I <3 Little Black Box

I have a new love.

And I'm sure we'll be together a long time *wink*.

It's no secret that I absolutely adore Etsy, a marketplace that links buyers and sellers of all things handmade and/or vintage. I've made many purchases over the year from jewelery for myself to my bridesmaids' gifts to Christmas presents. The items are always unique and priced reasonably, the sellers are attentive, responsible and creative, and the recipients are always thrilled.

Well, I've found the next best thing for all Etsy lovers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet The Little Black Box, the sampling mecca of all things handmade.
From their site:

The Little Black Box is the perfect place for consumers to learn about our wonderful online retailers before purchasing. It's a handmade revolution! Are you tired of supporting "the man"? Once a month we put our promo boxes on sale with promotional and full size items in every size and shape to satisfy your every need. In past months we've had jewelry, bath and body, candles, bookmarks, keychains, buttons, magnets, luggage handle wraps, silk scarves, dog treats, stationery, photography, tissue cozies and much much more!

Put your product in our boxes and let the world know you exist! Do you feel the need to impress our box buyers? We feature everything handmade. No big box retailers here. Contact The Little Black Box for more info. GO INDIE!

A new box is released every month, with varying prices and samples. I ordered my first box last month, which was sponsored by The Crocheted Baby, and it cost $15 including shipping. Well, my box showed up yesterday, and was I ever impressed upon opening it - I got some fantastic goodies (20 samples in all), and many vendors included coupons!

Here is what I received:



Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage - bird bookmark
Receive 10% off when quoting code BBTAG in note to the seller

Girls Jusy Wanna Have Fun - face scrubbie made out of yarn

Miss Courageous - recycled record vinyl charm

The Little Black Box - peppermint cocoa

The Chunky Butt Bath & Candle Co. - apple cider bath cream
Buy one, get one free using code BB Bogo

All the Numbers - unique fabric-sewn flower card

Soapsations - peppermint stick snowflake guest soap, lotion bar, silk and satin hand & body lotion

Terri Taylor Designs - magnetic note pad
20% off your entire purchase (before 12.31.2008) when paying with Paypal - enter NOV Black Box in message to sender

Queen Vanna Creations - polka dot clothespins

Glutenada - gluten-free chocolate spoonfudge
save 15% when quoting LBB15 on any order before 12.20.2008

Historically Inspired Designs - peach vintage earring hair clip
mention Little Black Box at the checkout before 12.31.2008, and receive 15% off

Winklepots - winter wonderland ribbon hair elastic

The Ivy Keep - artisan flowering tea

Move the Needle Creations - matchbook notepad
save 10% when using code MATCH5

Like Mother, Like Daughter - blue crystal and glass bead cell phone charm
custom orders welcome - save 15% plus free shipping on any order before April 2009. Convo with code LBB2

Painted Laydies - 2 samples of mineral eyeshadow - Morrison (blue) and Cowardly Lion (gold)
coupon code WAHM

Sunshine & Ravioli - Home Sweet Home cupcake house notecard

Mia Beads - earrings and note tag
save 10% when quote code 10BB in message to sender

From My Hand - milk glass, tourmaline and citrine gold-plated flower earrings
Convo to get 15% off purchase

The Bumble Bee Studio - wildflower seeds
get 15% off your first order of $15 or more

Eclectic Oddities - broach

The Soap Seduction - handmade soap (mango?)

C & S Embroidery and Gifts - angel patch

Mattie Reid Chicago - button ring

Wyrding Studios - pendant
receive a free pair of earrings in the colour of your choice with your first order of $35 or more before 12.31.2008 with code LBB08

I more than got my money's worth, and am very impressed with the quality of each item. December's box, sponsored by Blue Raven Tea, is being released today, and you can bet I'm going to get my order in ASAP! If you live within the U.S., I definitely suggest trying one out, and getting your hands on a Little Black Box of your own. You can also send a box to a friend, and it would make a fantastic gift or pick-me-up. They do not ship internationally, but their sister site, My Little Purple Box, does.

Since this was such a joy for me to receive, I'm going to give one of you the same pleasure! Just leave me a comment with your favourite find and your e-mail address (or profile that lists your e-mail address) before Sunday, December 7th at 10 p.m. EST. I'll pick at random, and post on Monday with the lucky winner!