Box of Happies is a monthly subscription box for handmade goods. It’s a great way to discover new Etsy artisans.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Box of Happies
The Subscription Box: Box of Happies
The Cost: $29.99/month for a single upcoming month of your choice (when I played with the shopping cart I was also charged tax but I think that’s because they’re in the same state I am) or $29.49 for a random box from a past month; save with longer subscriptions. You can also add a bar of soap or candle to your box for $6.49, or a piece of jewelry for $8.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get a bonus handmade necklace in your first box!
CODE: HAPPIES
The Products: 3-5 handmade items such as jewelry, stationery, bath/body items, accessories, and more.
Ships to: U.S. (free)
Box of Happies May 2018 Review
If you like jewelry that’s generally delicate and handmade items from Etsy and similar artisans, Box of Happies delivers those things every month. The items are also usually packaged nicely for gifting if something isn’t to your taste:
You’ll usually get a little card with basic information about the items as well as a Box of Happies business card. (I think the business card design has recently changed.)
RachelMade Lip Balm – Retail Value $3.50
This has a smooth and moisturizing formula (not vegan, as it contains beeswax). This brand is new to me but they do have a standalone website with a reasonable selection of products for an indie maker. Unfortunately, this smells really, really strongly of lemongrass, which is not a scent that I care for.
RachelMade Body Scrub – Listed Value $5.50
There is no size information on this sample packet so I used the value from the information card. Anyway, this is a sugar scrub (which I prefer, because if salt gets into any little cut or scrape, ouch) and it contains some natural oils that are also moisturizing (e.g., sunflower oil, shea butter). Similar to the balm, this is a good product, it just happens to be in a scent that is not for me.
Kindness Confetti Packs, 2 bags – Listed Value $2.50 (buy 5 packs here for $4)
This is from a very small and relatively new Etsy shop (they just opened last year). I am not sure yet how I will use this (I think my husband doesn’t want me to open it in the house…) but I’m sure the right occasion will arise. I do like the aspect of Box of Happies that has me off to see new Etsy shops that I might otherwise have never come across. (Most of my time on Etsy is spent buying beads…)
Box of Happies Bracelet – Listed Value $12
This is a jewelry-heavy subscription. I’d guess these were amethyst chips. I think the listed value is more than fair, considering what similar bracelets from Yogi Surprise are allegedly worth! This is a stretchy bracelet that is a bit large for me (I have small hands and wrists, so I may restring this) but that will generally fit a range of wrist sizes. Box of Happies is generally pretty good about that when it comes to jewelry sizing.
Box of Happies Necklace – Listed Value $15
This necklace matches the charm bracelet above. It would look good alone or layered. I recently sorted all my necklaces and bracelets onto four additional jewelry racks (for a total of six) so it will be easy to dig up coordinating pieces. If you find that some of the jewelry in this subscription is not for you, it is all generally packaged for easy gift giving.
Box of Happies Wine Bag – Listed Value $7
I believe you put a bottle of wine in here and tie the ribbon part into a bow. I can’t show you this in action because I don’t have a bottle of wine in the house (I don’t drink, and for cooking, I buy those little Sutter Home bottles because I waste less that way). I occasionally have a need to give housewarming or hostess gifts, though, and this would make wrapping quick and easy.
Verdict: I calculated a value of about $45.50 for the May 2018 Box of Happies. That’s a fair amount above the month-to-month cost for the box and is actually one of the best values I’ve seen for this box in some time. (Please note that almost every Etsy shop and/or independent maker charges shipping, too, so you are getting to sample items from a few Etsy makers without that separate shipping fee.) The jewelry was nice and casual this month and will work well for me, and I’m happy to have discovered the RachelMade brand, even if I don’t care for lemongrass (they do offer lots of other scents).
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you subscribe today? No, your first box would be June's. Sometimes past boxes or past box items go on sale in their shop, though.
Coupon - New subscribers, use code HAPPIES to receive a bonus handmade necklace in your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $29.99 for this box, you are paying approximately the following per item:
- Lip Balm: $2.31
- Scrub: $3.63
- Confetti: $1.65
- Bracelet: $7.91
- Necklace: $9.89
- Wine Bag: $4.61
Check out all of our Box of Happies reviews or and the Artisan Subscription Box Directory!
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What did you think of the May Box of Happies? Do you get any artisan or handmade subscriptions?
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