Q&A

The Smartest Way to Shop For Gifts with Sarah Allen-Preston, Founder of Afloat

Meet Sarah Allen-Preston, the founder of Afloat—a gift delivery app that lets you shop from local businesses and have gifts delivered to a loved one on the same day. The app handles the entire gift-giving process, including wrapping and adding a handwritten note for an extra personal touch. Genius idea, right? The service is now available in nine cities—Atlanta, Dallas, Edmond, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Plano, and Wichita—and counting.

Since we love the concept, we reached out to Sarah to get the inside scoop on everything Afloat, including what inspired her to start the company and her top gift picks in various categories. Scroll on to read!

"In life, there are silver confetti moments. I was an event planner, so I am a literal celebrator of all the good things in life; I love it so much – new babies, engagements, weddings, new jobs, houses, and graduations. And then, there are silver lining moments. Those are the hard moments. The ones no one wants to go through. The “ungiftable” moments—loss, hard days, sickness, struggle. But, when we look back and we’re on the other side, there's a silver lining to what we went through. Maybe it's something you learned. Maybe it's a turn your life took because of the experience. For me, my first silver lining moment was my son's open heart surgery. The silver lining was the connection that kept me afloat. My next life-changing one was my divorce. The silver lining was my motivation to build Afloat.

During both of these times, the importance of community and connection—often a simple gift on my doorstep—was imprinted on me. I became obsessed with building a company that made it meaningful and convenient to celebrate and support relationships of all kinds. Afloat is proud to connect relationships between people through gifting, support female-founded businesses and brands, and champion the mission of celebrating everything."

For The Bride: Simon Pearce Heart Dish and Bling Wipes (Sharyn Blond | Kansas City)

"This is the perfect combo. I love giving something memorable that they can look back on, and Simon Pearce always fits the bill — plus the heart is perfect! And I love the “bling” wipes to keep that new rock fresh and shiny."

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For The New Mom: Daydreamer Down Robe (Pillow Bar | Dallas)

"RUN don't walk to this amazing robe for a new mom. It feels like you’re wrapped in a down comforter, and is the perfect way to soak in all those newborn snuggles. Plus, you can get it monogrammed with initials, or something sweet (“mama” is always a hit!)"

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For The New Homeowner/Host: Jumbo Salad Servers (Odd McClean | ATL)

"I’m obsessed with these jumbo salad servers! It’s so fun to receive something that’s functional but also a bit of a novelty — because when we’re shopping for ourselves, it always seems like basic is the way to go, but I know I would be over the moon to receive these fun servers and would use them all the time!"

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For The Graduate: Collegiate Vintage Matchbook Prints (Miller Collective | Atlanta)

"These matchbook prints are the coolest gift - perfect for the grad who is moving on to their next phase and their own/new space. I chose SMU since that’s my alma mater, but they have an amazing collection of vintage matchbooks from universities across the country… and are always adding more!"

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For The Friend You Want to Thank: Biscuit and Jam Mix (Sumerford & Co. | Nashville)

"I mean, simply the best thank you ever. Enough said."

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For The Friend Going Through a Hard Time: The Love Bowl (Talulah & Hess | Dallas)

"Flowers and cookies are a classic, but this Love Bowl is such a perfect gift to show someone you’re there supporting them through a hard time. Pair it with a cozy blanket for extra support!"

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For The Friend Just Because: Wonder Valley Olive Oil (G&G | Nashville)

"I’m obsessed with giving–and receiving– olive oil (and beauty products, but I could only pick one!) for a “just because.” I love this Wonder Valley oil because the bottle is just so chic."

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Ready to get gifting? Tap to download the Afloat app! And while you're at it, make sure to check out Hello Sunshine's curated list of gift picks here for inspiration.