The Durham Box Review

Hi, friends! I’m here with my first “review” post on the blog. If you know me in real life, you know I love Durham/Bull City/Durm ( I have been convincing all my friends to move to Durham), and I was ecstatic to learn about the Durham Box last year. I have been eyeing them since they introduced their Winter Box, and I treated myself to their Summer Box, which they just launched earlier this month.

The Durham Box is a seasonal “box” full of local Durham goodies! For environmental reasons, they are now using a reusable tote bag, which I appreciate. I can never have enough canvas tote bags! The “Box” includes both physical products as well as coupons that can be redeemed for freebies or discounts! (I believe they’re still shipping using boxes for non-local orders.)

Pictured above are all the physical products that come in the Summer Box. Here are more details and my thoughts:

Durham Canvas Tote Bag from the Durham Box Team

Durham T-shirt from Hometown Apparel – I’ve wanted a Durham or 919 T-shirt for a long time, and I’m so happy with this shirt—it’s very soft and comfy! I chose an XS

Soap & Suds Hand Soap from Fillaree – Ever since I first tried their soap at Cocoa Cinnamon years ago, I’ve dreamed of replacing my soap with theirs. I contributed to Fillaree’s recent kickstarter for their Condensed Soap, so I’m excited to have this soap + dispenser! Also love the smell of this soap!

Notecard from Kristen Solecki – Postcards are one of my love languages, and how cute is this one?! The postcards are randomly selected for you, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of her designs.

8 oz. Candle from Maha’s Candle – I have been wanting to get one of these candles (I had almost bought one when I placed an online order for Jeddha’s recently) and I am super happy! The scent is randomly selected, so you might want to communicate with the Durham Box if you have strong preferences/dislikes!

Durham Smile Sticker from LYQ (Loving You Quietly) Collective – What a fun sticker! I checked out their website, and they have a lot of (both Durham and non-Durham specific) graphic work, which are available for sale on Redbubble and Big Cartel as well.

Utensil Kit from The Durham Originals – My sister Jiyoung has a similar one (or perhaps an identical one? She got hers at the Festival for Eno a couple of years ago). I have been making small changes to be more sustainable, and I’m excited to have my own reusable utensil kit!

Insulated Drink Holder from Brightleaf Solis – The drink holder can be used two ways – as an insulated tumbler and as a drink huggie! Brightleaf Solis is an apartment community in (you guessed it) Brightleaf District area in downtown Durham. I actually went and checked it out, and it’s NICE!

Pictured here are the coupons! I haven’t redeemed these so I can’t comment too much, but I’ll try to update this post as I do.

Shrimp and Cheesy Grits Recipe from Virginia & Co. – You know I already gave Alex this recipe! She has cookbooks and also does catering. I had the honor and pleasure of experiencing her grazing board at a Yelp event, and it was absolutely divine!

Free Mini Session with Elizabeth Ashley & Co. – I’m very excited for this one! She does photography for weddings, lifestyle, and branding so definitely check out her website.

20% Off with Café Femenino Coffee – Their coffee beans come from farms owned and operated by women. By purchasing coffee beans from them, you can directly empower those women farmers! I will definitely be placing an order soon!

$5 Off Haircut and %20 Off Retail at Rock’s Bar & Hair Shop

Free 12 oz. Drip Coffee (or $1 off Prepared Drink) from Joe Van Gogh

Treat Bag from The Mad Popper – Gourmet popcorn sounds so intriguing. I briefly browsed their website, and they have some wild flavors (i.e. cheddar, cheesy pizza, salt and vinegar)! [Update: I placed my first order and got a bunch of flavors and I am obsessed! The flavors really come through. My favorite of the flavors I have tried might be sour power (fruity & sour)]

50% Off One Item at Doc Swiner Store

5% Off Design Service with Pen & Paper Design Co.

$1 Off Cold Pressed Juice at Blend of Soul – A few of my foodie friends have been posting about them, and I definitely want to try their juices soon!

Overall, I am happy with this purchase! This is giving me an opportunity to support and learn about many Durham businesses I hadn’t known about before. If any of the “coupons” sound interesting to you and you can see yourself using at least some of them, I think you can justify the cost! The Durham Box will make the sweetest gift for yourself, any Durham lover, and anyone who is new to town or has move away and is missing Durham!