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California Found Subscription Box Review + Coupon – August 2018

closed cardboard box with the words california found printed on the side

California Found
4.9 overall rating
11 Ratings | 2 Reviews

California Found is a monthly subscription box which features products from California makers that can typically only be found in California! Subscribers receive several items per month that could be beauty, gourmet, style, or home goods.

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.)

california found august 2018 review

About California Found

The Subscription Box: California Found

The Cost: $49 per month with discounts available for longer subscription commitments

ACTIVE DEAL: Get free shipping to US addresses.
CODE: SHIPSFREE

The Products: A minimum of $90 worth of California lifestyle goods, made by California based artisans

Ships to: US for free

California Found August 2018 Review

Instead of a booklet or pamphlet, California Found sends these really cool info cards for each product. They are very nice quality and informative. It also points out that they donate 10% of their profit every month to a charitable cause, and this month it's the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund. I'm glad to hear that; those wildfires sound really scary. Also, the little band holding the cards together is embedded with wildflower seeds, so it's plantable! So awesome! And finally, they have added a Golden Ticket contest - so if you find one in your sizzle, you get a free box for yourself or a friend!

Three Greeting Card Set by Darling Daydream

Three Greeting Card Set by Darling Daydream - Listed Value $15

I love having really nice greeting cards to send, and these are really pretty and fun! You can feel the high quality in the paper itself, and the calligraphy is lovely also. Darling Daydream is the company of West Covina, CA-based artisan Toneylynn Papa. She turned her hobby of practicing calligraphy into a business, and she enjoys making inspirational quotes for her cards.

California Candle (8 oz.) by SoulSpark

California Candle (8 oz.) by SoulSpark - Retail Value $23.99

High quality, substantial candles are one of my favorite things to receive in subscription boxes, and this one smells amazing! It says "plumeria and mango," but to be honest, I don't really know what plumeria smells like. The scent is definitely light, and it kind of reminds me of the ocean, but I can definitely smell the distinctive mango scent as well. The other fun thing about this candle is that it has an affirmation in the lid and a charm at the bottom! I haven't reached the charm yet, though. San Diego based SoulSpark was founded in 2017 by artisan Karen Kampff.

Ready-Made Water Infusion in Watermelon + Rosemary by Herb + Orchard - Listed  Value $8.99

Ready-Made Water Infusion in Lemon + Mint by Herb + Orchard - Listed  Value $8.99

I have to admit I was kind of disappointed to receive these as my food/beverage item from California Found this month (they always have one edible item every month), it just seemed like a kind of weak offering. Boy, was I wrong! These are sooooo goooood. They are a delicious addition to my daily water! I also have to say, I drink probably a gallon a day, and while the idea of spending two dollars on each pouch may seem like a lot, they easily last through the whole gallon. So if you drink a lot of water every day, they are worth the price. I get bored of plain water, and these have only 5 calories per pouch! They are also made from simple dried fruit and herbs with no additives or preservatives of any kind. They are awesome! Herb + Orchard is a Veteran- and family-owned business out of Huntington Beach, California.

Assorted Sweet+Single Candy Scrub by Bonblissity

Assorted Sweet+Single Candy Scrub by Bonblissity - Retail Value $20

This is such a fun way to wash your hands! It's like scrubbing your hands and putting on lotion at the same time. First of all, they smell amazing... Then you open a piece (which looks a lot like a sugar cube, so remember to keep away from small children) and rub it between your hands in warm water until it turns into a little lump of paste. Then scrub and rinse! My hands are left feeling smooth, soft, and moisturized! BonBlissity was founded in San Pedro, CA by a former dental hygienist named Elissa Choi who had chronic dry hands due to frequent washing. This is a wonderful solution!

Lucky Beads Bracelet by Kalcie - Retail Value $28

Look at this pretty bracelet! This is lavender and gold seed beads on waxed string. It's so pretty and delicate! Plus it was handmade. Kalcie is the jewelry line of Kristine Chermakyan, a designer based in Los Angeles.

The Verdict: California Found has become one of my favorite subscription boxes! This was another awesome box! This month had a little less in the way of hero items, but the things that were included are all winners. I especially enjoyed discovering the hand scrubs and water infusion pouches! The value of everything adds up to $104.97, which is more than the promised value of $90, and the box costs only $49, including free shipping!!!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive the September box. From California Found:

If you subscribe on or before the 30th of the month, you will receive that month’s box. If you subscribe after the 30th, your subscription will begin with the next month’s shipment. If we are sold out of boxes the month you subscribe, you will be notified and your subscription will begin the following month.

Coupon - Use code MSALOVE20 to save 20% off your first box!

Value Breakdown: At $49 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Greeting Cards - $2.33 each
  • Candle - $11.20
  • Hand Scrubs - $9.34
  • Water Infusions - $4.20 each
  • Bracelet - $13.07

Check out all of our California Found reviews and more lifestyle boxes in the Women's Subscription Box List!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of California Found? What was your favorite item?

Starting at $49.00
Active Deal
Get free shipping to US addresses.
Use Coupon Code SHIPSFREE
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California Found is a monthly collection of expertly curated, beautifully crafted small batch and handmade goods from California's most talented artisans. Once a month, our subscribers experience the California lifestyle through a box filled to the brim with natural spa & beauty products, lo... read more.
Anna Rodriguez
Anna Rodriguez
Anna has been a fan of subscription boxes since joining Birchbox in 2013, but didn't become a true addict until discovering subscriptions she could share with her children. Her favorites include Kiwi Crate and Fab Kids.

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29 comments

beth

Thanks for the fantastic review and pics as ever Anna. Those Herb + Orchard Water Infusions right?? We are completely bonkers for them! We appreciate the constructive and spirited feedback the MSA audience is never shy about delivering!! 🙂 We take all of it to heart and consider it as we continue to curate new collections. We love all of our California artisans and appreciate the opportunity to introduce their hand-made and small-batch products to the MSA tribe.

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Anna

Thanks Beth!

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Lisa

28.00 for that bracelet is absurd.

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Penny

This was my first California Found box and I was pleased with each item in the box. The bracelet was turquoise colored beads, just what I was hoping for and I love the dainty look of it. As for the high retail value, I find that to be true in many items in other subscription boxes as well. It’s an annoying trend that occurs so I look at the overall value of the box, curation, etc., and this one knocked it out of the park for me. Loved it!

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Beth

Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback Penny! We work really hard to introduce our subscribers to creative artisans and unique, creative products that we love and you can’t find anywhere else. So happy you’re pleased with your first California Found collection. Much more to come! 🙂

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TK

It’s only my second box and I think it’s nice. Some things I plan to gift. The bracelet is way too big for me. I may try to cut the ends a little shorter. I like that the string is coated and resists getting soggy when I wash my hands. I haven’t tried the “candy” scrubs because I had just done my nails. I’m wondering if the grittiness is hard on nail polish??

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Beth

Hi TK!

Thanks so much for the kind words. We love the idea of keeping some of the items and gifting some!

Regarding the scrubs and your fresh manicure, here’s a response from the folks at Bonblissity:

“I would do the rest of the hands and just avoid the nails. Usually, the nail salons will have clients use it to wash their hands with right before applying the nail polish. Getting the salt/sugar on the nails is not going to be a problem, just don’t scrub it directly on the nails.”

Hope that helps!

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LizC

I think this is a great box. I love the balance of the box. Always cards. Jewelry, a home item, a treat. Once I get my stockpile down I’m planning to reup.

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Beth

Thanks Liz!

Can’t wait to have you back!!

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Jenn

I agree; the proliferation of these friendship-style bracelets baffles me. It takes about $3 worth of cording and beads plus five minutes of time. I make and sell my own jewelry to independent boutiques, and I would feel ashamed charging $28 for something like that. If I were selling them they would retail for $12, max. Those are just plain glass seed beads!

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Donna

California Found is my favorite sub by far!

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Beth

Thanks Donna! We’re so honored to have become your favorite. Great things coming!! 🙂

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AmyM

The scrubby cubes are probably one of the most fun, unique and useful things I’ve ever gotten in a box. It’s so nice to be able to scrub frequently, but without any mess or waste. I’ll be ordering more of those for sure.

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beth

Thanks Amy! We totally agree, and they smell so heavenly!

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Luminoussoul

I actually really loved the bracelet – a lot. I got one that was black and gold and I love how dainty it is (and it fits me which is very rare for a bracelet from a subscription box. This is my favorite sub and I adore the curation and all of the unique items I get each month. I feel like everything included is a little treasure and opening this box feels like opening a gift from a friend. Jenn

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Beth

A gift from a friend who knows you well is exactly what we strive for every month! Thanks for letting us know we hit the mark! So glad you love the bracelet as much as we do. The entire Kalcie line is simply gorgeous.

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Pam

The water infusions are amazing! I tried one today! I am going to have to buy more

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beth

Right?? You can’t fully appreciate how amazing they are without trying them! So glad you liked them. Herb+Orchard is seriously on to something.

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Kelly

Cute box! I like the bracelet, very dainty. I didn’t get this box but I think it looks so fun and different! The price point is a bit high, though. I could see buying this if it was a $30 box, maybe with a long term sub discount?

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Beth

Hey Kelly!

With your MSA discount, your first box is only $39! Give us a try! 🙂

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Drminniecooper

That bracelet is way overpriced with Rv of $28. A month of pura vida gives you 3 bracelets of similar style. Are the seed beads real gold? I can’t think of why it accounts for $13 of the box value.

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Drminniecooper

Meant to say that a month of pura vida is $15 a month and better value.

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Carole

California Found has become my favorite subscription box. but this month was lacking hopefully next month will be better. the bracelet wasn’t the best .

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Beth

Hi Carole!

Thanks for naming us as your favorite sub box! That makes us so happy!! Every month of California Found is different and we love them all of course. Hopefully, next month hits a bit closer to the mark for you! If you have specific feedback as to what you’d like to see in a future collection, please share it here or drop me a note to [email protected]. Thanks!

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Misti

$28 for a $1 bracelet this is way over priced for what you get

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Jenn

I’m a jewelry designer. The proliferation of these friendship style bracelets and retail prices they’re charging for them astounds me. Maybe $2 in cording and glass seed beads, plus five minutes of my time…I could not, with good conscious, justify selling it retail for over $10 or $12.

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katie

Was thinking the same thing.

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Lynn m.

It was discussed last month. I really wish the would do a seasonal option even if it was a bit more money. I love love their curation but I am a less is more Orson so i Don’t need a monthly box.

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beth

Thanks, Lynn! We will keep this community closely informed as new options become available.

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