The Outlandish Book Box from Pretty Literate (Review)

As most of you probably know, I’m a massive Outlander fan so I was excited to see an Outlander-themed box releasing. This box stated it was curated around the series and would be something that would ‘bridge the gap’ until the new novel releases.

 

Before we get into what was in the box, let me tell you a bit about it. 

What is The Outlandish Book Box? It’s a one-time themed box that was curated for Outlander fans in anticipation for the ninth novel that releases in November.

 

Price: $49 (plus shipping) and had to be pre-ordered before May 29^th.

 

Website: Pretty Literate https://prettyliterate.com/

 

How was it packaged? The items ship in a sturdy, white cardboard box with the Pretty Literate logo sticker on the top. There is tissue paper concealing the items but on the inside of the lid, there is an itemized list of what the box contains. Personally, I like to be surprised, so it would be nice if the item card had been in an envelope. I do like that she incorporated a bee theme to symbolize the upcoming book.

 

Here’s what was in the Outlandish Book Box.

 

1-Seven Stones to Stand or Fall by Diana Gabaldon (Paperback)—this is a collection of short stories from the Outlander world. I love that a book was included—and I do think that this was a good choice as I know a lot of people purchased these only in e-book—but I do have this in hardback. This will go in an Outlander themed giveaway that will post at a later date.

 

2-A Wooden Herb Stripper from North to South Designs—this was such a great and unique item to throw in and I love how this was chosen to represent Claire and her use of herbs. This was something that I was actually looking to purchase so I’m very happy one was in the box.

 

3-Handmade Dragonfly Earrings from Babs’ Boutique Studio—not only are dragonflies a big part Outlander, the ‘pearls’ on the dragonfly are to represent Ellen Fraser’s pearls. I love seeing dragonfly jewelry included but I don’t have my ears pierced. I make jewelry, so I can easily turn these into a necklace, but I think that earrings need to be an option rather than just something included.

 

4-60’s Era Craigh Na Dun Keychain—when I spotted this, I immediately recognized the retro look of the keychain (my grandparents had similar looking keychains). While I don’t think I’ll actually use this for my keys (it’s a little large), I do think that I’ll use it on my Outlander handbags to hang things off of. I thought this was a fun little addition to the box.

 

5-Standing Stone Bookmark with JAMMF Quote—while I do like this—and like that it’s nearly postcard size so it can be used as a small print—I’m not a massive fan of getting cardstock bookmarks as gifts in subscription boxes. This would have been grand if it had been wood or metal but cardstock bookmarks are normally extras thrown in book subscription boxes.

 

6-3 Michel et Augustin Triple Chocolate Cookie Squares—these are ‘French treats to tantalize your tastebuds’ and they’re okay.  While I like these, I think they should have been a ‘bonus’ item.

 

7-Bonus Item: Sassenach’s Wish Celtic Knot Wish Bracelet—the idea of this bracelet is that you wear it until it breaks, then your wish comes true. This is a cute little bracelet and would be simple to remove the Celtic Knot charm and put it on a charm bracelet.  It was a nice addition.

 

My overall thoughts on the Outlandish Book Box: I love anything Outlander so this box was such a treat but it was a little on the pricey side (It was over $100 for 2 boxes, I picked up one for my Mum) for the items included.

 

All items were nice quality and well-made but I was expecting something a bit different. A mug or a candle would have been nice to receive. I was also expecting to see something from their line of Outlander gifts. I would have also like there to have been an option regarding whether or not you wanted earrings. It would have been nice if there would have been a little questionnaire on the order form asking if you have pierced ears. I also think that the little cookies and cardstock bookmark should have been bonus items.

 

With that being said, I did enjoy opening this box and will use the items. This is my second themed-box from Pretty Literate (the first was Jane Eyre, which will be in an upcoming post) and look forward to seeing their next box will be.