iPenBox is a monthly box for the 'pen, paper and ink enthusiast'. Each box contains 5–10 items curated around a theme.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: iPenBox
The Cost: $30 a month for the US or $40 a month for Canada/International, both with free shipping
The Products: Each box will contain a fountain pen, an ink sample, paper and at least two more items.
Ships to: USA & International
Check out all of our iPenBox reviews and the Paper & Stationery Subscription Box Directory for more writing subscription boxes!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add iPenBox to your subscription list or wishlist!
November's theme is 'Design It Yourself (DIY)'. A 10% coupon code for the iPenstore shop was included. There was also a striped lollipop that was surprisingly delicious!
Pentel Arts Color Pencil Set, 12 Colors – Retail Value $4.75 (found on sale here for $4.39)
These pencils have good pigmentation and the colors were easy to blend. The lead seems a little bit harder than some other colored pencils I've used.
Schneider Link-it Fineliner Pens with Easel Stand – Retail Value $11.97
I love the packaging for these pens, which folds back to make a stand. The pens can be connected in the middle so that you can make a double-sided pen, but I don't really see the point in doing that. These were fun to use though and I liked the range of colors.
Parker IM Metal Ballpoint Pen, Chiselled Gunmetal – Retail Value $21 (retired model, found on sale here for $13.99)
The pen has a textured metal barrel that gives it a nice weight. It came in a gift box that would make it a perfect stocking stuffer.
The pen wrote pretty well, just a little bit of skipping here and there.
Diamine Lilac Satin, 2ml sample – Retail Value $1.97
This ink is a beautiful purple. The description online says that it has a shimmer, but I didn't notice it in person. It's a nice vivid purple that's still dark enough to be easily legible.
Jinhao Fountain Pen 599a, Yellow – Retail Value $5.99
I like these inexpensive Jinhao fountain pens, and luckily yellow is one of my favorite colors, so I was happy to see this in the box. I'd recommend this for people who are new to fountain pens.
This sample shows the Jinhao pen with the Diamine ink. It's a great combination!
Rosetta Notes Pocket Notebook – Estimated Value $2.99 (buy a pack of 3 for $8.97)
This blank notebook is part of the 'Design It Yourself' theme. They currently have a contest on Instagram for the best cover design using the supplies in this box. Check out the entries on Instagram!
I drew a quick sketch of some flowers using the Schneider pens. It was fun to be able to put the items to use and make something with them.
Verdict: I calculate a retail value of $48.67 (less with sale prices). Either way, it's well above the $30 cost of the box. I enjoyed this month's theme and I love the idea of the notebook cover contest. It's hard to pick a favorite item this month – I loved the yellow fountain pen with purple ink, but I also really liked the pen set. Overall, I like the mix of drawing and writing supplies in this box.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? The November box is sold out, so if you order now, you will receive the December box. From iPenBox:
What happens when you subscribe?
We'll start shipping your iPenBox after the first of next month. If any current month's boxes are still available, we'll send you a link to purchase the current month's box while supplies last.
Value Breakdown: At $30 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Pentel Arts Color Pencil Set: $2.93
- Schneider Link-it Fineliner Pens with Easel Stand: $7.38
- Parker IM Metal Ballpoint Pen: $12.94
- Diamine Lilac Satin: $1.21
- Jinhao Fountain Pen: $3.69
- Rosetta Notes Pocket Notebook: $1.84
What do you think of November's iPenBox?
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