Afloat, a new on-demand gifting app founded by SMU grad Sarah-Allen Preston, launched earlier this month. App users can send curated gifts from local retailers including Saint Bernard, The Gem, and Madison with same or next-day delivery.

“At your fingertips, you can give gifts, support local businesses, and reinforce relationships,” Preston said in a statement. “Afloat uses technology to make these things easy and enjoyable, ensuring everyone reaps the real-life reward of doing good while feeling good.”

Preston’s background as a professional event planner gave her an understanding of the importance in celebrating milestones, relationships, and holidays. But the genesis of Afloat was the impact of two major life event —her son’s open-heart surgery and managing a divorce. After receiving support from friends and family while negotiating both challenges, Preston realized there was a need for people to be able to easily send gifts no matter the occasion and at the same time support local retail businesses.

A simple, curated user experience

[Image: Afloat]

Afloat app users can browse curated gifts and bundles from local shops that are prepared, wrapped, and delivered either the same or next day. Curated gifts range from housewarming and family gifts to flowers.

The current lineup of local shops in the app include: Saint Bernard, Madison, Jojo Mommy, MADRE, Boxed Bites, Casamia, Forget Me Not, Holly Harris Designs, KidBiz/The Biz, Shop KSW, Liz and Honey, Madison McKinley, Pointers Petals, Marybeth, Sur la Vague, Miracle Milkookies, Mr. Big Books, and Sugar Boardz. New products and stores will be added every week, according to Afloat.

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