Freddy's SmileBox
A smile speaks every language.
Freddys SmileBox was created out of a desire to bring people together on an emotional level.
The moment it all began
Whilst I was sitting in a restaurant with friends, in an international atmosphere buzzing with conversation in many different languages, we talked about how lovely it would be to bring people closer together again.
The art of creating things with dedication.
The morning before, I had been reading about Japanese philosophies of life.
One idea in particular stuck with me: kodawari and the power of a smile.
Kodawari – the pursuit of creating things with dedication, care and attention to detail, with soul. Not for quick profit. But for something that matters.
It was precisely this feeling that inspired the creation of Freddy’s SmileBox.
The question was no longer: “What’s in it for me?” but rather: “What really touches people?”
The answer was simple: a genuine smile. Because feelings need no translation.
There are over 7,000 languages spoken by people around the world. Languages sometimes divide us. But everyone understands a smile.
From person to person.
From heart to heart.
From soul to soul.
Freddy’s SmileBox is designed to remind us that humanity often begins in small moments.
The manual
Active ingredient: Humanity
Usage
- Open
- Look in the mirror
- Smile. (Yes, that’s right—you.)
Dosage
Recommended several times a day.
Particularly effective in everyday situations—during meetings, on the train, on the street, or when meeting people.
Effect
A smile releases happiness hormones.
It brings joy to others.
It signals:
“I see you.”
And sometimes that’s exactly what someone needs right now.
Side effect
This might be contagious. Please be sure to share it!
If you feel that your smile is making a difference, look up and share it with the person across from you.
And if your gut tells you
that this box could do someone else some good: Pass it on.
Smile. Share. Care.
Share your smile and use #freddyssmilebox #smilebox #everydaySmile
Here's how it works
3 easy steps:
1 — Open the box
Push it open.
2 — Look in the mirror
And smile. (Yes, you.)
3 — Share your smile
Post your smile and pass the box along.
The origins of the freddy fischer foundation’s ‘Smiles’ initiative
A smile that brings people together.
The best ideas often come about in the midst of everyday life – where people meet, listen to one another and create something together. This is exactly where the Smile Initiative was born: in care homes taking part in the Everyday Smiles project, supported by the Freddy Fischer Foundation.
From a feeling to an idea
First came a cardboard "smile" display stand, then we added our Smile Stones – and from that grew Freddy's SmileBox: a small box with great significance.
Read more
What is the AlltagsLächeln project?
A labour of love that brings residents of care homes greater joy, physical activity and a sense of fulfilment – through yoga, qigong, creative workshops, music, outings and, above all, genuine human connection. It is not just about keeping them occupied, but about dignity, participation and feeling seen.
The origin of the idea
Jan Heining’s creative projects gave rise not only to works of art, but also to genuine, heart-warming smiles – and the idea of sharing them with others.
What if we could make smiles visible and shareable?
More than just a box
Freddy's SmileBox embodies the energy of these special moments – the residents’ creativity, the teams’ dedication and the bonds that have been formed.
It is more than just a product:
An invitation to pause for a moment, to connect with one another, and to share what brings us together: a smile.
The box symbolises: compassion, community and a zest for life
Learn more about the AlltagsLächeln project
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