unwrapped 2 ~

the local subscription box

NOTE- This post was written when the blog was known as gracieandjess.com ~ Written by @gracielovekin

Jess and I were gifted the December Edition of the “unwrapped” box, a local subscription box which features local businesses and makers, and it did NOT disappoint. Another fantastic curation of the cutest holiday gifts and treats. If this is the first time you’re reading/hearing about this box, go back and read our post entitled “unwrapped” and it will fill you in a little more.

The December box will filled to the brim with almost exclusively handmade goodies. Not to make you feel bad but, here’s what you missed by not buying a box this month, so let’s dive in! Disclaimer: a lot of you missed out on December’s box because it sold out in 24 minutes. Ya. 24 MINUTES!

My old friend Jay from Retro & Handmade (I say old because I’ve known him a long time and he’s older than me!), crafted the cutest wooden mini tree cut from reclaimed century pine barn wood. It is simple, festive and totally giftable. But I won’t be gifting it this year. It’s all mine.
You can get some of Jay’s creations at Casa Alma in Port Hope or in his retail store in Colborne. Check him out on IG @retroandhandmade or email him for a custom item (haha, now you’re doing custom stuff Jay!) info@retrohandmade.ca

Oh my! Baby’s breath has some how become my favourite flower over the past few months and boy was I ever pumped to see a beautifully hand made resin necklace with not only than, baby’s breath INSIDE of it! I’ve never heard of Peace Love and Art before, but isn’t this exactly why you sign up for the unwrapped box? To meet local makers? Kailey does more than jewelry, she works with lots of elements she finds in nature and makes something magical out of each one. Or, want to preserve a flower from your wedding? Or a leaf from a tree planted at your first home? You can find her online shop on Etsy or follower her on IG @peace.love.art.byks

Who knew knots could be so cool? Actually, I did. I used to make the most elaborate bracelets as a kid. Here is the grown up, classy and oh-so trendy version of that. But it’s not a bracelet, it’s home décor, plant hangers, keychains, earrings and so much more! Introducing Movi Designs. Melissa, owner and maker, put in a tiny (and super awesome) organic raw cotton keychain in the box this month and it’s just a sampling of her talents. You have to check out her creations on her IG: @movi_designs

I squealed a little when I opened up the box to see our favourite shortbread cookies inside! The Shortbread Company, the mother daughter team included their candy cane mini iced cookies in the box and it wasn’t two minutes after we were done shooting and both Sara and I broke into them! DELICIOUS! I think I’ve tried ALL their flavours and haven’t met a cookie that they’ve made that I didn’t like. Follow the delicious fun on IG @theshortbreadcompany I’ve also met both Rosie and her mother Rose-Mary and they’re both as sweet as their cookies.

We’ve been following Little Owl Lettering since she painted some adorable sayings on some pumpkins back in October. How could I not buy the “Trick or Treat Yo Self” pumpkin? Then, I saw Shannon’s smiling face at an event and she was as lovely as her designs. Inside this month’s box is a handmade Christmas card. Who will be the lucky recipient of this card this year? Check out ALL of her designs on IG @littleowllettering

Silk and Scarlet was a pleasant surprise! They are an online retail shop that specializes in handmade accessories for all ages. The headband included is beyond adorable and in my favourite colour, grey! Her online collection includes scrunchies, head wraps, headbands (soft and hard), barrettes and so much more! They’re @silk.and.scarlet on IG or check out their silkandscarlet.ca for their POP UP information and more!

I love me a reusable bag! I loved last month’s contribution by Happy Beet but I’m also really enjoying Maureen’s set of 2 bulk resuable bags from Garden of Eden. The mesh bag is great because you can wash your veggies right in the bag and then refrigerate once dry. The canvas bag is made with 100% cotton and has a vinyl window so you can see inside! Garden of Eden also offers other fantastic items for sale on their website: www.gardenofedenreusables.com like menstrual/incontinence pads, items for Mama and baby, napkins, un-paper towels and so much more.

Unwrapped also includes extras! Like, services or items that are too LARGE to fit into a box. And this month was extra special because the two “extras” are Holly Woods Studio, offering $150 off microblading or hybrid brows and Megs & Co. offering 25% off coaching packages booked by the end of this year.

Holly Woods, yes that’s her real name, has done my brows and it was a life changing experience. My brows needed shaping, and I had no idea how to do it. She not only showed me the right shape that should be on my face but also microbladed that perfect shape on my brows in the perfect tint to match my skin colour. I highly recommend going in for a consultation to see if this procedure is for you. Oh, and no, it didn’t hurt. Follow Holly on IG @hollywoodsstudio

Although, only meeting Megs once, I can tell you that she is the loveliest, most calm and patient person. She calls herself “your business’ best friend” and offers coaching for people who want to start a business and aren’t sure how, are overwhelmed in their current business or people who want to take their marketing to the next level. You can follow her on IG @megs_andcompany

Another incredibly fun “unwrapped” box by Brianna, owner and creative genius behind this wildly successful business! If you want to get your hands on next month’s box (January) then head to her website on January 1st to purchase yours! Also, if you mention “Gracie and Jess” in the comments section at check out, you will receive an EXTRA gift! Next month’s extra gift is a mini essential oil roller made by Claire from Claire Irwin Essentials.