Coffee and a Classic is a monthly book & beverage subscription box curated by founder Ashlee Doherty. Ashlee’s mission is to create a complete escape each month for lovers of literature, providing a thought-out and curated experience where readers can curl up with the book, a beverage, and other bookish items to retreat from everyday life.
There are two different subscription levels available.
- The STARTER BOX ($29.99 / month + shipping) provides you with a classic book, something to sip on, and 2 bookish items each month.
- The STANDARD BOX ($40.99 / month + shipping) provides you with a classic book, something to sip (your choice of coffee, tea, hot chocolate) & snack on, a bookmark, a coffee mug, and 1-2 bookish items based on a theme. This book box is also packaged in a high-quality photo box.
With each level of subscription, you can select from three genres: Classic Literature, Children’s Classics, and Classic Nonfiction.
This review is for the Starter Children’s Classics Box.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Coffee and a Classic
The Subscription Box: Coffee and a Classic Starter Box, Children's Classics option
The Cost: $29.99 a month (you can save 5%-15% with longer pre-paid subscription) + $8.00 US shipping
The Products: A classic book, something to sip on, 2 bookish items + a bookmark
Ships to: US + Internationally (shipping costs vary. )
Good to Know: Boxes ship between the 19th-23rd of each month. You can cancel your subscription at any time (recurring billing happens on the 1st of the month). Each month, a sneak peek is available, and you can change genres if something catches your eye.
Coffee and a Classic (Children’s Classics) May 2019 Starter Box Review
This month’s selection is Aladdin and the Arabian Nights.
Like most subscriptions, the first item you see when you open the box is an info card detailing the products inside. The contents listed include the book itself, a package of hot chocolate, 2 bookish items, and a bookmark.
Aladdin and the Arabian Nights – Retail Value $10.00
The only Aladdin experience that I had prior to receiving this book was the Disney version that I was obsessed with growing up. I didn't know that the Disney had taken so much liberty from the original writings, and I was really surprised when I started reading this book to find that it was a collection of centuries-old folk tales. I couldn't put it down as these classic tales unfolded!
From Barnes & Noble:
First collected nearly a millennium ago, these folktales are presented as stories that the beautiful Scheherazade tells her husband, King Shahryar, over 1001 consecutive nights. They include some of the best-known legends of eastern storytelling: "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor," "The Story of Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp," and "The Story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." This beautiful collection features more than 20 tales plus illustrations in full color and black and white by René Bull.
Exclusive! “Curry & Chocolate” Hot Chocolate from McStevens, 4 oz - Buy in a 5 lb box for $35.00
Again this month, we see a special McSteven’s hot cocoa! This month, the package an Arabian nod to the book. While I typically love the hot cocoa that is included, this month was a miss for me. I found the curry flavor very overpowering and it just isn’t my beverage of choice. If you’re someone that likes some non-temperature heat behind your cocoa though, you might love it!
I’d estimate that this 4 oz pouch is probably enough for about 3-4 servings depending on how much cocoa power you like to add to your cup. My only complaint is that I wish that the custom pouches contained nutrition information.
Hand-made Fabric Bookmark from Coffee and a Classic
What a beautiful bookmark! It kind of reminds me of a flying carpet, don’t you think?
Flying Carpet Mouse Pad – Estimated Value $13.00 (Based on a similar item found here)
What a fun idea! You can use this as a mousepad, or I kind of like the idea of using it under a little plant. Another idea would be to gift it to a child in your life – it could be wall-to-wall carpeting for a dollhouse!
Genie Lamp Incense Burner – Estimated Value $7.99 (Based on a similar item found here)
Another fun and perfect curation! I definitely love the idea of having a genie lamp sitting on my desk – there are days where I’m sure I’m going to rub it just in case someone wants to grant me 3 wishes. My first wish was that incense was included in this box to use with this burner!
Verdict: This is a great box! I loved the selection, given that the new Aladdin movie just hit theaters. I found it to be very timely and appropriate. Because of the exclusive items, I couldn’t really calculate value but given that the box itself costs $38 ($30 + $8 shipping), I think that the value itself remains in the curation and novelty versus the high cost of the retail items. I am happy with the items, but I do wish incense was included with the incense burner.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No. Your first box will be the July selection.
Your box will ship between the 3rd Thursday and the 4th Monday of every month. Please order by the 15th of the month to get the current box.
Value Breakdown: At $38.00 ($30.00 + $8.00 shipping) for this box, you’re paying about $7.60 per item.
Check out all of our Coffee and a Classic reviews and the reader-voted top book subscription boxes for 2019!
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What do you think of Coffee and a Classic? Which box type do you prefer?
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