Paper Source has a quarterly lifestyle box that includes some of their favorite items from popular brands like Rifle Paper Co., ban.do, Paddywax, and Lilly Pulitzer and runs $49.95 per season (with free shipping). Expect candles, stationery, and items for your home or office that coincide with each season! By the way, our readers voted this box as one of the Best Stationery Subscriptions of 2020!
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 this Colorful Home and Lifestyle Box
The Subscription Box: Paper Source Subscription Box
The Cost: $49.95/quarter (A minimum one-year commitment paid in quarterly installments)
The Products: A mix of 10+ stationery and lifestyle items from Paper Source as well as popular home and lifestyle brands.
Ships to: The contiguous U.S. addresses only for free
Paper Source Summer 2020 Review
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Inside, you'll find an info card that matches the sunshine design on the box. On the flipside is a list of all of the goodies that are included in the Summer 2020 box. I do feel the need to mention that Paper Source's info card often has inflated prices compared to what I find online,. The values I've listed for each item below are a more true representation than what they've listed on the card.
Paper Source 50% Off Paper Bar Purchase Voucher
The Paper Source subscription box always includes a voucher. Sometimes it's for a class, sometimes you can redeem it for an item online. This time, it's a discount for 50% off any paper bar purchase, which needs to be redeemed at a local store. There aren't any Paper Source stores near me in Pittsburgh, so, unfortunately, I can't use this. I'm not even sure if their stores are open in most places at the moment, but it is good until 7/31 so those with a store close by still have time. Perhaps they'll even extend this due to the current circumstances.
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Folklore Uplift Bath Fizzer - Retail Value $7.00 (on sale for $3.50)
"Uplift" is the scent of this pink bath fizzer from Folklore. It has a very soft powdery floral vibe with peony and rose. The fragrance isn't incredibly strong once this hits the bathwater, but it turns it a creamy pink, and the essential oil ingredients really soften my skin as I soak. While I'd say I find this fizzer to be more relaxing than uplifting, the experience is still top-notch.
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Paper Source Writing Set - Listed Value $19.95
I've always been a lover of stationery and although mine leans towards the more "cute" Japanese variety, these simple colorful envelopes with nicely weighted cream paper have a classy vibe. Matching the colors of the print and info card included in the box, there are two envelopes of each goldenrod, peach, rust, and extremely pale pink (or cream?) color for a total of eight. Along with them are 16 sheets of cream paper on which to write a nice letter to a loved one so that each envelope can be stuffed with two. I'm so out of practice writing letters, so this will be nice motivation during a mostly indoor summer!
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Shiraleah Amor Tassel Charm - Estimated Value $9.00 (linked to similar, on sale for $3.60)
There is something about tassels that I just can't get enough of. They will practically sell me on a bag and I am delighted when I see them for sale as a key ring or just to attach somewhere. This black and white 100% cotton tassel is a nice large size at 5.5 inches tall with a 4-inch long loop. I can use it to add flair to one of my many tote bags, but have currently just had it hanging on the outside of my bedroom door on the doorknob and it gives me subtle happiness!
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Natural Life Extra Large Whimsy Floral Wreath Happy Bag - Retail Value $6.00
Speaking of happy, they've included a reusable tote in the box that depicts a wreath of colorful flowers around the words "Happy Bag." It's made of 80% recycled plastic water bottles with nylon webbing handles which means it's super sturdy and perfect for trips the grocery store for heavy canned foods. The bag is 12.5in L X 5in W X 14in H, with an 11 inch handle drop so it easily fits onto my shoulder. The sides are both a floral pattern with a black background that has the brand's name "Natural Life" written down it. I have so many totes already but it will still come in handy and I can keep it in my trunk for any time I need to schlep some things around!
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Natural Life Llama Embossed Mug - Retail Value $15.00 (on sale for $5.00)
I got heavy into llamas and alpaca like many people over the last handful of years. This mug has a handmade look to it since the walls are lumpy and without clean exact lines. One side of this dishwasher safe mug has the head of a llama complete with color tassels and flower decorations. Inside the top edge on the opposite side, it says "Cup of Happy" which is a great term for coffee, and is also my warm drink of choice.
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Smith + Sinclair Bubbly Candy Gummy Pack, 5 ct - Estimated Value $4.17 (Buy a 12 ct for $10.00)
I am pretty impressed with the Gin & Tonic flavor in this gummy candy pack- it's so authentic! Although no alcohol is in these candies, they conjure up realistic tastes very similar to their drink namesakes. My only wish is that this was a full-size box instead of just a five-piece sampler.
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Stabilo Pastel Highlighter Set - Retail Value $9.13
This chubby set of six pastel highlighters might be one of my favorite items from the box. Stabilo makes great writing supplies and these will come in handy when I get back to beauty school. There is a lot of highlighting to be done in my book and although these aren't as vibrant as traditional neon highlighters, these chill colors still allow words to stand out without screaming at me. The colors range from pale yellow, orange, and pink to lavender, mint, and baby blue.
Seltzer Goods Vinyl Crystal Sticker - Retail Value $3.95
Stickers are something I have and will always enjoy collecting. From Seltzer Goods, this quality vinyl sticker is three inches wide and features a blue and green multifaceted crystal cluster on a pale lavender background. This will make a cool way to jazz up my work laptop or I can slap it on my water bottle!
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Kitsch Soul Strands Bee Bracelet Set - Retail Value $12.00
Delicate stackable cotton bracelets seem really popular, yea? A set of two in pink arrived in the box and are decorated with a single gold bee on each one which is perfect for Paper Source since their logo is very similar. These "Soul Strands" are meant to be shared with a friend like a friendship bracelet or best friend necklace would be. They're easy to slide on and tighten simply by pulling each loose end to fit your wrist. I like how lightweight these are and they can be worn 24/7.
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Workman Flow Notes Tiny Pleasures Sticky Note Set - Retail Value $14.95
I don't use sticky notes as much at home as I would in the office but these are so cute I'm coming up with new ideas. "Tiny Pleasures" features a larger list sticky pad, a traditional square pad, three smaller pads, and four page marker pads all in one little portfolio. Each one has a unique design that features simple pleasures like a bicycle, sunset, flowers, books, or other joyful illustrations. I can quickly make use of the page markers in my Esthetics textbook, the lined list pad is perfect for grocery or to-do lists, and the others will be helpful reminders since I can be very forgetful.
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Fringe Daily Plans Prompted Daily Agenda - Retail Value $17.00 (0n sale for $10.00)
Making plans for 2020 seem kind of silly now, huh? Luckily this prompted daily agenda is not dated so it can be started at any time, or even started, stopped, and started again (which is my preferred way to use a planner... ha!). I am a true list-maker so I really appreciate this ringed planner that has space for the date, day of the week, schedule, to-do list, "don't forget" and a helpful "goals of the day." This should really help keep me organized since more time at home means I have a list of house projects that I may even get to! If I don't feel up to it, that's ok, too! I just like knowing that it's all recorded so I don't forget about them, and of course, checking them off is extremely satisfying.
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Capri Blue Gallery Petite Jar Candle in Volcano, 8 oz. - Retail Value $24.00
This is probably the coolest candle I've ever received in a box. When I shop for candles IRL, I tend to care about the scent the most (of course) and secondly, the vessel. Does it look cool? Can I reuse it once the candle is gone? This one ticks that second need with its fun '80/'90s-inspired design. It also happens to smell fantastic! The ceramic vessel even has a lid which means it's the perfect jar for keepsakes or something like... bobby pins. Sadly mine was cracked when it arrived, but was still very useable. I reached out to customer service and they promptly responded and said they'd mail a replacement but I have yet to see one arrive. I still get to enjoy this fresh fruity scent tho!
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Hello Sunshine 8 x 10 Print - Listed Value $24.95
There is no such world that exists where I'd pay $24.95 for this print. Perhaps if it were framed or from a small independent artist with original artwork, but this one is not credited to an artist and looks very mass-produced. Personally I'd say this has a value of maybe $5.00. At any rate, the "Hello Sunshine" statement and colorway match the summer theme as well as the colors found throughout the box. It makes a nice motivational print to hang on an office wall, or even in a nursery.
Verdict: The Summer Paper Source Subscription Box really packed a lot of sunshine and cheer into one massive package. A whopping 13 items plus a voucher that I, unfortunately, can't use give this box a retail value of $167.10. While some items I had to take at face value based on the info card (like the paper pack and print), I was able to find many online to purchase at a discounted price. The highlighters, candle, tassel, and gummies were probably my favorite items. I think this would be a great box to split with a friend or family member for me though as there are many giftable things. I think it's very much worth the $49.95 cost of this box, but I'm not sold on the full retail value listed. Still- many cute items that seem to be perfect for fans of Paper Source!
If you're interested in more great lifestyle subscriptions, check out our list of the 20 best subscription boxes for women in 2020!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? This box is already sold out but sign up today to get their Fall box which ships in July. Check back for spoilers here and sign up for notifications so you know as soon as they post!
Value Breakdown: At $49.95 for this box, you are paying approximately $3.84 for each of the 13 items.
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