restrictive to you and you don’t have the same options as other people, that makes it a really stressful experience.”
That’s why, at the beginning of the pandemic, McPherson took the leap and decided to start William James Gifts — an elevated gluten-free shopping experience designed to fill this void in the gifting market. She began making gift baskets from her home in 2020. Since then, the company has transformed into a brick-and-mortar shop in Milton in addition to the online storefront.
From the gluten-free goodies to other giftable home items (think: candles, glassware, and books), every item sold at William James Gifts is sourced from a small business. Plus, 70 percent of the products come from woman-owned businesses, like the Bridgewater-based non-toxic candle company Feather + Finn. The store also stocks caramels from Hyde Park’s McCrea’s Candies and cards from Smudge Ink, a print shop based out of Acton.
Recently, William James Gifts rolled out monthly subscription boxes, featuring five to six shelf-stable, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly food products in each shipment. You may discover snacks like grain-free pretzels, buckwheat crackers, or seed oil-free tortilla chips in your box. No matter which items appear at your door, rest assured that every product was tested and hand-selected by McPherson.
The boxes are available to purchase for $75 per month, with the option to choose from an ongoing, three-month, six-month, or 12-month subscription. Subscription boxes will begin shipping in December (just in time for the holidays!).
As a lifelong foodie and passionate advocate for food inclusivity, McPherson hopes these gift boxes will make a difference in fellow gluten-free foodies’ holiday experiences. “Food allergies and autoimmune diseases are heavy,” she says. “When we can make it a little bit lighter, it’s always nice.”
Purchase gluten-free subscription boxes and other gifts by visiting William James Gifts, 32 Central Ave. in Milton, or visiting williamjamesgifts.com.