The Pick-Me-Up Project

This initiative was created by Jessica Smith owner of Flippin’ Fabulous LLC, as a way to show support, send encouragement, and build a meaningful connection with someone who is struggling while supporting small businesses.

This project was intentionally launched in honor of World Kindness Day on November 14^th, 2025.

It encourages community members to provide a gift basket or care package for a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, or complete stranger using items sourced from small businesses. 

• You may identify those in need via word of mouth, local non-profits, churches, schools, social services
• All item(s) must be sourced by local small businesses or multiple small businesses

Small In Scope: Big On Impact

In today’s challenging times, many are experiencing economic uncertainty caused by several factors including government shutdowns and unexpected closures of small businesses.

These incidents, whether alone or combined, have affected many individuals and families nationwide, and significantly lowered a sense of security and hope among both consumers and small businesses.

·       By supporting someone in need, you’re demonstrating empathy and making them feel seen, heard, and cared for.

·       By purchasing from a local small business, you are enhancing the strength of your local community & economy while supporting the American dream.

·       By participating in this initiative, you are helping to spread kindness, show compassion, and support small businesses.

The ultimate goal is to do what you can using the resources you have to lift others up, spread kindness, and create a sense of community.

Recipients

Each gift basket or care package should be created with intent in hopes of providing a sense of care, comfort, and support to those who are experiencing:

·       Financial crisis (job loss, foreclosure, bankruptcy, loss of government benefits)

·       Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, unexpected diagnosis)

·       Physical health issues (short-term or long-term illness, recent diagnosis, crisis)

·       Personal loss (loss of a loved one, loss of a pet, etc.)

·       Any other significant life change (military deployment, separation, divorce, recently becoming an empty nester)

Please DO NOT share any of the recipient’s personal information (or any information that could identify the recipient) on any public forum unless you have received written consent.

 Products/Gift Ideas

·       Self-care products (bath & body products, journals, pens, etc.)

·       Treats such as cookies, candies, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate

·       Comfort items: small blankets, cozy socks, candles

·       Entertainment: books, games, puzzles

·       Personal touches such as handmade cards or small handmade items

·       Gift card to local small business service (beauty services, massage

·       Gift card to local café/restaurant

·       Gift card to a local specialty store

·       Each basket should focus on quality over quantity

Spreading The Word

Please help spread the word by sharing this initiative with your personal and business contacts, including family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and other personal and business networks.

Please be sure to join both the Facebook group and our email list to receive project updates, including inspirational stories and the impact being made.

You may invite others to join the group and/or share the website page for more information on how to participate. 

You may share photo(s) of any baskets you put together in the group or by sending an email to jessica@flippinfabulousllc.com

Please take a photo of your gift basket or care package prior to delivery with the hashtag #thepickmeupproject on social media.

You may also tag us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Thank you in advance for helping us spread kindness, support those who are struggling, shopping small business, and helping to spread the word.