Papergang Review: Is This Stationery Subscription Box Worth the Hype?
Hey there, stationery lovers! If you‘re obsessed with all things paper like I am, then you‘ve probably heard of Papergang—the UK-based subscription box that‘s taken the crafting world by storm. I‘ve been happily subscribed to Papergang for over a year now, and I‘m excited to share my honest review of this delightful service. Spoiler alert: if you adore unique designs, supporting indie artists, and the thrill of surprise snail mail, you‘re going to want to keep reading!
What is Papergang?
In case you‘re new to the Papergang party, let me catch you up to speed. Papergang is a monthly stationery subscription box that collaborates with a different up-and-coming illustrator each month to bring you an exclusive collection of paper goodies. Founded in 2017 by the super cool husband-and-husband team behind Ohh Deer, an online gift and greeting card company, Papergang has made it their mission to spread more creativity and kindness in the world through the power of snail mail.
Over the past five years, Papergang has featured the work of over 60 artists from around the globe, while racking up some serious social proof. With 136k Instagram followers, 13k Facebook fans, and features in major publications like Forbes and Buzzfeed, it‘s clear that Papergang is doing something very right.
What Comes in a Papergang Box?
As a loyal subscriber and paper aficionado, I‘ve had the pleasure of unboxing many a Papergang delivery. While the contents change month-to-month, you can always expect to find at least four or five full-sized, premium paper products in each box, with a total retail value of around $40 to $55. That‘s a pretty sweet deal, considering that a month-to-month subscription only costs $21 per box!
Some of my favorite Papergang items I‘ve received include:
- A set of three gorgeous metallic notebooks with dreamy celestial designs by artist Raven Araminta
- Colorful washi tape featuring fun fruit doodles by Hazel Bee
- The cutest dog-themed postcards (pugs in sunglasses? yes please!) from Papio Press
- A desk planner and sticker sheet with bold, retro flower illustrations by Natalie Williamson
- Vibrant brush pens in an exclusive Papergang colorway
I‘m always blown away by the quality and craftsmanship of each item. From the thick, smooth paper stocks to the crisp printing and sturdy packaging, it‘s clear that Papergang doesn‘t cut corners. They source all their paper goods from trusted suppliers and only partner with artists they truly believe in.
One of the things I love most about my Papergang subscription is the element of surprise. While they do release sneak peeks of each month‘s theme and featured artist, you never know exactly what delightful designs will be waiting inside your box until you open it up. There‘s something so exciting about the anticipation and discovery!
Papergang‘s Different Subscription Options
Whether you want to treat yourself to a monthly dose of stationery or gift a subscription to your favorite pen pal, Papergang offers several commitment levels to choose from:
| Subscription | Price (per month) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $21 | $21 |
| Quarterly | $18 | $54 |
| Yearly | $16 & change | $193 |
As you can see, you‘ll save a couple bucks per box if you subscribe for a longer term upfront. Personally, I started out with a monthly plan to make sure I loved it, then upgraded to the annual option once I realized I was hooked!
Shipping is completely free for UK subscribers, while international customers like myself pay a flat $10 fee per delivery. While I was hesitant about the shipping cost at first, I‘ve found that the value and joy I get from each box is well worth the price.
One thing to note is that you can only choose your box theme for the first month of your subscription. After that, each delivery is a complete surprise! I actually prefer it that way – it pushes me out of my comfort zone and allows me to discover designs and color palettes I may not have picked for myself.
But don‘t worry, if you fall head over heels for a specific theme, you can usually purchase past boxes individually from the Papergang shop while supplies last. I‘ve definitely snagged a few of my faves that way!
Papergang‘s Commitment to Sustainability & Giving Back
Aside from their standout designs and dedication to emerging artists, one of the things I admire most about Papergang is their commitment to making a positive impact.
For every four boxes they sell, Papergang pledges to plant one new tree through their partnership with TreeAid, a charity that supports reforestation efforts in Africa. Since implementing this initiative, Papergang has planted over 40,000 trees! As someone who cares about the environment, I love knowing that my stationery addiction is helping to offset carbon emissions in some small way.
Additionally, Papergang creates special charity boxes twice a year, with all profits donated to important causes close to their hearts. For example, they‘ve previously released boxes benefiting the Marine Conservation Society, the Black Lives Matter movement, and LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.
Stationery with a side of social impact? Sign me up!
Unboxing the Papergang Experience
One of my favorite parts of each month is the day my Papergang box arrives in the mail. There‘s nothing quite like the giddy thrill of peeling back the patterned tape, unfolding the tissue paper, and discovering the vibrant treasures inside.
I‘m always impressed by the thought and care that goes into each box‘s presentation. From the colorful custom packaging to the beautifully illustrated info card highlighting the month‘s featured artist, every detail feels intentional and adds to the magic of the unboxing experience. It truly feels like a special gift I‘m giving myself!
I usually snap a few photos of my unboxing to share on my own social media, and I love seeing what other Papergang subscribers got in their deliveries too. There‘s a real sense of community and creativity among the "Paper-gangusters," as they affectionately call their fans. Following the #papergang hashtag on Instagram is a great way to connect with likeminded stationery lovers and get inspired by how others are using their items.
How I Use My Papergang Goodies
As a busy college student and aspiring children‘s book illustrator, I‘m always looking for fun new stationery to fuel my creative projects. Since subscribing to Papergang, I‘ve amassed quite the collection of quirky supplies that make me smile every time I sit down to work.
Some of the ways I‘ve put my Papergang products to use:
- Sketching out story ideas and character designs in my constellation-covered notebooks
- Sending my long distance BFF cute animal postcards to let her know I‘m thinking of her
- Using the washi tapes to add colorful borders to my weekly spread in my bullet journal
- Bringing a bit of personality to my school notes with the unique patterned pens and pencils
- Displaying the frame-worthy art prints on the gallery wall in my dorm room
Even on days when I‘m feeling stuck or uninspired, pulling out a cheerful notebook or quirky card from a past Papergang box never fails to lift my spirits and reignite my creativity.
What Papergang‘s Founders Have to Say
I reached out to Jamie and Mark, the dynamic duo behind Papergang, to get their take on the subscription box‘s success and evolution over the past five years.
"When we first started Papergang, we had no idea it would take off the way it has," Jamie told me. "We just wanted to create a way to share our love of great design and support fellow creatives. To see our community grow to tens of thousands of people around the world who share those same values has been incredible."
Mark agreed, adding: "One of the most rewarding parts has been forming relationships with so many amazing artists and being able to offer them a platform to have their work seen and appreciated on a larger scale. We‘ve had the privilege of collaborating with over 60 illustrators so far, many of whom had never licensed their work before. It‘s a real honor to be a part of their journeys."
The pair also emphasized how much they value their subscribers‘ feedback and enthusiasm.
"We‘re constantly amazed by the passion and creativity of our customers," said Jamie. "Seeing their unboxing videos and the way they use their Papergang items in their daily lives is what inspires us to keep curating the best possible experience with every box."
Final Thoughts: Why I Keep Subscribing to Papergang
As both a stationery junkie and an aspiring artist myself, I can wholeheartedly say that my Papergang subscription has been one of the best investments I‘ve made. For just $21 a month, I get a steady stream of high quality, beautifully designed paper goods that both fuel my own creativity and support my fellow makers. You seriously can‘t beat the value for what you get in each box!
But beyond the products themselves, what keeps me subscribed to Papergang is the warm fuzzy feeling I get from being part of their community. In the often stressful and chaotic world we live in, it‘s such a simple yet profound joy to have a bright spot of happy mail to look forward to each month. I love knowing that I‘m not only treating myself, but also helping to plant trees, raise money for worthy causes, and champion up-and-coming artists with every box.
If you‘re someone who appreciates lovely and useful design, gets a thrill from surprises, and wants to support a small business doing big things, I really think you‘ll love Papergang as much as I do. It‘s so much more than just a subscription box—it‘s a invitation to live a more colorful, creative, and kind life.
So go ahead and gift yourself a little dose of monthly paper magic. I promise, you deserve it!
FAQs
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How do I manage my Papergang subscription?
You can easily view and adjust your upcoming deliveries, skip a month, or cancel your subscription at any time through your account on the Papergang website. If you‘ve prepaid for a longer plan, you‘ll continue to receive boxes until the end of that billing cycle. -
Can I see what‘s in my box before it ships?
Part of the fun of Papergang is the surprise factor, so the contents of each month‘s box aren‘t fully revealed until boxes start arriving on doorsteps. However, Papergang does release sneak peeks of the themes and featured artists a week or two before shipping to give you a taste of what‘s to come! -
When does Papergang ship?
Papergang boxes typically ship out around the 18th of each month. UK subscribers can expect to receive their goodies within 4-10 business days, while international orders may take up to 30 business days depending on customs and local delivery speeds. -
What if I don‘t like what I receive?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and every Papergang subscriber is bound to have their own unique tastes. That said, if you‘re really disappointed with a particular box, Papergang does accept returns of unopened boxes within 30 days of delivery. Just reach out to their super friendly customer service team for instructions! -
Is the packaging recyclable?
Yes! Papergang is all about that eco-friendly life, so they use 100% recyclable packaging materials for all of their boxes and products. They even include a little "Positive Packaging" card in each delivery with tips on how to reuse or recycle your box. -
How do I connect with other Papergang subscribers?
Hop on over to Instagram and search the #papergang hashtag to see thousands of posts from fellow stationery lovers around the world. Papergang also has a lively Facebook group where subscribers can share their unboxings, chat about their favorite products, and swap paper crafting tips. It‘s a great way to make some likeminded pen pals!
