It is no secret our family loves Kiwi Crate. When I saw the Christmas crates, I had to buy them. There are two Christmas themed Kiwi Crates. The first is Crafty Christmas, which gives you the materials to make “My Swirly Ornaments” and “My Gingerbread House”. The second crate is Little Christmas, which gives you all the materials to make “Little Tree” and “Folding Ornaments”. These are special crates that won't come in a subscription. They are $19.95 each and you can click HERE and use the code JOY5 to get $5.00 off your holiday crate.
All the Holiday crates come in the same green boxes.
Information Card
There is an information card on top, that lets you know what crafts your child will make.
Characters
The back of the information card has characters to color. You can cut them out and play with them in the box. There is also a sticker to add to your child's poster. If you fill up the poster, you can email Kiwi Crate for a new poster (FREE).
My Swirly Ornaments
Kiwi Crate always included EVERYTHING you need for the projects (minus paper to protect your work surface. The ornaments are made of plastic, so no worries about breakage.
My Gingerbread House
Scrooge alert: I hate real gingerbread houses. They are impossible to put together. Kiwi Crate included everything for you child to make their own cardboard gingerbread house. There were many embellishments and decorations included. The great thing: less messy, no fatty calories, and no frustration compared to the real thing.
The Whole Box
This box was packed with stuff!
Swirly Ornaments
The ornaments were very easy to make. Your child poured paint in each one, swirled it around and drained out the excess into cups when finished. When it was dry, a ribbon and cork were put in place.
The directions
Kiwi Crate directions are always easy to follow
Draining the excess paint
The ornaments were turned upside down to drain the excess paint out.
The gingerbread house
I didn't get pictures of putting this together. L and I did this together. This took awhile to finish. We completed it in two different days. This let the glue set from different parts. The finished product looked fantastic. I had trouble getting the candy canes to stay where I wanted, so I cheated and used hot glue for that part.
*Blogger Fail: I thought I took pictures of all the supplies, but I didn't. The box came with many supplied to make a little Christmas tree and folding ornaments.
Little Christmas Tree
I helped L with the branches, they were a little tricky for him. L loved putting on the beads and decorating the tree.
Drying
L cut out a circle from felt and painted it to make the tree skirt. Pom poms were glued to blocks to make presents.
Folding Ornaments
There were four folding ornaments to decorate. L colored each one and placed shape stickers on to decorate.
Kiwi Scene
While we get many Kiwi Crates, L usually doesn't color and cut out the characters. This box, L decided to do it. Lucas had fun playing with the playground.
Finished Ornaments
The ornaments turned out great
Finished Little Christmas
Final Thought: L and I had a fantastic time completed these boxes. L' favorite projects were the Christmas Tree and the swirly ornaments. The swirly ornaments looked professionally made. I posted them on Facebook, and I had friends who thought I bought them. They would make great Christmas presents for family members from your little one. If you want to buy one of the holiday crates, click HERE and use the code JOYS to save $5.00.
Hourglass Gift Services is a personal shopper and a subscription box company, all in one. Hourglass Gift Services lets you pick you budget, pick your items and create your own subscription box. Hourglass Gift Services offer 3, 6, 9 and 1 year terms. I love the idea of having a personalized subscription box. Hourglass Gift Services gave me a partial credit towards my box. I decided to make a special box for my husband and my anniversary. We love Disney and will be celebrating our anniversary in Disney.
The Details
Costs/Fees:
Service Fee: 10% of total invoice $5.00 min.
One time Administrative Fee (Gift Boxes/Subscription Box) $20.00 per term (ie per 3 months, 6 months, etc)
Administrative Fee (Corporate) $50.00 per 25 employees
Gift Wrap (optional): $2.50 per gift. $25.00 maximum
Shipping: Determined by shipping carrier
Expedited Fee (within 5 days) $10.00
Local Delivery (DC Metro Area) $10.00
Services: Corporate Gifts
Personal Gifts
Gift Boxes (aka subscription boxes)
Coupon: Use the code boxmom and get a $10.00 credit towards your purchase. Enter the code in the comments section.
1) Consultation – You start with a free consultation via the best contact method you choose (phone or email). During the consultation Hourglass Gift Services will strive to get to know you, the person you are buying for, and the message you are trying to convey. They’ll gather all pertinent details that will initiate the search for your perfect gift.
My experience: I talked via email with Deana. I told her my love of Disney. I wanted something special for our anniversary, as well as something for our upcoming Disney trip.
2) Research – Based on the consultation, Hourglass conducts research for the ideas discussed and presents you with the best priced, highest quality options. If satisfied with the gifts presented, simply pay the invoice and we’ll start the final phase.
My experience: I really had no idea what I wanted specifically. Deana got back with me within a few days with great ideas. I loved that I didn't have to spend hours Googling or checking feedback on Etsy. Deana found a great wooden block set that was Disney themed for our anniversary. There were a couple other options and I decided on the t-shirts. They will be perfect for our Disney trip.
3) Ready to gift! – Upon receipt of payment, Hourglass purchases your gifts, wraps them beautifully (optional), and ships or delivers them…on time, every time!
My experience: Deana sent me my invoice. Once I paid, my box was shipped right away. It was shipped by Nov 27th and it arrived Dec 3rd. The box was very well packed and my items were very safe.
Read on, to see what I received.
Shipment
The package was shipping in a large box.
Packing
There were several inches of bubble wrap protecting the package
The Package
I was really impressed with the package. The present was wrapped in red wrapping paper with white dots. The ribbon was beautifully tied with a red and polka dot embellishment in the center. I loved the whole present was a Disney theme.
First Look
How cute is the wrapping!! The shirts were in each ear and the blocks were in the middle. I love the Mickey head. It's these extras that really make this service special.
Disney Wooden Anniversary/Wedding Blocks
I love this, this is perfect for C and I. We both love Disney and I love having sometime to symbolize our anniversary.
Mr and Mrs Shirts
I love these shirts. These will be perfect for our Disney trip.
The Whole Package
Final Thought: I really love this service. I have a list of subscription boxes that I wish existed. This is a perfect answer. Deana was a pleasure to work with and she made an impeccably put together package. I love the gift wrap, the presentation and the gifts. Deana is well worth the fees she charges. I would have never found these wonderful gifts, if it not been for her. Do you love subscription boxes but wish there was a subscription box for something specific? Do you have a friend or family member that is hard to buy for? Hourglass Gift Services may be the answer. If you use the code “boxmom”, you will get a $10.00 credit toward you purchase at Hourglass Gift Services. You enter your code in the comments section when you sign up. You can set your own budget and items and do not pay for anything until after your consultation and agreed invoice. If you want to check out Hourglass Gift Services, click HERE.
Disclaimer: I received a $30.00 credit toward my purchase of this box and the fees were waved as well. The rest of the funds were paid by myself. My opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.
Stork Stack shipping notifications have gone out! Here are all the versions. I don't know the age breakdown, let me know what age you have, and I will update the list.
Create 3 unique ornaments as a gift or for the tree – the perfect keepsake.
Gingerbread House
Construct a cozy, wintery gingerbread house (minus the sugar rush!).
Paper Candies
Create adorable paper-wrapped candies for your house
The Hanukkah crate is already sold out. If you are interested in getting these Christmas Crates, I would do it today. We bought the two Christmas Crates, and they are super cute. Review will be posted soon.
Julep is having a huge sale on their caddy. Get the caddy and 5 polishes for $30.00. This is over a $100.00 value. I bought this deal today. This caddy holds up to 48 polishes! It also has a zippered compartment on top for extras!
To get this deal, add the caddy to you cart, then add 5 of the select polishes and use the code CADDY at check out. Click HERE to go to the Caddy.
Petbox is a pet subscription box, thatintroduces people to fun and healthy new pet products every month. Petbox makes boxes for both cats and dogs. Petbox is pretty unique, because Petbox lets you pick out the products you want in your box. You are given a certain number of credits, and they you pick out what you want. If you still like the element of surprise, you can let Petbox pick out the items for you. Petbox also gives back to other animals. For every Petbox purchased, a rescue animal is fed. Petbox gives back to shelters, rescues and animal volunteers to feed hungry animals every day. I love companies that give back.
The Details:
Cost: 1 Month $39.00
3 Months $37.00
6 Months $35.00 (save 23%)
12 Months $29.00 (save 31%)
Coupon: Use the code BOXMOM20 to save 20% off your subscription
What's in the box: For dogs, you can choose items from toys, treats, Bones & Bully Sticks, waste bags, grooming, and accessories. For cats, you can choose items from toys, treats, and grooming. You get 6 points for your box and items are 1 or 2 points each. You can get 3-6 items in the box. You can get a dog box, cat box or a box for your cat and dog.
Managing your subscription: You can manage you subscription by going to your dashboard.
From Petbox “KONG Cat Cozies are constructed of ultra-soft plush fabric that cats love to tackle and cuddle. Each Cat Cozie toy is packed with KONG's premium North American catnip and has a crinkle sound to help attract cats and initiate play.”
This was a nice krinkle toy, but Oliver only played with it a bit.
From Petbox “Chewing these wholesome and delicious treats helps to reduce your cat's plaque and tartar buildup. Feline Harvest cat treats are grain free and gluten free with a great taste that cats cannot resist.”
Oliver liked these and I was glad they work on plaque and tarter.
From Petbox “Did you know that cats can suffer from achy and stiff joints just like people and dogs do? Cat Hip Action treats contain cat-specific levels of the same pharmaceutical-grade glucosamine and chondroitin found in their best-selling Hip Action dog treats. Zuke's Hip Action glucosamine treats for cats are an easy, delicious way to support joint function and maintain kitty's mobility.”
These have a strong fish smell but Oliver gobbled it up. Oliver has been trying to get back in the box ever since.
From Petbox “The KONG Laser helps facilitate interactive play sessions and provides endless fun. Point the laser at the floor or wall and let your cat chase and attempt to capture its elusive prey. This interactive toy will provide hours of entertainment for you and your cat.
A few minutes of play every day can help strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Encourages exercise and promotes good health.”
I couldn't get a picture of Oliver playing with the laser pointer but he loved it.
These are little plush toys that are infused with honeysuckle. Oliver didn't play with them right away, but I keep finding them different places, so I know he is playing with them.
From Petbox “The Big Ol' Catnip Sack is filled 100% with cosmic catnip and is sure to entertain your furry friend for hours! Don't worry though, the catnip sack is only stuffed with 100% cosmic catnip.”
Oliver loves catnip and he played with this right away.
Loving the catnip
Final Thought: The total value was $26.70. I was disappointed in the total value. I was hoping that it would be closer to $39.00. Oliver and I did enjoy all the items in the box however. The laser pointer and catnip were our favorites, and I liked that you can select your own items in the box. If you would like to try Petbox, you can use the code BOXMOM20 to save 20% off your subscription. Just click HERE to sign up.
Besh Box sent me this box for review. Besh Box is a new subscription box from Chef John Besh. Chef Besh has several best selling cookbooks, has won many awards and has appeared in many magazines. Chef Besh is currently appearing on two tv shows: “Chef John Besh’s New Orleans,†and “Chef John Besh’s Family Tableâ€. Besh Box generally come with 5-6 items. You will items like: cooking tools Chef Besh loves, recipes, specialty ingredients, household kitchen items, music playlists, cocktail pairings, and fun toys and themed items.
The Details:
Cost: $55.00
What's in the box: Besh Box generally come with 5-6 items. You will items like: cooking tools Chef Besh loves, recipes, specialty ingredients, household kitchen items, music playlists, cocktail pairings, and fun toys and themed items.
When am I billed: Billing begins on the day you place your order. Subsequent orders are in 30-day increments. For example, if you place your order on November 4, you will be billed each month on the 4th.
When does the box ship? Each month will vary. If it is a month with an event theme (holiday, etc.) we will ensure that you receive your Besh Box in plenty of time to prepare and share it.
How do I cancel? You can cancel from a button in your account online.
From Chef Besh “Too often we think of planting out kitchen garden or window sill only when we want fresh herbs and vegetables. Get these seeds started in a warm sunny place inside so that you have a seedling ready for the garden. We'll be using these peppers in upcoming recipes and they're great to have on hand for a variety of dishes”.
I don't have a green thumb, but I have been known to keep a few plants alive. I will plant these with L and see if we can keep them alive.
From Chef Besh “I love tools and ingredients both to have multiple purposes. This pastry cutter is one of those indispensable tools that too often don't come to mind until we need one. The strong wood handle gives it the heft that you're looking for when your hands are a mess with flour and butter.”
This is made in Italy and feels expensive. You can use the flat wheel to cut hand made Italian pizza, and use the perforated side for cutting dough. This is a cool gadget and I am excited to use it.
From Chef Besh “I love to split these plump vanilla beans lengthwise and carefully scrape out their delectable seeds that can be used in any number of recipes. After doing this, hang onto the bean pods and cover them with a generous amount of sugar which will then be perfumed by the vanilla and can be later used to impart their sensuous flavors into other dishes”
I actually didn't know this is what vanilla beans looked like. I linked this product to something similar, and estimated the cost. This look fun to work with and I will need to find a great recipe to use.
From Chef Besh “A good towel is the most important tool in the kitchen, next to a quality knife. This is my favorite and what I use at home. We'll be sending you a new one each month. Enjoy!”
This towel is super soft and is a huge towel. It is 20 x 28″ and are supposed to get thirstier and softer after each wash. I love this towel.
From Chef Besh “I can't live without this tool in my kitchen. Not only is it great for working with pastry dough. I use it for handling my biscuit dough in the morning, fresh pastas and for cleaning up the flour every time we roll pastry out.”
I am excited to make some cookies and try this out!
From Chef Besh “These Inglewood pecan are my favorite because of their subtle sweet flavors and soft texture. They are perfectly suited for so many dishes from the classic New Orleans praline to toasted pecans with brown butter served over fish, you simply can't go wrong.”
I am going to use these to make a great holiday dish to bring for Christmas.
Fleur de Lis ornament $5.00 est
From Chef Besh “Just a little something for your home to celebrate the festive season”
This is a really pretty ornament and is hanging on my tree now.
Recipes and Playlist
Chef Besh included recipes to make Apple & Pear Tart with Pecans, Basic Sweet Dough, and Hot Spiced Wine. They all sound fantastic and I want to try all three!
Chef Besh also included a playlist of 8 songs to go with the fantastic recipes.
Whole Box
Final Thought: The total value for this box is $70.09 and that doesn't include the recipes. This was a very well curated box and everything felt very high end. Every item in the box was high quality. I loved the kitchen tools included in the box, along with the tips on how to use them. I would never had owned these products, if they weren't included. I liked learning new cooking techniques and ways to make cooking easier. If you are interested in trying Besh Box, click HERE.
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