I love subscription boxes. Maybe it’s because I love (small, limited, nonstressful) surprises. Maybe it’s because it feels like I’m giving myself a gift every time I receive one. Whatever it is, I’ve tried several subscription boxes and raved about them all. There are boxes for crafts enthusiasts, gardeners, fashionistas, book lovers… it seems like there’s a box for just about everyone. Here is the obligatory disclosure from CIB: “I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.”
Now, if you don’t know, mom and I both have a rare disease called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. It’s a collagen disorder that causes a lot of weird symptoms, like joint dislocations and chronic headaches. It’s a chronic illness. People with chronic illnesses are often called “spoonies.” Now, having a chronic illness can feel like a full time job. It definitely makes me want a pick me up! So when we found out there’s a subscription box just for us spoonies? I was all over i! We received the Spoonie Essentials Box through the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network, and we were so excited that we made a Live Facebook Unboxing.
The Spoonie Essentials Box is tailored towards spoonies, and contained a variety of items meant to help you take care of yourself and treat yourself while ill. Most spoonies on the internet are young woman (as we are the population disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases), so this box was definitely a little girly. There was a Valentine’s theme to the February box, which meant lots of pink, hearts, and glitter— all things I love. So who wants to see what we got?
Cross-stitch kit from Hope the Black Dog: My mom actually used to cross-stitch as a hobby, so it was a fun throwback for us to see this cross-stitch medicine bag in our Spoonie Essentials Box. This medicine bag has a cross-stitch pattern that says “Happy Pills,” and comes with several yarn colors to choose from. We chose a pink yarn, and I asked mom to show me how to cross-stitch. So far, I still don’t know how to cross-stitch, and several letters are finished on the bag. It looks super cute, but I can’t take any credit for that.
Spoon and Lock Necklace from Chronically Jewelled: A long chain featuring two spoons and a lock with a heart in place of a keyhole, I’ve worn this necklace almost every day since we got it. Some days, those two spoons are the only “spoons” I have— both physical and metaphorical, depending on if I’ve had the stamina to wash the dishes. This necklace has gotten a ton of compliments, even from people who don’t recognize its meaning! Also, the baby loves it.
Chronically Fabulous Tumbler: One of the things about my chronic illnesses is that I have to drink a lot of water. By a lot, I mean “drink water until you can’t….then drink some more.” Since I’m always thirsty, I like to switch things up by having fun cups and mugs to drink out of. Recently, my favorite tumbler took a nose dive for the floor and broke. When I saw this one in the box, I could barely wait for us to take pictures! I carry it with me all the time. It holds about 16 ounces of water.
Tazo Tea: Perfect for pairing with my Chronically Fabulous Tumbler, I received a few varieties of Tazo tea. Drinking a warm mug of tea after a long way is a great way to unwind, and different varieties of tea have different benefits! There’s really never a bad time for a cup of tea.
BarkThins: BarkThins is a brand of snacking chocolate that comes in a variety of flavors. Both mom and I have had BarkThins in the past and enjoyed them, so we were pleased to find this in the box. Chocolate totally fits the theme for Valentine’s Day.
Garden Veggie Chips: Funnily enough, we had just bought a big bag of Garden Veggie Chips a few days before receiving this box, while we were trying to find a safe snack for Critter. The ones we purchased weren’t in a cute heart shape, however, so they didn’t feel lovey dovey and Valentine’s themed like these do. The only reason these haven’t been eaten is because I kept them around to remember what was in the box.
Assorted Candies: Another fun treat in the box was a small treat bag of assorted candies. It reminded me of elementary school Valentine’s Day parties, but in a good way.
Be My Spoonie Stickers: One of the cutest parts of the box, to me, were Spoonie themed stickers! They say “Be My Spoonie,” and my favorite sticker is based on a conversation heart.
Confetti Popper: I’m waiting for the perfect time to shoot off this popper filled with confetti! Although I don’t have any celebrations planned in the near future, it may be worth having a party just so I can use this. I mean, who doesn’t like confetti? His popper says “Girl Gang” in gold letters on it.
Socks: Socks aren’t necessarily my favorite thing, but the socks we got in this box were cute enough to make up for it. White socks with multi-colored hearts, they matched nothing I owned, but just the sight of them had me planning outfits around them. If all my socks were this cute, maybe I would buy them more often!
Bath Bomb and Shea Butter Lotion Bar: The Bath Bomb aesthetic is huge on Instagram right now. I’ve spent plenty of days browsing Instagram photos of the perfect bath with a luxurious bath bomb, thinking “I have really gotta get me one of those!” Now, I have one, and I can’t wait to use it. It’s heart shaped! I also got a Shea butter lotion bar. I’d never used a lotion bar before, but I think I’m a convert. No more greasy feeling on my hands!
Handwritten note: One of the most special things about this box was the handwritten note I received in it. Honestly, one of the coolest things about small businesses, Spoonie owned businesses, and local businesses is the personal attention and care you get as opposed to at a big box store. Having the handwritten note pushed this box over the top!
As you can see, everything in this box felt pretty much tailored to my tastes, even though Spoonie Essentials Box had no way of knowing that. If the Spoonie Essentials Box seems like something you would love, I have good news for you: we have a coupon code for our readers! Readers can get 10% off with purchase using the code “CHRONIC BLOG.”
What would be your favorite part of the Spoonie Essentials Box?
Subscription boxes are so much fun, I love getting little surprises. It’s so great that hey have one specifically for spoonies to help you remember to take care of yourself.
I love the idea of a spoonie subscription box. I know a couple of aunts who will be delighted to recieve this.
Is this customizable at all? I love the idea but my autoimmune condition is hard on my hands making stuff like painting or cross stitch not possible.
I don’t think it is customizable, as in being able to pick your own products, but they do take into account disabilities. They say, “Please complete a membership profile with each purchase to ensure your preferences and specific health accommodations are met.”
Wow, this is a nice box, I agree a great gift for someone too like my daughter!
What a neat little box. Very unique, too!
I love the boxes but still haven’t committed to one. This one looks like it’s so much fun! Definitely checking out the details and such on their site.
I, too, love the handwritten notes that you get in these boxes. It is good to know that these companies are heartfelt in their gratitude.
This is a real cute treat.
I love getting little packages in the mail.
OH! I think I am going to send one of these boxes to my box who suffers from chronic lymes!
Sounds like an awesome box subscription service full of great things. I would definitely love to try it out.
This stuff is totally cute! I love so much of it. My daughter would love those heart-shaped veggie chips.
I know a woman that has a chronic illness,which is how I first learned about the spoons. This box would certainly give someone a bright spot in their day.
Thanks for this! I have two friends with chronic illness who would love this. I’m just getting used to thinking of myself as being chronically ill, so I’m not quite ready for my own spoon necklace yet.
That necklace is super cute! I love this whole idea. I had never heard of the Spoonie box before so cool! I love boxes like this!
What a great idea, I like the tea one… I don’t drink coffee but am addicted to trying different teas so that would be great.
Self care is so important, especially for those suffering from chronic illnesses. I am sure surprises like these offer a big pick me up!
This box looks amazing. It is filled with so many amazing goodies. The bath bomb and lotion bar look incredibly fun to use! I will check this out.
This box looks like a lot of fun. I know my daughter would enjoy it.
This looks like a very cool box! I was amazed to see all of the different things that came in the box.
I cannot believe how many items comes int his amazing box! The list seems to go on and on. And that tumbler is fantastic!
There are so many subscription boxes out there! This one has very neat items that I would like.
This is a really neat idea for a subscription box! I didn’t know they had a box for chronic sufferers!
This is such a great idea! I like the variety box idea!
That is quite a box. Usually, boxes like this focus on one thing like beauty or snacks. I love that this one has a little bit of everything.
Those veggie chips an snacks look great. I love my snacks, so of course, that’s the first thing I noticed.
Okay how do I join chronic illness bloggers network? I have never heard of this!! I love the items in this gift box and would totally use all of them. Plus I have a chronic illness. I’m totally checking this out. The tumbler is adorable but I love the new veggie snacks there. MUST HAVE.
I have the same question in mind, Paula. I will have to search the group’s site. Wonder if they do have a Facebook page too? I think there are tons of helpful information on their website that we can read.
Here is the link to the group, ladies. 🙂 http://chronicillnessbloggers.com/chronic-illness-bloggers/
AHHH! That’s so cute! I really love the crafty stuff they put in this one. I need to give this a closer look.
I love all the stuff that’s been put together! I also love that these people keep in mind people with chronic illness. My cousin is suffering terribly from crohn’s disease.
It is amazing that this company put people suffering from chronic illness in mind. I have diabetes, which is a chronic illness, so I am a spoonie too. I will check this Spoonie box out and might put in a subscription.
Wow tons of things I would love to receive. This box would be a gift to myself.
Yeah, that would be an awesome gift for me, too! I think I might sign up!
WOW! This is a great idea and look at all that great stuff in there. Sounds like a great subscription box!!!