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 16-year-old creator. Full-sized 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 Full-Sized box is $55 per month + free US shipping ($50.00/mo for the 12-month subscription track) while the Gender Neutral box is $45 per month. Save with longer subscriptions.
This review is of the beTWEEN the Bookends Tween Full Size 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.)
June is in full swing, and while summer vacation hasn't been quite as relaxing as I had hoped, we are feeling so much more refreshed! While I enjoy movies and video games as much as the next gal, I am all about limiting tech time. beTWEEN the Bookends brings a really great mix of fun books and a heap of awesome lifestyle goodies, that keep my kids entertained without the use of screens. Read below to find out what this month's fun theme included.
First Impressions
The contents of this box are packaged neatly in bright pink tissue paper and sealed with a sticker featuring clip art of a pigtail-donning 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
Each month we receive a pamphlet describing all items included in each box. It is color coordinated and laid out very nicely. Featured on the back is a quote by Rachel Wolchin - "If we were meant to stay in one place we'd have roots instead of feet..." Also included is a hint about next month's theme - I'm thinking SUMMER vacay!?
"How to Be Brave" by Daisy May Johnson - Retail Value $16.99
Calla North and her mother Elizabeth live a quiet but happy life together. Elizabeth happens to be the world's leading expert on ducks―but unfortunately, being an expert on ducks doesn't always pay the bills (no pun intended). When Elizabeth is offered a well-paid research trip to the Amazon, it's an opportunity too good to miss. But while her mother’s off exploring, Calla winds up at boarding school. No adventures are likely to find her there―or so she thinks. Then Calla receives the terrible news that her mother's plane has gone missing. Can Calla, her friends, and a motley crew of nuns defeat an evil new headmistress and find Elizabeth before it’s too late?
Hank loves ducks, so he decided to open this title first this month. We appreciate hard cover novels, and just look at the cover - it's beautiful! Anyways, we found the story fast paced and interesting. With a traumatic event right from the get go, we had to keep reading to find out what was to come next. Copyrighted in 2021, this is a fairly new title, and wasn't AR testable, but since our school is transitioning away from that program, are fine with that anyways. Overall, we have been enjoying this book and have been appreciating the lesson on footnotes!!
"It Ain't So Awful, Falafel" by Firoozeh Dumas - Retail Value $7.99
California’s Newport Beach is her family’s latest perch, and she’s determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name—Cindy. It’s the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even puka shell necklaces, pool parties, and flying fish can't distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.
Hank has started this second book, and it has seemed to hold his interest. Diverse in culture, he has learned a bit about Iran, and is enjoying the story so far. Cindy is a likable character and we are both intrigued to see how her friendship with the other Cindy winds up. So far a great read that will keep both Hank and me from falling into the "summer slide."
Custom Zipper Pull
Both of my kiddos like keychains and clipping small items onto their backpacks for school, so Hank decided to stick this lobster clasp zipper pull on that. Though only used for slumber parties at this time of year, he liked the dark shiny metal, and appreciated the book quote. "Readers become Leaders" was a little bit hard to read, but looks cool in a muted way. Not Hank's favorite inclusion of this month's box, but a fun little trinket to show his appreciation for reading.
Monthly Sticker Pack
Hank always enjoys stickers, and this month's versions were really bright and happy. With fun colors and great design, these were great for adding to our sticker collection! Useful for decorating folders and pencils boxes, you can never have too many stickers!
TGI Friday's Potato Chips
Hands down, this was Hank's favorite inclusion this month. Extra crunchy and packed with a cheese bacon punch, Hank took this bag of treats outside to enjoy on the patio while reading. A great incentive to read, this small, but delicious item was a great addition to this month's box.
Silicone old with Recipe Cards
The next item we received was silicone mold set. Included was a tiny silicone mold with 8 travel inspired patterns. We also received a set of recipe cards for soap, ice cubes, and crayons. While we didn't have the ingredients for the soap or crayons, Hank did try out the mold with water for ice cubes. The details that showed up were amazing, and it made drinking water a lot more fun!
Color Your Own Postcards Set
Hank is pretty big into drawing and coloring, so he didn't mind the idea of coloring post cards. A set complete with 3 colored pencils, he colored one to send his buddy. I enjoyed doing a bit of coloring myself, so this was a nice inclusion for a little family down time to keep us tech free for an afternoon.
Custom Luggage Tag
Hank wasn't quite sure what the purpose of this luggage tag was for, but now he wants to plan a trip involving an airplane! While we have gone on many road trips, we haven't taken the kids on an airplane yet because of the crazy costs. Maybe my son will convince my husband to plan that Universal Studio trip we've been dreaming of!
Matcha Lip Balm
We are yet to get on the Boba Tea wagon, but this lip balm smells so good! Packaged in a pink tube with a polka dot cap, this green lip balm smells like matcha. Smooth on the lips with a little bit of shine, this balm was a little too girly for Hank, so he gifted it to me. With the drying summer heat, I have stashed this in my purse and it has helped me keep chapped lips at bay!
Paper Crane Necklace
The last item we received were this origami crane necklace. NIce and long, this necklace is great for layering, and the charm is really cute. Featuring a lobster clasp closure and short chain to shorten the length a bit, it reaches mid chest on an adult. Hank obviously gifted me this necklace, and I found it to perfectly pair with a white tee for a casual summer look.
Verdict
beTWEEN the Bookends is one of our favorite subscription boxes of all time, and this month Hank really enjoyed both book inclusions. Like I mentioned above, this is the full-sized box which is aimed towards girls, but fit a mother/son duo just fine. The included lifestyle items were a great mix of self care and fun, and all fit the monthly theme quite well. Overall we thought this box was curated nicely. We already can't wait to see what's in store for July!
The beTWEEN the Bookends Full Size box costs $50.00 per month (on a 12-month subscription track), including shipping. Because the books alone are valued at over $22.98, I find the $50.00/month cost extremely 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 July box.
What did you think of the Full Size BeTWEEN the Bookends Tween box?
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