Member Business Spotlight: Give Wrapped

Member Business Spotlight: Kelsey Hartung, Give Wrapped

Meet Kelsey Hartung, founder and chief gift designer of Give Wrapped—a unique and joyous Michigan-based gift design studio.

Kelsey spent 15 years in public relations, focusing on crisis communications, executive communications, and strategic PR. Along the way, she found herself sourcing, designing, and wrapping gifts for clients and companies—discovering that some people could really use help in the gifting department. She learned that finding the perfect gift — and nailing the presentation —is truly an art.

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Tired of Friday afternoon calls from reporters with breaking stories (cue the weekend scramble to calm CEOs and manage damage control), Kelsey chose a new path, trading the stress of breaking news for the joy of creating beautiful, meaningful gifts. “I wanted to create something fun, surround myself with happy people, and make moments of joy every day —because everyone is happy when they are giving or getting a gift,” she explains. Her mission is simple: to spread as much joy as possible, inspire thoughtful gifting, and make life easier—all with standout style and tons of fun. After all, who doesn’t love the happiness of giving or receiving a gift? And that’s how Give Wrapped was born.

As I’ve learned from speaking with Kelsey, the gift-wrapping industry is a big one! She has taken multiple professional courses by instructors in Atlanta and even across the pond in England, making her officially a professional gift wrapper. Kelsey explains that gift wrapping is an extension of both the gifter and the giftee. It’s not just about what’s inside the box—it’s about reflecting personalities, intentions, and thoughtfulness in the presentation.

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Extraordinary gifting is an art, which is why Give Wrapped offers more than just gift-wrapping services. With a focus on gift consulting, they help individuals and businesses craft thoughtful gifts that leave a lasting impression and strengthen relationships. Give Wrapped provides corporate gifting strategies, influencer boxes, and event takeaways. Gifting is a year-round business, and Give Wrapped can help you get creative with reasons to gift—whether it’s for a loved one, your work team, an event takeaway, or your business clients. As Kelsey puts it, “Gifts are a small act of care and consideration that can bring people closer, even in a digital world.”

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With connections to unique organizations, like a semi-nomadic community in West Africa that creates beautiful handmade spoons and baskets (soon to be available on the Give Wrapped site!) along with high-quality wrapping materials sourced from the U.S., Japan, Nepal, and beyond, Give Wrapped crafts thoughtful designs tailored to each recipient and also gives back to local communities around the world. By honoring the artisans and respecting their rich cultures and traditions, the company ensures that every gift tells a story, celebrates our unique connections, and supports where it makes sense and makes an impact.

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Her favorite part of this business is the people: the gifters and the giftees. “They are so thoughtful, and seeing the care they put into their gifting is so sweet.” To her, it’s all about understanding the recipients and the intentions behind the gifts. That knowledge creates the personal touches and custom designs catered exactly to the gift recipient.

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No business starts overnight; it takes a lot of dedication and work from the founder before you get in the flow. Her biggest challenge is a relatable one: to get out of her own way.

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A pivotal point for Give Wrapped last year was when The Henry Ford Museum hired them to do all the gift wrapping during a huge 500 + person event. Someone believed in her and suggested her for it, and she made it happen! Complete with 12 employees in custom aprons, they were an assembly line of gift wrapping (pun intended); they were building the boxes on the spot, wrapping gifts, and sending folks on their way. Give Wrapped also went beyond the wrapping, creating centerpieces and event décor. This experience marked their largest event of onsite gift wrapping and opened doors to invaluable connections that propelled her business forward.

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One of the most impactful decisions Kelsey made for her business? Joining Bamboo! “Honestly, becoming a Bamboo member was a pivotal business decision,” she shares. “Having a professional space to meet clients in person—not in my home—completely elevates my service.” Beyond just workspace, she highlights the sense of community that Bamboo offers: “Attending Bamboo events has connected me with a network of support and encouragement. Things just happen there! It feels amazing to go to work and be part of a community.”

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Finally - though you can give gifts any time of the year - don’t forget that there are 51 days until Christmas! Kelsey can be reached at kelsey@givewrapped.com, givewrapped.com, and @givewrapped on social media to get in touch.

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