Has OwlCrate Lost Its Magic? A Ranty January Unboxing

As sad as I am to say it, I think OwlCrate is losing its magic. This month was pretty disappointing, to say the least.

The products were lack-luster and the cover changes weren’t dramatic enough for my personal liking.

I want to love OwlCrate, I want to have great books with beautiful covers and cool functional items, is that too much to ask?

My problem is, I want the book next month! I am about 90% sure from the teaser that it will be the Gilded Ones, which I read and LOVED and really want a beautiful copy of. So maybe, just maybe, I will give the February OwlCrate box a chance!

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[Knitsbybrittanym]

I can relate to this so much!! I actually cancelled my owlcrate last year after my november box. I really just wanted the reading journal. My last straw was the flower press thing.... I have no use for that. It was the item that had me realize how many of their items are not functional for my life. Love this video!! I agree sprayed edges make everything better and it should really be a must for every owlcrate book.

[BookishJenn]

I actually cancelled my subscription before the December box and I'm soooo glad bc it seems like most boxes are a flop these days

[TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

Oof...I think that moon thing is a lunar calendar? No fancy book, either??

[luvsnursing]

I like owl crate out shipping takes forever or just the notifications. I don’t know which. I always have to email to see if it has shipped.

[LucieReads]

Owlcrate has really just been lackluster lately :/ Also agree! Both books I've gotten lately would've definitely been elevated by sprayed edges.
If you think a signed copy (regardless of what the cover looks like & the other items) of next months book would be worth it then get it

[WalkerWrites]

I think the white is aesthetically pleasing for the book. I like how the black makes the art stand out more but....why did it have to be just flat black. I think if they added some texture/pattern to it, or made gold to match the font. Something to really make it pop.

[ChristinaLake]

I’m actually really looking forward to this box. But I’m a tea drinker and I love the moon phase calendar and the letterboard. I’m not too worried about the cover honestly because I usually remove them and save them. I end up creasing/tearing them when I leave them on when I read. I guess I’m the only one who’s loving this box? 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[StaceyReads]

I usually don't watch many unboxings but the I saw the title of this one and was here for it, haha! <3 It was great to hear you say all the things I'd be thinking too!
I'm totally with you on the function > novelty!
Do they have a book only option you could use for next month?

[WalkerWrites]

I had Owlcrate for maybe a a full year. I really didnt care for alot of the stuff that came, the books werent always great (or covers that special) and then i never realized how much the tax/ shipping was, I was paying like 30$ more than I thought, Not worth it all once I realize how much I was spending.

[staceyb.]

Its probably because I'm new to both fairy loot and owl crate (started in November) but I've been loving the items!! I find her owl crate items have been more useful but it's all preferences :)

[laraangeli]

I'm a little late commenting, but nonetheless totally agree with you here. I subscribed to Owlcrate for the first time in December because of the theme for the January box (I love Greek mythology!) and was super excited for this. I live in Brazil and the shipping is soooo expensive (more expensive than the box itself, and converting it into my currency is just ouch) so after seeing the unboxing I'm genuinely so disappointed and lowkey sad as this was such an expensive purchase for me and the book doesn't even have sprayed edges... I'd really like to subscribe to FairyLoot instead after seeing this month's box but unfortunately they don't ship here (no clue as to why) 😭😭😭

[simone]

Next month there's no sprayed edges on the book again... Fairyloot is really pulling ahead with how unique they are.

[scoobydoo_forever]

Sorry for multiple comments but I've been wanting to rant on this fucking thing too. 😂😂😂😂

[scoobydoo_forever]

What I also don't understand is fairy loot has awesome merch every month and they always have sprayed edges or stenciled edges owlcrate needs to be doing the same thing.
I do think owl crates merch is better on average than ferry loots but that's because I don't care about the tarot cards but their books are so much prettier. If fairy loot didn't do tarot cards I would have subscribed to fairyloot but I see that tarot card item as a useless thing for me.

[RedReadWine]

Your whole rant about the usefulness of the tapestry!!! This is why I have commitment issues when it comes to subscription boxes 😂😂

[scoobydoo_forever]

Owl crate needs to focus on the look of the book first and then merch because to me the beauty of the book is more important than having extra merch.

[alysamorley]

Totally agree with you. I cancelled my subscription a couple months ago because over time I was losing my enjoyment of the boxes. I'm also older so that could have something to do with it, but I wanted more functional items, too. Some stuff they do is so unique and creative, but lately I feel like they are focusing more on display items that sit there and look cool but have no functionality. I'd be happier with the tapestry if it was a tea towel instead and could be used!
Like the pin banners: Great idea, but they started sending them seemingly every few months. I have 2 from previous boxes that I haven't even filled up with pins yet, and they sent another one! Same thing with the book tins. They're pretty and I have 2 of them, but now they're sending another? I don't put anything in them, so they just sit there. It seems like they see something did well in previous boxes and repeat it, which somewhat makes sense, but I don't want the same items repeatedly if they are not useful for me. The tea? Fine, but they seem to send tea every few months and it's like a filler item that doesn't add a lot of value. I'm never super excited about it. Plus, the books are sometimes great, but sometimes things I'm not interested in, maybe due to my age. They usually pick very hyped books, which makes sense from a business standpoint, but it means I'm never surprised by what I'm getting. The sprayed edges are great, and I wish they were more consistent about doing that, and also unique in the colors they choose.
Eventually, I just felt that I was spending a lot on the boxes to be gradually more underwhelmed. In the beginning, it was exciting, until I was subscribed for a couple years and noticed it was going downhill and I was getting a lot of repeat items. I know they are limited in what they can do based on a lot of factors, and not every box/theme is going to be a win for me, but I didn't love the boxes anymore. So far, I have just been saving my money, but I might eventually invest in another book box if I find the right one for me.

[BooksBeforeDeath]

Oof, sorry you were so disappointed in this box. I am shocked by the lack of sprayed edges. Honestly. I've never gotten a book box before, but would like to eventually sign up for one. It probably won't be this one though, seeing how they've been doing lately. Best of luck on the next box if you get it! - Bree

[deannadupras]

Didn’t get my box yet but had to watch your video. I’ve been feeling the same way recently with owlcrate. Especially with the books. I started getting the box because I wanted to collect different editions of books and I wanted books with sprayed edges because there not easy to come by. The last few months I’ve been disappointed with the ones with no sprayed edges and the covers basically being the same as the ones you can get at the store for cheaper. I’m thinking about canceling because I’ve been getting illlumicrate at well and haven’t been disappointed with anything.

[bookswithvish]

I’m sad that you’re not getting good things from Owl Crate but I can definitely tell you Illumicrate is worth it in my opinion 😁