Category: Bookish Merch

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Hagrid’s Trunk Dark Arts- Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole
  • Theme: Dark Arts
  • Overall: ***
  • Cost: $37 USD including shipping
  • Quality of Items: **** All but one of the products were really high quality, it was just a high price to pay for a box with no book for me.
  • Value for the Money:***
  • Shipping: * Since they are based out of the UK they ship untracked and to get to the U.S. it takes about 3 weeks… so the next month is about to ship before you receive the one before.

This was my very first Hagrid’s Trunk. I watched an unboxing online and decided to give it a try. Admittedly if I knew about shipping prior to trying I probably would not have given them a shot at all (hopefully they can find a better option soon).

Their themes and months also run a little strange. The February theme was Dark Arts for example, but does not ship until early March, so for the US we get it about the first of April. I do have to say the items were extremely unique and high quality with the exception of the notebook. If I were in the UK I would 100% be getting this box every month as the in country price is fairly cheap compared to other sub boxes.

  • Because of this I was charged for a second box before I received the first one to decide how I felt. So I will be getting another box to give another chance.

Whats in the Box:

  1. Death Eater T Shirt- This shirt was great material and the art work is amazing! Personally wish it were black or green (not a purple fan) so will most likely rehome.
  2. Diary of Tom Riddle Notebook
  3. Draught ofLiving Death Candle- I love the container and the little wooden spoon!
  4. Drink of Despair “Potion”- This company seriously goes over the top on their small details!
  5. Death Eater Mask Wooden Pin

Hagrids Trunk Dark Arts Unboxing and Review

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Bite Me Box- February Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole

Bite Me Box- February Unboxing and Review

Bite Me Box Dystopian Romance Unboxing and Review

  • Theme: Dystopian Romance
  • Overall: ***
  • Cost: $55 USD shipping included
  • Quality of items: ***
  • Shipping: *** They struggled a bit with shipping for this months box. They ship with Fedex which is a down side for me as I always seem to have challenges with them. My box arrived damaged and they responded very quickly at first saying they would get replacements out. I reached out to follow up over a week later and the request had not yet been put in, but was successful this time and I received the replacement items in a bubble envelope a little over a week later.
  • Value for the money: **** While the box did come with three books that are exclusive prints most of the books chosen for the boxes I have found can be read for free through Kindle Unlimited. So while it is neat to have them in print and often with a signed book plate it is quite costly in comparison.

Whats in the box:…. once you get past that steaming lid…

  • 3 Books with book plates- all Bite me Box Prints
    • Taken by the Alpha by
    • Lawless by Crytstal Ash
    • Wolf Hollow by Nikki Jefford
  • Bio hazard themed lip balm
  • Recyclable Pen with plant seeds
  • Bullet themed metal reusable water bottle
  • Bag of provisions (Tootsie rolls)
  • Bite me box charm
  • Packet of extra content from the authors
  • Signed book mark from Crystal Ash

Bite Me Box Dystopian Romance Unboxing and Review

Bite Me Box has decided to take a hiatus like many other bookish companies due to concerns and shipping delays due to COVID-19. They advised they also plan to do some revamping and come back ever better than before. While this box was not a 5 star for me, I enjoyed others that I have seen and will for sure be giving them another try when they come back.

Have you tried Bite Me Box? Or are there other adult boxes you think I should try out?

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing and Review

Theme: Feminine Wiles

Overall: *****

Quality of Products: ****

Shipping: ***** Shipped on time around the 20th of the month, I tend to be in the last batch.

Value for the money: *****

Month over month I fall more in love with my MLC CO box, honestly the best subscription box I have received. February actually included TWO books and did not disappoint.

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing Review

Whats in the box:

  • Large Woodwick candle inspired by The Bear and the Nightingale
  • Large cotton wick sorting candle. Lysandra was the name of the candle and you were sorted into an animal form of hers from Throne of Glass- I ended up getting Hawk
  • The Darkness is my Destiny- Whipped Sugar Scrub
  • Tragical Romance Lip Balm
  • Valentines Day card and Ring Pop (love the cute extras)
  • The Queens Assassin by Melissa De La Cruz with book plate and GORGEOUS sprayed pages
  • Anne of Green Gables- stunning Puffin Classics Edition
  • Extra fun activity that goes with each months theme/book

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing and Review

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

MLC Candle Crate- January Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole

MLC January Crate Unboxing

Theme: Ancient Myths

Overall: *****

Price: about $45 shipped in the U.S.

Value for the money: *****

Quality of Items: **** I only do not give 5 stars because I do not use the self care items from boxes (sensitive skin and whatnot) so I cannot vouch for how they work… but they are well packaged and gorgeous to look at.

Shipping: Ships around the 20th of each month has so far been right about on time.

I received my first box from MLC in August of 2019 and I was totally smitten with it so I signed up for a monthly subscription, I do find that I tend to skip the theme every other month and that really makes them all the sweeter to receive. I have to say time after time they impress me make me feel like my money was well spent. Even if I only received the large candles I would probably still be totally happy with them!

Whats in the box:

  • Bright Burning Kisses body wash
  • Ichor and Nectar Charcoal Face Mask inspired by Circe
  • Persephone Wood Wick Candle- I love that you have a little mystery in the candle you receive, and I always seem to get the one that I really wanted!
  • Monthly Sorting Candle- Camp Half Blood- Demigod ( I will be burning mine later today to find out who my God parent is)
  • Motel American Key Change inspired by American Gods
  • Last but not least the drop dead gorgeous book of the month with gold sprayed pages- Beyond the Shadowed Earth by Joanna Ruth Meyer
  • PS There is always a fun little extra in each of the boxes, I wont spoil the surprise but I love it every month and it shows just how much caring and thought is put into each other these boxes.

MLC CO January Unboxing Demi God Sorting Candle

The one negative I will say about the boxes is that most of the time the books are not special editions or are signed or have book plates. I really really love the sprayed edges but also really love to have signed books.

MLC CO January Unboxing

 

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

LitJoy Crate Magical Edition 7.1 Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole

Overall: *****

Price: $100 with shipping included in the U.S.

Quality of Products: ****

Value for the Money: *****

Shipping time: ***** When the box went on sale the team gave an estimated shipping time of mid December and provided updates along the way. The boxes shipped when expected and arrived promptly and in great condition.

This was my first of Litjoy’s magical editions to pick up. I entertained the idea of prior editions but always ended up happy that I did not pay the money when I saw the unboxings.

For this edition they teased that they would have a Hedwig item and a sleeve from Book Beau (which alone is valued around $20) so I decided to go ahead and give it a chance. Well, actually my husband paid for it to be a Christmas gift but I am so so so happy that I got this box.

It was packed to the brim with amazing and high quality goodies. While there were a few art things that I resold I kept almost every usable item in the box.

What was in the box:

  1. Amazing Dumbledore’s Will Spoiler Card
  2. Cuddly Atlas of the English Wizarding World Lap size Blanket
  3. Gorgeous silky pillowcase from Sweet Sequels
  4. Replica of Hermione’s Bag
  5. Fluffy Hedwig Ornament
  6. World’s Worst Camping Trip Mug
  7. Dirigible Plum crew socks
  8. Moving Snitch enamel pin from Dust and Pages
  9. Godrics Hollow inspired puzzle designed by Web and Moss
  10. Deluminator Candle by Say Anything Studio
  11. Wedding invite for Fleur and Bill
  12. Sword of Gryffindor Floating Pen
  13. Magnetic Bookmarks
  14. Character art playing cards
  15. Tales of Beadle the Bard book sleeve from Book Beau
  16. Notebook inspired by The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore by Holly Dunn Design

**HOLY COW THAT WAS SO MANY ITEMS I HAD TO USE NUMBERS HAHA

The 7.2 boxes are set to go on sale in May and I am 100% snagging one!!! Sign up for the Magical VIP list to get access to the early sale for these boxes if you plan to purchase one.

Litjoy Harry Potter Magical Edition Crate unboxing review

 

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Alchemy & Ink Darkness Rises Box Review

Megan Nicole

Theme: Darkness Rises- Kylo Ren appreciation

Overall: ****

Quality of Items: *****

Shipping Timeliness: *****

Cost: about $92 shipped in the U.S.

Value for the money: ****

What was in the box:

  • Thirst Order metal cup
  • Kylo Prayer Candle
  • Kylo Trash backpack
  • “Space Darcy” roll on perfume
  • Kylo themed Beanie with Pom
  • Reylo Pin Set
  • HUGE Kylo print
  • Double sided art/quote print
  • There was also supposed to be a spoiler card with a playlist but I did not receive in my package.

While I still feel this box was a great value for the money I felt it was more for a younger crowd and therefore only kept an item or two out of the entire box. There were a ton of items in this box and they were all very high quality. I really wish the backpack had been a purse or messenger bag and left off the “trash” portion. I debated on just getting a patch to cover the wording but in the end a backpack just was not for me. Overall Alchemy & Ink did a great job on value and quality and would not hesitate to go through the mad rush again to purchase another one of her boxes.

Have you seen the final star wars movie? If so, what did you think? Tell me below in the comments?

 

 

Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

2019 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide

Megan Nicole

Hi guys! I know bookworms can be a challenge to shop for so I wanted to share some of my favorite bookish products that I have discovered over the last few years. These are all products that I have personally purchased and most of them I actually use on a daily basis and feel they are high quality and well worth their prices…. plus most are having some great sales this holiday season!!

Klever Case for eReader

This brand is actually my most recent bookish discovery. They are a small company based in the U.K. and have gorgeous and high quality eReaders. They come in multiple sizes and designs, I have their Ravenclaw Kindle Paperwhite eReader and it is so gorgeous!!!

They also have amazing book lights and journals that match the theme of the eReader cases that I have been meaning to pick up as well! Right now they have some create combo deals going on to pick up multiple items for cheaper…. and free tracked international shipping for those wary of ordering an international product before Christmas.

Storiarts Bookish Accessories

If you have ever made it over to my Instagram page you have seen some of my Storiarts collection. To say I am obsessed to an understatement, and this year they came out with The Night Circus themed merch.

I have a scarf, writing gloves, tote, shirt, cosmetic bag AND headband from them already so far. Their products are not cheap but they are incredible quality and well worth the money… they are also having some great deals right now for the holidays so it the perfect time to snag items.

*If you are a bookstagrammer these products are amazing for bookish photos as well as everyday use!

Harry Potter Illustrated Editions

These editions are a must have for any Potter Head. They are absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful and useful edition to any collection. The first four books in the series are available, with the release of the Goblet of Fire just occurring a few months ago.

While I do not have kids (furbies aside) I have heard from my parent friends that these books are also a supper fun way to introduce their children to the series they loved so much as kids themselves.

Boxed sets:

Collectible boxed sets are always a wonderful treat for book worms, and often they are a bit pricey so we tend not to buy them for ourselves. With several big series finishing up this year a few new boxed sets have released recently that I have included below.

 

Book Beaus:

Top Bookish Holiday GiftsI am completely obsessed with Book Sleeves and Book Beau is always at the top of that list. I carry books or eReaders with me everywhere I go and I have so many Beaus!! They come in so many sizes and options from their Mini for an eReader, to their jumbo that can even fit your Harry Potter books, to the travelers that you can put both inside plus your charging cords! If you see me out and about you can almost bet there is a Beau inside my bag.

  • I also have their Book Beau reading bean and Harry Potter pin banner…. I told you its addicting. BUT they always have great sales and the products quality is top notch!

EReaders:

Kindle Paperwhite ereader- bookish giftsI know there is a lot of hubub about eBook vs Physical book and I was once firmly on the Physical Book only side of the camp. But over the last two years I have discovered just how amazingly easy it is to carry and read eBooks over physical books. I cannot recommend my Kindle Paperwhite enough. I have an older version which still works amazing and the newer version just keep getting better with weight, lighting, and also now waterproof! There are some great deals on Kindles and accessories right not, and for a little more cost savings most versions of Kindle have refurbished available.

Also if your bookworm is wanting to start getting ARCs for review, most come in the form of a digital eGally. While these can be read on a tablet or phone they are not designed for long reading binges and the weight and lighting are a pain.

Bookish Gift cards are always a win! Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or even a bookish box or store might also have their own Gift Cards if your book worm has a particular favorite. I know people think this can be impersonal but half the fun of getting new books and merch for us is getting to shop and pick it out. So do not be afraid to go with the card, or a combo of a small piece of merch plus a gift card.

Did you purchase and of these gifts for the bookworm in your life?

 

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Fairy Loot October Unboxing and Review

Megan Nicole

Theme: Love At First Bite

Overall: *****

Quality of items: *****

Shipping timeliness: ****

Cost: $43.92 Thank goodness for the new U.S. Shipping rates, much more affordable.

Value for the Money: *****

Fairyloot October Love at first bite unboxing

Fairy Loot was the first bookish box that I ever purchased and probably the only one I have never been disappointed in. I do not subscribe to them, instead I pick and choose the months. I only ordered every so often previously due to international shipping, but I have been ordering more often. I will say I actually preferred the International shipping vendor to U.S., it actually takes longer for my boxes to make it to me now but still worth the cost savings. I loved this particular box so so much, all of the items were great quality and very neat! Other than the tarot cards which are a monthly collectible item, I wont get rid of a single thing from this months box. Check out what was included below.

Fairyloot October Love Bites unboxing

Candles and booksleeves are my favorite bookish merch to receive so this box was a total win win!

Whats in the box?

  • Super padded booksleeve design by @noverantale featuring a quote from Dracula
  • Vampire inspired beanie designed by @kdpletters. Guys I have received several beanies in boxes and none of them have been this high quality, and so so glad it did not have a pom so I will actually wear it!
  • Set of Gothic vampire coasters designed by @blanca.design
  • Interview With A Vampire inspired candle by The Melting Library
  • Adorable bat enamel pin designed by @taratjah
  • Twilight sticker by @catarinabookdesigns
  • Vampire art print designed by @monolimeart
  • Tarot cards of the month (have not figured out who they are this month as the spoiler card did not day 🙂 )
  • Stunning copy of the Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh! This exclusive edition comes with artwork on the inside of the dust jacket as well as sprayed pages. It also came with a map of New Orleans and author letter with artwork from @kat_adara.

What was your favorite item from this months box?

Bookish Merch, For the home, Products I love!!

Top Bookstagram Props

Megan Nicole

Kiss of Deception The Remnant Chronicles ReviewShopping for props and putting together photos for Instagram (Bookstagram) is so much fun. But sometimes finding just the right prop can be a challenge so I have created a list of some of my favorites! Almost all of the items below I have personally ordered and used and I will continue to add more as I find new and wonderful products.

Crowns:

I use the crowns ALL the time in my Bookstagram photos! I love the sparkle that they add to pictures, but can still be used in darker themes.

Click on the photo to shop for these crowns and more!

 

 

 

 

 

Backgrounds:

I change out my background every few months. I have tried several different options but have found its worth spending a few extra dollars for a nice matte backdrop. I tried a few stick on options or cheaper plastic options and they either did not last of caused terrible lighting glares that made editing a nightmare!

Swords/Daggers:

Swords and daggers make such a fun throw in for photos, especially for someone like me who reads a ton of fantasy where main characters are often warriors or assassins. They can also be used to add an extra edge to creepy photo styles.

Flowers:

Flowers are a wonderful way to fill up blank place in photo set ups and they tend to add such a great touch! I usually pick up flowers from my local hobby store for a few dollars a stem.

You can use flowers or foliage to enhance any theme set up, it does not have to be a “fluffy” set up to include them. I like to use muted or darker colored flowers to accent my darker aesthetic photos and then use bright white flowers for my lighter themes. I have also seen some folks do amazing rainbow themes with their flowers.

Scarves:

I use scarves in the background of TONS of my photos to break up the wood color and add another layer to the photo. I personally have a ton of scarves that I wear throughout the year so I really enjoy being able to leverage my collection for photos as well.

  • These bookish scarves also make great gifts!!

Fun Accessories:

I am always on the hunt for unique accessories to fill spaces in my photos, I personally can not stand having a lot of open space. I have included links to a few of my favorite items that I have picked up (just click on the pics below).

You can also add layers to your photos using folded old books, book pages, or rolled pages. I have picked up a couple of old dingy books from the dollar or resale shops to re-purpose.

Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

My Top 5 Bookish Essentials

Megan Nicole

1. Book Sleeves

I have one heck of a book sleeve addiction. I have always been someone to take a book almost everywhere with me, which also often leads to damage to my books from floating around in my purse or car. As soon as I discovered book sleeves I started using them all of the time. I will even use them for non- bookish items like my planner, or traveling with pictures or important paperwork.

I have tried many vendors for Book sleeves but the top product that I have found comes from Book Beau. I have several of their sleeves in multiple sizes.

  • Their Jumbeau is the only sleeve I have found that fits those large hardback like your Sarah J Maas or Harry Potter.
  • Also I recently have become totally obsessed with their travelers for carrying my kindle, books, headphones, chargers etc.
  • The one down side to Book Beau is they sell out quite quickly and have the highest price point I have encountered (for something not custom).

Beau 1If you are looking for some slightly cheaper options that still have good quality a few other vendors I would recommend checking out are:

  • Book Gizmo
  • Fandom Sleeves
  • Pages Remembered

Amazon also has a few really cheap options that are available with Prime shipping:

  • The Book Sleeve fox has a medium sleeve for only $10.99 that comes in a ton of colors- check them out here
  • Yesodrine also has a really need book/e-reader/planner zip up sleeve that I am just head over heels for, the only downside being that it only comes in a small size- check them out here

2. Kindle E-reader I love love love my Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. Now I totally agree that it does not replace a physical book but for someone who reads as much as I do… and also for getting electronic ARCs I cannot replace the convenience. Kindle Paperwhite ereader- top 5 bookish essentialsThere are a lot of e-readers that do more fancy stuff but I love the basic paperwhite. Its extremely light, have incredible battery life and is easy to access existing and download new books to.

The kindle low down:

  • All-new Kindle (base model)- still has incredible battery life, 4 G of storage, adjustable lights and wi-fi compatible.
  • Kindle Paperwhite– this is the next step up from the base Kindle. While it is the same size it has higher resolution, larger storage, its waterproof, and supports Audible.
  • Kindle Oasis– this is the highest level Kindle with an inch larger screen, highest resolution and storage space as well as being waterproof. It also sports an auto adjusting light sensors and spiffy colors. But at around a $250 price point I cannot justify the splurge when I am more than satisfied with my Paperwhite.

Bookish essentials Kindle paperwhite with popsocketI know there are several other vendor who support e-reader, and you can also leverage the Kindle App on your phone or other tablet. I have used these features as well and will pull up my phone for certain locations but I have not encountered another e-reader that beats my Kindle for weight, comfort, and being easy on my eyes when reading for hours at a time.

*Little Lifehack- I dont know why it took me so long to think through adding a pop socket to my Kindle but it has been life changing!!

3. Vera Bradley Travel Pillow/Blanket

This is a little out there for a bookish supply but it is my go to when I travel or even just sitting on my couch or reading nook at home. I works as a reading pillow, arm rest, or a blanket when I want to curl up and relax… I know there are a ton of similar products out there but for the quality and softness I have not found one I like better. I even got both my mom and little sister each one for Christmas and they still use them frequently even though they are not big readers. You can find them up pretty cheap at an outlet or on Vera Bradley Travel Blanket- Bookish Essentialsclearance. I have included the link to purchase on Amazon below as well as a few cheaper but similar alternatives.

  • Vera Bradley Fleece Travel Blanket- check it out here

  • Forestfish Fleece Portable Travel Blanket- check it out here

  • Portable Cozy-Soft 2 in 1 Microfleece Blanket and Pillow- check it out here

4. Headphones

I actually use a strange mix of headphones depending on where I am. Most of the time when I am using wired headphones I take my cheap apple headphones with me wherever I go and have my nice Bose headphones at home. I have also included some details on my higher and lower end wireless headphones… I am terrible at charging things hence my limited wireless use. I got my little sister a pair of the Bose Wireless earbuds mentioned below for her Birthday in January and she literally takes them everywhere with her

  • HPHigh end wireless earbuds- Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones, they come in several colors and run between $100-$150 depending on the sale you catch them on.
  • Low end wireless- LETSCOM IPX7 Waterproof, Wireless Sport Earphones, again they come in quite a few colors and are only $20 plus Prime shipping. Not the best quality but they are cheap and get the job done. 
  • High end wired- Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, these run between $150-$200 depending on the sale you catch. Mine are an older generation that I believe I snagged for about $70. While Bose does have some even higher end headphones I love these so much! The quality is everything I need and they are so comfortable (my husband also uses these when he DJs).
  • Low end wired- Apple Headphones.. guys I know there are a ton of opinions out there about these headphones but in my experience these things just keep on going and going!

5. Bookish Candles

Yes I know this seems still but I LOVE having bookish candles. It is so fun to me to have a candle that embodies a character or bookish place that you love! A few of my favorites shops are listed below.

  • Flickerwix– her glitter babies are amazing and all of the scents are so light and mix so well. Hands down the best candles that I have ordered. As far as individual candles go this is my go to shop, I really only order from anywhere else now if they have a box that I really want… and I have tried quite a few vendors!
  • Wick and Fable– They have an amazing collection of candles and the art on the labels is just incredible. They also have some of the best boxes I have ever seen. While shipping is a bit hit or miss for them the boxes are always worth the wait.

Do you have any Bookish Essentials or Shops you recommend? Let me know below in comments.