beTWEEN the Bookends is the first monthly book and lifestyle box created for kids by a teen herself! Boxes follow a monthly theme and contain age-appropriate books and lifestyle items that have been read and hand-tested by Jillian, the 14-year-old creator. Full size boxes contain 2-3 books and 6-8 lifestyle items, while mini boxes include 1 book and 3-5 lifestyle items. The new gender-neutral boxes will contain the same 2-3 books in the full boxes but will have only 3-5 gender neutral lifestyle items.
The Cost: The Gender-Neutral box is $45 per month + free US shipping ($40.00/mo for the 12-month subscription track) while the Full-Size box is $55 per month. Save with longer subscriptions.
This review is of the beTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral Box.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
December is here, and with that is extra busyness AND extra fun! With out-of-control schedules, I am honestly excited about the shorter days and earlier bedtimes. All of that busyness can't break our excitement over this month's beTWEEN the Bookends though! With a festive holiday theme, we couldn't wait to dig in. Featuring new books and a heap of awesome lifestyle goodies, this box always impresses. Read below to find out what this month's fun theme included.
First Impressions
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The contents of this box are packaged neatly in turquoise tissue paper and sealed with a sticker featuring clip art of a boy and girl. The anticipation of seeing what's underneath this tissue paper always has us on the edge of our seats. We just can't wait to check it out!
Here's What's Inside
Welcome Pamphlet
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Each month we receive a pamphlet describing all items included in each box. It is color coordinated and laid out very nicely. Featured on the back is a quote by William Blake - "In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." So true, right? Also included was a theme for next month's box... I'm not sure what you think, but am I sensing something with an adventure?!
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar Perry - Retail Value $8.99
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Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron’s only connection to his parents who disappeared one fateful night, two years ago. Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends, Zion and Aliyah, decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the queen’s sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them . . . is Cameron ready to be the hero they need?
I mentioned above that our schedules have been crazy. Though that is true, I always make sure we have time set aside for reading. Hank and I read together, and although we haven't finished this book yet, we're definitely fully immersed in the adventure as we speak! With fantastic dialogue, and a fast pace, this book resonated easily with Hank, and entertained him from the get go. Not only is this a great read, but it is also AR quizzable (worth 10 points) AND there is a sequel! Yay!
Amira and Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed - Retail Value $7.99
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On the day of a rare super blue blood moon eclipse, twelve-year-old Amira and her little brother, Hamza, can’t stop their bickering while attending a special exhibit on medieval Islamic astronomy. While stargazer Amira is wowed by the amazing gadgets, a bored Hamza wanders off, stumbling across the mesmerizing and forbidden Box of the Moon. Amira can only watch in horror as Hamza grabs the defunct box and it springs to life, setting off a series of events that could shatter their world—literally. Suddenly, day turns to night, everyone around Amira and Hamza falls under a sleep spell, and a chunk of the moon breaks off, hurtling toward them at lightning speed, as they come face-to-face with two otherworldly creatures: jinn. The jinn reveal that the siblings have a role to play in an ancient prophecy. Together, they must journey to the mystical land of Qaf, battle a great evil, and end a civil war to prevent the moon—the stopper between realms—from breaking apart and unleashing terrifying jinn, devs, and ghuls onto earth. Or they might have to say goodbye to their parents and life as they know it, forever.…
Though I didn't get a photo of it, this book is SIGNED!!! (Not just a book plate signature either - a full blown one in blue sharpie!!!) Because the last signed book we received was too scary for Hank, we were really excited to check out this adventure book instead. Weaving together three cultures, this book was packed with adventure from the beginning. We enjoyed all of the characters, and loved the aspect of time travel. This book is also AR quizzable and worth 9 points, and it too has a sequel! Awesome book choices this month, BTB!!!
Bath Bomb
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Bath bombs are always a hit in our house, so receiving this gingerbread scented version was welcomed with open arms. The round disc dissolved easily and left a sweet and spicy gingerbread scent that filled up the bathroom in the most delightful way. We love receiving items from small shops, and we definitely wouldn't be mad if they included this same item again in the future!
Narwhal Boba Toy
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Fidgets are still in, and this narwhal version has been adored already. Charlie is very sensory-oriented, so he utilized squeezing this guy while doing his homework for better concentration. The orbies inside squish and squeeze, and it truly is relaxing to play with. Charlie has been known to explode fidgets like this because of over-use, but so far he's held up very well. Bright in color, with an adorable horn, I myself even like to give it a squeeze every now and again.
Exclusive Fuzzy Socks
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Is there anything cozier than a pair of fuzzy socks? As white as snow, these exclusive socks feature the "BeTWEEN the Bookends" kids and the saying: "Read More Books". Cute in design and ultra-comfy, these are perfect for pajama time and make movie nights just a little more special!
Magnetic Bookmark
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We love bookmarks, but haven't had this type of magnetic one before! A little clip with Christmasy clipart, this fits over your page and magnets into place. Cute, functional, and a great way to keep kids from dog earring those precious pages, this was a great inclusion for this month's theme.
Monthly Sticker Pack
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Stickers are always a welcome treat in our house, and this month Hank really liked the reading polar bear. Cute and decorative, we usually stash these stickers in our sticker folder for crafts and homework folder decorating, but this month he put his guy on a coffee mug. Will it last long? I'm not sure, but we're excited to find out!
Land O Lakes Hot Cocoa Mix
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Again, right on par with the theme, we also received a packet of Land O Lakes hot cocoa mix. Featuring a mint flavor, Hank was thrilled to throw on his fuzzy socks, snuggle under his blanket, drink his hot cocoa, and read his new book! Delicious in flavor, this cocoa was a welcome treat, and has been requested to replace our usual brand!
Snowman Keychain
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The last item we received was a snowman keychain. Hank doesn't really get into keychains much, so he actually taped it onto his little cousin's Christmas present as part of her gift. Rubbery in texture, this snowman is cute and happy, all while spreading a little sweet winter cheer.
Verdict
beTWEEN the Bookends is one of our favorite subscription boxes of all time, and this month featured some really functional and fun items that made snuggling in and reading all the more fun. Filled with engaging books and funny lifestyle items, Hank was really fond of this month's theme. Enjoying both books, and all of the lifestyle items, he is hoping for more cozy items like this in the future. Overall, we found this to be a very nicely curated box, and love the fact that it includes fun and functional items. We can't wait to see what's in store for January!
The beTWEEN the Bookends Gender Neutral box costs $40.00 per month (on a 12-month subscription track), including shipping. Because the books alone are valued at over $16.98, I find the $40.00/month cost very reasonable as the lifestyle items help shape this box into an entire experience.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Other Things You Should Know
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? beTWEEN the bookends tends to ship the first week of each month. Order now to receive the January box.
What did you think of the BeTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral box?
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