The Maple Box Review Fall 2021

The Maple Box is a curated “True North organic living” collection for the body, mind, spirit and home. Each quarterly box is filled with socially-conscious, luxury, organic and natural products from mostly Canadian makers. They aim to inspire consuming with intention. They kindly sent us this box for review.

Each The Maple Box is seasonally relevant, with their Winter and Autumn editions ensuring you get in a cozy frame of mind, while the Spring and Summer editions are sure to rejuvenate and enliven, inside and out. Each hand-picked product is made with love, intention, and of the highest quality by mostly Canadian makers. They ensure the makers of each of their selected products draw on the wisdom of nature, as it’s this wisdom that can enliven and sustain you through the harsh, rugged beauty of the northern climate. Items may include organic and natural body and skin care, natural and organic edible (and drinkable) items, organic lifestyle accessories and tools, and of course they always include copy of Maple magazine, their in-house produced magazine celebrating the value of a non-disrupted printed page in the digital age.

Each seasonal edition is packed with at least 7 full-sized sustainable + eco-friendly products with a value over $230. Products are selected from small and medium-sized makers with a focus on woman-owned and BIPOC-owned brands. They place great importance on aligning with like-minded sustainable brands creating a positive social and environmental impact.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, they are inspired by their surroundings to feature products and brands that nurture life in the True North. The majority of the products selected are made in Canada, and everything is seasonally relevant and luxurious and always in line with our quality standards, aesthetic and ethos. Along those value lines, their team also takes great care in packaging each box in the most sustainable way possible.

Subscription Details

There are three payment options for The Maple Box that include free shipping in Canada:

• Quarterly: $118 per box, billed every three months
• Annual: $112 per box, or $448 billed annually
• Monthly: $132 per box, or $44 billed monthly, but boxes are still sent quarterly

The seasonal editions are sent out four times per year. As a subscriber, expect to receive a Winter edition in early January, a Spring edition in April, a Summer edition in July, and an Autumn edition in October.

Fall Box Details

“The Cozy Autumn Edition: Arguably one of the most glorious seasons; the golden hues, the rustle of falling leaves, invigorating winds, cozy sweaters and warm homes filled with fragrant fare. The sense of abundance is everywhere. For this Cozy Autumn edition, I have curated a lineup of best-of and must-haves that will nurture and delight you. From head to toe-quite literally in this case. Fill your cup, support your immune system, hydrate your face and warm your toes. Take a moment to enjoy the discovery of some very fine Canadian makers. And since gifting season is upon us, be sure to make good use of those promo codes, and stock up. As always, wishing you a happy, healthy and joy-filled cozy season. Happy unboxing!”

Here’s a look at what’s in this quarter’s The Maple Box ($239 total value):

Box Insert

Each quarterly The Maple Box includes a beautiful insert to help take you on a journey to learn the stories behind each product that they select. It includes a welcome note, the product information and value, how to use each and a bit about the brands and creators. Also included are exclusive discount codes for many of the products so you can repurchase anything you love.

Kate Golding X Maple Organic Cotton Socks, By Friday Sock Co., In One Of Three Patterns: Rabbit, Or Swans, Or Woodland Walk ($25)

“Maple’s long-awaited collaboration with Ontario-based surface pattern designer, Kate Golding and Calgarybased, Friday Sock Co is here. Three distinct patterns; Rabbit, Swans and Woodland Walk are adapted from Kate Golding’s Magical Day collection, her love letter to a magical day spent in nature, drawing inspiration from her surroundings in the pastoral Prince Edward County region. Friday Sock Co. took Golding’s patterns and oversaw the design and manufacturing. These beauties are made in Italy, using organic and GOTS-certified Egyptian cotton. This whimsical collection is sure to not only keep your toes warm, but to lift your spirits as well. You will receive one pair, randomly selected. Sets of 3 will be available on our website early November, to allow you to complete your collection or to gift family and friends. Limited edition, women’s size 5-10 men’s 4-8. Designed in Ontario and Calgary, made in Italy.”

What cute and cozy socks! Admittedly I was hoping to get the swan socks, but these bunnies are super cute too. Plus, the bunny socks are more neutral so they’ll match more so I’m totally not disappointed. I appreciate the fun exclusive patterns, organic materials and the coziness factor on these. One can never have enough socks and they make for the perfect autumn item inclusion.

East 29th Vital Serum ($88)

“Developed by Vancouver-based makeup artist, Victoria Ferguson. She spent more than a decade as a makeup artist in the film industry, which evolved into learning about what kind of nourishment great skin needs. Aptly named, Vital Serum is designed to deliver a high concentration of all-natural ingredients; Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Lemon Rind Extract, and Vitamins C and E. Applied after cleansing thoroughly, these ingredients combined will improve hydration, texture, and tone while also firming, promoting elasticity, and smoothing wrinkles. It’s the most advanced skin care product that we’ve ever included inside The Maple Box. We hope that you and your face, soak up all the nourishment and glow. Made in British Columbia.”

I’m excited to find this item in the box this season! I had missed out on it in another subscription box and though it sounded delightful and like something my skin would benefit from. I especially like the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide ingredients (and so does my skin) so I’m looking forward to adding this one to my routine this season. It has light texture somewhere between an oil and a gel and absorbs into skin nicely. It doesn’t have much of a scent either which makes me feel like its going to work for sure since the focus is on the ingredients, not the aroma.

Céla By Celine Tadrissi “Crème De La Crème” The Very Best Cream ($37)

“This decadent body cream lives up to its name. Infused with their signature Céla Complex, a potent blend of Canadian botanicals selected for their bioactive benefits, Crème de la Crème cocoons the body in richly hydrating Amazonian cupuaçu butter, while Abyssinian oil seals in moisture and imparts velvety softness. Wrapped in protective emollients, skin is less susceptible to damaging environmental factors and harsh weather conditions. The broad spectrum of nourishing antioxidants, vitamins, omega acids and minerals contained in their plant-based formula promotes regeneration and improves resiliency at the cellular level, while a lushly fruity blend of orange peel and grapefruit essential oils leaves the body deliciously scented. Cruelty-free, paraben-free. We hope that you love this restorative crème, as much as we do! Made in Ontario.”

This body cream is really so lovely! It’s thick and rich and smells like a dream. Like citrus with a hint of vanilla to soften and warm it up. I just tried this on my hands (and will likely use it for that purpose) but I’m sure it would be great as a whole body cream too. The only downside is that it’s so thick that it’s a tad hard to squeeze out of the tube so if you’re using it on your whole body it could take some effort. Anyway, my hands always need lotion in the colder months so this will be useful and a great treat.

Blume Pumpkin Spice Blend ($14)

“Nothing sparks autumnal joy quite like the taste and fragrance of pumpkin spice. But we want real pumpkin spice, nothing synthetic. This blend from Blume, combines real organic pumpkin with organic maple and organic spices. Beautifully ground powder means that it’s incredibly versatile, beyond adding to a shot of espresso and milk (or plant-mylk), use on its own, in oatmeal, energy balls, smoothies and more. The cozy possibilities are endless. Enjoy! Made in British Columbia.”

I’ve eyed this brand before and have been wanting to try it so I’m glad to find it this season! I’m especially glad to find it’s the pumpkin varietal too, it’s the only flavor that makes sense for fall really. It’s made with simple ingredients like pumpkin, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom for making a simple and healthy pumpkin beverage. I don’t drink caffeine so I appreciate getting beverages like this to try out. It’s versatile since those that do drink caffeine could add it to a latte and those that don’t can just add a nut milk or something else for a delicious treat.

St. Francis Herb Farm EchinaSeal ($24)

“Second-generation family-run farmers and herbalists, their 52-acre certified organic farm is tucked into the beautiful Madawaska Highlands in Ontario’s Cottage Country. Since 1988, St. Francis Herb Farm has been formulating herbal blends with care and intention. This particular blend, EchinaSeal®, is traditionally used as a powerful infection fighter and helps (excellently, we might add) to relieve sore throats. Made with two strains of Echinacea (purpurea and angustifolia), Wild Indigo, Goldenseal and Myrrh. Keep this baby around not just for sore throats, but also to help relieve any mouth and or throat infections. As always, please consult the packaging for more detailed information on use. Made in the Madawaska Highlands, Ontario.”

This is so great to have on hand. I was actually just thinking about how I needed to get some echinacea so it’s perfect that it showed up. Now I don’t have to think about getting anymore! Since sicknesses seem to pop up more as the weather changes it’s important to me to have things like this on hand to prepare for when someone comes down with a cold. I definitely don’t want to get sick, but if I do this season I’ll be intrigued to see how this helps soothe any discomforts.

Huna Nail + Cuticle Crème ($32)

“This deeply nourishing balm is ideal for those super dry, damaged thirsty nails and cuticles, needing a drink with the frequent hand-washing and sanitizing, especially as the weather gets colder and drier. Pro-tip: using a scrub (or even just honey and sugar mixed together), exfoliate hands and cuticles, apply cuticle crème to each nail and gently push back cuticles with a wooden cuticle stick. Provides lasting water-resistant protection to nails and cuticles with rich protective castor oil and nutrient-packed organic Canadian beeswax. Contains Huna’s exclusive organic Calendula flower extract, clinically demonstrated to promote fast healing of wounded and damaged skin. With frequent use, works wonders for even the most damaged cuticles. 100% natural ingredients. All Huna products are created and formulated by their Botanist, Chartered Herbalist, Natural Cosmetic Formulator and owner. GMO-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and biodegradable formula. Made in Monte Creek, British Columbia.”

Another great product for dry winter skin issues. I don’t often remember to tend to my nails and cuticles the same way I would there rest of my skin, but they definitely get dry with the cold weather too. I love that this product is easy to apply just like a lotion or balm and is made with organic natural ingredients. This would be good for applying any time, but would be especially good to keep on the nightstand for application before bed. I think that’s what I’ll do so I remember to take care of my nails this winter.

Galerie Au Chocolat Fairtrade Organic Chocolate Bar In Two Options: Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, Or Maple Crunch Milk Chocolate ($6)

“For more than 35 years, the master chocolatiers at Montréal-based Galerie au Chocolat have been drawing inspiration from the finest quality ingredients; Fairtrade-certified and ethically-sourced organic cacao, Canadian butter, organic cream from Ontario, and maple syrup from Québec. They’ve developed a scrumptious line of all Fairtrade, made with fine organic Belgian chocolate, that makes the perfect treat for a cozy moment. Made in Québec.”

Chocolate is always a welcome surprise in a subscription box. This one sounds especially tasty too so I’m excited about that. Of the two options I got the Maple Crunch flavor which I’m glad about since that sounds extra Canadian and extra autumn-y to me. I’m curious about the crunch factor and how the granulated maple syrup adds to the flavor. This will be a delicious nightly treat!

Bonus Product! Oat Of The Ordinary Cacao Coconut Oatmeal, Single-Serve ($5)

“We’re loving this woman-owned, Vancouverbased brand of made-better instant oatmeal. This protein-rich, fiber-rich, gluten-free and low-sugar powerhouse will warm your body (and soul) this autumn. Chocolate lovers, you will not be disappointed with this one. Add a little nut butter and voilá. Carry it with you, or soak for overnight oats. Let them fill your bowl. Made in British Columbia.”

Bonus products are always fun so this is great! I love eating oatmeal for breakfast and have never tried the flavor combo of chocolate and coconut, though I’m not sure why as it sounds delicious. It’s made with simple ingredients that are mostly organic and is super easy to prepare. Oatmeal is such a perfect chilly morning breakfast so, while I don’t look forward to the cold weather, I’ll surely look forward to trying this one out.

Maple Magazine ($8)

Each quarterly box also includes the current edition of Maple Magazine. The Fall Issue is cozy and inviting just like the fall season. Like seasons before it, it includes new finds for the season, interviews with wellness, health and nature loving individuals, highlights of intriguing Canadian companies, along with health and wellness information. It’s beautifully designed and interesting to read. I am obsessed with magazines and love that I’m introduced to some Canadian lifestyle through this one!

Maple Box Review Fall 2021 – Final Thoughts

I just love The Maple Box and look forward to it’s arrival each season. I don’t know if it’s because it’s Canadian and every product feels brand new and kind of exclusive since they’re not readily available, or if it’s because all the products are things I would choose and buy for myself. Probably both! It’s just such a fun box that combines my favorite things of being eco-conscious, beauty-loving and supporting small businesses. This season’s was especially great too. I don’t love the arrival of cold weather, but I do enjoy the coziness it brings with it. I look forward to using these products to bring a bit a warmth to this season by tending to dry skin, brewing up a cup of that pumpkin spice beverage to go with that chocolate bar, putting on my new cozy socks and settling in to read the Maple Magazine this month. Overall a great curation that would absolutely make for a great gift in the upcoming holiday season!

The Botanic Gal – http://www.botanicgal.com