Gardella’s Goodies isn’t just a dessert brand—it’s a gifting experience built around connection, surprise, and joy. Based in Ithaca, New York, the company specializes in handmade cookies, oversized chocolate truffles, and thoughtfully themed treat boxes for life’s many moments.
Gardella's Goodies makes it easy to send sweetness in a box, whether it’s a birthday, a new job, or a pop-culture celebration.
At the heart of the business is a commitment to making people feel seen and celebrated. Every box is carefully designed to spark delight from the moment it arrives on a doorstep.
A Gifting Experience That Sparks Joy
Themed treat boxes are Gardella’s Goodies’ signature product. Built around different life occasions and pop culture touchpoints, the boxes are designed to bring thoughtful, curated joy to recipients—whether the sender is down the block or across the country.
Some customers order boxes for bridal showers or baby announcements; others send them as a simple “thinking of you” gesture.
Each box includes a selection of treats and small extras—like stickers, keychains, and specialty chocolates—often sourced from other small businesses around the U.S.
“We definitely believe over here at Gardele's Goodies that life is all about celebrating moments big and small.”
What makes these boxes especially memorable is how they show up—unexpectedly, boldly branded, and ready to delight.
“Someone doesn't know it's coming, and all of a sudden they just get home one day and there's a bright blue box with cookies on it right on their doorstep and there's that moment of, ‘my God, what's that?’ And that's kind of the moment that we're hoping to create with these boxes.”
That moment of surprise is baked into the brand's identity.
Choosing Packaging That Makes an Impression
Gardella’s Goodies knew from day one that their packaging had to go beyond function. It needed to deliver a visual impact, feel intentional, and align with their goal of creating lasting emotional connections.
For that, they turned to Arka.
“We were definitely looking for something that had a lot of customizability. We had a very strong vision design-wise of what we wanted this box to look like… and Arka was fantastic for fulfilling that for us.”
The result is packaging that stands out both in transit and at unboxing. Customers frequently reach out just to comment on the design, and even routine trips to the post office become mini marketing moments.
“We get compliments every single time we drop our boxes off at USPS.”
Why Arka Was the Right Fit
Like many small businesses, Gardella’s Goodies did their homework before committing to a packaging partner. They compared multiple vendors, weighing cost, design tools, sustainability, and box flexibility.
Arka checked all the boxes.
“We looked at cost, we looked at different things like sustainability, we looked at customizability options, different sizes versus how flexible you guys were on sizes. Arka just truly came out on top in terms of what we needed in terms of flexibility, box size, and price.”
Arka’s flexibility in box sizing and ability to accommodate specific dimensions also made it easier for the team to scale and iterate as new product types emerged.
Sustainability also played a major role in the decision. Arka’s FSC-certified materials align with Gardella’s values, and the team makes a point to highlight these details in customer communications.
“It’s nice to remind customers that, hey, we’re a brand that cares.”
The company’s inclusion of small-batch extras from like-minded businesses reinforces this ethical and community-driven ethos.
What’s Ahead in 2025
As the business grows, so does its ambition. In 2025, Gardella’s Goodies is moving into a shared commercial kitchen space in Ithaca, one that will also support 25 to 40 other local food entrepreneurs.
This transition will unlock opportunities for retail expansion, partnerships with local wineries, and collaborations with specialty food shops across the Finger Lakes region.
In tandem, the company is preparing to launch new seasonal treat box themes and limited-edition flavors. From springtime celebrations to summer pop culture drops, Gardella’s Goodies plans to keep their offerings fresh and exciting.
Evolution Without Compromise
While the product line continues to grow, the packaging design will remain a staple of the brand.
“But honestly, the boxes themselves, we are so in love with them, and all of our customers really have come to love the boxes as well.”
Instead of redesigning, the team is considering adding new sizes to accommodate a wider range of gift options and price points.
Advice to Fellow Entrepreneurs
For other small businesses launching eCommerce products or giftable goods, Lee and Lauren emphasize the importance of design consistency and visual storytelling.
“...the printed materials, everything really ties together from a design standpoint, and that really creates something powerful in a customer. Customers really like it when the details all tie together in a business. It really feels like a full, complete experience.”
How Arka Supports Brands Like Gardella’s Goodies
At Arka, we believe packaging is more than a box—it’s a brand moment. With custom, flexible, and sustainable solutions, we help growing companies like Gardella’s Goodies deliver joy and build customer loyalty with every shipment.
If you’re ready to turn your packaging into a powerful extension of your brand, let Arka help bring your vision to life. Explore Arka’s custom packaging solutions today.
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