So this is something that I’ve been wanting to write about for a while but wanted to wait until I had received a few boxes from various subscriptions. Now that I have, I’ve decided to compile a list of boxes I’ve tried and a few that I’m thinking about trying.
Boxes I’ve Tried
FairyLoot
Types of Plans: Monthly, 3-Month Prepay, & 6-Month Prepay
Price: £26.00 + shipping (it depends on whether or not you want a tracking number)
Ships Internationally?: Yes.
Genre: YA & Fantasy
What You Get:
- One recently published copy of an exciting Young Adult book, usually hardback.
- A unique buddy reading hashtag that links you up with another person.
- 4-5 bookish goodies related to the theme of the month. These can vary.
- Promotional items and signed bookplates whenever it is possible.
Thoughts: This one is one of the more expensive boxes that I’ve tried, if not the most expensive, but I think that it’s 100% worth it. They put a lot of thought and energy into this box, and it shows in everything from how your box is packaged, what you receive, and even if/when you interact on social media. (Anissa read my unboxing post and retweeted it on twitter! :D)
Uppercase
Types of Plans: Expert & Book Exclusive
Price: $23 for Expert; $17 for Book Exclusive + $6 shipping
Ships Internationally?: No. U.S. & Canada only.
Genre: YA
What You Get:
Expert:
- Brand New, Hardcover Young Adult Book
- Signed Book or Bookplate Signed by the Author
- 1-2 High-Quality, Exclusive Bookish Items
- Reading Experience with Exclusive Content
- Personal Hand-Written Note to You
Book Exclusive:
- Brand New, Hardcover Young Adult Book
- Signed Book or Bookplate Signed by the Author
- Reading Experience with Exclusive Content
- Personal Hand-Written Note to You
Thoughts: I really enjoyed getting this box/bag when I was subscribed to it. Lisa is really good at reading my mind and picking books that I’ve been thinking about reading, but haven’t bitten the bullet and bought yet. The goodies are pretty good and I loved the scarf and earrings we received. However, I don’t know if I’m just picky or what, but in the couple of boxes that I’ve received, I loved some stuff and wasn’t too fond of others. In the boxes that I haven’t received, I’ve loved everything, but c’est la vie. I still highly recommend this box if you’re looking into starting out in the world of subscription boxes.
Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books
Types of Plans: All Fantasy Plan, New Release Plan, Monthly, 3 Month Prepay, 6 Month Prepay
Price: $17 + $6.99 shipping to U.S.
Ships Internationally?: Yes.
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, YA
What You Get:
- A book (not new release)
- 2 or more bookish/fantasy items
Thoughts: The jury is still out on this box. My first one took forever to get to me, but that was 100% my fault because I typed in my address wrong. The second box I received was part of the all fantasy plan, and while I was excited about the book, I wasn’t all that impressed with the goodies included. I mentioned in my “Going dark” post that they’re actually canceling their new release plan. I’m hoping that with this change, they’ll be able to improve upon the fantasy box and make it what the box could be.
Muse Monthly
Types of Plans: Monthly, 3 Month Prepay, 6 Month Prepay
Price: $21 + Shipping
Ships Internationally?: No. U.S. & Canada only. 😦
Genre: Adult
What You Get:
- Brand new novel
- A full-size container of tea
Thoughts: This box is basically my blog in a subscription service. I had found it just after I came up with the idea of doing Monday Morning Cuppa and finally bit the bullet when I saw that they were collaborating with V.E. Schwab back in March. If I’m totally honest though, I haven’t read any of the books I’ve received yet (Gathering of Shadows included) but that’s just because I’m in the slump that never ends. I really enjoy the teas that we’ve received, however, and I’m super excited about this month’s because I got to choose what I got! 🙂
Boxes I Want to Try
Beautiful Madness
Types of Plans: N/A
Price: $46.50 (includes shipping as far as I can tell)
Ships Internationally?: No. U.S. & Canada only.
Genre: YA
What You Get:
- Hand-picked book
- Snack and make-able drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.)
- 2-3 items to complement the theme of the box
Thoughts: I haven’t heard or seen anything about this box apart from what the site says and what I caught walking by at BookCon. This one is the third most expensive box, and I’m definitely intrigued by it. It’s kind of everything I want in a book subscription wrapped up into one box.
OwlCrate
Types of Plans: Monthly, 3 Month Prepay, 6 Month Prepay
Price: $29.99 + $6.99 Shipping
Ships Internationally?: Yes, except Mexico.
Genre: YA
What You Get:
- One new YA novel.
- 3-5 Bookish Keepsakes
Thoughts: I’m sure most of you have heard of this box because it is quite popular. I’ve never jumped on the train because I couldn’t fathom the idea of spending that much on a box (ahem and now I’m spending more than that for FairyLoot). The jury’s still out on whether or not I’ll be trying it out though.
Book Riot: Young Adult Quarterly
Types of Plans: Quarterly (every 3 months)
Price: $50 + $5 Shipping
Ships Internationally?: Yes.
Genre: YA
What You Get:
- At least one YA book (sometimes there are multiple)
- Bookish Items
Thoughts: The website is incredibly vague for fear of “spoiling the surprise.” The box they sent out in January looked like it had some pretty cool stuff in it. Not going to lie, the fact that they usually send out multiple books is kind of a huge draw for me.
Parnassus Next
Types of Plans: Monthly, 3 Month Prepay, 6 Month Prepay
Price: Depends on the book + $6 Shipping
Ships Internationally?: Yes.
Genre: YA
What You Get:
- A first-edition, brand-new release, signed by the author.
Thoughts: I really like the idea of this one, and the price isn’t too bad. This is awesome for people like me who don’t have a ton of opportunities to get a book signed. While the other boxes I mentioned may sometimes have a signed book or bookplate, it isn’t always guaranteed. This box is built around that and I love it.
Carrianne's Cuppa 'n Critiques 
I will never get why people like subscription boxes. I would much rather spend those $30+ on a bunch of used books that I get to pick myself. 😛
But cool comparison! Very well done. x
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I 100% get what you’re saying and totally thought the same thing…until I tried one, haha. In all honesty though, I’m kind of trying them out so I can knowledgeably give someone a recommendation should they come to me with questions. I blame the inner librarian in me. 😉
AND I think I might do a post about building my own box as well. I think it’d be fun!
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Wow, it shows dedication that you would spend so much money to give recommendations!
Oh that does sound fun! 😀
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Haha yeaaaah, I try not to think about the money I’ve dropped on these boxes. I’m also a little selfish in that I want all the bookish things. It’s bad.
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At least you got some nice things. 😊
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OMG this post gives me life! I’ve been browsing around for a while with regards to subscription boxes to see which one might suit me best without costing the earth, so this is unbelievably useful! I was thinking about trying out Fairyloot, and what you’ve said basically confirms that I should give them a go! x
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Your comment gives me life! That is exactly why I did this post, so I’m glad that it was useful! I honestly recommend all of these, but FairyLoot is an excellent choice! I wrote this post last week, and then decided to try another box that isn’t on the list. #Ooops #SorryNotSorry
I saw Game of Thrones and it sucked me in. I can’t wait to hear what you decide and/or read a post about it! It’s so exciting to see what everyone thinks about their boxes. 😀
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Haha! It really is – I always have so much book box envy when people do unboxing but I can’t stop myself from looking at them. I’ll definitely let you know my thoughts if/when I get one. 🙂 Thanks for the tips, again!
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Loved this post — and the one on your unboxing! I would definitely look forward to your post about putting one together of your own.
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Glad you liked it! I’m already working on the post. 😉
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I got my first Uppercase box today and I’m so excited to get home and open it!!!!! 🙂
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Yesssss! I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to see what you got and your thoughts on it! 😀
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