The Austin BatBox is a subscription box from Austin, Texas. Every month, they send a selection of locally made items including food, music, art, and jewelry.
The BatBox gets its name from the colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that take up residence under the Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge each summer. Bat watching is a popular summer attraction in the city, and the bat has become Austin’s unofficial mascot.
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription: Austin BatBox
The Cost: $25 + shipping monthly, or $135 + shipping for 6 months
The Products: 4-5 hand selected items from Austin, Texas
Ships to: Internationally
Check out all of our Austin BatBox reviews!
Each box contains an informational card that details the items included in the box. In addition to food, beauty, and jewelry items, every month BatBox showcases Austin talent by including a print from a local artist and a CD from a local musician.
There’s also a handwritten note from the BatBox team.
Musician of the Month: Kathy Valentine- Light Years Hard Copy- $14.99
This month’s featured musician is Kathy Valentine. She’s best known as the bassist for the platinum selling Go-Gos (their hits include “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed”). Light Years is her solo debut album from 2005. The songs are clearly influenced by her rock and roll background but are also accented with catchy pop lyrics and some bluesy guitar.
Austin BatBox also included a download code for the song “Psychometer” by The BlueBonnets.
SprATX Featured Artist of the Month: BLVD- Sleepless Thoughts Print- $35?
This month’s featured artist is BLVD, and the print is entitled “Sleepless Thoughts.” I really like this print, particularly how the artist used different colors and brushstrokes to create texture in the depiction of the owl’s feathers. However, while the paper is of decent quality, the $35 valuation seems a little high to me.
Zhi Tea in Sweet Texas Dreams- $3.95
This blend of tea is a mix of lemongrass, rosehips, hibiscus, and Texas lavender. It’s caffeine free and organic. I regularly drink loose-leaf tea, and I like this blend a lot. The floral elements add a light sweetness, and it’s very refreshing.
Manic Trout Longhorn Charm Bracelet- $15?
This bracelet was exclusively created for the Austin BatBox. I really like some of the bracelets featured on the Magic Trout site (many of them quirkily blend semi-precious stones and animal charms), but, unfortunately, the Longhorn Charm Bracelet does not seem to be of the same high quality. (I think a $5- $10 valuation seems more appropriate.) Still, this bracelet might be nice for layering with others.
Texas Cookie Cutter from The Texas Store- $3
As a baker, I’m always happy to receive a new cookie cutter. One of my best friends is from Texas, so I think I might have to make some Texas cutout cookies for her next birthday.
Reusable Tote from University Co-Op- $1.67
This reusable tote isn’t the most exciting addition to the box, in my opinion, but I’ll definitely use it.
Bluebonnet Soap by Armadillo Soap Company- $5.50
This is another product exclusively created for Austin BatBox. Bluebonnet is the official state flower of Texas, and every spring the flowers pop up alongside highways and in fields. The soap is scented with lavender oil and smells great.
Each BatBox includes “swag” from local Austin businesses. This month, the swag includes a button, a matchbook, a couple of pens, a decal, a fridge magnet, a guitar pick, several postcards, and a recipe for cowboy cookies.
Verdict: According to the values listed on the card, this box has a value of $80. I think that value is a little inflated, but I recognize it can be difficult to put a valuation on art and custom items. I’ve never lived in Austin (nor do I have any particular affinity for Texas), so I’m really not the ideal recipient for this box. Still, I liked many of the products and enjoyed my introduction to Austin culture. Since many of the items included are marked with Texas symbols (like the state shape or longhorn), I think this is a box best suited for those with serious Texas pride. Also, I think that it’s important to note that coupons and promotional materials in the “swag bag” will have the most value to those who live in Austin or know the city well.
What do you think about the March Austin BatBox?
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