“Sourcing quality items over the cheapest is a choice meant to support and encourage smaller brands to continue producing fabulous items,” Paloma Mansour begins. “Many companies will try to give you the best price, while we strive for the best value.”

As the owner of Our Favorite Things Specialty Gifts, every day feels like Christmas now for Paloma. Her quality-focused philosophy is at the heart of her specialized gift business, launched in 2023 after working at a similar wine-focused venture for two years. While that first foray taught her what not to do, it also revealed something far more important — she wanted to focus on gifts that bring joy, rather than something purchased as an afterthought.

Today, her company curates elegant, custom gift packages that make every recipient feel special — and makes life a whole lot easier for busy Realtors who want to leave a lasting impression.

While her clients might imagine her days are filled with browsing Pinterest and Etsy for inspiration, the reality is far less glamorous. 

“More of my time is spent on the back-end and logistics than it is on searching for fun new inventory and greeting cards,” she admits. But that behind-the-scenes effort is exactly what allows her to deliver a seamless gifting experience while sourcing high-quality products.

Paloma estimates 80% of her gift orders are customized to the client or occasion, and always sourced from small businesses. From cozy blankets, robes, and artisan candles to gourmet treats and travel essentials, Paloma ensures every package feels intentional.

Her “Warm Welcome” gift package — filled with cozy items like a blanket, candle, and room spray — remains a Realtor favorite, while the Pamper Kit is also popular. 

The holidays are unquestionably her busiest season, and Realtors who want the best selection need to plan ahead. 

“My advice would be to get orders in by October to give us the opportunity to provide you with the widest variety of items that can be included,” Paloma suggests.

There’s also a perk for early birds: “As an incentive, we are offering Real Producers 10% off their orders if they are placed by October 1st.”

And when it comes to closing gifts, her advice is similar: “If you know a closing date, being prepared by notifying us in advance, rather than a day or two after closing, allows for gifts to arrive closer to the occasion. Under normal circumstances, our turnaround is fairly quick but it never hurts to call in advance to chat about options, especially if you want something we don’t normally carry.”

Paloma’s end goal is to relieve what she calls “the weight of not knowing what to give and the time associated with great gifts.” Delegating that task to her ensures it’s done elegantly every time.

But her ability to anticipate needs and deliver didn’t appear overnight. A graduate of the Culinary Institute program, Paloma headed into the restaurant world for 15 years before deciding she needed more time with her husband and family.

“I still love cooking for family and friends, and traveling to eat good food,” she elaborates. “I love getting to know a country through cuisine.” 

Initially, Paloma thought she’d go back to school for another degree after leaving the restaurant scene, but a stint with another gift company shifted her path entirely.

“My years of working in customer service, in one capacity or another, taught me how a customer should be treated. We want the experience of working with us to make your life easier, not harder,” she affirms.

Her “secret sauce” boils down to three things: the vendors she works with, the attention to every detail, and the level of service her clients can count on. She’s proudest when a new client notices that special effort.

“From the curation to the fabulously large bow, we want to make sure every detail is attended to, and it’s massively rewarding when others notice,” she smiles.

Born and raised in Northern California, Paloma earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and political science at San Jose State before realizing law wasn’t her calling. “Now I get to work with people on their best days, not their worst!!” she points out. 

She and her husband, T.C., have been together for a decade and married for three years. Their family includes two adopted cats — affectionately called their “teenage twins” — and a puppy. The happy couple share a love of travel, food, and time outdoors. 

To recharge, you’ll find Paloma in the mountains with a good book, at the pool, or home with her pets. Boundaries help her keep work from consuming every waking moment — something she admits is key to avoiding burnout.

Looking ahead, Paloma’s excited about traveling to Mallorca soon for a friend’s wedding — another chance to combine her love for celebration, travel, and connection. And she’s already gearing up for what she hopes will be Our Favorite Things’ busiest holiday season yet. 

For Paloma though, future success is about much more than revenue: “I measure our success on the reputation of our services,” she emphasizes. “When we are requested for an office presentation, or to have a table at an event, we know that we’ve earned the spot by being great at what we do!”.

And while her focus remains on delighting clients, she never loses sight of the bigger picture. 

“We all benefit when we work together and build each other up, in all arenas,” she thoughtfully concludes. “It’s easy to be selfish, but there is no joy in not assisting those around us.”

To connect with Paloma Mansour and Our Favorite Things Specialty Gifts, 

visit www.OurFavoriteThingsShop.com or call 650-796-7108 today. 

Be sure to mention SVRP2025 to receive your exclusive Real Producer discount!