Real talk for a second now, I’ve been disappointed with traditional book boxes. I know it’s old news, but I hate the shipping costs to Canada. A lot of times I’ll try to go order from the States and find out that it costs more to ship than the actual package does. Especially with the dollar not where we’d want it to be, it’s so expensive to get book boxes and I had to cancel a lot of my subscriptions.
That left this hole in my heart though. I really looked forward to getting a subscription box and with the world in a global pandemic, those little moments of joy were needed more than ever.
So I turned to Etsy.
Send help, I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole. Etsy has so many interesting mystery boxes on it and I wanted to try out some new ways to get interesting boxes. First for myself, and then in the future for gifts.
What is Marys Makes and Mends?
The first Blind Date that I tried was from Marys Makes and Mends, a small Etsy store based out of Campbell River, Ontario.
Mary was offering a Blind Date with a pre-loved book and it felt perfectly priced at $13.52. It was only a little bit more expensive than a good quality second hand book and I was here for it.
Beyond that, the pictures showed this little cloth bag and I was curious to see what was inside it. Would I get a book mark? A little bookish goodie?
The shipping gave me pause, since it was more than the actual package, but I decided to give it a chance.
Physical Goods
The package came delicately wrapped and with a little bookmark included. In the fabric bag, there was two packets of tea which felt cute to me and the book, while definitely used, was still in relatively good condition.
Pricing
Pricing with shipping is $30.51 CAD.
Overall, I would say that the Blind Date is a good value for its base price, but the shipping makes it difficult for me to recommend. While this isn’t Mary’s fault, after shipping the price got pushed to $30.
For $13, this is the perfect price. At $20, we’re pushing the boundaries of what I’d accept.
By the time we hit $30? I struggle to recommend it.
That said, I do recommend that you look at their shop. Not only was every interaction that I had with this person delightful, but I love the jewelry there.
Should you get a Marys Makes and Mends blind date?
| PROS | CONS |
| – The book felt carefully chosen and doesn’t add to environmental waste since it’s used – They’re very responsive and will answer any questions you have. | – The tea and bookmark don’t feel entirely like they match the book. – The shipping makes this blind date less of a deal. |
Keep in mind that the shipping prices are set by Etsy. The seller uses their system to calculate the shipping and that’s why it’s so high. It’s not really something that they have a lot of control over. On top of that, the seller is lovely and I love the little handmade elements that the package has, like the little bag and the book mark. If the shipping doesn’t bother you, you should definitely try.
The book they chose was amazing and I enjoyed the thought that went into it. I’d still recommend looking at the store. There’s great upcycled jewelry there!
Check out Marys Makes and Mends!
Do you have any suggestions or are there things you think I’ve missed? Leave a comment below. Or if you want more posts like this? Sign up today and never miss a post!
I’m so grateful to you for recommending this book box. I live in Canada, too, and I’ve been looking for a decently priced book box FOR YEARS. Can’t say I’m wild about the high shipping charge, but I’m willing to give Makes and Mends a go at least once.