WeeBox is a monthly subscription box of authentically Scottish treats and treasures.
In addition to providing its subscribers with Scottish gifts wrapped in local Scottish newspapers, WeeBox also partners with Save the Children, helping provide much-needed household items to low-income families with children.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: WeeBox
The Cost: $43.87 per monthly box with the 3 Month Plan, $40.74 per monthly box with the 6 Month Plan, or $36.98 per monthly box with the 12 Month Plan.
The Products: According to the Wee Box site, "Each WeeBox is filled with both traditional and progressive Scottish products showcasing the best from our network of local, specialist suppliers. They... are a combination of luxury, quirky and heritage items..."
Ships: U.S. for $10.03 and Canada (will vary in cost)
Check out the Artisan Subscription Box Directory and make sure to add WeeBox to your subscription list or wishlist!
I love the colors in this notecard.
The box was addressed to MSA founder, Liz, but she let me have the honor of exploring and reviewing it. I'm excited to see what's in store...
Each month has a theme, and this one is "Burns Supper". I checked out the link at the bottom of the card and found a blog post that explained things some more:
Haggis, whisky, poetry and pride! Burns Night, celebrated on and around the 25th January to mark the Bard’s birthday, is recognised around the globe by Scots and Scots-at-heart. Centred on auld traditions, here’s our WeeBox guide to Scotland’s famous annual shindig with tips on how to use your January WeeBox curated especially for the occasion.
The blog continues, explaining the significance of Robert Burns (think of him as the Scottish Shakespeare) and even detailing how to find and prep your haggis!
The products are listed on the back of the card, along with the brands that produced them. I looked on the site and couldn't find a hard number of products to expect in each box. I noticed that they only called out three products in particular and mentioned the other two items in the box almost as extras, but I don't know if they're technically bonus items.
The Illustrated Poets: Robert Burns Book - Value $5.42
This tiny book could fit in a purse or coat pocket so that you can bring Burns' words with you wherever you go.
The tiny tome has a hardcover and a smooth, teal-blue jacket. On the back of other books, you find quotes from the press or other authors about the writer or their work. On this little book, there's a whole poem about Burns! If you couldn't tell, Burns is a pretty big deal!
The book contains a lovely assortment of Burns' work, broken down into themes. There are poems about farms, friends, animals, and of course, Scotch!
There are illustrations, too!
Auld Lang Syne Tea Towel - Value $14.00?
I couldn't find this 100% cotton tea towel online, so I linked to a similar item.
If you didn't know, Robert Burns wrote "Auld Lang Syne", which is basically the theme song for New Years! This towel features the lyrics in haphazard, yet elegant goldenrod handwriting.
The towel has a sturdy weave, so it's as practical as it is pretty to display. Part of me wishes I had gotten this towel in a December box, rather than a January one. But that's also the part of me that's never had a Burns Night party before!
Scottish Alphabet Apron - Value $20.68 USD
This apron will come in handy when cooking for a houseful of Burns Supper guests!
The apron is covered with the phonetics of the Scottish alphabet, plus a colloquial term for each letter.
I could imagine all of these terms coming up in rowdy bar conversation, but maybe not a dinner party! Well, at least not in the first few hours...
I think my favorite word is "doolally". It's just so fun to say!
Irn Bru, 330ml can- Value $0.55
I didn't know anything about Irn Bru before this box. A little Googling later, and wow! This fizzy drink is a staple of everyday Scottish life!
What does it taste like? That's a good question. Like sodas in the states, the exact recipe is kept far under wraps. It smelled a bit like bubblegum, but the taste was a mix of root beer candy, ginger, cinnamon, and maybe even a bit of vanilla. Is it going to replace the U.S. sodas on my favorites list? Maybe not, but I enjoyed experiencing this pillar of Scottish culture! Plus, I think it's cute that the product card suggested enjoying this the morning after a raucous Burns party.
Traditional Marmalade, 8 oz - Value $3.51 USD
This locally made condiment is a classic in the Scottish pantry. I'll reach for jellies and jams at the store, but I've never treated myself to some marmalade!
This simple product is made with oranges and sugar. It has a nice smooth spread to it, though there are some glimpses of orange fibers drifting through it.
The marmalade is sweet with a bright orange flavor and a bit of bitterness that gives it depth. It would be fantastic on toast, pancakes... any breakfast that'll revive you after a night of friends, fun, and great poetry.
Verdict: I thought WeeBox was very charming, though some of the items felt a bit "souvenir shop" to me (the apron and the little book, in particular). At the same time, I thought the theme of the box was really cute, and I loved learning about the Burns Supper tradition. I estimated that the value of the items was around $44.00, which breaks even with the price of the box (remember that the price varies a bit based on what subscription plan you choose). I'm eager to see what WeeBox does next—I'd love to see items that aren't just locally made, but that have that artisanal feel to them. (The marmalade was probably the best example of that in this box.) Especially since shipping costs push this box to the more expensive end of what I'd usually spend, my expectations are a bit higher for WeeBox.
What did you think about the items in this month's WeeBox?
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