Handmade Hive March 2017 Subscription Box Review

Handmade Hive sends monthly mystery boxes filled with handmade goods from small and independent businesses from around the country (and this time the world!). Each month has a theme and will have a great variety of goodies to enjoy.  This month it's "Time for Tea!" I couldn't resist that theme so I had to snag a box for myself.

With every purchase, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations that help fight sex trafficking, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.. The months of January, February and March, donations will go to Truth for Women's Truth Home. Truth Home is a therapeutic residential home offering changed lives and hope-filled futures to survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. The home offers a safe place and supportive services for women who want an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

The Cost: $44.95/month plus $9.99 shipping

What You Get: Each box is filled with locally-sourced, quality handmade goods from small businesses around the country. Each month, the contents will center on a specific theme and contain a piece for home, wardrobe or style. You will receive anything from art, personal-care products and stationery to home goods, edible treats and more.

Teton View Lavender Farm Lavender Jasmine Tea- Made with locally raised lavender at the Teton View Lavender Farm, this tea features a pleasant flavor that will ease stress and help you relax.
Value: $7

Hilltop Candle Co. Lemongrass Tea- I love getting candles in boxes! Especially with Etsy vendors, the scents can be so unique. This scent doesn't smell like the lemongrass I use and love when I make candles, though. Instead it smells sort of a cross between Fruit Loops and lemon Pledge. I freely admit I like Pledge but this seems a little sweet. I just lit it to see if it smells different once it gets hot. Update: So I lit it.... and it tunnelled. I'm going to see if I can get a replacement.
Value: $14

Bucks County Honey Wildflower Honey- Personally clover honey is my favorite (especially if it's from New Zealand) but wildflower honey has a lovely flavor profile, too! This is an amber honey, slightly floral and silky smooth. Yum!
Value: $8

Mustard Seed Sowers Cinnamon Basil Tea- I thought this was going to be cinnamon AND basil but it's really only cinnamon basil. I haven't tried it yet but it smells wonderful! I'm glad it's in teabags already, too.
Value: $6

Village Artisan Handmade Paper Diary- This item was made in India. Forty pages of handmade cotton paper. This is very beautiful. I want to keep this but with this quote on the front it's way too perfect for one of my friends. It says, "She is clothed with strength & dignity and she laughs without fear of the future."
Value: $8

Uplift: A Box Coasters- Handpainted ombre coasters! I love these! I hope the paint doesn't come off with use since these look so good on my office desk. I drink a ton of tea and I've always got something that needs a coaster.
Value: $15

VERDICT: I'm always happy to see honey in any box! I use a lot of it with all my tea drinking. The value of the box is just at the price paid including shipping which is normal for a box like this. I like the coasters and although I can't drink the lavender tea, my mother in law will enjoy it. I'm disappointed about the candle but I have to admit that it's a chance that occurs with handmade items. I'm hoping there won't be any problems replacing it. The diary is gorgeous and I'll definitely be using the honey. :D

If you would like to sign up for Handmade Hive, you can do that here. They have a very extensive shop of goodies, too, if you like handmade things.