This Subscription Box Is Designed for Seniors Isolated During the Pandemic

The pandemic has made it difficult for people to visit their parents, grandparents or other older loved ones due to health concerns. And people in assisted-living communities don’t get to be as social or active as they once were as a result.

To add a touch of happiness, as well as provide some safe forms of entertainment, two sisters created Silver Swag Box, a subscription box service designed for senior citizens who might feel bored or down during the pandemic.

“The pandemic has affected people who are older, there is no question about it,” one recipient told WRCB TV. “They couldn’t even get out of their rooms.”

Each box contains things to stay active and mentally sharp (like a scrambled letters game, pencils and a wooden tic-tac-toe board), as well as things for staying comfortable (like socks) and comfort snacks (like potato chips or Hershey Kisses). One recent box was birdwatching-themed, with a guide, journal, bird pen, two bird feeders and a plush finch.

The March "Game On" Silver Swag Box | Credit: Silver Swag Box

The founders, sisters Brandi Allen and Ashley Rollins, said they were inspired by their aunt, whom they were unable to visit.

“It’s so tough because now that she is in her 90s, she lives by herself and there is no other family,” Rollins told WRCB TV. “She feels very isolated.”

After sending her a few care packages, they started thinking about what new products they could include. From there, Silver Swag Box was born, creating a way for other people feeling distanced from their loved ones to show they care, and a way for those living alone to stay entertained and maybe learn new things.

“It’s really just a vehicle to help people feel good,” Rollins said.

Each box comes with a personalized note, and the printed and branded products that correspond with the box’s theme.

Finding ways to reach people in their homes has been a primary challenge for companies during the pandemic. One solution (with obvious benefits for promo businesses) has been swag kits mailed directly to recipients, allowing now-virtual trade shows to reach at-home audiences and keeping businesses connected with remote employees.

But kits specially made for seniors is an idea we haven't seen until now. Most people have at least one person in their lives who has become isolated as a result of the pandemic. A subscription box might not truly replace in-person interaction, but with personalization to show that someone is thinking about the recipient, and a new theme every month to keep it different and exciting, it's a nice alternative until we can once again gather safely.