Lillypost is a monthly children’s book subscription. They offer three subscription options: The Picture Book Box that includes 4 books for ages 3+, The Board Book Box that includes 5 books for ages 0-2, or the Mixed Book Box that includes 2 board books and 2 picture books for all ages. From Lillypost:
For every box that is purchased, Lillypost will be donating one book to a child in need through various literacy-based charities.
Lillypost is now available for purchase through Target.com! They do only offer the Picture Book or Board Book options at this time though.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is of the Mixed Book, $26 a month, box.
About Lillypost
The Subscription Box: Lillypost
The Cost: $26 a month (discounted for longer subscription commitments) and free shipping.
The Products: 4 books a month for ages 3+ in the Picture Book box, 5 books a month for ages 0-2 in the Board Book box or 4 books a month for all ages in the Mixed Book box.
Ships to: U.S. and Canada
Good to know: If you sign up for a 3 or 6 month subscription, you will get a bonus item in your box every quarter!
Lillypost January 2018 Review
Lillypost included a little letter from their team encouraging parents to “Create Memories” and reminded us that parents are some of the most important educators in our children’s lives. I think the books included this month definitely supported these ideas.
Welcome Home, Bear: A Book of Animal Habitats by Il Sung Na - Retail Value $7.99 (found here for $7.67)
This was a cute story about a bear who wanted to find a new home so he sets out to explore the habitats of some other animals. He learns why each habitat is just not right for him before returning to the comfort of his own home.
The illustrations were beautiful, detailed and even a little humorous at times. The story itself was simple enough for my 18-month-old to enjoy, but it was also engaging enough for my 3-year-old and allowed for some further discussion about habitats. This is one of those little books that I don’t mind reading over and over to them.
My First Lift and Learn: First Numbers by Tiger Tales - Retail Value $7.99 (found here for $7.61)
We have a few of these Lift and Learn books, but this was one we hadn’t read before. It’s a great book for younger ones with a handle at the top and little flaps to open as you read. These books are designed to support children’s development through hand-eye coordination and vocabulary.
Each page asks how many items you can count and shows a picture below, then once you open the flap there are more of the items to count in different colors and a number to trace. The numbers are inset into the book a bit, so tracing the numbers can be a great tactile exercise for your little ones. A simple book that teaches basic skills, this is one of those that should be welcome in anyone’s collection.
A Crash of Rhinos: And Other Wild Animal Groups by Greg Danylshyn - Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $15.72)
The book jacket described it as vibrant and I can’t think of a better description for the colorful illustrations in this book. This is a tongue in cheek, rhyming book about various animal groups and what they are called. The author and illustrator work together to create a scene that takes on a literal interpretation of these animal groups; hence the cry of hounds below that are shown crying and howling.
The rhyming story and bright colors engaged my kids, while the humorous take on language made it enjoyable for me to read to them. I also learned a lot about what different animal groups are called and some were surprising. Bet you can’t guess what they had the “band” of gorillas doing in this story...
My Town: Make Your Own Model by Ellen Giggenbach - Retail Value $15.95 (This was only available through third-party sellers used-like new for $12.04 or new for $19.94 + shipping)
The isn’t exactly something that I would call a book, but it was probably the one that my 3-year-old was the most excited for. The book had a little ribbon tying it closed and upon opening it each side was a large fold-out page full of cutouts for the various parts of the town including shops, people, stop signs, etc.
In addition to the instructions for putting the pieces together, there was also a page that talked about creating your own story based on the town you create. The pieces were easy enough to put together and my 3-year-old could pop them out of the pages no problem, which was nice because, of course, she wanted to help! Here is a shot of it in action with only about half of the cutouts here.
This was a really creative book and I was impressed with the quality of the pieces and how they actually stood up on their own. The best part was that the front and back cover of the book once opened, formed a little blueprint for the town to go on top of as you can see above. Some spots were marked (i.e. flower shop) and there is a little road and lots of space for the various people and places to go. I’m not sure how long it will last after multiple sessions of play, but there are enough pieces that I foresee it being played with a lot in our house.
Verdict: This was my first Lillypost box and I have to admit that I was wowed and so were my kids! The books were each wrapped very nicely in thick paper and looked a lot better than my own wrap jobs. My kids were so excited about “presents!” All of the individual touches such as the cute graphics on the box and the wrapping of the books turned it into an experience for us.
The total retail value of the books came to $48.92, which I think is great for a $26 box! My kids are 18 months and 3 and I was glad to see how age-appropriate they were. I also thought it was really cool that there was an interactive book for both of them. We read a lot of books in this house so to receive 4 books that not only did we not own but also that I hadn’t heard of before was exciting! I do have to mention that I was a little disappointed to find they forgot to include the fox stickers that are supposed to come in the box, but otherwise, I was thrilled with the contents and look forward to next month!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the February box.
Coupon – Use code MYSUBSCRIPTIONADDICTION to save 10% off any 3 or 6 month subscription!
Value Breakdown: At $26 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Welcome Home, Bear: A Book of Animal Habitats by Il Sung Na: $4.25
- My First Lift and Learn: First Numbers by Tiger Tales: $4.25
- A Crash of Rhinos: And Other Wild Animal Groups by Greg Danylshyn: $9.03
- My Town: Make Your Own Model by Ellen Giggenbach: $8.47
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the February box.
Coupon – Use code MYSUBSCRIPTIONADDICTION to save 10% off any 3, 6, or 12-month subscription!
Value Breakdown: At $26 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
Check out all of our Lillypost reviews and the Parents + Babies Subscription Box Directory for other fun boxes your child might enjoy!
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What do you think of Lillypost? Are your kids as excited to open their books as mine?
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