Not long after COVID closure happened all over the country, we began to realize the impact it was going to have. On ourselves, our friends, and our chosen family. Among those were the merchants that fill our streets at war and events near and far. Without events to go to they had to rely solely on their web or virtual sales. In sailed Countess Slaine (from Trimaris, I believe) and her idea for goodie boxes for Scadians.
In The Beginning
I wasn’t there at the inception but whoever’s brain child this was, it was brilliant. The thought was to support our merchants in a meaningful way and get things that people would use and appreciate into their hands. Enter the Medieval ReCreationist Box. The thought was to buy items in bulk from vendors and merchants and create goodie boxes at different price points for people to buy as a subscription. It would create a win-win situation. Merchants would be getting some help and people would be getting new items in the mail and, best of all, it was a surprise!
Not a New Idea
Subscription boxes are not a new idea. While there are all kinds out there, I think most would agree that there isn’t one that really is tailored to SCAdians. (Until now, that is!) I did a quick search and the closest things I was able to turn up were subscription boxes that are Medieval Themed but aimed at kids.
History Unboxed, for instance offers a Medieval subscription for varying ages. A quick glance tells me that it covers a wide range of cultures and several different types of crafts to really engage kids. This is not something that’s for adults though.
My Own Goodie Boxes
I had to jump on this. Pennsic is cancelled and I was unable to go to Birka – my two main SCA orientated shopping excursions. I signed up as fast as my little fingers could type and paid for a three month subscription of $15.00 boxes to test the waters. I was not disappointed. The box is not random and there is an additional form to fill out and indicate your color preferences, persona, hobbies, and the like. I was all kinds of excited and couldn’t wait to get my first box!
Box #1
My first box arrived in mid April and I tore into it like a kid on Christmas morning. I may have squeed and giggled like an insane person. The contents are in the picture to the left.
I recieved:
- 8 oz of hand dyed Merino wool from Bee and Elephant
- 1 Salt spoon from Three Stump Forge
- 5 Veil/sleeve pins from Kynas Creations
- 6 “Gold” ornamental hair pins from Brazen Button
- A pair of earrings from Destash Central
Box #2
My second box arrived late May. I was pleased as punch with what was inside this time too. The handmade beads in my heraldic colors were really awesome. The vendor, being located in New Mexico, is not one I’ve encountered before so that was really nifty.
I recieved:
- A Bone lucet (which I didn’t have yet!), yarn and instructions from Miriam’s Yarn and Fibers
- 1 pouch of assorted glass beads from Destash Central
- 1 Naalbinding needle from T.F. Woodcraft
- 2 Handmade beads in my heraldic colors from CAT’s Creations (A new bead swag for my Norse dress, perhaps?)
- 5 Honey sticks from the Bee Folks (YUM!)
Box #3
My last box came in early June and again I was pleasantly surprised.
I recieved (from left to right) :
- 2oz of Parade Day tea from Root 2 Route Botanicals
- Honeyed Rose Lip Balm by Lil’ Elf’s Lip Balm (no website available)
- Wooden bobbin and 2 hand forged sewing needles from Fairy Tales Chest
- Mixed glass beads from Destash Central
- 1 Hand forged hair stick from Three Stump Forge. (Shorter and heavier than my usual stick but works just as well!)
Overall Impressions
My goodie boxes brought me a lot joy during these months we’ve been housebound during COVID. In addition to helping out merchants from around the Known World, I received items that I might not have necessarily have bought for myself had I been shopping in person. Not because I didn’t want it, but rather because it may not be the highest priority. So I guess you can say that I’ve killed two birds with one stone. I’ve gotten things that I would have passed over on a typical year and supported merchants in the process, huzzah!
I would definitely recommend these boxes as holiday gifts, birthday gifts, and little pick me ups. With prices ranging from 5$ USD per box to 70$ USD there are options for everyone. I hope that you’ll support the merchants and bring a little happiness to yourself as well!