Fairyloot or Illumicrate? Which Book Box Should you Subscribe to?

PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION AND PINNED UPDATE COMMENT

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:51 1. Book choices
03:33 2. Subscription Options
05:17 3. Delivery
06:07 4. Special Editions and Customization
15:13 5. Items/Swag

This video was filmed at the start of November 2021 and there have been considerable updates and changes since making this video - which looks at a period of March to September 2021. Please see my pinned comment for updates.

This is a video I wish that I had when I was thinking about taking out a book box subscription at the start of the year. Both Fairyloot and Illumicrate offer a subscription service, which appear to be very similar, and both are very similar priced.
In the future their subscription plans are also due to become very similar with book only options, but for a long time only Illumicrate has offered a book only subscription.
With a very similar concept, and both offering amazing special editions, it's hard to make a decision about which one to go for, but hopefully this video helps you to decide if Fairyloot or Illumicrate is a good fit for you.

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ABOUT
Book lover by day, Booktuber by night. I'm always reading some kind of YA/Fantasy/Sci-Fi book. I live in the North East of England, have a useless archaeology degree (thanks Tomb Raider for the inspo), and when my nose is not in a book you can guarantee I'm off travelling. I have over 200 unread books, so come join the reading journey, it's likely to last a lifetime!

additional tags:
Is fairyloot worth it? Is illumicrate worth it? Illumicrate vs Fairyloot

[Wanderness]

IMPORTANT UPDATES PLEASE READ - This video was filmed at the start of November 2021, and looks at the delivery of these subscriptions for a period of March - September 2021. Since filming this video Illumicrate have announced that they will be ending their monthly pins from January 2022 due to rising delivery costs. Personally I prefer this as it avoids an increase in subscription price.
Illumicrate's January 2022 will also include a paperback book as an item!

[nikies]

I do really like the art variety that Illumicrate uses. I really enjoy Fairyloots customized books but feel like all the art on the dust jackets and even some of the foil embossing seems like it's all done by the same artist. It's nice art but I'd personally like to see a bit more variety.

[Anna_the_salty_squirrel]

Personally, the main reason why I chose Ilumicrate is that they give you the option for book only subscription while FairyLoot doesn't. I understand that some people like to collect merch of books they love, but I don't have enough space in my shelves for random items that I might never use. However, I am very exited for FairyLoot's Adult book-only subscription and I am definitely sure I will join that one (and hope they don't do the same books or I will have to start skipping months...).

[ayragon]

I had the same thing happen, I ended up shelving illumicrate and going with FairyLoot (I’d also been a subscriber for FL previously), and I enjoy it a lot. It was the reports of illumicrate having shipping issues at times and less about the actual items/titles for me. I have since also picked up the Adult FairyLoot sub and the illumicrate book only subs. I’m on the list for the FairyLoot romantasy sub too, so once that comes out I might reevaluate and do the book only subs for all 4. The US delivery for both companies does end up coming via USPS eventually, which means sometimes it’s great and sometimes it sucks, but I’ve never had an issue with either as far as communication with the sub box or shipping issues. Good video, good information.

[p.dunmore]

Fairyloot has done a fandom neutral box in the past, I think i've gotten like 3 fandom neutral boxes from them during the entirety of my subscription. At least one per year, i remember one for A Curse so Dark and Lonely, a halloween-themed one for October and another one after that. They just haven't done one this year but may do one next year

[emmah.]

I was hoping that this would help me decide which to get but it really just showed me how much potential both boxes have LOL! Great job explaining each one in detail. Absolutely in love with that edition of she who became the sun!! :)

[genesismuniz]

I definitely prefer Illumicrate over FairyLoot. Not only the darker vibes and the mixed books but mainly the items. I always use most of my Illumicrate items but FairyLoot is hit or miss for me

[miyayume_eclectic_dream]

I have Illumicrate for over a year. My first and only subscription. Thinking about a second. A very good tip is that you can skip the montly subscription in your account. I really love my book and items.

[OhioEddieBlack]

This was super helpful! Thanks for taking the time to do this 👏🏻 I'm SO excited that Illumicrate is finally going to be available in the US. I've waited long!

[teresaharris-travelbybooks]

I've been an Illumicrate subscriber for three months and I am quite happy with it. With each crate that I receive; I don't have any preconceived expectations, so I'm usually pleased with whatever is in there. I've been able to make use of nearly everything, even the phone stand. As long as I get a beautiful book, it's all good.

[OhioEddieBlack]

I'm with you - that She Who Became the Sun is the best of the lot. Soooo pretty and elegant.

[danielllleX]

This really helped me because I to have subscribed to multiple boxes for my daughters. Not able to pick which one! Lol I have had issues with duplication between boxes. OwlCrate, Spear craft, fairy loot, Illumicrate crate and once upon a book club. I canceled spear craft and once upon a book club. I wish Owlcrate would go into an agreement with Illumicrate too! The duplicates are still gorgeous and we give them to fellow book loving friends as gifts. I love your channel! You always bring a smile to my face hope you’re having a great day!

[RebeccaReads]

I’m loving your commitment, I remember you telling me when you were getting the subscriptions that you were going to do a comparison!!

💛🖤

[TheBookishMom]

I have a hard time picking between the two! lol I think I like FAiry Loot LOOKS just a TINY bit more but sometimes I end up likeing the actual books from IC more... I am a bit excited that Fairy Loot is going to be doing an adult book-only box this coming year and I think THAT will be my winner.

[navnav]

Could you maybe make an updated version soon?? Now that there’s more thing’s available with fairyloots new subscriptions, and with your personal opinion now that you’ve had it for more than a year :)) if not, don’t worry, and I hope you heal well 💕

[SymphonicAMV]

Ness, this was so so helpful! I’m currently on a waiting list for both Subscription boxes and have been using this time to decide which one. Thank you so much for your insight! ❤️

[megancheang]

Fairyloot for sure. Love their endpapers and bonus books

[edgy_velpciraptr]

I’m on the Illumicrate waitlist and have Fairyloot, I’ve loved watching the Illumicrate unboxing but I’m hoping that they get a US distribution before I commit to them 😅

[Ruwen.S]

This was so useful! Thanks for your time 💕

[amnal]

I really appreciate this in-depth look at both subscription boxes. My first illumicrate box is coming this month and you’ve made me anticipate it even more ✨