The Positive Package is a monthly subscription box of artisan treats and goodies sourced from "far away lands" purchased directly from small villages, funding the local people and their communities. Each box highlights and supports a positive project somewhere in the world.
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.)
About The Positive Package
The Subscription Box: The Positive Package
The Cost: $39.99 per month + $4.95 shipping. Discounts available with a longer commitment.
The Products: several eco-friendly, exotic, original products
Ships to: the US
The Positive Package November 2018 Cambodia Review
Ok, can we first talk about the packaging for this box? It is incredible. THERE ARE BANANAS!! Clearly, a ton of care and time was put into making the unboxing experience an absolute joy!
The contents list is printed on an insert that is part of the box itself. On the underside of the flap is a note from the founders along with instructions to connect via social. On their blog, the founders give a sneak peek into their sourcing trip to Cambodia.
Once you get inside, the whole parcel is gorgeously wrapped in tissue paper and a blue netting, all bound in twine. Tucked below the faux floral bundle is a photo postcard from this month's featured country--Cambodia. I love the sweet hand-written note from co-founder Lisa.
Included in each box are several teeny tiny clothespins or "positive pegs." Box subscribers are encouraged to use the clips to surprise someone with a positive note. Sharing photos of your message with the hashtags listed on the cards will get you entered into a monthly drawing which hints as prizes including spa days and world travel!
Handmade Cotton Scarf
According to the box (and wikipedia), a krama is a traditional Cambodian garment with many uses including a scarf, bandanna, a face covering, decoration, and even a hammock for children. This one features a checked design and a blue/teal/ecru color scheme. The fabric is very substantial, sturdy yet soft, and feels well-made. The krama measures 60"x14".
Handmade Cotton T-Shirt
When you feel a quality, handmade garment like this shirt and compare it to a "fast-fashion" one, you really notice the difference. The material is heavy--kind of like a thin sweatshirt. This one is a size medium, and the proportions seem to align with American sizing. I love the bright, patterned elephant decal on the front. I don't typically wear shirts like this, but I think my niece will love it!
Eco Soap Block
I have heard of the Eco-Soap Bank and think it's such an amazing idea. In a nutshell, they collect, sanitize, and distribute unused soap from hotels to developing countries lacking in hygienic resources. The block included is 2"x2" and smells, well, like a hotel! I love that The Positive Package supports such an incredible organization.
Handmade Coin-Purse
This beautiful coin-purse is bringing me such joy. Measuring approximately 5"x5", you could easily fill it with your ID, credit card, lip gloss, and change of course! I love the intricate embroidered designs on the front and back, as well as the striped inner lining. The wristband does not feel as though it will pull off in a hot second the way some do. And please notice that they stuffed a mini 100 Grand candy bar inside. Could they get any cuter?!
Single Serve Green Tea
I'm not a big tea drinker, especially loose-leaf tea, but I adore this tiny little serving in a cheerful woven basket!
Handcrafted Elephant Keychain
Friends. LOOK AT THIS KEYCHAIN! This little cutie is approximately 2"x2" and just about the most adorable thing I've seen all week.
Lotus & Lavender Cambodian "Trail Mix"
This mini take-out box is filled with delicious smelling bath salts. It is a little messy, so I appreciate the extra bag it's packaged in. And the truth is, it doesn't matter all that much to me--it'll be getting dumped into my bath about an hour from now!
Bonus: Votive Candle
This appears to be a bonus gift. It is not listed on the content list, but boy, what a treat! Packaged in a miniature take-out container, it smells of fresh lemon and would be a perfect complement to the bath salts.
The Verdict: I don't know the retail value of most of these items, but the packaging, the unboxing experience, the attention to detail at every turn, the gorgeous and super high-quality craftsmanship of the products, plus the feeling of contributing to the greater good globally make the $39.99 price tag feel like perhaps it's an error. The value of this box well exceeds the actual cost in my opinion. The goal of The Positive Package is worldwide positivity. If such an effort starts with just one person, these folks are well on their way because I am grinning from ear to ear.
To Wrap Up:
If I subscribe today, can I still receive this box? All one-time boxes will be the Cambodian box.
Value Breakdown: This box costs $39.99 plus $4.95 shipping, which means that each of the 7 items in the box (not including the bonus candle) has an average cost of $6.42.
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