That’s a wrap: How humor sparked Acton entrepreneur’s business
Jenny Seed Reis turned “terrible gift giving” into a wrapping paper business and a shot to win a national competition.
Jenny Seed Reis, a self-described “terrible gift giver,” says a bit of humor inspired her business.
“My sisters, they have always complained about their presents,” Reis, a Acton resident, told The Acton Bridge. “Finally, I realized that it was a ‘them problem’ and not a ‘me problem.’”
The next time she gave her sisters gifts, she wrapped them in paper she designed herself with the message: “Lower your expectations.”
It worked.
“They have not complained about their gifts since,” she said.
From that tongue-in-cheek beginning, Reis started Better Than The Gift to help other “terrible gift givers” spruce up their presentation.
The business grew into a small but steadily expanding online shop focused on hand-drawn wrapping paper, greeting cards, stickers, and more goodies designed to spark connection and laughter. Reis also sells locally at Debra’s Natural Gourmet and craft shows.
Reis co-founded the company in 2024 with college friend Julie Belladonna. Recently, the two were selected as semifinalists in The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, a national competition that offers mentorship and a chance at funding.
Relatable and sustainable
From the start, Reis knew she didn’t want to make a run-of-the-mill product.
“We are a modern wrapping paper company,” she said. “Besides having designs that are relatable, we really were focused on making something environmentally friendly and sustainable.”
That commitment led Reis to a nearby printer in Woburn using vegetable-based inks, allowing the paper products to be compostable.
“We’re trying to make the world a little better,” she said. “We’re trying to be environmentally friendly; we’re trying to be community-based.”
Still, growth has been gradual and not without challenges.
“I am not naturally good at marketing,” Reis said. “That’s also why [The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge] has been great. It’s been a huge boot camp.”
She has lofty goals, including making a physical shop that can employ people with intellectual disabilities. But for now, her mission remains simple.
“We’re trying to create meaningful connections through gift stationery,” Reis said. “That’s really what it’s all about.”
