August 2016 iPenbox unboxing

I've always been a fan of writing tools, be it pen, marker, pencil, and always enjoyed trying a variety of colors.  When iPenbox first started their subscription, I was very much interested in joining them but for some reason unknown to me, I waited...  I am very happy to say that today, the waiting is over; I got my very first box in the mail!

First off, how cute is this box?!  I love it and actually will re-use it for gifting!  Let me tell you what iPenbox is.  As described by iPenstore, it is a monthly subscription box for pen, paper and ink lovers.  The subscription costs 30$ for US subscribers and 40$ for Canadians and International; shipping is included.  They promise 5-10 items geared to spark your intrigue on new, unusual, creative, innovative writing tools.  Every box will include a fountain pen, some paper, 1-2 ink samples, and other tools like rollerball pens, pencils, gel pens, etc. all based on a chosen monthly theme.

 Have to say, I am very impressed by the variety of items in this box and I am definitely happy I jumped on this subscription train.  This month's theme was Back to School.  This box also came with a 10% off coupon code on anything at iPenstore.

I'm following the order on the description card and first item is a Teacher's Stamp of Approval.  As you can see, I pressed a bit too hard on the first try and did a much better job on second try.  This is an extra item as it is not even described on the website's description of this month's box.  I, however, really like this item, because I can see the ink on this one is really good.  So, I intend on using this. I couldn't find this online either, so I can't really give you an idea on how much this item is worth, so, keep in mind that RV of the box at the end of this post does not include this item.

 We can see, here, two of the items included in the box.  First, there's Papermate Mirado Classic Writing Pencil (RV 4.43 for 12 and presently on sale for 2.79$, so one lone pencil is 0.37$ or 0.23$ on sale); .  Nothing particularly special about this pencil; this is the type of pencil I used in school and I still use them today.  I do, however, understand why this made an appearance in this box.  Since it is a Back to School box, this is one of the most favored school supply in the world.

Second item is the Pentel Eraser Cap (RV 1.99$ or 1.39$ on sale for 10 caps which brings my lone cap's value at 0.20$ or 0.14$ on sale).  These caps are life savers as the erasers on the tip of pencils generally dry out and stop fully doing their intended job on more occasions than can be counted.  These caps are known not to dry out and remain soft, use after use.  Another item that, although not impressive, has been picked for obvious reasons for this theme's box.  So far, so good.  I'll definitely use both of these items.

Next item included in the box is a Westcott Shatter-Resistant Plastic Ruler (RV 4.00$ presently on sale for 1.97$).  This is another obvious pick for a Back to School box but quite honestly, I really appreciate having this on hand.  I often need a ruler at work and find myself using the edge of my tissue box.  This will be a useful tool to add in my pencil holder.

The pièce de résistance is this Lamy ABC Fountain Pen in Blue (RV 26.00$ and presently on sale for 22.97$).  I am new to fountain pens so I am very happy to have joined this month so I can practice with this beginners' pen.  It has an ergonomic grip, made out of wood and plastic and has a medium sized nib.  (A display on how it writes is included in the last picture...spoiler - I'm in love!!!)  You can get various cartridges for this pen and I think I may use my 10% off coupon code on getting a few colored cartridges.

Now this item is hard to photograph and I'll apologize in advance, I cannot properly display it since I don't have an empty fountain pen to demonstrate how this ink sample looks like.  Please click on the link to see how beautiful this color is on paper.  This is a sample of J. Herbin Caroube de Shypre (RV 26.00$ fro 50ml and presently on sale for 23.97$).  I got a 2ml sample so that equals a RV of 1.04$ or 0.96$ on sale.  This gorgeous color is dark brown with light red reflections and golden sparkles.  I can hardly wait to take this ink sample for a test drive!  It is absolutely gorgeous!

This next item is a Schneider One Pocket Highlighter in Green (RV 2.49$).  This highlighter has a great flow.  This is a great inclusion in a Back to School box since I recall going through highlighters like candy when I was in school.  One highlighter had a lifespan of 1 month or less in my case as I highlighted every item of interest in my textbooks.  Great add and I will definitely be using this for reviews at work. A display on how this looks like on paper is included in the last picture.

Next item is  a Tops Second Nature Notebook (RV 5.00$ and presently on sale for 1.97$).  It is a 3"X5" double-sided lined notebook made out of recycled paper.  Can never go wrong with mini notebooks to scribble reminders.  This type of item is extremely useful to me as I find myself forgetting things easily; this is perfect for on the go note taking.  Win for me!

And this item is a Zebra F701 Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen (RV 8.48$ on sale for 5.97$).  I am loving the weight and feel of this pen and how soft the clicking sound is.  Refills also available in iPenstore.  I may have a look at available colors and get a few.  A writing sample is included in my last picture.

It took me a few read-throughs to realize iPenstore did a joke here.  Their Back to School box included an item to represent the students - Nerds! Hahaha; I love their sense of humor!  This is a bonus item but how can you go wrong with this candy; it's sweet and tart all at once.  I had these while reviewing the box.

Here's a writing sample of my new items:
Lamy ABC Fountain Pen: wow!  I can't believe how smoothly this writes!  And seeing how much I love this pen, I can't believe it took me this long to try writing with a fountain pen.  Well, there's a first time for everything.
Zebra F701 Stainless Steel Ballpoint Pen: this pen is also a surprise for me; I wasn't expecting such an easy flow of ink on paper but it writes so well and the grip on it is very comfortable.
Schneider One Pocket Highlighter: this is a great highlighter and as mentioned previously, I will be using it for reviews at work.

This concludes this month's iPenbox.  RV of items at full price is 47.58$ (which comes out to more than the cost of the box).  I can honestly say I will be using all of the items included in the box and  am very pleased with my first month's new discoveries.  Looking forward to next month!  Here's a sneak peak at the theme: