The GlobeIn Artisan Gift Box is a monthly subscription that sends you original crafts by global artisans. Each box contains handcrafted items from around the world and the stories of the artists who made the pieces. This month, subscribers could choose one of two themes—"Refresh" or "Al Fresco".
This is a review of the Refresh Artisan Gift Box ($55.00).
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 Box: The GlobeIn "Refresh" Artisan Gift Box
The Cost: $55 a month + free shipping
The Products: Handcrafted items from around the world curated around a monthly theme.
Ships to: U.S.
Good to Know: June Artisan Box options are available for all active subscribers in their subscription settings June 1st through June 5th!
Check out all of our GlobeIn reviews and the Artisan Subscription Box Directory for similar boxes!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Each box comes with a detailed booklet that introduces the items in the box, as well as the artisans behind them!
The items in this "Refresh" box are meant to be a little oasis from the busy, hot days of summer.
Each page of the booklet is dedicated to a different item.
I love that they include photos of the people from the companies that make these products, as well as suggested uses and interesting facts.
Seeing the stories and the human element behind these items makes them feel even more valuable to me.
Now, let's take a look at the products themselves!
Though GlobeIn doesn't list any values for the products in the box, they did release the retail values of the products in their spoiler for the box. I'll be referencing those prices since these aren't products I could easily find elsewhere online (except for the tea, which goes for the value GlobeIn gave it online, too). I'll note that the prices do skew a little higher than I may have expected, but I do most of my home decor shopping at big retailers, who probably aren't getting their products from fair-trade sources or fairly paid artisans!
Kikoi Blanket, 60" x 39" - Listed Value $25.00
I love the colors in this blanket! The pastel rainbow of hues dips a toe into the unicorn trend but in a mature, subtle way.
GlobeIn refers to this piece as a blanket, but they note that it's super versatile. Taking it out of the box, I assumed it was a tablecloth or a towel. Turns out, you could probably use it for all of the above! The booklet even suggests wearing it as a wrap—I might try that out at some upcoming summer concerts. Something stylish to wear that I can also use as a picnic blanket? I'm sold!
Here's the logo for the company, which is stamped on one corner of the piece. The 100% cotton aspect explains why this breeze weave is so darn light and soft!
Sun Hat - Listed Value $25.00
I've never been one to wear sunhats, but with my pale skin, I certainly should start. Is a straw hat really my style? Well... no. But the idea of hanging outside on a sunny day without the sun in my eyes (or a sunburn brewing on my nose) sounds totally worth it!
The hat is on the smaller side. My head is relatively small, and it was just slightly snug on me. But if you can't wear this hat, it could be a fun way for kiddos to keep their faces sunburn-free!
Moroccan Tea Glass, 4" tall x 2.5" diameter - Listed Value $15
How cute is this glass?! I love pink, so this magenta glass caught my eye instantly. It's definitely on the small side—it's more of the size of a typical juice glass than a tumbler. But it's perfect for small servings.
The gold details are pretty, too. I kind of hate the idea of shutting this glass up in a cabinet all day... Maybe I'll use it to display a small bouquet or some air plants instead. It'll be a nice pop of color in my living room!
Moroccan Mint Tea, 18 Tea Bags - Value $5.26
To go with the Moroccan tea glass, there's, of course, some Moroccan mint tea!
I'd never had this type of tea before, but I really loved the flavor. I was expecting something closer to peppermint tea, which is really herbal and sharp in a way. This tea struck me as a little milder and a bit sweeter—truer to the taste of fresh mint leaves.
I tried this tea hot, but I'd be really curious to see what it'd taste like cold. It could be a fun stand-in for a mint julep on a hot day.
Verdict: I really liked the items in this box, and I thought they did an interesting job of interpreting the theme in more ways than just refreshing flavors. The hat might've been the one wildcard, but I appreciate the idea of providing some respite from the sun. The box itself is $55.00, but based on the values given by GlobeIn's spoilers, the items inside are worth around $70.00. In my experience, fair trade items at a boutique or local shop are typically priced a little higher (as well they should be—these are quality products with prices that support, rather than exploit their creators). I could see the hat and the blanket costing as much as the box (if not more) at a fair trade shop, so I'm going to say the pricing is pretty fair. That said, it is pretty pricey. If you're mostly interested in exploring new home and lifestyle products on a budget, then there's probably a more cost-effective subscription out there for you. But if you've got the ability and interest to spend a little more, then definitely consider this quality, feel-good box.
What do you think of the June 2017 GlobeIn "Refresh" Artisan box? Which box did you pick this month?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.