Little Starts make a Big Difference

7 Nov 2022 • 3 minute read

When you think of protecting the planet, it’s natural to consider future generations. We all want our children (and our children’s children) to have a healthy future with clean air, clean water and plenty of unpolluted outdoor spaces.  

That’s why working with Little Starts Gift Cards was an easy choice; our values are closely aligned.  

The Little Starts Gift Card is the UK’s leading gift card for baby, toddler and preschool classes. As a start-up in 2018, Little Starts Gift Cards is now a rapidly growing business with gift cards accepted at 5000+ different children’s classes weekly nationwide. From singing to swimming, dancing to doodling, every class imaginable is covered. Take a look at their brilliant advert. 

The company’s ethos is built on the foundation of gifting experiences over things. Little Starts founder Katie Lavis talks passionately about what sparked the idea for her business, drawing on her own experience as a new mother. “When I first became a mum, I quickly realised that I would struggle if I spent my whole life in the house on my own. I signed up for every class, and before long, I met dozens of new parents in the same situation as me”.  

The benefits of attending baby and toddler classes quickly became apparent. Classes provide an opportunity for parents to meet friends and develop a support network in those challenging early years; whilst importantly developing children physically, socially and emotionally. Not only that, but they are heaps of fun and enable families to make memories together! The fact that there wasn’t a gift card that could be used at different classes seemed like a missed opportunity to Katie. 

The dreaded plastic pile

Any parent (or grandparent) will be aware of the dreaded pile of plastic “stuff” in their home. How many toys can one child have?! Most of the time, the toys and trinkets have been kindly gifted by well-meaning relatives or friends, leaving you with double guilt after they have been relegated to the ‘no-longer-played-with’ pile.  

The Little Starts Gift Card combats the problem of unwanted or outgrown toys. Plus, it sidesteps the awkward issue of asking for cash as a present. Parents can choose any class at a place and time that suits them, allowing them to spend quality time with their child whilst making new friends. 

Katie knew from the beginning that she wanted her gift cards to follow the environmental ethos that was driving the business. It was essential to her that Little Starts Gift Cards would more than tick the right environmental boxes. 

“I knew that many gift cards are made from plastic, but it didn’t feel right that after they have been used, they could also end up in the same place as the dreaded plastic pile… the very thing we want our customers to be free from, unnecessary clutter and waste that can be harmful to our environment.” 

Little Starts were keen to explore environmentally friendly solutions and opted for a fully recyclable paperboard gift card. 

No plastic, just memorable moments

The synergies were obvious as soon as Green Gift Cards and Little Starts started working together. We are both committed to protecting the planet but without compromising quality. Little Starts Gift Cards are printed on our 660-micron Invercote paperboard, developed by our papermill partners Holmen Iggesund. They are digitally printed, meaning zero waste, and the coated finish gives the cards a solid but sleek feeling. Katie wanted the cards to have a premium feel since they are often given as gifts at important milestones in customers' lives, like maternity or baby shower gifts. 

This Autumn (2022) has seen Little Starts update their card and gifting sleeve with a bright, vibrant brand evolution. The gift card is printed on the same 660-micron Invercote paperboard, whilst the sleeve is from the Green Gift Card packaging range. It’s our sleeve carrier number 6, made from Iggesund’s Incada range, so it shares the same green credentials. All the materials are 100% plastic free and recyclable, with the paperboard manufactured in a zero-waste, biomass-fuelled papermill. 

Managing Director of Green Gift Card Graham Lycett commented: “Little Starts Gift Cards are one of a kind. A totally unique brand focused on our children and the important connection between quality time and a sustainable future for our planet. After all, it’s memories that matter, not things. We can’t wait to see the growth of the Little Starts brand and are delighted to have played a part in it. It’s also worth mentioning that we loved the brand and product so much that we have now acquired a majority shareholding in the company, and we’re investing further.” 

Your Gift Cards

Do you need to upgrade your plastic gift cards to a more sustainable option? We offer several ways to bring your vision to life. Choose from magnetic stripes, sequential numbering, barcoding and embedded smart chips. All of our cards are 100% recyclable! 

Contact Green Gift Card today to discuss your requirements.