The Bookish Box, December “Yule Ball” Unboxing

I received this box last week, but didn’t want to spoil any unopened Christmas gifts so I waited to reveal the goodies within until now! The Bookish Box was created by the team over at Appraising Pages and is a monthly subscription box that perfectly describes itself! Unlike other book boxes, this subscription does not include a novel each month, but instead, features a shirt designed by Appraising Pages as well as a variety of 3-5 high quality and usable home, beauty, and fashion items inspired by everyone’s favorite books and characters! The December theme was “Yule Ball,” and being a Harry Potter fanatic let me tell you – I was not disappointed!!


This box was a purchase for my self and own use. It was in no way sponsored by or provided by a third party.


 

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Subscription Details:

The Box: The Bookish Box
The Cost: Starting at $29.99 plus s&h, upgrades/add ons are available for additional $$$
Discounts: Varies by rep, 10% off your first month
What’s Inside: All boxes include a shirt and 3-5 home, beauty, and fashion items designed around the month’s literary theme

Our Thoughts:

I ordered this box as immediately upon hearing the theme announcement back in early November! Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was my absolute favorite book in the series and second favorite of the films (closely following the third installment, Prisoner of Azkaban). The Yule Ball was one of the most magical scenes, I can only imagine how amazing winter and Christmastime at Hogwarts would be!

Anyway, back to the good stuff! I purchased a one-time Nightmare Before Christmas box back in October (which was also amazing but I didn’t get around to posting it here) and I was pleasantly surprised, I’m so happy I gave this one a chance too!

There are three things that that make this box extremely desirable to me – the fact that every single item included is usable (you’ll find that as a reoccurring theme with me) on a day to day basis, the amazing and unique literature inspired themes that they come up with each month, and last but not least the plethora of customization/add on options! That  last one pertains specifically to the shirt, but the day when a theme comes along that I can’t live without, I will be the FIRST to upgrade to a hoodie!


Unboxing & Contents:
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December’s box contained 5 items, including the shirt designed by Appraising Pages. As always, there was a lovely little description card detailing the items and where they came from, as well as their retail values. I think that the value idea is useful, if nothing else so that you can compare cost to value and determine if it’s worth it or not (to you, everyone has the right to their own opinions of course!). I estimated the value of the entire box to be worth over $55, that’s almost double the cost of the box!


 

These were a few of the smaller bookish goodies inside, although I wouldn’t say anything but the pin was actually very small at all! It was difficult to take a picture of the pin without a horrid glare, but it’s gorgeously crafted & very well made! The candle included was a 6oz-er, which is bigger than most sample candles I’ve ever ordered. It smells magical, much like what I’d like to think Christmas at Hogwarts would. That glorious travel mug you see has a poster of the band that played during the Yule Ball, the Weird Sisters! I was actually in the market for a new mug, problem solved!

The lovely bookmark below was crafted by one of my favorite bookstagrammers, the very talented @lexyolivia! I am assuming each box received the same bookmark, it’s so pretty I am afraid to use it in fear of ruining all of its glory *cringes*.

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And last but never least, the wonderful shirt design by the team at Appraising Pages. Part of me was hoping that this would be some sort of wonderful bookish quote, but then I remembered I swore of wearing shirts with text because of my ehm, graciously proportioned upper half, and then I was very pleased with their work! After a closer look, I saw that the wreath is flecked with brooms, flying snitches, and Sorting Hats – I wonder if there is a way to decorate a real wreath with this much magic? And it’s sooo soft.


To say that I am pleased with the contents of The Bookish Box‘s December box would be an understatement. I am too huge a Harry Potter fan to underrate my excitement at the practicality of these items and their magical qualities. I may wait around until another box catches my interest to continue subscribing, but until then I’ll go back to my room where it smells of Christmas at Hogwarts and admire this month’s bookish treats!

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Unboxing: December Attic Box

December marks my second month as a rep for the Attic Box by Blue Spider Press! I was absolutely in love with this subscription service when I received November’s box, but this month’s blew me out of the water! The theme for December was “Fantasy and Fairy Tales” and being the 100% nerd that I am (Fun Fact: When I was 12-15 my room was painted green and decorated floor to ceiling with dragons, wizards, faeries, etc.) I could barely contain myself when it was announced!

I thought I’d provide a bit more information this time around, so please keep reading for subscription details about the contents, cost, shipping, etc. as well as my full unboxing of December’s “Fantasy and Fairy Tales” Attic Box (spoilers ahead if you are a subscriber!).

Question for my readers: What bookish boxes are you currently subscribed to? Which is your favorite and why? I am always interested in trying new ones out, so please share with us in the comments below!


Subscription Details:

The Attic Box by Blue Spider Press is a monthly subscription box that contains three gently used novels (handpicked according to your preferences I might add), one full-pot coffee or tea sample, and anywhere from 3 to 5 bookish treasures. Some of these treasures are even handcrafted by the team at Blue Spider Press and include but are not limited to  bookmarks, jewelry, etc.

The Box: Attic Box
Subscription Cost: Starting @ $19.99/mo plus s&h/applicable taxes
One-Time Boxes: Limited supplies available, starting @ $17.99 plus s&h/applicable taxes
Discounts: TRB10 for 10% off your subscription


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One of the things that makes me so fond of this subscription, is the fact that Candice and Jeremy work so hard to pick novels based on your specified preferences. The books that you receive do not necessarily follow the theme each month (the theme having more of a focus in the goodies you get), but they are chosen carefully and I believe that the passion that goes into this box can really be seen just in its overall curation!


One of my reading/genre preferences when I signed up as a rep was fantasy/sci-fi, and this month was no disappointment with the accidental (or purposeful, we shall never know but I don’t doubt the team’s amazing abilities!!) correlation of theme and books. Included were three novels, Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner, Negative Image by Vicki Delaney, and 100 Great Fantasy Short Short Stories by multiple authors.


The running coffee theme here is another thing that will definitely keep me coming back for more! There were three possible pin varieties in this month’s box that were created by the very talented Brandy at Pigsey Art in TX! I was lucky enough to get the gorgeous “most likely to caffeinate” shown below which perfectly describes Mondays for me…well, everyday I suppose would be more appropriate! I have yet to dive into the holiday blend sample from this month, but it sure sounds wonderful!


The goodies that are included monthly are SO MUCH FUN! I’ve yet to come across something that isn’t useful, which I highly appreciate out of this box. Included this month were the following: a small journal, a gorgeous handcrafted book charm necklace (this one was King Arthur), a bookmark, stickers, and a stunning art print based off of Alice in Wonderland (there were multiple varieties, mine happened to be the Mad Hatter).


I cannot fully express how fantastic this box is, and I will continue to attempt to do so as long as I am a rep and beyond! I’ve purchased quite a few different boxes over the past 4 months (you can find my other unboxings here) and each is special and unique in their own way. This subscription specifically is special as a small business, run by two of the kindest book-loving people out there! Items are handcrafted, books are handpicked, and so much thought and consideration goes into making this the wonderful book box that it is.

Okay so maybe I am a little in love with it, but my convincing can only go so far – you need to try it to believe it! So, if you’re a coffee or tea fanatic who likes unique and usable things and want a little bookish mystery in your life (mystery because the books you get are a surprise), this is the box for you! Sign up today (or try a one-time box if you’re not looking to commit monthly) and make sure to use my rep code TRB10 for 10% off your subscription!