Coffee and a Classic is a monthly book & beverage subscription box, curated by Ashlee Doherty. Ashlee’s mission is to create a complete escape each month for lovers of literature, providing a thought out and curated experience where readers can curl up with the book, a beverage, and other bookish items to retreat from everyday life.
There are two different subscription levels available:
- The STARTER BOX ($28.99/month + $8 shipping) provides you with a classic book, something to sip on, and 2 bookish items each month.
- The STANDARD BOX ($39.99/month + $10 shipping) provides you with a classic book, something to sip (your choice of coffee, tea, hot chocolate) & snack on, a bookmark, a coffee mug, and 1-2 bookish items based on a theme. This book box is also packaged in a high-quality photo box.
With each level of subscription, you can select from three genres: Classic Literature, Children’s Classics, and Classic Nonfiction.
This review is for the Starter Children's Classics Box.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Coffee and a Classic
The Subscription Box: Coffee and a Classic Starter Box
The Cost: $28.99 a month + $8 shipping. Save 5%-15% with longer pre-paid subscriptions.
The Products: A classic book, something to sip on, 2 bookish items + a bookmark
Ships to: the US only
Good to Know: Boxes ship between the 19th-23rd of each month. You can cancel your subscription at any time (recurring billing happens on the 1st of the month). Each month, a sneak peek is available and you can change genres if something catches your eye.
Coffee and a Classic Starter Children's Classics September 2018 Review
This month’s selection is Matilda, a favorite since 1988 written by British author Roald Dahl.
Like most subscriptions, the first item you see when you open the box is an info card detailing the products inside. The contents listed include the book itself, a single serving of hot cocoa, 2 bookish items, and a bookmark.
Matilda (Hardcover) by Roald Dahl – Retail Value $16.99 (found here for $15.29)
From Amazon:
“Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents think of her only as a nuisance. When one day she is attacked by her odious headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, Matilda suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to avenge herself!”
The whimsical illustrations in this book were done by Quentin Blake and add the perfect amount of interest to keep young children engaged in this quirky, charming English story about a very smart, extraordinary girl who loves to read. I remember reading this book as a child and don't think at the time grasped some of the more adult themes in the book. Its tone is fun for children, but also complex enough that as an adult I enjoyed rereading this story. There are some twists, turns, pranks and warm moments throughout that are sure to please any curious young mind.
Exclusive! Matilda’s Color Changing Hot Chocolate
This was the perfect sip to accompany this adorable book. When I first opened the package, I found a white color. When hot water was added it turned to an appealing shade of pale pink. This hot chocolate tasted very much like white chocolate and was rich, smooth, and creamy. There were no nutritional facts included or markings to indicate where, or by whom, it was manufactured.
BOOKRIOT Read the Rainbow Socks, size small – Retail Value $10.00
These purple, unisex socks come in both small and large. I wear a size 7.5 women’s shoe and the small size fits me comfortably. I love the unicorn and multi-colored book print! These socks are 75% cotton, 20% polyester, and 5% spandex.
I may keep these for myself, or gift them to one of my dear friends who is an elementary school librarian. Notably, each purchase of these socks helps to fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need.
Out of Print Library Card Slap Bracelet – Retail Value $5.00
This 8.5" bracelet takes me right back to my (age-appropriate) days of reading Matilda and wearing slap bracelets! It's made of rubber and features a library card design on the top and an Albert Einstein quote on the inside. Similar to the socks, each purchase helps to fund literacy programs and book donations for communities in need.
Newt Bookmark from Folio – Retail Value $1.50
This adorable little plastic newt makes the perfect bookmark!
Verdict: It's hard to quantify the exact value of this box because of the exclusive item, but I can say I'm satisfied with the curation of this box. I would like to have seen something of a little higher value since my calculated value (not counting the hot chocolate) came to $33.49.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No. Your first box will be the October selection. From Coffee and a Classic:
Your box will ship between the 3rd Thursday or 4th Monday of every month. Please order by the 15th of the month to get the current box.
Value Breakdown: At $41.00 ($29.00 + $12.00 shipping) for this box, you’re paying about $8.20 per item.
Check out all of our Coffee and a Classic reviews and the Book Subscription Box List!
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What do you think of the September 2018 Coffee and a Classic?
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