Unboxing the Pigeon Post Vintage Book Box

I’ve been watching unboxings with interest recently.  I really enjoy the YA ones but it’s not very often you see one with a classic theme so when I received this excellent Pigeon Post vintage book box gift for my birthday, I thought it might be something that other book lovers might enjoy. I’m pretty picky when it comes to book merchandise. Although I love books of all shapes and sizes, some of the extras leave me cold.  Forget the funkos and fake flowers,  that’s not my aesthetic. But an arty postcard, a well-designed bookmark or an intriguing letter that ties in with a special read then um yes please!

So when a highly-decorated package landed through my letterbox on my birthday I was very excited indeed.  I recognised the attention to detail on the envelope immediately as I’ve been following @pigeonpostbooks on Instagram for a while and have been hankering after one of their curated book collections. However, this post is no way affiliated with them. Al, my husband, successfully listened to my not-so-subtle hints and kindly bought it for me. Now before I begin – although this is called a book box scheme, this particular option was delivered in a sturdy cardboard envelope. I didn’t mind this at all but I wanted to mention it for expectation’s sake. I had no idea what was inside, but that’s half the fun.  First of all, I studied the Victorian furniture on the front of the envelope then turned it over to see a picture of the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret with their miniature house on the back.  Hmmm. Opening it up carefully, I discovered five beautifully-wrapped packages plus a small sealed envelope inside.  Here’s what they contained:

• A small canteen postcard
• A vintage watch mechanism and a tiny box of watch screws
• Vintage blue buttons and embroidery thread

Have you guessed yet? I’ll continue…

• A vintage children’s cutlery set
• An antique stamp of Queen Victoria

Finally I read the pretty handwritten quote:

“Homily was proud of her sitting-room – the walls had been papered with scraps of old letters out of waste paper baskets, and Homily had arranged the handwriting sideways in vertical stripes which ran from floor to ceiling. On the walls, repeated in various colours, hung several portraits of Queen Victoria as a girl; these were postage stamps, borrowed by Pod some years ago from the stamp box on the desk in the morning room.”

Feeling confident, I opened the last parcel to find a gorgeous vintage copy of The Borrowers by Mary Norton.  We’d lost our old one during a house move (maybe Pod had borrowed it) so it was a perfect replacement for our collection.  As for the treats – well we had the ideal place for these in our miniature library. I can honestly say that this present was a birthday highlight. The entire experience was incredibly satisfying and I loved the treats as much as the book.  It’s affordable too. The Fledgling gift option which I received costed £10 plus £2.50 postage and packaging (including wrapping) – brilliant value considering the effort that went into the collection. There’s also a larger book box, Bird in the Hand, for £25 and two subscription packages.  The editions on offer are all classic used paperbacks – adult and children’s – which change regularly. They cover international delivery as well (see the FAQ for more information). I can’t imagine a better present for a classic book lover.  You might have to do a bit of detective work first, but even if your recipient guesses the book, they won’t be able to predict what the treats will be.  This vintage book box gift is guaranteed to add a unique touch to their special day.