Book Subscription: The Attic Box by Blue Spider Press

Last month I was chosen to be a rep for the Attic Box run by Blue Spider Press via Instagram from November through January! I received my first box this past weekend, and I wanted to share it with my fellow book loving bloggers! It was themed ‘Nostalgia’ and I think that the contents were SPOT ON in an 80’s/90’s childhood throwback kind of way! Included below is a full unboxing, so please be aware of spoilers if you have yet to receive yours!


 

unboxing3

Each month you receive 3 gently used (I prefer to call them “previously loved”) books as well as a sample of coffee or tea and 5-7 unique goodies. Each month is themed, but the books you receive do not necessarily follow along with said theme since you provide your preferences when signing up, the team works diligently to select books unique to you. That is something I have yet to see in a book subscription box, which makes this one so neat because although everyone is receiving the same general thing, each box varies and none are exactly alike!!


 

As I mentioned, the November theme was ‘Nostalgia’ which was specifically meant to take you back to your childhood or, “the good ‘ole days.” I absolutely loved the little goodies that were included in this box because they really hit on the big themes and the stuff is all useful, which if you’ve read my subscription reviews, is very important to me!

There were stickers (which I am definitely putting on my car, uhm, hello dashboard mustache!), handcrafted pins with images from our favorite cartoons, and a Magic card and die. I wasn’t sure what to do with that last one, but on the info card it was mentioned that it’d make an excellent bookmark, duh, how did I not consider that?!


 

Two more of the great goodies included were an issue of Batgirl and a Superwoman figurine! I swear the other day I was talking with someone about Batgirl, I have a slight obsession with Batman so it only makes sense. Keeping in mind that the theme items are not curated per person, I was thrilled with the sense of psychic-ness that came out of this theme! I am not one for little toys and “stuff” that goes on a shelf, but with the new Superwoman and Justice League movies coming out soon I am 100% no shame in my game going to put this bad boy on my bookshelf!!


coffeesample

If you know me at all, you know that this is deserving of it’s own picture and category because I LOVE COFFEE!!

The great thing about the Attic Box is that they include a sample of either coffee or tea each month, based upon your preference when signing up. I love both, so I am thinking it may vary month to month because I was selfish and marked both boxes :) I have never had Boyers coffee, and I am excited to brew this new sample pot of caffeinated goodness!

 


On to the best part. Most, if not ALL bookish monthly subscription boxes only contain one book, if at all depending on the subscription. The Attic Box curates 3, yes THREE books for each box they send out. These books are in gently used condition and no two boxes are the same. The uniqueness of this subscription just gives me the warm fuzzies inside. Candice and Jeremy are doing such a fantastic job in this book box boom!

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These are the three lovelies that I received in my November box, and my grandma has already contemplated stealing one or two to read in the coming weeks! I’m adding them to my TBR list and am thrilled to expand my readership to some excitingly different genres than I would normally pick up!


I’d like to think that I am one of those people who appreciates old things versus new, so being able to represent this box is a thrilling experience for me! The value is beyond fantastic for the amount that you receive just considering the books alone! If you are a kindred spirit that loves to sit down with a cup of coffee (or tea) and a good book, this is the box for you! The personalization alone makes this a one of a kind experience, you will not be disappointed!

You can find pricing and shipping information on their website, www.bluespidersattic.com, as well as more information about the contents and process of signing up. If you’ve read this and are intrigued, please remember to use my rep code TRB10 for 10% off your first box or subscription!

READER QUESTION: I’d love to know, what is your favorite part about buying used books? I always hear people say the smell of an old book, but I adore the possible history behind it – who held it before you and where the book has been! Please comment your thoughts below and if you have any questions about this box I’d be happy to answer as best I can.

Stay tuned here and via my Instagram for more Attic Box unboxings and check out Blue Spider Press’s Instagram for updates!


This post is in no way affiliated with Instagram. The box was provided by Blue Spider Press for representation and honest review, all opinions stated here are exactly that and entirely my own.


 

Subscription Review: Owlcrate

Owlcrate is a monthly subscription box that caters to fans of YA novels. It includes a newly released YA books plus 3-5 bookish goodies. Each month is themed, and the included items pertain to the specific month’s theme. This review is for the September 2016 “Darkness” box.


This box was paid for by me, for me, specifically for use in this review. It was in no way sponsored by or provided by a third party.


 

box-contents

Subscription Details:

The Box: Owlcrate
The Cost: $29.99 plus s&h ($6.99 US, $10.59 Canada, $19.99 Intl.)
Discounts: Varying by rep, 10%-15% off your first subscription box
What’s Inside: 1 newly published YA novel, 3-5 bookish goodies

TRB Review:
I was soooo excited for this box. I’ve seen so much hype online and have heard so many good things about it, I’d decided just to suck it up and spend the money to try it out! Their sign-up process was very simple, pleasant, and quick to complete. I was lucky in that I subscribed the weekend that they were mailing their September boxes, so I didn’t have very long to wait until I received mine.

The package was in great shape (they of course have no control over this, I suppose I’m giving USPS a shoutout here for decent handling) and it was easy enough to open up. The presentation is fantastic, the contents are covered by what I call “squiggle confetti” which I love!

Unboxing & Contents: 

box-presentation

The presentation of the box was fantastic, very well put together and everything fit well. Love the “squiggle confetti” and the contrast of color (like that really matters, but I enjoyed it).

I hate to sound crass here, or ungrateful or the likes because that’s not it at all – but I expected a bit more from this box after having paid nearly $40. But that could just be me, I think I may have gone into with much too high of expectations.

detail-card

 

 

Each box contains a detail card that explains the items that are in the box. In the boxes are also a pin, specific to that month.
fortune-telling-bomb
One of the neat featured items in this box was the “Fortune Telling Bomb” which is a fizzing bath bomb by the ladies at DaBombFizzers on Etsy.
Value – $7.50

 

 

throne-of-glass-candle

Next in the box was this uh-mazing Throne of Glass themed candle that was specially made by the team at TheMeltingLibrary on Etsy just for this month’s Owlcrate box!!

Approx. Value – $5.00

 

six-of-crows-bookmark

 

Another item exclusive to this month’s Owlcrate box was this Six of Crows bookmark by Evie Bookish! It is sturdy, dark, and awesome.

Approx. Value – $5.00

 

 

 

canvas-pouch
Out of Print made these really neat custom canvas bags, another exclusive item in this month’s Owlcrate box.

Approx. Value – $12.00
passport

 

This is a unique ad booklet that was included for the upcoming novel Moon Chosen by P.C. Cast due out in October. It was a flip through that included excerpts, book and author info, and a couple of mini coloring pages. What a great way to advertise!

No est. value
remade-episode-1

This is pretty cool, and something totally new to me. Remade is a mini-series (like a season on T.V. basically) that is consistent of 15 “episodes” that will be released through the end of the year by Matthew Cody and other various authors. I haven’t read it yet, but it seems like an interesting concept. The cover alone has me curious.

Approx. Value – $1.85

The series, or “Season 1” is available for $21.99 via SerialBox
three-dark-crowns

And last but not least, the crown jewel (pun totally intended), the newly released YA novel Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. Along with this came a few other neat goodies including a signed bookplate, letter from the author exclusive to Owlcrate subscribers that doubles as a map for the book realm, and a neat Three Dark Crowns themed fortune teller.

Approx. Value – $10.61 (for the book via Amazon w/ free Prime shipping)

The signed bookplate, letter, & fortune teller do not have a definable value.

signed-bookplateauthor-letter
map

Overall I estimate the items in this box being worth around $52.00 which of course doesn’t include the priceless items such as the signed bookplate and letter from the author etc. This is a great value for a box that only costs $29.99 + s&h. I used a discount code from an Instagram rep (don’t remember who, sorry) when I purchased mine that gave me 10% off my order which brought it down to $33 and some change.

Packaging Quality – 5/5
Content Quality – 3/5
Overall Rating – 4/5 

My rating of this box’s contents might seem a bit harsh, but it is completely honest and entirely my own opinion. Like I said above, the value of the items in comparison to the price you pay is fantastic! I loved the box, its theme, and the presentation. My favorite items were the book (duh), the bookmark, and the candle. The others I can live without, and will probably never use. I unfortunately cannot see the justification in paying almost $40/month (that adds up to almost $480 per year) for a book and a few bookish knick-knacks that will most likely sit around on my shelf.

I would be more inclined to participate in a box that included a book and a more useful, day-to-day item like a coffee mug, a tote, even a piece of jewelry (obviously not real, bookish costume jewelry even like a pair of earrings or a necklace) or a cute journal. I am a working adult and have limited space for “things” so perhaps that is my problem. I’ve also never been a huge clutter person, and I think I would just end up causing clutter with these items.

I had mentioned on my Instagram account that I would be giving this box another chance but I have chosen to cancel my subscription before the next charge. I am waiting to receive two other subscription boxes and will be providing reviews on them too, including BookCase.Club and Book Boyfriend Box.

Have you tried any subscription boxes? What were they and what did you think? I am looking into trying a couple more once I receive these next two, please comment your suggestions and experiences below!!

XOXO
Savana C.