Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Out Of The Box Sampler {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Personally, I love handmade items. I could spend hours browsing online and only make it through a tiny fraction of all of the wonderful shops and boutiques out there, but still end up saying, "I'd like one of those... oooh, and one of THOSE... and maybe a COUPLE of these..." But who has the time for that? And where would I even start?

Therefore, when I first heard about Out Of The Box Sampler, I knew that it was the perfect way to get a taste of some of the best-of-the-best handmade sites without having to scour the web to find them myself.


I don't think our mail has ever smelled so good! After unwrapping our beautifully packaged Out Of The Box Sampler, I felt like a kid in a candy store ready to rip it open and dig inside. As Big Sister E and I pulled out each gorgeous candle or tasty snack or bar of soap, I kept taking more and more deep breaths to fully enjoy the delicious aromas.

Filled to the brim each month with samples from at least 15 - 17 different businesses, Out Of The Box Sampler is an ingenious way to try a large selection of products in a variety of categories to discover which ones you will like. In the March Sampler Box, we were treated to a multitude of votives, soap bars, tarts, bath bombs, cards, caramels and SO many more handcrafted goodies!


After we finally had all of the items laid out, Big Sister E's eyes were frozen on the popcorn balls from Silly Sophia's Snacks, an adorable Etsy shop that I otherwise would probably have never discovered. As Out Of The Box Sampler makes sure that any food items are always fresh when the boxes are sent out, these tasty treats were as scrumptious as if they had just been made in our kitchen. Big Sister E definitely approved!

As well as all of the unique and handmade samples that we found in our Out Of The Box Sampler, there were other generous surprises as well. Included with the list of contributors and shops involved, many of the businesses included a coupon code for a discount for future shopping at their store. What a great way to try out so many online retailers, select your favorites and then be able to go back and get a deal buying more.

And that's not all. Out Of The Box Sampler loves to add surprises in their boxes as well, so you never know if you'll find a raffle ticket, discount on your next box or more. I kept my eyes open for a winning gold coin in our March Box, but unfortunately, didn't find one. There's always next time!

Whether you're looking for an introduction to some of the best candles, one-of-a-kind jewelry, cards, gourmet food and luxurious spa items or are looking for a unique surprise for Mother's Day or an upcoming birthday, Out Of The Box Sampler makes a distinct and special gift. Even better, each month will present you with many more new shops to enjoy!

Thanks to the generosity of Out Of The Box Sampler, one person will get to experience Christmas in April when they discover all of the samples from a multitude of wonderful companies, because...

One lucky person will win an April Box from Out Of The Box Sampler!
ARV $25!



To enter to win an April Out Of The Box Sampler: Visit Out Of The Box Sampler and sign up for their newsletter (found in the column on the right). You'll receive exclusive news on contributors, samples, prizes, coupons and more!

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Out Of The Box Sampler on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, follow the Out Of The Box Sampler blog with Google Friend Connect and/or join their forum.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN an Out Of The Box Sampler (ARV $25) for the best handmade items @thxmailcarrier from @samplerboxes! http://bit.ly/bgfrMM #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Out Of The Box Sampler. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 8th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Michelle at Out Of The Box Sampler for providing a March Box for me to review as well as an April Box for one lucky giveaway winner. The perfect way to shop handmade! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

776 comments:

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"Iowa Mom" said...

Teri Hardy is a public follower of yours with Google Friend Connect.
1

"Iowa Mom" said...

Teri Hardy is a public follower of yours with Google Friend Connect.
2

"Iowa Mom" said...

You have subscribed to "Thanks, Mail Carrier."
1

"Iowa Mom" said...

You have subscribed to "Thanks, Mail Carrier."
2

"Iowa Mom" said...

I blogged about this giveaway!:
http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/2010/03/thursdays-win-me-giveaways.html

1

"Iowa Mom" said...

I blogged about this giveaway!:
http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/2010/03/thursdays-win-me-giveaways.html
2

"Iowa Mom" said...

I blogged about this giveaway!:
http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/2010/03/thursdays-win-me-giveaways.html
3

"Iowa Mom" said...

We entered the Pediped Giveaway

Rachel C said...

subscribed to the newsletter
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 1
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

Jean said...

I signed up for the newsletter

mogrill said...

Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Michelle C said...

Signed up for the newsletter!

michelle dot lee dot carter at gmail dot com

Jacqueline in Atlanta said...

I already get the OOB newsletter.

I have ordered three of their boxes in the past. Love them! Plan to order one to be sent to my friend for her bd in May.

Would love that April one just for me, though.

Thanks for having the giveaway!

RJ said...

I get the Out Of The Box Sampler newsletter.

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I follow Out Of The Box Sampler on Twitter.

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I Follow You Publicly on Google Friend Connect

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I Follow You Publicly on Google Friend Connect #2

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I Subscribe to your blog via Email #1


rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I Subscribe to your blog via Email #2


rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I follow Out of The Box on Facebook

FB name - RJ.W.Higgins

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I joined the Out Of The Box Sampler Forum.

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

I follow Out of The Box blog on Google Friend Connect

rjwhiggins@aol.com

RJ said...

http://twitter.com/rjwhiggins/status/10709316054\

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted.

rjwhiggins@aol.com

Sharon Harmon said...

I signed up for the Out of the Box Sampler newsletter. :)
txgigggles@yahoo.com

MeezCarrie said...

I signed up for Out of the Box's newsletter

carriemschmidt at gmail dot com

MeezCarrie said...

I follow Out of the Box's blog with Google Friend

carriemschmidt at gmail dot com

MeezCarrie said...

I follow your blog with Google Friend - entry #1

carriemschmidt at gmail dot com

MeezCarrie said...

I follow your blog with Google Friend - entry #2

carriemschmidt at gmail dot com

MeezCarrie said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed with Google Reader - entry #1

carriemschmidt at gmail dot com

MeezCarrie said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed with Google Reader - entry #2

carriemschmidt at gmail dot com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the britax blink stroller giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

one frugal lady said...

I entered the pediped giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Andrea Hatfield said...

I signed up for the newsletter.

Andrea Hatfield said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/simplyandreah/status/10736103243

Andrea Hatfield said...

I am a Facebook fan of Out of the Box Sampler. (Andrea Hat...)

Andrea Hatfield said...

Following OOTBS on Twitter @simplyandreah

Andrea Hatfield said...

I subscribe via email.

Andrea Hatfield said...

Email subscriber entry 2.

Anonymous said...

I signed up for the emails.

Tracysweetangl said...

subscriber to Out of the Box newsletter

Tracysweetangl said...

follow Out of the Box on google friend connect

Tracysweetangl said...

email subscriber to your blog #1

Tracysweetangl said...

email subscriber to you blog #2

Tracysweetangl said...

follow your blog #1

Tracysweetangl said...

follow your blog

Tracysweetangl said...

joined Out of the Box forums

checkers said...

daily tweet, http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/10754161984

Mandii said...

Twittered!

Mandii411

ammr0411@gmail.com

katzkids by Kathy D. said...

I signed up for the Out of the Box Sampler newsletter.
Thanks for the giveaway:)
kats7960@gmail.com

katzkids by Kathy D. said...

I follow Out of the Box sampler boxes on twitter.My Twitter name is @yellowkats.
Thanks for the giveaway:)
kats7960@gmail.com

"Iowa Mom" said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/10797845183

checkers said...

daily tweet, http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/10803089587

Unknown said...

I am already on the mailing list

misaacmom at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/misaacmom/status/10803171293

Unknown said...

follow Out Of The Box Sampler on twitter at misaacmom

Unknown said...

follow the Out Of The Box Sampler blog with Google Friend Connect

Unknown said...

fb fan

Unknown said...

rss subscriber 1

Unknown said...

rss subscriber 2

Unknown said...

google friend 1

Unknown said...

google friend 2

"Iowa Mom" said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/10822105680

Snowflake07 said...

I signed up for the Out of the Box Sampler newsletter.
hotpepper71 at bell south dot net

Snowflake07 said...

following on twitter (as SnowflakeDay) and tweeted: http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/status/10826356463

Snowflake07 said...

following Out of the Box Sampler on twitter (as SnowflakeDay)

Snowflake07 said...

google friend following the Out of the Box Sampler blog

Snowflake07 said...

Thanks Mail Carrier google friend follower #1

Snowflake07 said...

Thanks Mail Carrier google friend follower #2

Snowflake07 said...

RSS feed subscriber #1

Snowflake07 said...

RSS feed subscriber #2

Snowflake07 said...

I entered the pediped footwear giveaway.

Unknown said...

I subscribed to the Out of The Box Newsletter
polsen11[at]comcast[dot]net

Unknown said...

I follow Out of the Box on twitter @1outnumberedmom

Unknown said...

I follow the Out of the Box Blog on GFC

Unknown said...

I follow you on Twitter @1outnumberedmom

Linda said...

I signed up for the ootb newsletter.
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I'm entered in the Britax Blink Giveaway.
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I'm entered in the Pedipeds giveaway.
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I entered the reusable sandwhich and snack bag giveaway.
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I have your button on my blog 1
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I have your button on my blog 2
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I have your button on my blog 3
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I'm following you on GFC. :)cokelush
1
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I'm following you on GFC. :)cokelush
2
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I'm following you via RSS via Google Reader.
1
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

I'm following you via RSS via Google Reader.
2
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

Subbed to you via email.
1
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

Linda said...

Subbed via email
2
Thanks!
Robin
cokelush at gmail
mark-it-with-a-b.blogspot.com

checkers said...

daily tweet, http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/10853106954

susitravl said...

eMail Subscriber to Out Of The Box Newsletter (susitravl*at*gmail(dot)com)

susitravl said...

Follow Out Of The Box Blog via GFC

susitravl said...

Follow Out Of The Box on Twitter - susitravl

Mandii said...

Tweeted today!

Mandii411

ammr0411@gmail.com

"Iowa Mom" said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/10896983157

checkers said...

daily tweet, http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/10902635477

Snowflake07 said...

tweet http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/status/10902856159

Student Entrepreneur said...

I signed up for the newsletter:)

Student Entrepreneur said...

I am a google friend now!!

Student Entrepreneur said...

I am a google friend

Student Entrepreneur said...

I am a google friend:)

Cynthya said...

I signed up for their newsletter.

Cynthya said...

I became a Out Of The Box Sampler fan on Facebook.

"Iowa Mom" said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/10924121050

one frugal lady said...

I entered the delta faucet giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Snowflake07 said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/status/10943316358

Student Entrepreneur said...

google friend

sharonjo said...

I signed up for Out Of The Box Sampler's email newsletter.
sharonjo at gwtc dot net

lmurley2000 said...

daily retweet
http://twitter.com/lmurley2000/status/10950046858

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

Mandii said...

Tweeted today!

Mandii411

ammr0411@gmail.com

skgaff said...

I signed up for out of the box newsletter
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I follow out of the box sampler on twitter (@skgaff)
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I subscribe to rss feed #1
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I subscribe to rss feed #2
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I subscribe to emails #1
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I subscribe to emails #2
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I follow with google friend connect #1
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I follow with google friend connect #2
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

checkers said...

daily tweet, http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/10961506538

"Iowa Mom" said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/10983171770

skgaff said...

I entered the pedipeds giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the chica-bu giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the fairy-gram giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the prima princessa giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the uprinting giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the CARES giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the high sierra luggage giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the mrs. smith's diaper bag giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

I entered the britax stroller giveaway
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

Marie said...

I am signed up for their newsletter.

marielay@gmail.com

Marie said...

I follow them on twitter -- doodlebug40.

marielay@gmail.com

Marie said...

I am a fan of theirs on Facebook (Venus Marie Lay)

marielay@gmail.com

Marie said...

I follow their blog.

marielay@gmail.com

Marie said...

I follow you on twitter and I tweeted:

http://twitter.com/doodlebug40/status/10996424062

marielay@gmail.com

Marie said...

I follow your blog via Google.

marielay@gmail.com

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I subscribe to Out of the Box newsletter!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Moi Sanom said...

I receive the Out Of The Box Sampler newsletter!
van_ajf@yahoo.com

Moi Sanom said...

I follow Out Of The Box Sampler on Twitter
van_ajf@yahoo.com

Moi Sanom said...

Im a Out Of The Box Sampler fan on facebook
van_ajf@yahoo.com

Moi Sanom said...

I tweeted about this giveaway
van_ajf@yahoo.com

Moi Sanom said...

i follow Out Of The Box Sampler on their blog
van_ajf@yahoo.com

Snowflake07 said...

tweet http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/status/10999930418

"Iowa Mom" said...

We entered the ZooShoo Giveaway.

Nanbon44 said...

I subscribe to out of the box newletter

Peggy said...

Signed up for their newsletter
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

follow Out Of The Box Sampler on Twitter
velvet1116
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

Out Of The Box Sampler fan on Facebook
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

follow Out Of The Box Sampler blog
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

follow and a tweet
http://twitter.com/velvet1116/status/11007750858
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.#2
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

subscribe to RSS feed
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

subscribe to RSS feed #2
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

follow with Google Friend Connect
matternu@gmail.com

Peggy said...

follow with Google Friend Connect #2
matternu@gmail.com

Jennifer T. said...

I signed up for Out Of The Box Sampler's newsletter,

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Out Of The Box Sampler under username Jennie Tilson.

Jennifer T. said...

I follow Out Of The Box Sampler via Google Friend Connect.

Jennifer T. said...

I'm an e-mail subscriber. #1

Jennifer T. said...

I subscribe via Google Reader. #1

Jennifer T. said...

I subscribe via Google Reader. #2

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Traveling With Children Event: My Busy Kit giveaway.

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Traveling With Children Event: Travel Buddies Children's Neck Pillow giveaway.

Jennifer said...

Signed up for their newsletter

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Traveling With Children Event: RandomLine On-The-Go game giveaway.

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the ZooShoo boots giveaway.

Jennifer said...

I follow Out Of The Box on Twitter (@jkgorcery)

Jennifer said...

I follow via google friend connect #2

Jennifer said...

I subscribe via email #2

Jennifer said...

I follow you on Twitter (@jkgorcery) and I tweeted: https://twitter.com/jkgorcery/status/11013490090

Jennifer said...

I entered your Britax Blink Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Mrs. Smith's Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your CARES Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your My Busy Ki Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Travel Buddies Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your RandomLine Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your On-the-Go Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your ZooShoo Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Prima Princessa Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Fairy-Gram Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your snackTAXI Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Chica-bu Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your pediped Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Delta Faucet Giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Justice Juels Giveaway

checkers said...

daily tweet, ,http://twitter.com/checkkers/status/11014463001

Sandra said...

I'm signed up for the newsletter! creativebug at q dot com

Sandra said...

I'm following @thxmailcarrier @creativebug on twitter!

Sandra said...

I'm following @samplerboxes @creativebug on twitter

Sandra said...

I tweeted about this giveaway @creativebug http://twitter.com/creativebug/status/11015458690

jakiesmom said...

i get their newsletter
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net

jakiesmom said...

entered britax

"Iowa Mom" said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/11029077882

Jiya said...

Signed up for the Out of the Box newsletter. jiyasarma at hotmail dot com

Jiya said...

Facebook fan of Out of the Box. jiyasarma at hotmail dot com

Jiya said...

Twitter follower of Out of the Box. jiyasarma at hotmail dot com

Mandii said...

Twittered!

Mandii411

ammr0411@gmail.com

crystal said...

I signed up for their newsletter.
cyclona66(at) aol dot com

Snowflake07 said...

tweet http://twitter.com/SnowflakeDay/status/11068622056

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