Phyla is a new online shop based in Santa Barbara that’s changing the art of gifting. Through the website phylashop.com, users can select from a wide range of products to create an entirely unique gift basket or choose one of the site’s specially curated bundles of goods.
Phyla founder Caroline Law’s goal is to step away from the “gaudy, over-the-top, tacky gift baskets and move towards a clean, modern aesthetic.” Consequently, Phyla’s selected products reflect a bright minimalism, for Law “wanted to put together something beautiful and crisp and succinct in its presentation.”
Beyond the visual appeal, Phyla supports independent makers and sustainable production, and it donates to nonprofit organizations with each sale of a premade bundle. “It’s nice when the caring and gratitude that comes with giving isn’t at conflict with what it is that you’re giving,” said Law. “Because if you’re just giving a cheap, mass-produced item that has actually done some harm in being produced, then there’s a lack of congruity there that is disruptive.