Hammock Pack Subscription Box Review – October 2014

Lived in the area all my life. There is absolutely nothing in this box that screams Boston or is unique to Boston. Such a waste of opportunity.

Because nothing says Boston like coconut pretzel caramel? Lived in Boston 40 yrs and don’t recognize a single brand. There are great cookie companies here like Dancing Deer, and Harbor Sweets is known for their great chocolate. Nothing about history, or sports or the colleges that make Boston unique.

Yeah, I’m from Boston and none of this looks familiar. I’ve heard that about this box before — I wonder what they’re using as their standard for cu ration.

Boston is said to be a city of neighborhoods, which continue far outside the city limits. There is a rich history in this area, some admirable and some not so much. The subway is expanding, and neighborhoods changing, but strong community pride remains.

Was that explained on the information card? These neighborhoods each have a history and a personality that may have changed over the years. Charlestown is fascinating, as is Cohasset — but the two have little in common.

This could have been interesting and more inviting. None of these items would bring me or welcome me to a city or remind me of being here. There is this overwhelming sense of cheapness. Hey, here are some samples from new businesses in Boston (area). We got them for almost nothing.

These is a unifying theme — but they missed it. A copy of a local book or magazine focusing on the neighborhoods would have been nice. Or a book written by a local author that is set in Boston — Robert Parker, Dennis Lehane are two possibilities.

This is not a mini-vacation. It is a snack.

This stuff all looks pretty cool, but none of it says “Boston” to me. It’s not like I expected them to send clam chowder, but the chai seems totally random and un-Boston-y. If none of this seems like Boston, then why even bother with the theme?

(I get that this stuff comes from Boston, but sub boxes that celebrate local businesses, like the Batch subs, is different from vacation subs like Escape, imo.)

Hmmm Fixx chocolates is just up the street, never heard of them but I’m new to this area. Must do some chocolate research asap!

Cards don’t seem like a vacation or relaxation item. There is such a need for a good travel box!

I spent 4 years in Cambridge, MA, in college and I don’t remember any of this stuff. Granted, I graduated a little over 14 years ago so maybe these are newer companies. I should really go back for a visit someday. I like Boston (though not in the winter so much).

P.S. Now I am hungry for chocolate. Great.