beTWEEN the Bookends is the first monthly book and lifestyle box created for kids by a teen herself! Boxes follow a monthly theme and contain age-appropriate books and lifestyle items that have been read and hand tested by Jillian, the 14-year-old creator. Full size boxes contain 2-3 books and 6-8 lifestyle items, while mini boxes include 1 book and 3-5 lifestyle items. The new gender-neutral boxes will contain the same 2-3 books in the full boxes but will have only 3-5 gender neutral lifestyle items.
The Cost: The Gender-Neutral box is $37.00 per month + free US shipping while the Full-Size box is $44 per month. Save with longer subscriptions.
This review is of the beTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral Box.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
It is May, and guess what? The dandelions are blooming! While some people find these to be weeds, my son has picked one for my hair everyday this week and I am swooning. Little gestures like that really epitomize what it takes to make someones day and turn this world into a much kinder place. beTWEEN the Bookends has captured the importance of kindness through this "Be Kind" themed box. Featuring new books and a heap of awesome lifestyle goodies, this box always impresses. Read below to find out what this month's awesome theme included!
First Impressions
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The contents of this box are packaged neatly in turquoise tissue paper and sealed with a sticker featuring clip art of a boy and girl. The anticipation of seeing what's underneath this tissue paper always has us on the edge of our seats. We just can't wait to check it out!
Here's What's Inside
Welcome Pamphlet
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Ever evolving, this month's pamphlet is organized a bit differently than in the past, and it is definitely easier to understand. Describing all items included in each box, it is color coordinated and laid out very nicely. Featured on the back is a quote by Anne Frank: "You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!". I love, love, love this quote and try to instill this into my kids everyday! With the included descriptions, the kids couldn't wait to dive in and see what else was included.
These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn - Retail Value $8.99
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Ever since her mother left a few years ago, Annie has felt like the odd one out in her family. Her dad and brother are practical and organized--they just don't understand the way she thinks, in lines and color. Everywhere she turns, she feels like an outsider, even at school, so she's been reluctant to get close to anyone. When a "Ding-Dong-Ditch" attempt goes wrong, Annie finds herself stuck making amends with Gloria, the eccentric elderly lady she disturbed. As she begins to connect with Gloria and her weird little dog, it becomes clear that Gloria won't be able to live on her own for much longer. But it's this brief and important friendship that gives Annie the confidence to let people in, and see how rich life can be when you decide to make your own luck and chart your own path to happiness.
Hank and I found this to be a very emotional book. With touches on mental health discussions, and abandonment issues, it gave us perspectives many young adult books don't. A heartwarming read between Annie and Gloria, this truly shows a form of kindness we all need to follow. A fascinating book, we learned that the brightest friendships are unexpected.
Frankie and Amelia by Cammie McGovern - Retail Value $16.99
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After being separated from his family, Franklin becomes an independent cat, until he meets a goofy dog named Chester. Chester is a service dog to his person, a boy named Gus, and Chester knows just the girl to be Franklin’s person—Gus’s classmate, Amelia. Amelia loves cats, but has a harder time with people. Franklin understands her, though, and sees how much they have in common. When Amelia gets into some trouble at school, Franklin wants to help the girl who’s done so much to help him. He’s not sure how, yet, but he’s determined to try.
Working in a school, I have seen a variety of students with a variety of abilities and I love when books bring heartwarming stories with perspectives on the world of neurodiversity! This particular book was a great read and one that Hank really enjoyed. We are now very interested in getting our hands on Cammie McGovern's "Chester and Gus" and "Just my Luck" books.
Positive Affirmation Card Deck
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Sometimes kids can get so down on themselves, and it makes me so sad. I am a huge fan of these affirmation cards, and have enjoyed pulling one out for each kid in the morning to get their day off to a positive start. Not only have I been giving each of my own kids a card, but I've been encouraging them to bring an extra card to school to give away as well. You know Maya Angelou says: "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud".
Exclusive "Be Kind" Pin
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While Hank wasn't wild about this daisy pin, I sure was! With the words "Be Kind" printed on the petals, this heavy duty guy is perfect for the lapel of a jean jacket to spread a little joy. Who can resist smiling at a smiling flower? I know I sure can't!
Shooting Star Pop-It
Pop-it's are still the rage, and this large shooting star version was a great addition to my sensory box at school. Because Hank has a few at home, he said we could share it in my classroom, and the kids LOVE it! Because of the ridges, it's a little harder to pop, which I think is more beneficial to fine motor skills. The fun colors and shape are very appealing to children of all ages, and everyone who touches it seems to leave with a smile on their face.
Monthly Sticker Pack
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We love stickers, and this month's kindness themed ones are adorable! With fun animals and sweet quotes, these are fantastic additions to notebooks and sticker collections.
Stationery Tin
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The last item we received is the reason this month's shipment came in such a large box. This large iPad themed tin is big enough to store a notebook and came with two gummy bear paper pads, a grape scented gummy bear mechanical pencil, and an iPad shaped eraser! Fun inclusions that Hank was happy to have to write notes with, he has placed this in his night stand for his journal ideas and loves it!
Verdict
beTWEEN the Bookends is always a surprise, and this month was no exception. They did a fantastic job encompassing the "Be Kind" theme throughout this entire box, and Hank was really impressed with the contents. If you have a child that doesn't like to read, or loves reading, this subscription box is for you. Not only were both books fantastic, but the lifestyle items make reading fun, all while being useful. We already can't wait to see what's in store for June!
The beTWEEN the Bookends gender neutral box costs $37.00 per month, including shipping. Because the books alone are valued at over $26.00, I find the $37.00/month cost very reasonable as the lifestyle items help shape this box into an entire experience.
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Other Things You Should Know
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? beTWEEN the bookends tends to ship the first week of each month. Order now to receive the June box.
What did you think of the BeTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral box?
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