Before I had my second child, I spent quite a bit of time traveling to London for business and on those trips I would find myself often browsing through little shops in the evenings or on downtime finding and products that were not available back home. With so many things now available pretty much anywhere thanks to globalization and the internet, it’s a traveller’s delight to be able to find and discover foreign brands and products that you simply can’t get back home.
Now that I’m not traveling while I’m at home with the boys for awhile, I was sad that I was not going to be able to find British treasures anymore… Or was I? While browsing my social media feeds a few weeks ago, I came across a company called Quaintly, who curates boxes every month of products available only in the UK and ships them to anglophiles around the world. Their first box shipped in August 2016 and I figured that the price of a box was far less than the price of a trip to London, so I signed up and got one.
Many of you write to us planning your next trips to London or dreaming about being there and this is such a great way to economically try out one aspect of London – the local souvenir shopping! I thought I’d share with you what was in my “Love from London” box when I received it. I should also point out that I purchased the box myself and WWKD received no compensation from Quaintly. We just really, really love the concept and wanted to share with you!
Quaintly’s “Love from London” Box Products
Cityscape Notebook by Helena Carrington
When you’re taking notes or making lists, there is nothing better than a cute notebook to write them in. I loved this London Cityscape notebook from London-based illustrator and photographer Helena Carrington. Makes for a brightly coloured and unique way of jotting down a note with the London skyline (and adorable hidden double decker buses). I’m planning on writing down some of my upcoming Royal Tour notes in this beauty!
Spun candy sweets
Who doesn’t love candy? (I can’t see anyone raising their hand here…) These London-themed candies are made with natural flavours and have London-inspired icons on them – a crown, a black cab, a phone box and more. The candies are handmade in Covent Garden and are not normally available outside of Europe. I can’t decide if I should eat them all myself or share… They’re almost too pretty to eat!
Gisela Graham London coasters
There is perhaps nothing more British than a cup of tea (see below, the next box is all about it!) and these coasters are perfect for dreaming you were in London when enjoying a hot cuppa. These coasters are normally only sold at Selfridges, which makes them something unique to show at your next tea party if you’re not from the UK!
Karin Akesson London typography tote bag
One of my favourite London purchases of all time is perhaps also one of the cheapest – a Fortnum & Mason bag that is distinctive and different from anything you can find here. I use it all the time. It’s why I was excited to see that there was a unique London bag included in the box – including this “My Heart Belongs in London”. I also love that this bag is so unique that it’s exclusive to only Quaintly & Co. members! I immediately thought of taking it with me to the Farmer’s Market on a lazy weekend…
Travel Gift Set Box by Undercover UK
We’re all still planning that next trip to London… So why not prep our suitcases and passports with all the London inspired love we can? UndercoverUK included a bespoke leather passport cover and luggage tag. They are only currently available in the UK, so a treat for those of us not local. I think it’s such a fun way to prepare for a trip, and having a unique leather accessory that will identify your bag on the baggage carousel never hurts.
We reached out to Quaintly after receiving the box and shared our enthusiasm for the project and how our readers might enjoy it as well – and Quaintly was kind enough to offer 10% off on the boxes to WWKD readers! To purchase one of their boxes at this special price – and hurry, they sold out last time – click here and enter discount code QUAINTLY10. Next month’s box is Tea Time, so I am expecting to discover a new delicious way to enjoy my cuppa from across the pond!
Will you be checking out these British boxes?
I’d love to see the next one! I missed out on it, and am kicking myself because I adore tea.
Thank you so much for this post, I can’t believe I have never heard of Quaintly, but have already shared the link with friends!
So happy to share it with you, Mallory!
I have been watching Quaintly on social media and was fascinated to see what was in your box. I adore the notebook, and the travel set looks like wonderful quality.
Thanks, Pauline! It’s a great box – can’t wait to see what is in the next one!