The Perfect Way to Try Handmade Products! Out of the Box Sampler Review and Giveaway
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Posted by Jolly Mom
I am a total lover of anything handmade. I love knowing that what I'm buying is unique and not mass-produced. Not to mention that I appreciate the time, creativity, skill, and care it takes to handcraft an item. I can regularly be found searching Etsy for the next great handmade find. However, it can be really overwhelming to search through Etsy because there are SO MANY listings!
I was recently contacted by Out of the Box Sampler to review their sampler boxes and they have truly taken the guess work out of finding the best handmade etailers. Out of the Box Sampler basically sells a monthly box that features 16-18 different handmade businesses samples like melts, scrubs, bath, body, tarts, candles, gourmet foods, jewelry, coupons, discounts, handmade goodies and more.I received the February box to review and I am a total fan! First, I could SMELL what was in the box before I even opened it! Seriously, the aroma that came from that box was heavenly! I always try to take personal pictures of the products that I review, but it was SO hard to do it for this. I had to get pictures of the beautiful packaging, but the truth is that all I really wanted to do was rip into each package and see what was in it-LOL! In the picture below, you can get an idea of the attention to detail that goes into each sampler box (baskets are mine and not included). Each item comes beautifully packaged along with a description, the company information, and many of the companies also provide you with coupons to use for future purchases.
I cannot tell you how impressed I am with the samples. First of all, most of the samples are pretty big and some are really full size products. Not to mention the sheer amount of products that you get! The two baskets in the picture above are literally STUFFED FULL with products! I got handmade lotions, soaps, candles, confections, a beautiful felt key chain, bath bombs, candy, and so much more. It really is a handmade lover's dream to receive this sampler box. To really understand what I mean, just look below at pictures of some of my favorite items in the February box.
Out of the Box Samplers would make an amazing gift! Can you imagine going to a dinner party and showing up with one of these as a hostess gift? I'm pretty sure that you'll be invited back to dinner on a regular basis! They also make great Mother's Day gifts, birthday gifts, or my favorite: Just Because gifts! At $22 per box, they are also extremely affordable and a great way for you to treat YOURSELF to some great handmade products. These boxes sell out FAST though so to make sure you stay on top of when the next box will be available and which handmade businesses will be providing samples, you really should sign up for the Out of the Box Sampler Newsletter.
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Ardy22! Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.
February 17, 2009 12:24 AM
The February boxes are all sold out!
February 17, 2009 12:25 AM
I voted! (1)
February 17, 2009 12:25 AM
I voted (2)
February 17, 2009 12:28 AM
Blogged! http://xomissl2.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway-central.html
February 17, 2009 12:31 AM
I follow both Jolly Mom and Out of the Box!
February 17, 2009 12:32 AM
Tweeted!
February 17, 2009 12:34 AM
Stumbled!
February 17, 2009 12:35 AM
The Jolly Mom button is on my side bar!
February 17, 2009 12:38 AM
Reviewed! (I love that diaper changing pad and want one now! :)
February 17, 2009 12:39 AM
I subscribed to the newsletter.
February 17, 2009 12:47 AM
All sample boxes go on sale just ONE day each month at 8:00am EST. You don't want to know what time I'll need to be up to get one!
February 17, 2009 12:48 AM
I voted.
February 17, 2009 12:48 AM
I voted.
February 17, 2009 12:48 AM
subscribe and follow you and out of the box.
February 17, 2009 12:49 AM
I now subscribe to the Out of the Box Sampler Newsletter.
February 17, 2009 12:52 AM
There are usually items from 16 -18 different companies that make handmade items.
February 17, 2009 12:54 AM
email subscriber.
February 17, 2009 12:55 AM
tweeted
Babasfarmlife.
February 17, 2009 1:01 AM
Not only are the February boxes sold out, but apparently if you buy one and write a review on your blog, you get entered into a drawing to win a free box for the next month. I think that's awesome.
February 17, 2009 1:02 AM
I have your button.
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/
February 17, 2009 1:12 AM
The Ugly Duckling Designs business was started over 5 years ago and the owner make richly scented, handpoured candle, tarts and primitive designs.
February 17, 2009 1:12 AM
I voted
February 17, 2009 1:12 AM
I voted 2
February 17, 2009 1:13 AM
I subscribe
February 17, 2009 1:13 AM
I have your button
February 17, 2009 1:31 AM
I love this idea!! I am looking forward to purchasing one in the future for sure!! I think its cool that Michelle the owner of Out of the Box Sampler also has the Candle Buzz and Ugly Duckling Designs:)
cyclona66@aol.com
February 17, 2009 1:32 AM
I happily voted for you:)
cyclona66@aol.com
February 17, 2009 1:32 AM
I am a subscriber:)
cyclona66@aol.com
February 17, 2009 1:33 AM
I signed up for the Out Of The Box Newsletter:)
cyclona66@aol.com
February 17, 2009 1:42 AM
All boxews go on sale one day each month at 8:00 EST! Please enter me, I would LOVE to try this box!
February 17, 2009 1:45 AM
I voted!! No.1
February 17, 2009 1:45 AM
I voted, No.2!!
February 17, 2009 1:46 AM
I'm a subscriber!
February 17, 2009 1:46 AM
I follow you on twitter and I tweeted as karenladd!
February 17, 2009 1:48 AM
I follow you on twitter as karenladd and I tweeted!
http://tinyurl.com/catzsb
February 17, 2009 1:49 AM
I signed up for the Out of the Box newsletter!
February 17, 2009 3:01 AM
I realized on the other side of this idea is for those of us who make homemade items this is a great way to gain exposure. I bookmarked the site. I'm thinking gift ideas like crazy as well as donating.
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:04 AM
I voted
jeanilynne at gmail dot ocm
February 17, 2009 3:05 AM
I voted.
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:12 AM
blogged this post here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com/2009/02/jolly-mom-out-of-box-sampler-review.html
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:13 AM
subscribe to Jolly Mom via email at
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:19 AM
following Out of The Box Sampler via email newsletter here:
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
and via blogger here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com/
February 17, 2009 3:20 AM
following on twitter - bloggyfinds
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:21 AM
tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/bloggyfinds/status/1218242108
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:22 AM
stumbled here - bloggyfinds
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:23 AM
blog button on sidebar here:
http://bloggyfinds.blogspot.com
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 3:26 AM
I subscribed to Out Of The Box Sampler at:
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
(I also included this in a previous post with another entry...didn't mean to double entry)
February 17, 2009 3:30 AM
I left a comment at butt-ums up babyTM
jeanilynne at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 5:52 AM
What a great giveaway!
February 17, 2009 5:59 AM
Fizzy Bubbles has been in their boxes!
February 17, 2009 6:56 AM
You have a chance to win a FREE March sampler box! Just buy a February sampler box and do a blog review of the samples you receive and you'll be entered into the drawing to win.
Thank you!
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
February 17, 2009 6:57 AM
1. I voted.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
February 17, 2009 6:57 AM
2. I voted.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
February 17, 2009 6:57 AM
Subscribed.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
February 17, 2009 8:09 AM
They also have ways to win extras. The Feb. box included a raffle ticket to win a bundt cake. What fun.
drellis500(at)gmail.com
February 17, 2009 8:09 AM
I voted for U.
drellis500(at)gmail.com
February 17, 2009 8:12 AM
I learned All boxes are shipped by USPS Priority Flat Rate.
THE BOXES ARE NOT INSURED UNLESS YOU PURCHASED INSURANCE WHEN YOU PURCHASED YOUR BOX
February 17, 2009 8:13 AM
I voted: Thank you for voting in Mabel's Labels BlogHer '09 Contest!
February 17, 2009 8:14 AM
I subscribe and I follow you.
February 17, 2009 8:15 AM
I follow you on Twitter (cdziuba) and I posted:
cdziuba http://tinyurl.com/catzsb OUT OF THE BOX SAMPLER Giveaway
less than 10 seconds ago from web
http://twitter.com/cdziuba
February 17, 2009 8:16 AM
I have your button. ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com
February 17, 2009 8:16 AM
I Subscribe to the Out of the Box Sampler Newsletter.
February 17, 2009 8:21 AM
I left a well thought out comment on my review of butt-ums up babyTM. I posted it with my name cdziuba. Thanks Piera.
February 17, 2009 8:46 AM
boxes go for sale one day a month
February 17, 2009 8:53 AM
I found where you can sign up to contribute to a sampler box. This is awesome for someone that owns an Etsy shop and also for someone that LOVEs homemade goodies! I love this. Thanks for posting
February 17, 2009 8:53 AM
A gift box with lots of goodies. Sounds wonderful! Thanks!
February 17, 2009 8:53 AM
I voted
February 17, 2009 8:53 AM
I voted
February 17, 2009 8:59 AM
I signed up for the Out of the Box newsletter
February 17, 2009 9:06 AM
Fuzzy Bubbles is one of the sponsors
February 17, 2009 9:52 AM
I like that they give you a sneak peek!
mariajoy@hotmail.com
February 17, 2009 9:52 AM
I voted #1
mariajoy@Hotmail.com
February 17, 2009 9:53 AM
I voted #2
February 17, 2009 9:53 AM
I am a subscriber!
mariajoy@hotmail.com
February 17, 2009 10:07 AM
There is an "About Me" section of the site where you'll get to know the box sponsors from each month with their interview questions.
Thanks for the review and giveaway!
February 17, 2009 10:08 AM
I subscribe via email
February 17, 2009 10:12 AM
I voted (#1)
February 17, 2009 10:12 AM
I voted (#2)
February 17, 2009 10:30 AM
I blogged about your giveaway.
http://newsaroundtheblogs.blogspot.com/2009/02/jolly-mom-giveaway_17.html
Thanks, Jessica
February 17, 2009 10:31 AM
I voted #1
February 17, 2009 10:31 AM
I voted #2
February 17, 2009 10:46 AM
michelle just recently purchased the Out Of The Box Sampler website and The Candle Buzz Website
February 17, 2009 11:08 AM
Each box contains between 13-15 samples and sometimes they are full-size.
February 17, 2009 11:13 AM
I'm a follower.
February 17, 2009 11:15 AM
*All sample boxes go on sale just ONE day each month at 8:00am EST.
*Payments accepted by Paypal or Credit Card (mastercard, visa or discover only).
*All boxes will ship within 3 days of the sale date.
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:15 AM
I voted
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:16 AM
I voted
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:16 AM
I have your button
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:16 AM
follower
addeviant006 at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:17 AM
Wow
The "Get To Know Me" section is cool, get to know the box sponsors
Ok, I found the block text on the left side kinda hard to read (where it says hame page, etc)! Maybe it is my computer, but did anybody else have trouble?
KawaiiNeko2008 (at) aol (dot) com
February 17, 2009 11:19 AM
voted 1
KawaiiNeko2008 (at) aol (dot) com
February 17, 2009 11:19 AM
voted 2
KawaiiNeko2008 (at) aol (dot) com
February 17, 2009 12:05 PM
they have been in business for 14 years!
wonderfullymade729 at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 12:11 PM
Something you didn't mention in your review ~ Shipping is INCLUDED in the cost of the box ! Oh yeah, & Michelle ROCKS !!
February 17, 2009 12:12 PM
I Voted for you 1
February 17, 2009 12:12 PM
I voted for you 2
February 17, 2009 12:13 PM
I'm subscribed & I follow OOTB blog !
February 17, 2009 12:14 PM
I blogged about your giveaway and out of the box.
http://kaseyreon.blogspot.com/2009/02/take-look-at-whats-in-box-at-out-of-box.html
February 17, 2009 12:19 PM
Button is on my side bar !
February 17, 2009 12:20 PM
I subscribe to OOTB newsletter
February 17, 2009 12:46 PM
you can enter to win the march sample
box if you buy a feb. sample box an blog about it
meisnow22at gmail.com
February 17, 2009 12:47 PM
i'm a subscriber
meisnow22 at gmail.com
February 17, 2009 1:14 PM
I owner is Michelle who started by making candles.
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 1:15 PM
I voted!
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 1:15 PM
I voted!
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 1:20 PM
Their best seller is the hurricane candle. Thanks for the chance.
sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
February 17, 2009 1:20 PM
I voted for you #1.
sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
February 17, 2009 1:20 PM
I voted for you #2.
sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
February 17, 2009 1:20 PM
I am a subscriber.
sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
February 17, 2009 1:42 PM
What a fun idea! They are almost sold out for February but accepting contributors for March & April! ~ :) Thanks!
sounders68 [at] gmail.com
February 17, 2009 2:03 PM
I'll have to get up at 6 am to get a March box! I'm excited to see what will be in the March box. Thanks!
jessrkynoch(at)gmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 2:05 PM
I voted! #1
jessrkynoch(at)gmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 2:05 PM
I voted! #2
jessrkynoch(at)gmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 2:09 PM
February is sold out already :)
apeak AT hotmail DOT com
February 17, 2009 2:10 PM
I subscribed to their newsletter.
apeak AT hotmail DOT com
February 17, 2009 2:11 PM
I voted
apeak AT hotmail DOT com
February 17, 2009 2:11 PM
I voted
apeak AT hotmail DOT com
February 17, 2009 2:16 PM
I learned that I want a box but, they are sold out.
February 17, 2009 2:20 PM
I voted.
February 17, 2009 2:20 PM
2nd entry-I voted for Jolly Mom.
February 17, 2009 3:31 PM
I voted!
I bought the October box and folks, it's really amazing what you get! Really nice quality.
I'm sorry the Feb box is sold out... there's always march! :)
February 17, 2009 3:37 PM
thank you for the great contest
enter me please
they are located in Tarentum PA
seesessel (at) gmail (dot) com
February 17, 2009 3:58 PM
The company is based in Salem, MA- how witchy!
February 17, 2009 3:58 PM
I voted!
February 17, 2009 3:58 PM
I'm a subscriber.
February 17, 2009 4:14 PM
All sample boxes go on sale just ONE day each month at 8:00am EST. You don't want to know what time I'll need to be up to get one!
February 17, 2009 4:30 PM
I love this! Thanks for sharing~
February 17, 2009 4:42 PM
Shipping is included in the sampler box price within the United States.
February 17, 2009 4:43 PM
Each box contains between 13-15 samples.
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
February 17, 2009 4:44 PM
subscriber
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
February 17, 2009 4:44 PM
i have your button
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
February 17, 2009 4:45 PM
subscribed to the out of the box newsletter
=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com
February 17, 2009 5:10 PM
One of the contributing companies is the Best Damn Granola Company. . . I love granola!
mdhohn(at)msn(dot)com
February 17, 2009 5:11 PM
I subscribe.
mdhohn(at)msn(dot)com
February 17, 2009 5:20 PM
They ship free anywhere in the US.
February 17, 2009 5:20 PM
There are usually items from 16 -18 different companies that make handmade items.
February 17, 2009 5:21 PM
All sample boxes go on sale just ONE day each month at 8:00am EST. I'd really like to get one. Thanks for the giveaway!
February 17, 2009 5:21 PM
I voted 1.
February 17, 2009 5:21 PM
I voted 2.
February 17, 2009 5:22 PM
I subscribe to your feed using live bookmarks.
February 17, 2009 5:22 PM
I subscribed to the Out of the Box Sampler Newsletter.
February 17, 2009 6:41 PM
I am not interested in participating in the giveaway but they are beautiful! Good luck with your giveaway!
February 17, 2009 6:55 PM
this month is sold out con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 7:08 PM
16-18 samples per box.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:09 PM
I voted (1)
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:09 PM
I Voted (2)
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:09 PM
I Voted (2)
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:10 PM
I am an email subscriber.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:10 PM
I am an email subscriber.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:10 PM
I am a follower.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:11 PM
Your button is in my button Marquee.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:11 PM
I subscribe to Out of the Box Newsletter.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
February 17, 2009 7:32 PM
Both the Ticklish Moose and the Muddy Moose contributed to the February box. I can totally see why they sold out of the Valentine's boxes were all sold out.
February 17, 2009 7:41 PM
THEY SHIP FREE ANYWHERE IN THE US!
February 17, 2009 7:43 PM
I voted 1
February 17, 2009 7:44 PM
I VOTED! (2)
February 17, 2009 7:45 PM
I am a subscriber to newsletter!
February 17, 2009 7:47 PM
I subscribe to Out of the Box newsletter!
February 17, 2009 8:04 PM
these boxes always sells out! i love candles so ill love this!
February 17, 2009 8:10 PM
They totally sold out of their valentine boxes. i can see why.
barbaraeford@yahoo.com
February 17, 2009 8:11 PM
I am a newsletter subscriber
barbaraeford@yahoo.com
February 17, 2009 8:13 PM
I voted for you 1
barbaraeford@yahoo.com
February 17, 2009 8:13 PM
I learned a lot about these boxes on the site. I learned that all sample boxes go on sale just ONE day each month at 8:00am EST. Payment can be by Paypal or credit card. All boxes ship in 3 days by USPS.
Payments accepted by Paypal or Credit Card (mastercard, visa or discover only).
TRigell at aol dot com
February 17, 2009 8:14 PM
I voted for you 2 good luck
barbaraeford@yahoo.com
February 17, 2009 8:14 PM
I have your button at www.slowingdownabit.blogspot.com/
TRigell at aol dot com
February 17, 2009 8:15 PM
The owner is Michelle and she also owns The Candle Buzz and Ugly Duckling Designs.
February 17, 2009 8:16 PM
I follow on Twitter and I tweeted!
TRigell at aol dot com
http://twitter.com/TTRigell
February 17, 2009 8:24 PM
This month's box sponsor is Adrienne's Creations, and she makes chocolate-covered Oreos, one of my favorite indulgences!
February 17, 2009 8:39 PM
I love the Pink Twilight stationary!!! I know where I am getting somethings for my daughter's birthday party!!!
February 17, 2009 8:40 PM
I voted for you!
February 17, 2009 8:40 PM
I voted for you!
February 17, 2009 8:43 PM
I am a subscriber and I am following the Out of The Box Blog!
February 17, 2009 8:44 PM
I am a subscriber to Out Of The Box newsletter!
February 17, 2009 9:04 PM
The Fizzy Bubbles bath cupcakes look like lots of fun. Overall, the site looks like a great way to get products noticed.
February 17, 2009 9:05 PM
The Jolly Mom button is on my blog.
February 17, 2009 9:06 PM
The owner of Out of the Box started out with Ugly Duckling Designs five years ago.
February 17, 2009 9:14 PM
The boxes are mailed out by USPS
February 17, 2009 9:15 PM
I subscribe
February 17, 2009 9:17 PM
Michelle is the owner of the Out Of The Box Sampler, The Candle Buzz and Ugly Duckling Designs.
February 17, 2009 9:18 PM
I have your button on my sidebar.
February 17, 2009 9:31 PM
it seems like the boxes sell out fast!
ebienic(at)hotmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 9:33 PM
i subscribed to the newsletter!
ebienic(at)hotmail(dot)com
February 17, 2009 10:07 PM
All sample boxes go on sale just one day each month at 8:00am EST & there are 16 -18 different items in each box...WOW I LOVE this giveaway!!!
February 17, 2009 10:08 PM
I voted (1)
shellbell574(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 17, 2009 10:09 PM
I voted (2)
shellbell574(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 17, 2009 10:09 PM
I love that she helps companies out by promoting their products, and puts them in her boxes :) Thank you so much for offering this giveaway! eyeslikesugar [at] gmail [dot] com
February 17, 2009 10:09 PM
I voted! Thank you so much for offering this giveaway! eyeslikesugar [at] gmail [dot] com
February 17, 2009 10:10 PM
I voted! Thank you so much for offering this giveaway! eyeslikesugar [at] gmail [dot] com
February 17, 2009 10:10 PM
I subscribe via email...Thanks!
shellbell574(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 17, 2009 10:12 PM
I learned that the best selling item is the small Hurricane Candles.
elissa at huebert dot org
February 17, 2009 10:12 PM
I voted!
elissa at huebert dot org
February 17, 2009 10:12 PM
I voted!
elissa at huebert dot org
February 17, 2009 10:12 PM
Subscriber!
elissa at huebert dot org
February 17, 2009 10:13 PM
I Subscribed to the Out of the Box Sampler Newsletter...
shellbell574(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 17, 2009 10:24 PM
I now follow you on twitter and I tweeted as shellbell574 - Thank You!
February 17, 2009 10:35 PM
The February boxes, featuring Valentine-themed items, sold out!
urchiken at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:04 PM
Their February sponsor is Adrienne's Chocolates
February 17, 2009 11:57 PM
This months sponsor is Adriennes Creations!
www.roscoethekitten.blogspot.com
hermindwanders at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:58 PM
I voted for you #1
www.roscoethekitten.blogspot.com
hermindwanders at gmail dot com
February 17, 2009 11:58 PM
I voted for you #2
www.roscoethekitten.blogspot.com
hermindwanders at gmail dot com