Every monthly box at Sweet Cubby’s starts with a little inspiration. Sometimes it’s the change in seasons, a piece of produce that’s available, or a holiday coming up on the calendar. Other times, it’s a familiar flavor that brings back a memory—or a favorite that customers keep asking me to bring back.
There isn’t one set formula for how a box comes together. That’s part of what I love about creating them. Each month gives me a chance to explore something different while keeping that familiar Sweet Cubby’s feeling.
Pete's Farm stand in Walpole, NH is always a great place to pick up local seasonal produce.
Starting with the season
The time of year often gives me my first direction. I think about the flavors that feel right for that month and the produce that’s available. Sometimes, one ingredient is enough to get an idea going.
Take fall, for example. The air is crisp, the sun is still warm, and everything starts to feel a little cozier. As I plan the boxes from August through November, I think about the flavors and scents that capture that feeling: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin, squash, cocoa, brown sugar, and apples. From there, I start thinking about the recipes those ingredients could work in and how they might fit into the box.
For my most recent box, the theme was “Back to School.” I drew inspiration from peanut butter and jelly, lunchbox snacks, and the apple you might give to your favorite teacher. I also thought about four square, the schoolyard playground game. That became another playful connection to the box: four squares, four unique sweets.
A holiday can spark an idea, too. It gives me a starting point to play with flavors and create something that feels connected to the occasion, with my own touch. Our upcoming holiday collection, with boxes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, gives me plenty of inspiration for sweet treats to share.
Finding inspiration in familiar flavors
A lot of my inspiration comes from nostalgia. I love when a flavor reminds you of something: a dessert you grew up with, a family recipe, or a treat you always looked forward to.
Copycat to the M&M cookies that I would get at Mario's Bakery on Merrick Rd in Oceanside, NY as a child
When one of those flavors comes to mind, I think about which recipe would help it shine. Sometimes that means putting my own spin on something familiar. Other times, it means letting a classic flavor speak for itself.
That feeling of recognition is something I love about baking. A treat can be something new to try and still bring you back to a familiar moment.
Listening to what you love
Your feedback plays a part in the next box, too. When I hear that an item was a favorite, I keep that in mind. Bringing something back is a chance to revisit a treat you enjoyed and give it a place alongside new ideas.
I love having that conversation through the boxes: sharing something I’m excited about, hearing what you think, and letting that help shape what comes next.
Inspired by community
Sometimes, a theme starts with a call to action from the community. That might mean celebrating Pride Month in June and sharing a message of love and equality, or finding a way to rally around a family friend after a serious accident. Moments like these can give a box its purpose and help bring a theme to life.
Sweet Cubby’s Pride Month Box raised $110 for 603 Equality.
Since starting Sweet Cubby’s, I’ve wanted this business to be about more than earning a living from something I love and sharing treats that people enjoy. I also want to use the platform I’m building to spread kindness, love, and equality in my community.
When I think about a theme like this, I think about the message behind it, too. How can what I create invite people to celebrate, show support, or come together for someone who needs it? That purpose becomes part of the inspiration, alongside the flavors and recipes.
Bringing it all together
As the ideas come together, I think about how the treats will feel as a whole box. I want each item to have its own place, with a mix of flavors that makes opening the box—and deciding what to try first—part of the fun.
That’s the thought behind each month at Sweet Cubby’s: a little seasonal inspiration, a little nostalgia, and a lot of love for the community I’m baking for.
Is there a flavor that brings back a memory for you, or a past box favorite you’d love to see again? I’d love to hear about it.