GiftLit is a monthly book gift subscription service that sends books to a recipient of your choice each month. They have several collections to choose from for both children and adults. Once you select the age of your recipient, then you can choose from various collections that are curated specifically for that age group.
They offer 3, 6 or 12-month gift subscriptions. For children, they offer both board and picture books and have collections such as the Cuddle Collection, Science and Nature or even Trains, Planes and Things That Go. For adults, they offer both paperback and hardback novels with genres ranging from Romance, Mysteries, and Thrillers to Eat, Drink and Party. They also allow you to fully customize your collection if you’d like.
This review is of a mix of the Children’s Cuddle Collection for ages 2-5 and for babies.
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 GiftLit
The Subscription Box: GiftLit
The Cost: This varies based on the collection you choose. My total is $172.46 for 3 months of the Cuddle Collection for Babies and 3 months of the Cuddle Collection for 2-5-year-olds plus $14 shipping.
The cost for the ages 2-5 Cuddle Collection:
- 3 months- $99.95 + $14 shipping
- 6 months- $199.95 + $28 shipping
- 12 months- $399.95 + $39 shipping
The cost for the babies Cuddle Collection:
- 3 months- $69.95 + $14 shipping
- 6 months- $144.95 + $28 shipping
- 12 months- $289.95 + $39 shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off!
CODE: Addiction10
The Products: For the Cuddle Collection you receive a children’s picture book and stuffed animal from the story each month.
Ships to: currently only the US via USPS
GiftLit September 2018 Review
Before receiving my books, I received a card in the mail from GiftLit that welcomed me and provided my gift code. One thing I really like about this service is that you always have the option to go online and swap out any of the books you’re scheduled to receive. This is great to ensure that recipients get books that they really want and don’t end up with any books that they already have or are not interested in. They also allow you to return any book that is shipped to you within 30 days.
My book came wrapped in this bright, colorful paper. This is an option that costs an extra $3/month. It’s nice that they have this option, but when you’re paying for a gift subscription, I feel like this is one of those things that should already be included.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Dieson - Retail Value $7.99 (Found here for $5.79)
I have actually never read this book before, although I have heard of it. I really enjoyed this book and so did my kids! It's about a grumpy fish who thinks he is meant to be grumpy all the time. The book describes encounters with various friends who are fun sea creatures like an octopus and a squid who all encourage him to be more pleasant. In the end, it takes a special fish to help him realize that he is not a pout-pout fish that needs to spread the "dreary wearies" but instead is a kiss-kiss fish. It's a very cute book and a fun one to read with younger kids! Definitely perfect for the intended 2-5 age range.
Merry Makers Pout-Pout Fish Plush - Retail Value $16.00
Our very own little pout-pout fish was the perfect way to engage the kids even more with this book. It's way more fun to read about a fish when you can hold him in your arms. As usual, this plush fish looks just like the character from the book and is soft and cuddly. I only wish that he had a more defined pout to really go along with the story!
Verdict: The total value of the book and finger puppets was $23.99 which is quite a bit below the monthly cost of $33.41 per month ($172.46 for 6 months + $28 shipping). While I loved the book and our fish, the value just doesn't add up for this one. I do appreciate the thought behind the curation and love the idea of the cuddle collection which brings some cute characters to life.
This subscription service does offer a lot of different books and various collections, so the value could change a lot depending on your choices and even vary from month to month. I do think this is a great gift for a book lover since you really can’t go wrong with them being able to choose their own books if they want to, but it just depends on what your budget is.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, you can order this collection and customize it so that you receive the same book.
Coupon - Use code Addiction10 to save 10% off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $33.41 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Pout-pout Fish Book: $11.13
- Fish Plush: $22.28
Check out all of our GiftLit reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory for other fun boxes your child might enjoy!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of this month’s GiftLit?
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