The Bookish Box is a book-inspired subscription box from the online shop, Appraising Pages. Unlike other book boxes, this one doesn't come with a book. Instead, it's filled with non-book items aimed at literature lovers. Items include a t-shirt, bookmarks, and other goodies for those who like to read.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: The Bookish Box
The Cost: $29.99 plus shipping (Shipping to PA was $4.50)
The Products: Every month you’ll receive a shirt by Appraising Pages Shop and 3-5 feminine home, beauty, and fashion items.
Ships to: U.S. and Worldwide!
Check out all of our The Bookish Box reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Every box has a theme. This month's theme is "Banned Books". I love Judy Blume, so it was fun to see her quote featured here!
All of the items are listed on the back of the card. I like that they give a shoutout to the makers!
Eleanor & Park Quote T-Shirt by Appraising Pages - Value $20.00?
This navy blue shirt features a quote from the YA novel Eleanor & Park. I didn't realize that this book was banned before, but it was—a group of parents wanted to ban the book from their local libraries and schools and even punish the librarians that supported it. The problem? Profanity and what they felt were inappropriate levels of romance. But this tale of two '80s teens falling in love has found plenty of fans to stand up to that opposition. This tee is so very comfy and features the quote "He made her feel like she was more than the sum of her parts." Cute!
This specific design isn't featured on Appraising Pages' site, but most of their graphic tees are $20.00—I'll say that's a fair price for this unique item!
I Read Banned Books Bookmark from LexyOlivia - Value $8.00
Every The Bookish Box has a custom bookmark inside. This bookmark is made from thick watercolor-ready paper. The purple color is so dreamy, and I love the pretty, loopy script. $8.00 is pretty steep for a bookmark, though, even if it's handmade.
Butterbeer Lip Balm by Cherry Pit Crafts - Value $3.00
Ooo, does this lip balm ever smell nice! If you like toasty, dessert smells, you'll love this butterscotch scent. The Harry Potter books, of course, were banned at times for their dark themes and witchcraft focus. It's hard to imagine such a popular, meaningful series being banned, isn't it? The balm is pretty good—the Cherry Pit Crafts listing says it contains "Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, Vanilla, marshmallow, butterscotch, butterbeer, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil." It feels soft and rich, though it doesn't last super long before I felt like I needed another swipe. $3.00 is a lot for one 0.15 oz. container of lip balm, but the natural ingredients and fan-focused fragrance is a good selling point.
Read More Books Jar by Appraising Pages - Value $7.00?
This drinking jar is by Appraising Pages, but I couldn't find it, nor anything similar on their site. I found a similar item on Etsy that's about $7.00, which seems fair for what's a pretty simple item. I like the message, though I worry it might rub off after being washed (this one is probably hand-wash only!). The blue bottom is a cute touch. It didn't come with a lid, as it's supposed to serve as more a glass than a jar. It's a little awkward to drink out of, though. Y'know what it is great for? Being a vase for a little bouquet!
Out of Print Literary Pouch - Value $9.60
I love Out of Print! I've seen this brand a few times before. They create products that nod to classic literature and donates books to children in need. This canvas pouch will be great for keeping my makeup and other odds and ends under control in my tote bag. I like the red zipper and the sturdy, simple design.
Verdict: I liked this Bookish Box. As usual, the pieces included in the box are cute and of decent quality. The box is $29.99 and the value of the items inside is about $48.00. I don't know that I feel like I'm getting that much value from these items (again, $8.00 for a bookmark?), but I do think the $29.99 price tag is fair for what's there. One thing I've noticed is that this box is mostly focused on younger, millennial readers. It does touch on classics, but if your tastes don't typically skew younger, you might want to check out some other literature subscription boxes.
What's your favorite item in this month's Bookish Box?
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