Are Archer & Olive Stationery Subscription Boxes Worth It?

[@maddydohnt3736]

Thankyou for making an unsponsored review of Archer & Olive! I always enjoy your videos as a fellow Aussie bullet journalling enthusiast 💛

[@ErinSmith]

There are a lot of videos from the affiliates out there so I wanted to offer something a bit more impartial 😅 I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@shadycnetwork]

I agree. I definitely prefer videos like this that are not sponsored. ​@@ErinSmith

[@nelesnotes]

Really appreciate a more neutral review of this. I do see the excitement about these boxes and I guess the marketing is incredibly clever and effective, but I also am too picky when it comes to design and too broke to spend that much money on stationary I would not use 😂 also the shipping costs to Europe are too expensive for me personally and overall, and even though I like the archer and olive notebook designs, I think I can find other alternatives that fit my taste better. I'd rather choose things I like then getting surprised by something surely nice, that I still won't really want to use. Besides that I really loved the little ride through time with your super cute special effects! 🤗✨

[@ErinSmith]

Haha I’m glad you liked my little Delorean time travel graphics! 🥰 I love that I’m not the only one who’s picky - it’s hard to reconcile that with my love of surprises sometimes 😅

[@paratrooperwife]

I had similar feelings and reply, so I suspect we're definitely not alone with our thoughts on this!

[@sofiewauters7539]

It's very pretty, but it's too expensive if you have to ship it to Europe. Alas! The "vintage library" box is amazing! ♥ Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@StarzieCat]

The last subscription box would work really well for an archives theme which is something I’ve been heavily considering since I listened to Magnus Archives especially because when she pulled off the little stamp sticker that said “from the library of” my whole brain lit up with Juergen Leitner. Definitely may have to get some of the stuff from that box if it’s available separately. :D

[@ErinSmith]

I hadn’t heard of the Magnus Archives so I looked it up - I think you’re right, it would work so well!

[@carlamoss89]

im in the us and shipping and tax makes this about $97 USD for me. I actually think thats still a pretty good value, because a lot of these items are good for gifting as well. so if you dont use something, they come in nice packaging for gifts, which saves you money kind of. I think one of these nice notebooks from another brand at a bookstore like barnes and noble would probably cost $25-35. I will consider it bc I really like the aesthetic!

[@trueblue9898]

Archer & Olive has a lot of interesting stuff but the shipping and importing fees for the EU are too much 😅. Apart from that, the B5 journal is soo cute!!! I’ll wait for its setup as the next reading journal !!!

[@ErinSmith]

I can’t wait for you to see it! I think some of the things from that last box might feature in there too 😍 excited to give a big boi journal a go!

[@catcreme]

I've had my eye on A&O stuff for the longest time, like since I started bullet journaling. Their notebooks are amazing but I can't justify the price and shipping fees. If I got it as a birthday present, then yes, but I'm happy with other stationery companies that are more in my price range.

[@Onniesprairiegarden]

The last subscription box was their best one!!!! I didn't care for the camp one. I might have to try it sometime! I love the quality of Archer and Olive!

[@creatingitonedayatatime]

I loved the library themed one and bought the camp one on Black Friday for 10$ ... Never can afford a subscription box when they come out. Who can?

[@bujodogabs]

Hey Erin! I would love to try some of the A&O itens, but like you mentioned, international shipping + currency exchange + importing fees make it too out of my price range for stationery. With that beeing said, i was very tempted with the Vintage Library one! I'm also bombarded with A&O insta stuff on my feeds when there are a new box comming and i totally understand what you said xD. Thanks for sharing!

[@ErinSmith]

You just get me Gabs 😅 haha sometimes it feels like it’s your WHOLE FEED right?

[@AmbersJourney13]

I love that you did this as someone that is not an affiliate! ❤ i love the library theme but cannot believe the pricing. I'm sure for you is even more with shipping

[@ErinSmith]

Thank you so much for watching, Amber! It was worth it for the ✨experiment✨ so I could help others make more informed purchase decisions!

[@rachelmirren]

In the first box, the die cut sticker you said 'bottle with bread inside' was defo a chopping board haha. That made me chuckle 😅 As a UK based stationery lover, I've always admired archer and olive from afar but couldnt justify the prices or potential import fees.

[@ErinSmith]

Lol that makes way more sense 😅

[@juliangelus]

The import fees are added on at checkout so you pay them in advance

[@rachelmirren]

@@juliangelus ah, good to know, thanks

[@mariesalway91]

the coloured bits through the linen travel journal is called slub 😄 The little green notebook from the library one, the spine reminds me of the old school Readers Digest hardcover books. As a fellow brisbaneite, yeah, I have looked at the subscription, but with usd to aud and shipping its a yeah nah 😆

[@ErinSmith]

I knew someone would know! Thank you so much Marie! I learned something today 😍

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

I've been an A&O subscriber for a year now, and up until the June box, I've been very happy with the boxes, overall. I have been disappointed that the boxes this past year have arrived very dinged up, they come through the post office here in the states. The June summer camp box, I liked the journals, but the rest of it was just so disappointing to me, I nearly cancelled my subscription after it. Thank goodness I didn't because this last box, the library theme was completely my aesthetic, and I was so happy with it that I will continue my subscription for now. I find it expensive as well, and we still pay $15+ for shipping, although nothing near what you have to pay! I do find it worth it in the long run, yes, I have more journals than I'll use in 5 years' time, but as a journaler and a journal maker, I can never have enough paper, LOL!

[@ErinSmith]

I don’t think your alone there Leslie - I’m seeing lots of comments saying others nearly cancelled after June’s box too. They must have really listened to customer feedback which is great!

[@Cordelia0704p]

Which part of the country are you in? Mine comes FedEx or UPS I guess whoever gives them the cheaper price but I'm on the east coast so other side of the country.

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

I'm in Ohio.

[@elliesnotes]

That’s so interesting to me. I had no idea that so many people didn’t like the June Box. Personally I only get the sub boxes for stickers and the journals so I don’t really care about all the other stuff. So while I agree the theme of the vintage library was a brilliant one. I felt pretty much the same about that box as the other ones. Loved the notebooks and stickers and washi but everything else is kinda whatever. It’s interesting that so many people didn’t like the previous boxes this year 😅 I thought everyone only cared about the journals like me.

[@RusKms]

I love that I can trust you to have an unbiased review/opinion!

[@ErinSmith]

Thanks Leah! I think there’s a lot of A&O content out there that’s made by their affiliates so I wanted to provide something a bit more impartial! 🥰

[@stationerystream]

This is right in my preferences. It's boxes like these that make me wish I lived in the US. Shipping is so expensive to Aus. Thanks for your review! I completely agree about the cult following. I run in the circles on Instagram who love A&O products. I like that Notebook Therapy is more affordable in comparison in the "luxury notebook" market.

[@ErinSmith]

I totally agree! It’s funny, I know a lot of US customers have experienced long shipping durations for Notebook Therapy orders. That’s one positive for living in Australia - products from Asia reach us much more quickly!

[@EvanLuke3]

Notebook Therapy has a shipping hub out of Chicago, Illinois so if you order from them in the US the shipping is super fast. I live in Michigan and I can get a Notebook Therapy order in 2 days! I didn’t realize this when I first ordered from them and expected my order to take 3 weeks. I was shocked when it came in 2 days!!!

[@ErinSmith]

Oh wow! I wonder if that’s new, it was a big issue for NT a few years ago!!

[@luminafrost644]

@@ErinSmithI think it’s a new thing. I bought a lot of notebooktherapy products in the past three years and I’m from Europe. At the beginning I had to wait a looong time, like 4 to 6 weeks, but it changed around 1 3/4 years ago. I got products after a couple of days. It changed again this year. Now products arrive after 1 to 2 weeks, sometimes already after a couple of days but sometimes it takes 3 to 4 weeks. Best example: I ordered all three of their „lucky boxes“, first one two years ago arrived around 5 days before christmas, last years and this years arrived in late November already xD difference of a whole month 😅

[@CoffeeandInsight]

Thank you for sharing your honest feedback! I opt for the fall and winter boxes only as those are my favorite seasons. I am able to pause the other quarterly boxes I don’t want to receive on the website which is a nice feature. I wasn’t a fan of the spring and summer boxes this year but that embroidered B5 notebook is adorable!

[@ErinSmith]

That’s really smart - when you know which seasons will line up with your taste!

[@akane-chaan]

Thanks for the honest review, I have been looking at A&O stuff but the shipping and prices are too much for me this moment. Excited to see what you do with the stuff you got in future videos! ^^

[@SandiTerps]

The library box was my 5th box and the very first one that I loved completely. I almost canceled my subscriptions prior to this one. I share bujos with my husband and a granddaughter so they are used. I really disliked all the little Knick-knack kind of additions in other boxes. They ended up in trash or given to a teacher friend. NOW A&O gets it! Keep it adult and focused on journaling. I’ll try one more box before deciding if I’ll end it.

[@ErinSmith]

That’s such a good system - sharing journals with family is amazing! You guys sound very organised 😍

[@SandiTerps]

@@ErinSmith I wouldn’t go that far! 🤪

[@emdove]

The little picnic basket honestly made me a bit mad. I don't know if it's plastic, but in any case it's very unnecessary and will immediately go to waste for most people. The organising boxes also seemed a bit weird to me, since most probably already have an organising system and organisation is something very personal and hard to get right. And the water bottle is off theme as well. Gonna stop there 😅 Did the next box convince you to keep the subscription, or did you cancel? 😊

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

Thank you for your review! It's hard to believe that shipping to me in Alaska (one of the 50 states) is comparable to you in Australia! 🤷 The items are beautiful but when they want $52 to ship one notebook, I have to look elsewhere...who knows what shipping a whole subscription box would cost. 😬

[@camilafh9704]

I love your videos so much!!! You are always so straightforward with your thoughts on different matters, thank you for that! Also thank you for this video, I live in Asia so getting subscription boxes and other goodies from the US is always kinda expensive, so it's good to know that these boxes, although they are cute, are definitely not for me right now

[@ErinSmith]

Thank you so much Camila! 🥰 Asia is already a wonderful place for stationery - I think all the best stationery originated there or was inspired by Asian stationery! A&O included!

[@valerietheron146]

I am an Archer & Olive fan, I subscribed before 2021 when the shipping was not as high. After the shipping ban was lifted, being in South Africa I can’t afford to buy from them since then. I still follow along for the latest releases, but I just can’t find it to purchase anything if I will be paying triple that amount for shipping. I have email them regarding using other shipping avenues, like other companies have done since the drastic rise in shipping fees, but they only use couriers such as FedEx which is ridiculously expensive. So for me, I found journals with the same quality from other business, although it’s not the same covers, it’s what inside that counts.

[@valerietheron146]

The subscription boxes was amazing to unbox, but certain things I just don’t see myself using ever. Also one of my subscription boxes did go missing, but they were so kind to replace it. So the customer service I received from Archer & Olive was amazing. I have no complaints about the company whatsoever.

[@AmberUnfinished]

I’m so sad that I missed out on the library box. I did get the other 2 boxes and like you said…everyone is getting a journal this year. It is pricey, but it is luxurious and so fun. Their packaging is amazing…and if you’ve ever have a problem, I can assure you that their customer service is absolutely amazing. I do not need anymore supplies, but I am getting in on the subscription box as soon as it is available 😂. I am in the US so the shipping is much more kind to me. Loved your video. 😍

[@ErinSmith]

Hopefully they release the library box as a gift box, since it was so popular! 🤞

[@steffymuze]

​@@ErinSmithwhat cracks me up about the library one was the stamp everyone was gaga over. I get those for free at work and never want to see one again. 😅

[@KellyAK]

This was super interesting, it's good to see an unsponsored review! I became aware of the subscription boxes around the summer camp one and really didnt like the aesthetic of that, but the vintage library was SO tempting - I had it in my basket but the shipping and taxes nearly killed me, so I had to sit and think about every item and decide whether I would genuinely use them. If I thought I would, then I would have paid it, but on reflection I realised I just couldn't justify it. Same issue with the amazing Halloween themed releases, the shipping and taxes doubled the price nearly, so I just decided not to get carried away and stick with something in my price range!

[@ErinSmith]

We wholeheartedly support financially responsible stationery shopping on this channel! I totally feel you Kelly - I haven’t even let myself look at the Halloween stuff to avoid temptation!

[@bekahheintz]

My mother in law gifted me a year of A&O sub boxes for Christmas 2022, so I got the December 2022 box plus the three in this video. I gave a lot of the stuff from the March and June 2023 boxes to my sister, but LOVED the December 2022 and Sept 2023 boxes. I truly disliked the whole June 2023 box. I am not an affirmations or a camp person and so I didn't really want to use any of that, plus I don't care for non-stationery items in such an expensive stationery box (even if I wasn't the one who paid for it). Although I have considered re-upping my subscription, I think it is just more worth my money to purchase the individual items that I know I like and will definitely use. The June 2024 box has realllllyyy made me reconsider the subscription though, I would LOVE to have that composition notebook journal!!

[@JadeReads_2019]

I love this unsponsored video about something like this. I think this was a eye opening video to watch. Thank you for your honest review!!

[@ErinSmith]

Thank you for watching, Jade! 🥰

[@joanevelazquez319]

I really liked this, because youre being unbiased. I would love to have something like that. I absolutely love stationary. But I am super broke, so, I will just watch the videos. Thank you so much, for sharing.

[@alyxbeauchamp7883]

I've been subscribed since their cloudy dreamland or something i think in 2021 march, which was really cute and kept me going back! I find that I tend to love every other box or so. The camp one right after the picnic one had me considering if they were going in a direction I wanted to stick with, but man. That library one. So glad I stayed.

[@ErinSmith]

This is so interesting Alyx, thanks for this insight! Have the boxes changed a lot in the time that you’ve been subscribed? Cloudy Dreamland honestly sounds so lovely 😍

[@SandiTerps]

Me, too. The camp one almost ended it for me!

[@alyxbeauchamp7883]

@ErinSmith long reply incoming, so sorry! So I believe the rotating teams help design these quarterly boxes, so that may play a huge part in what we enjoy - our tastes aren't going to align woth the design team every time because Bonnie has a rotating team to give more people exposure:) I also have noticed that we are a bit of a tester/feeler group for the a and o products. If something is SUPER well received, its not going to be in a box again it's going to become a full scale product launch with recurring refreshed designs. So a box you love is usually followed by one disappointing in comparison. As far as the trend of items included, I noticed a shift from "ease of use on a weekly setup basis" to "niche uses but very cohesive aestitics". For a brief time we went back to insanely useful items, but recently those have kind of dropped out of the boxes for the most part and been replaced with aestitic ones for people who want cute packaging on their desks for unboxings (ie, the picnic basket and similar things like the flag and keychain). What we always get is some sort of writing tool, at least one notebook, and now it seems like we get washi every time but that was not always the case. Things I LOVED from each box tended to be turned into those full scale releases - carrying cases especially, and the weekly setup sticker sheets, became a large release and actually a monthly release for the Journaling kits that come with stencils, tapes, diy Dutch doors, and those sticker sets. I will say that in nearly every box there has been an item that I use weekly even if in general I was not a fan of the box as a whole.

[@alyxbeauchamp7883]

Bonnie and her team ABSOLUTELY listen to what we like and dislike about each box, and looking back at what they've made more of as a general product separate from the sub boxes, you can tell that the needs of her customers are being met by us being a little bit of a guinea pig :)

[@ErinSmith]

That’s incredible business acumen - to test new ideas on a small group of existing customers. So smart, and mutually beneficial!

[@empressbat]

I have often been tempted with a sub box from Archer and Olive - but as you so rightly stated our exchange rate in Australia makes items from the US rather expensive. Thanks for your unbiased review on the boxes

[@ErinSmith]

ESPECIALLY right now - that exchange rate is so not in our favour 😅 thank you so much for watching!

[@Gplancarte]

I love A&O. I have been subscribed for 2 years. The notebook quality is definitely better than any other bullet journal I’ve seen. I live in the US, so they ship very quickly. They also have amazing sales.

[@ErinSmith]

That’s awesome Gabriela - which box has been your favourite so far?

[@Gplancarte]

@@ErinSmith it’s hard to pick! September 2022 and December 2022 were stunning!!

[@menollywhite8674]

I’ve been drawn into A&O slowly, mostly because of these sub boxes. I’m US based, so it’s pretty affordable for me, but I have loved every single one. My least favorite in the last 2 years has been the Camp one, the water bottle broke the first time I used it, and I’m not a big fan of all the motivational stuff. But the Vintage Library was my absolute favorite! As a big reader, I almost started crying unboxing that one. Had a great time watching this video, and hearing your unfiltered thoughts.

[@antzieisme]

Wonderful video! I loved seeing each and every box ❤ I think the bottle looking sticker flakes or the first box are actually charcuterie boards 😂

[@ErinSmith]

😂😂 yep, I didn’t look closely enough clearly!

[@joanevelazquez319]

The library set is the prettiest!

[@kristase]

Great video! I LOVE the mustard embroidered notebook from the March box 😍

[@ErinSmith]

Haha I think I’m going to learn to love it too - it will be on my channel a lot in 2024 as my reading journal! 😍

[@daniellemarics]

Great video! I have gotten three A&O boxes before. I cancelled before for the Picnic one and the Camp one and I was so thankful that I did. I love picnics and camping but hated those boxes. There was nothing in them that I liked. I did get the Book one and loved it so much!

[@ErinSmith]

Sounds like we have very similar taste Danielle! What were the previous two boxes you got? Were you happy with those ones?

[@daniellemarics]

@@ErinSmith I got the Cozy Cafe one, which I shared with my mom - she took a journal and the mug, and then I gave the lead pencils to a friend. I haven't used much of the washi that came with it, but I loved the other stuff. I also got the September 2022 box - I am not sure what the name was. I love that box so much. It had letter stamps, a flower press, and some beautiful notebooks.

[@chellesofbooks]

I appreciate you doing this unsponsored review of A&O products. I agree with a lot of your sentiments around this company - the price point is just a little too much for us international folk. I have used three A&O journals, and I have enjoyed my time, but I cannot justify the subscription price point at all. And like you, I'd find a lot of the smaller, non-journal items not for me and my specific uses. That said, the vintage library one has me wanting it so badly! I'd love to use a square journal one day, but other than that, I think there's some fantastic, more affordable bullet journal options out there, and don't feel any desire to sign up for their subscription boxes.

[@EvanLuke3]

I subscribed to the September box and loved all of the vintage library stuff that came in the box. I am subscribed to get the December box. I am going to make a decision then whether to keep my subscription or cancel it. You are correct, you can collect one too many bullet journals very quickly but I love the experience!!! Thank you for your review. I really enjoyed it!❤️

[@ErinSmith]

I’ll be watching other people’s videos to see what’s in that December box too! I’m so curious! Thank you so much for watching 🥰🥰

[@erink7050]

I love the visuals of Archer and Olive notebooks, but I'm dedicated to traditional lined grid, not dot grid, which they don't make. So that's good for my wallet, but definitely leaves me with some notebook envy

[@angelabassett7984]

I did their subscription for a few cycles and while I felt it was a good value, I ended up with a fair number of items that weren’t my style or wouldn’t be used. While something like a water bottle is cute, I’d prefer to get something stationary related in my stationary box.

[@jenniferlarsonjaylaplans]

If I remember correctly I got the first 3 subscription boxes when they first came out with the subscription service. As with most subscription boxes there are a few hits and many misses. There have been a few boxes I would have liked since then but not enough to keep the subscription or re sub. I also stocked up on A5 journals when they had one of their really big sales which was also right before the shipping costs went up (increased by a lot as I am in Canada). I haven’t purchased from them since and try to stay away from their social media as to not get fomo. But I wanted to see your opinion and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@kittenandgoat]

I want to try it later this year - the postage makes me put it off!

[@cmeri29]

Thanks for this honest review of the A&O subscriptions! I never fully trust the folks who are affiliates or brand ambassadors, though I know they mean well. A&O can for sure feel a bit cult-like at times. I have been a subscriber to their quarterly boxes for a few years and always look forward to the shipments, but they are also very hit or miss. Your reaction to the June box was exactly like mine. I will definitely be giving the You Got This journal away if I can find someone who will take it off my hands :) On the other hand, the Vintage Library box is the best I've ever gotten, hands down. I appreciate all of your amazing videos, and the reviews of subscription boxes have been especially helpful, because you say what you really think! 💜

[@ErinSmith]

Sounds like you and I have similar taste 😉 I ended up giving that You Got This journal to a friend… who immediately put a sticker over it! Thank you so much for watching, and sharing your experience too! 😘

[@plancreatecope]

I have some thoughts I would like to share and point out. I have been getting these boxes since March 2022. I have recently had some financial woes and I was able to pause my subscription and it picked back up the next quarter (so I missed the Camp A&O box & I just received my Vintage Library). These are a great value if you live in the states and have an opportunity to pause the subscription whenever you like. It is around $90 usd in the US with shipping. They also have monthly boxes at $37 too which are not a subscription, but do not include a notebook. I really think that they are a very flexible company to shop and the quality is 5 stars. Hope you enjoy these products as much as I have. The newest journals all have the spine detail which is chef's kiss. As always, I love your videos. Your view and opinion are genuine and refreshing.

[@ErinSmith]

I was really hoping there would be a US box subscriber in the comments to give your perspective, thank you so much for this! It makes perfect sense that it’s great value for US customers - I think I would stick around for the December box if I was in the US too! I definitely love that you can pause the subscription - and their new system with the sneak preview photo is so good, to give you that opportunity to opt out if you aren’t vibing with it. How did you find the 2022 boxes? Any standout favourites?

[@plancreatecope]

@@ErinSmith I try not to see the sneak peeks but I follow all of their ambassadors and it gets really hard. My 2022 experience was amazing. I loved everything. The December or Q4 box and the March Q2 box were my faves. They have a great blog on the website as well.

[@jenniferr9998]

I really enjoy getting these boxes. They don't typically have notebooks that I want to use for the specific things I like to journal for. BUT I really like having them for random things I decide I could use a notebook for. I ended up taking the ladybug one to work because I needed something to help me with my goals at the office and didn't want to "waste" one of my preferred journals that I use for tracking my writing or for my story journals and things like that. I'm sure I keep getting these a little because of FOMO, but I like getting the stationery and crafty things. And I really appreciate that they do certain aesthetics really well. For me, usually the fall (anything with books on it) and Halloween collections fit my aesthetic more than the everyday items or spring/summer items. Sometimes I gift journals that I know I won't use from the box. For me, if they have 2 journals and a set of pens then they at least cover the cost of what those items would be on their own in the store and that makes it at least "worth" the cost of the box (I'm in the US so shipping isn't extra). But I do also know that there have been boxes where I probably wouldn't have bought individually enough items if I had to buy them in the store to justify the cost. It's currently my main shopping vice though. :)

[@ErinSmith]

I love that perspective Jennifer - using a notebook you love less for a less exciting purpose makes so much sense! Which has been your favourite box so far?

[@jenniferr9998]

@@ErinSmith The most recent Vintage Library box has definitely been my favorite. I think my second favorite is also a September box (last year's with the green velvet journal - I forget what it was called).

[@nicolaskeet9667]

After seeing the December 2021 sub box which was gorgeous i signed up. I had March, June and December for 2022 like you there were things i loved and some bits not so much. As shipping to the UK was high imstarted to question whether it was worth it i paused on this years March and June boxes as they didn't appeal to me . Very tempted by the Library box but decided from a price point it wasn't worth it and have now cancelled my subscription. I now have enough bullet journals to keep me going for several years 😂

[@ErinSmith]

It will be so satisfying to fill those journals up! What was the best item you got from one of the boxes?

[@nicolaskeet9667]

Best item would be a floral green tote bag. Had many pockets to put crafting supplies in .

[@melaniesjournal8998]

Lovely review! I had paused my subscription for the March and June boxes, they really weren't my thing, and shipping is far too expensive to get items I won't use. But also the generally feedback towards those boxes wasn't that great and props to Archer and Olive for listening and changing up their boxes to great one of the best so far, which is the Vintage Library. Super happy I got that one. As you said, it's all about the experience they provide :)

[@ErinSmith]

I didn’t realise they were adjusting them based on user feedback - that’s phenomenal, we love a company that cares about what the customer wants!

[@Haffina]

I would love to try out their products, but the shipping puts me off, plus the Aussie dollar is bogus currently.

[@ErinSmith]

It is some STEEP shipping for sure. And the few Aussie stores that resell still have to factor that shipping in, so they aren’t really any cheaper to buy locally 😅

[@frederiquelong785]

Hi Erin, Your video about the subscription boxes by Archer & Olive happened to appear in my feed (well, I am following you, it may not be totally coincidental 😉) It was nice to watch a video with a lot of description that was not sponsored 👏 I personally think that Archer & Olive is way over-rated. They sure sell some beautiful notebooks, they feel nice to use, but if you order them from Europe, you end up paying as much in tax and shipping as the actual price of the notebook itself (prices of their notebooks seem okay to me, they are high quality). Except for their notebooks, I am not a fan of their stickers, washitapes, pens... I also had a bad experience with their customer service. With some friends and colleagues, we ordered 20 notebooks to try and reduce the cost of shipping (it was still expensive but we all agreed on it). We asked for a group price, which could have been proposed to us considering our order... It never was and they refused our request. We still placed or order, there was not ONE sticker as a gift. Now, I am using a French on line company, which I think you are using too, called My Mellow Days. Their notebooks are a little bit expensive, but are extremely beautiful, provide watercolor paper and the dots are almost invisible (sepia color on very light off white paper). Their stickers are very pretty too. For me, shipping is very affordable as I live in France... !

[@LDH_Crafts]

I can't wait for these to be available I am definitely signing up

[@monicasdesignprocess]

Loved getting to see this, thank you for sharing! My favorite is also the library box, I wish I could just buy that one by itself :D Are you able to see what the theme of the subscription box is before you subscribe for the first time or is it completely a surprise each time? You mentioned you had to pay for shipping in addition to the $75 price, do you happen to know if that's the case for those who live in the US?

[@ErinSmith]

They have posted their past boxes as ‘gift boxes’ before - you can get the camp and picnic boxes at the moment on their own on the site! Another commenter mentioned their Library box went missing and they have to wait until they come back into stock in February for their replacement box - so maybe keep an eye on the website around then! 😉 They seem to have a flat rate for domestic shipping according to the website but I can’t say for certain what it is! As far as seeing what’s upcoming, this is from their email in July: ‘Starting with the September box, we will be doing away with the sneaky experience for good. Prior to billing, you will be provided one image that represents the theme and reveals 3-4 items in the box. You will only see these items if you choose to click through to see them. This will provide information to help confirm your interest, while preserving the excitement and mystery a subscription offers. If you are unsure whether you want to participate based on this information, you are always welcome to cancel your subscription and resubscribe when it is open to new customers and the contents of the box has been fully revealed.’

[@marcimatt]

Wow sooooo cute I need to subscribe to a & o and to you lol love the review! I would love 8 notebooks a year hehe

[@paratrooperwife]

THANK YOU for providing a completely honest review of the A&O sub box. I appreciate this! As much as I like sub boxes, I feel like I'm probably get more bang for my personal buck by just buying what I wanted and skipping the sub box. Perhaps one day A&O will offer options to tailor more to personal aesthetic, colors or preferences (which would be a lot more to manage, however, more customer-focused) but in the meantime I think that there's more value in just buying here and there. Wowza, that shipping costs...costs to ship are pretty significant $$$$$. Thank you again and I'm subbing to YOUR channel ;-)

[@ErinSmith]

I'm so glad you found it helpful, thank you for subscribing! I definitely feel like the A&O conversations out there are largely started by their affiliates - I really wanted to offer something a bit more impartial!

[@grapai]

Even the shipping costs to Canada are pretty hefty, and we're neighbours! They're beautiful but I agree it's not overly accessible price-wise.

[@ErinSmith]

Eep! I totally understand this stuff can get heavy and it makes sense heavy boxes cost more to ship… but it doesn’t make it easier to part with your money either 😅

[@grapai]

@@ErinSmith Very true, and most of us stationery fans don’t need too much convincing to part with money for stationery normally lol!

[@lilypk3220]

Thanks so much! Your comments about the A&O paper being bright white and the dots being a bit too dark - have you found anything where the paper is a bit creamier?

[@ErinSmith]

The Moonbeam journal from the Washi Tape shop has lovely creamy paper! I’m currently using one from Mellow Days which has creamy watercolour paper with a slight texture to it as well. There aren’t many of them out there but there are a few! 🥰

[@lilypk3220]

@@ErinSmith Thanks! The bright white kills me, hah!

[@ErinSmith]

I feel you!

[@louisacoote2337]

In the last box, the red and gold notebook looks just like some fancy classic children’s books I got one Christmas or birthday ( think Five Children and It, A Little Princess…). I love lined not3books so it would be perfect for me!

[@ErinSmith]

Ohh it does!! It’s so charming 😍 I think I’ve come up with a purpose for it, I’m excited to start using it!!

[@DvorahDavida5778]

The Library themed box was my first subscription box! I loved it. I too am going to be working HARD not to see any sneak peeks of the December one. I watched EVERYTHING about the library one to see if I was willing to spring for a subscription. I was convinced. BUT ... I agree with you about the camping themed one... I would not have been quite so excited about that one, and frankly, this may happen to me down the line. 😯 We'll see. The one thing that is a buffer for 'not my aesthetic' problems is that I keep a very wordy daily journal, so I would always be using up whatever notebooks they send my way. 🤣 This was a very honest review of A&O ... I enjoyed every minute! Thanks!

[@ErinSmith]

You chose the BEST time to subscribe 😍 I believe they took on a lot of customer feedback along the course of my subscription, which helped make the library box so good - hopefully that means your December box will be a winner too 😍

[@DvorahDavida5778]

I don't know... that box that contained that tea cup.... I woulda liked that! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣@@ErinSmith

[@lisalacroix4780]

I'm in Canada. I don't like the shipping and exchange rate. So I feel you.

[@marilynsutherland5079]

I think the last one is my fave especially cuz love to read can you get just one box I’d have to see what getting before I’d pay that probably

[@ErinSmith]

I believe they send out a photo that teases some of the upcoming box items, and from there you can pause the membership if it doesn’t look like a good fit for you!

[@lisaleone2296]

Thank you for the review - sub boxes are so hit and miss because people have different styles, and I tend to agree these don't match my aesthetic. I literally didn't like any of the boxes. Had I bought those, I would have considered it a waste of money. Also, there is way too much packaging which I think is meant to justify the price but it's going to get recycled so how about just wrap the stuff in tissue paper?

[@steffymuze]

The overboxing is too much for me too. It's beautiful yes but ends up recycled unless I use for wrapping presents or storing things later. Not environmentally friendly at all. 🙁 like, every little thing has a box, it's OTT

[@melnorman350]

Thank you for this video I had seen the September box on JashiiCorrin and I had been thinking about but I had come to the same opinion as you. Except I loved the ladybird stuff especially the washi tape ❤

[@steffymuze]

Curious to see how they're evolved since I just unboxed the March one and love it, my 1st one. I'd already used their stuff (on sale, ha!) so been stalking them awhile. The fountain pen set got me in the latest Nature set. What I don't like is everything is sold out by the time I got the coupon code in the box.

[@ErinSmith]

From what I understand (and have learned since making this video haha) they took on a lot of customer feedback around the period of the first two boxes I got here and used it to improve - which is why the September box was so good! I think they’ve really nailed the formula now - still a bit too $$$ for me personally and you’re right, they’re in SUCH high demand they’re hard to get your hands on now!

[@MeowMyselfandI]

I think I have a similar style to yours so the vintage box is the only one I'd use a lot of the stuff from haha If I was richer maybe it'd be fun to get the surprise but probably safer to buy directly from their shop if I ever get something from them. Thanks for the review

[@ErinSmith]

That feeling when you’re mostly outside the niche 🥲

[@_sarathedreamer]

It's crazy to me how expensive the shipping is for Archer and Olive... I live in Canada (so right next door!!!) and it's almost 40$ on top of the journal price lol Also I agree with you, I much prefer choosing my things rather than using a subscription box because the aesthetic is IMPORTANT!! hahaha

[@ErinSmith]

Eep that’s still very expensive! I’m super curious how much their domestic shipping is now 👀

[@samanthazarring9502]

@@ErinSmith I live in the US and I recently placed an order from Archer and Olive. I actually bought their Picnic-themed subscription box outside of the subscription (as they had extras, apparently). I didn't have any domestic shipping costs, aside from an optional $5.00 for mail insurance (which would let them replace items mailed to me if they were stolen or arrived damaged).

[@KatVonDoom]

Just discovered bujo and I'm so sad about missing an opportunity to try the September box. Does the bujo community have like trade groups or anything? Would love more info or resources about connecting with the community 💜

[@ErinSmith]

They have released some of the past boxes as ‘gift boxes’ - the Charming Picnic box has a listing on the site at the moment (although it’s now sold out post Black Friday) so there’s a good chance it will become available again! Besides that, I know there are plenty of journaling-focused Facebook groups, Discord servers and Reddit threads. People sometimes ‘destash’ their unused items in those groups - you could try looking for one local to your city/state/country? I hope that helps! 🥰

[@janalewis3030]

Love your review! The Vintage Library pushed me into ordering one when they opened it up for newbies. Unfortunately, there was a shipping problem and the box was lost and they are out. :( So, I miss out again. It happens!

[@ErinSmith]

Oh no! What an experience, I’m so sorry to hear that Jana 😭 I hope the December box is next-level so you get to really relish it!

[@Muggleston]

The pink keychain is a reproduction motel room key. On its own it wouldn’t make an impression but it’s sort of 1950s Americana motel key.

[@steffymuze]

Yep. I noticed that immediately bc I have one on my keys rn 😂

[@joreads8782]

FYI, someone has probably already posted about this since your video only just came across my feed, but the solar scrap paper is safe to take out when inside and in a UV free environment as it’s mainly UV radiation that causes the change. Just don’t take it out near a window or under fluorescent lights, but everyday night lighting should not expose it. The most common brand of this paper is the sun print paper if you want to experiment with it further.

[@ErinSmith]

Oh that is incredibly helpful, thank you for this! I've been keeping it in the bottom of a drawer because I wasn't sure how sensitive it was. I'm glad I don't need to be quite that careful!

[@roniinkster1578]

This is a great video for a newbie like me. I will have to check and see what exchange rate and shipping is to Canada. They have amazing looking things and I would like to try some of it.

[@christinejean9134]

I am based in Canada and the last sub box was 140,88 CAN$. It takes in average 3 weeks to receive. I loved the last box but March and June were deceiving for me.

[@roniinkster1578]

@@christinejean9134 Thanks for this info. $140 is a bit steep right now for me, but looks like they are definitely worth the money. If they are to your tastes …

[@MainerChick]

I just subscribed to the A&O quarterly sub box. This was a good overview of their box. I look forward to my 1st box June 2024. I wish I had got the library box. I am hopeful for the fall box. 👻🕸️🕷️

[@ErinSmith]

I think they’ve really improved the boxes since I tried them! I hope you enjoy 🥰

[@juliangelus]

I have a few A&O notebooks that I've bought when they have sales, but the shipping to the UK just means they cost as much as their regular notebooks. That being said I subscribed to the sub box just for the vintage library one after seeing Jess do some sneak peeks. I won't be continuing with it further though. I was lucky enough to get the mustard embroidered one as part of their 6th anniversary sale and it's beautiful but.. watch cat claws on the embroidery. Great video :)

[@ErinSmith]

Ooh cat claws - that’s a great tip!

[@kaths3990]

I love A and O products but there are only certain ones available in the UK and some stuff sells out quickly. There have been a couple of subscription boxes I wanted but shipping is simply prohibitive. Some other international shipping doesn’t seem as expensive. This was very interesting and generated stationery envy! 🤣

[@ErinSmith]

Are there UK based suppliers who stock A&O? I find it’s similar with the few Aussie online stores who stock them - limited range (understandably) and some items sell out so fast!

[@cja398]

Yes. Absolutely

[@ErinSmith]

I think they’ve improved a lot since I tried these ones!

[@suzannebrownbill9232]

Even in Canada the shipping prices are pretty eye watering. I am not a subscriber to the A&O boxes but I have bought one as part of their black Friday sale the last two years. Doing that is an excellent savings but you are left with their less popular boxes so no pretty library box for me.

[@kellys9584]

I ended up getting the March box for the price of one journal when they had a big sale and it was so fun but I wouldn’t buy a kit at full price even being in the US the boxes are pricey. OT: your handwriting is gorgeous. 😊 Did you take a class or are you self taught?

[@ErinSmith]

Ohhh that’s a huge win! Can’t argue with that kind of value 😍 As far as writing - I’m mostly self-taught but I have taken a couple of workshops in the past 2-3 months that have helped me refine things!!

[@colourmequaint9690]

With those prices, I would definitely have white page anxiety. This stuff is beautiful but I‘m too broke for surprises and things I don’t use or love….

[@prettywitchery]

As a fellow Australian I knew the actual price would be pain but 😬 Too many positive vibes unnerve me too . They do seem to be nice boxes but alas. I also feel like maybe if you could pick your journal size it might be more worth it (kinda maybe the exchange rate kills it)

[@ErinSmith]

That’s an interesting idea, choosing your journal size! I can imagine how it would complicate things on the production side, but as a consumer that’d be AMAZING.

[@Cordelia0704p]

The September box is the best box they've done in awhile. I skipped the March box I think its awful (love the embroidery but I probably hate yellow more than you do lol). The basket with no purpose was the sneak that sent me over the edge and made me skip. I didnt like the june box either, but I did get it because I wanted all yhe writing tools and I have a friend eho loved the notebooks and my daughter likes all that positive affirmations stuff, so it was distributed well. The glass water bottle is on a shelf in my office as a decorative piece lol But september was amazing which makes me curious to see december. I think younwould have liked the dec 2022 box - tea themed. So cute and came with a tea cup - but no saucer to the annoyance of many of us lol dec 2021nwas an oddly shaped blackout notebook with a rabbit on it. A lot of black and purple in that box. It wasnt the best by far - my daughter loved the rabbit stuff though. There was a 2022 box that was like plant/jungle themed that was a good box too.

[@ErinSmith]

It's so refreshing to know I'm not the only mustard not-enjoyer! I feel like your situation makes so much sense - having friends and family who you can share the items with is so good! That Dec 2022 box sounds right up my alley, I wish I'd started this experiment in time for that one!

[@mooncraftbujo]

A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SEVEN DOLLARS 😮 for me I love A&O notebooks but the sub boxes are never quite worth the money or shipping costs to the UK. Some of the journals are beautiful though 😅

[@ErinSmith]

Yep 😅 I’m taking a bit of time off trying subscription boxes after this one, gotta save up! 😅 can you get A&O journals from any UK suppliers? Or do you typically order straight from the site?

[@mooncraftbujo]

@ErinSmith they've stopped all UK suppliers now unfortunately! The only ones I have are ones I've bought from friends in the US who have been selling them on. I looked at getting one the other day and shipping costs more than the journal itself 😭

[@ErinSmith]

Eeeeep 🥲

[@mizaness]

Ah! I love your review! I keep getting slammed by their ads on ig as well. Maybe because I follow a lot of US people. Their packaging is top notch! But omg the cost, cannot be justified. Im from Malaysia and everything from US is insane unless they do a flat rate international shipping like Sterling Ink.

[@ErinSmith]

Ahhh that’s brutal - I love flat rate free shipping, I understand why it might not be possible for these boxes but in general, it really does make it a nicer shipping experience doesn’t it 😅 also HELLO CONTINENT NEIGHBOUR! I love Malaysia! Please have a teh tarik for me 💕 they’re so hard to find over here!

[@sharonthecolourist5955]

I loved the last one soooooooooooo much

[@ErinSmith]

It’s SO good Sharon! Thanks for watching 😍

[@MG-xp7fr]

Your hair looks great today!

[@ErinSmith]

Oh thank you! 🥰

[@girlscarf]

out of all of the boxes i really really want the september box wow!

[@ErinSmith]

It was definitely superior 😉

[@ferolives16]

The A&O subscription box doesn't work for me. After converting values and with import taxes (here in Brazil it is equivalent to 60% of the total) plus shipping, it would be cheaper to travel to the USA and buy there. I could just buy one a year 😂. The one I liked the most was also the one from September, I really liked the old book look of the notebooks.

[@ErinSmith]

That’s a big shipping bill to Brazil! Totally understandable - I hope you have some wonderful stationery alternatives available locally!

[@ravent3016]

I like the Library Box the best, the Picnic box second, and the Camp one third. I didn't care for the affirmation theme. It's not my style at all. Quarterly is a good timing. If you have a lot of gifts to buy, this might be helpful. It wouldn't be a match for me. I liked the color palettes of the pen sets and thought they were a good value. I love washi, so the coordination is nice. Overall, I curate my stationary to my style, so I like to choose each thing I buy. I don't have the budget to gamble.

[@ErinSmith]

I think we might have very similar taste, I’d rank the boxes the same! 😉

[@solar1913]

I gave myself the gift of 1 year of subscription and my fourth was June so I stopped there…. And then September arrived and it would have been the best one for me. Oh well!

[@ErinSmith]

Ohhh that’s a shame! I hope you still got some wonderful things!

[@thebrashbookshelf]

I was subscribed for just over a year and made the decision to stop because of the cost (I'm also in Australia), and I did not get good value out of them (I only ever liked the notebooks and pens)

[@FiddlecatLilo]

Do you know what the current subscription box shipping cost to Oz is? Ta

[@ErinSmith]

It changes each month depending on the exchange rate 🥲 because you’ll be charged in US dollars. I haven’t bought anything from them since the September box but maybe someone else can weigh in!

[@gloria962]

I’ve been subscribed since last December and this September box was going to be my last and it was the one I was most excited about. However, it got lost in the mail and now I have to wait until February 2024 when they restock. I’m so disappointed. I am cancelling my subscription, but I had decided to do that before this box got lost. I haven’t been disappointed with any of the boxes. For me the notebooks alone were worth it, but each box had some items that were very underwhelming.

[@ErinSmith]

Ohh I'm so sorry - that's so frustrating! But you'll still get one as a replacement when they're back in stock?

[@gloria962]

@@ErinSmith That’s what they said. I just hope it’s exactly like the original. I could have gotten a refund, but I really wanted this box.

[@Gilded_Cage_Princess]

I think this box looks more like summer camps and not all just camping camping. Just my take tho.

[@jessicahanson-gamroth7636]

The key chain is meant to be cheap. In America, motels, but especially where you could rent a cabin…those were the kind of key rings your cabin keys were on. It brought me back to the inexpensive cabin camping in Northern Minnesota my family would do once a year 🥰

[@ErinSmith]

Ohhh thank you for this context! That’s so lovely that it could give you that rush of nostalgia! I guess it works better as decor than an in-use keyring then 😅

[@chaaachouu16]

The marketing is very clever and there is no doubt that their notebooks and notepads are very high quality. But I think other products of theirs are not that good. For example I feel the quality of the Calliographs and the washi tapes is very random 😅 (1 of the Calliographs I received was already dead when it arrived and one of the others died a few months after, even though I've barely used it)

[@ErinSmith]

Ohh that’s so interesting Cha - mine seem to be ok so far but I haven’t given them any heavy use. I’ve heard people say similar things about the Acrylographs - very interesting 👀

[@swe3tpeach]

my thing is, I can never get anything from archer&olive because everything is always sold out. and I'm not one to be waiting at my computer at the exact drop time wither. I want to buy something when I want to buy it, you know? even the subscription box being sold out is so strange to me. like, why can't I put my card in, the company uses that data to determine how many to order, then I get the stuff when it comes? they have 3 months to determine purchase amounts. . . it makes it feel like you have to be "grandfathered in." I live in the us, but these issues have stopped me from making a purchase for YEARS. so disappointing.

[@ErinSmith]

That’s an interesting point - I have never bought anything besides the sub boxes on their site so that’s a very useful perspective to have!

[@brendabignall9926]

Too spendy and not my favorite colors. Hoping to try their Mental Health Art boxes one day. ❤️🫂✨

[@ErinSmith]

Ooh I hadn’t heard about those! I’ll have to look into them. I agree these are definitely priced as a luxury stationery item. I think I’m a cheap stationery girl 😅

[@jordansutherland183]

I’m glad to hear someone else think they’re overhyped. The mention of a cult following made me feel less crazy that I’m not a big fan. Cult following is pretty accurate

[@ErinSmith]

Yes! They do seem to have some very ✨passionate✨ fans.

[@laurelkromer5756]

I just subscribed for the quarterly kits a couple weeks ago. I absolutely love Archer & Olive. I am so looking forward to my first pack in January! 💜 I also subscribed to the monthly kits 😂 I may have a problem, lol!

[@ErinSmith]

You're going to be SO stocked up Laurel, so many things to look forward to!

[@Lifewith21catsand2dogs]

What is a reading journal..is that what we are calling s diary now with no decor

[@ErinSmith]

No it’s where I track and review the books I read in its own little notebook.

[@Lifewith21catsand2dogs]

@@ErinSmith oh I definitely would have never thought to do that..u must read a lot .I best get on my game I love that idea:)

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

Ive never owned one but i want the library book sub kit that came out this past month!!! But everyone is literally charging DOUBLE just for the notebook... the olanner community has honestly lost their mind lately... i just saw FIVE washi listed at $600.... $600!!!!!! Im sorry but thats absolutely ridiculous if you ask me. Ok rant over.

[@ErinSmith]

WAIT WHAT?! Is this like an underground secondhand trade kind of thing, like people scalping the subscription box items??

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

​@@ErinSmithit's an app where people can resell their planner items - Mercari. When I say the coffee monster co items go for INSANE PRICES I'm not even joking. I saw ONE, yes ONE, washi go for $150+... I could NEVER justify needing a washi THAT BAD. Even if I had the money to do so. And honestly I feel like it's a slap in the face to the creator because she does all the hard work and then people will buy her stuff just to sell for quadruple the price. It's absolutely insane and a side of the planner/BUJO community that I want no part of.

[@lennoxraynewood2741]

I don’t like it when journal company lists their products by page amount instead of sheet amounts because they like to count each side of one sheet of paper as two pages making it sound like theirs ALOT of paper when their really is not, a 192 page notebooks is really only 96 sheets of paper.

[@ErinSmith]

So you’d prefer a leaf count or a spread count? I had never considered this before but it does make sense!

[@lennoxraynewood2741]

@@ErinSmith I prefer to buy notebooks that list the number of sheets of paper that are contained inside the book not the number of pages

[@brandyward9677]

Not a bottle with bread. It's a bread board. 😊❤

[@ErinSmith]

🤦‍♀️ that makes SO much more sense!!

[@jeaninehaakt]

Thank you for your opinion. I think this gives me enough information to not subscribe. Because of not able to choose. And i think shipping to the Netherlands also is not cheap .

[@Risici_Bloom]

The paper is not even acid-free.. O_o Just pretty covers and thick paper that won’t last. How is that luxury?

[@ErinSmith]

I’ve seen a few sources say they do use acid free paper, but I can’t confirm based on their website. Do you have a journal brand you prefer with acid free paper? I’d love to hear about it! I honestly don’t mind too much if my pages yellow - I don’t really look back at them once I finish using them 😅

[@Risici_Bloom]

@@ErinSmith I asked them and I still check in to see if they have thought about changing to an acid free paper. They are advertising the books as “heritage”, “keepsakes”, etc.. but they won’t last. I wish they would just change because the reason so many use them is to have something nice to save their writings in. Even the cheaper brands (who basically use the same materials) use acid free paper instead of what they use. It’s a cost cutter for them and it is sad. Look up acid free bullet journals, journals, planners, etc - there are so many.. then search for the weight of paper you want. They don’t have the affiliates on youtube pushing their products. Also, Notebook Therapy is the same as A&O. Some people get NT books and they say A&O and vice versa. Mishap in the warehouse!