Whilst we have been dreaming of our original hygge subscription boxes since 2015, our idea was twelve months in the making.
Now, another twelve months on in August 2017 and we’ve completed one full calendar year of sending hygge boxes through the post, spreading (we hope) warmth, inspiration & contentment with every one.
To do that we made some “rules of thumb” as you’ll see below. The price was important. Our boxes couldn’t be expensive. Hygge is not about spending money but being creative, simplified and focussed on what’s really important in life.
We thought we’d spend a few moments reflecting…
September
My goodness weren’t we nervous! Would we strike the right chord? Would we be able to translate how we felt into a box? Would you like the boxes?
A twig weaving craft kit to while away an hour and brown paper packages tied up with string, the box felt rustic and a world away from commercial goods.
The thing that we recall about our first box was just how good it smelt. The scent of rosemary as the box was opened was heavenly (we know this because we had to remove all the batteries from the fairy lights as we didn’t know these were banned in the post!).
And that set our first rule… Everybox must smell beautiful…
Feedback was fantastic; we were told that it felt like a gift from a friend. We were on the right track!
Having hit the right note once, could we do it again? The theme was nostalgia. We found lovely rhubarb & vanilla teas which reminded us of old fashioned sweet shops from Hooglyteas and we couldn’t wait to offer them in our boxes. Partner these gorgeous teas with something sweet and satisfying like the Cornish fudge, we knew would hit the spot without feeling guilty…
Watch Amanda unbox hers here….
Rule 2; there should be something to take time out to relax
November
I remember November fondly as one of my favourite boxes. As the world was ramping up for Christmas, this was a chance to just step outside of the madness for a little while. With coasters handmade by Samantha & an autumn / winter especially designed picture, coupled with natural wood pencils, this box was perfect for sitting fireside with hot chocolate & marshmallows.
We also hand print our own gift cards & include one in every box as we believe that the art of letter writing is being overtaken in an electronic world…
Rule 3; every box should have a gift card
December
Now was the time for full Christmas festivities hygge style! With white & red tissue paper, this box smelt divine with orange & clove pomander kits & plenty to spread love & joy throughout the season!
Rule 4; every box should always spread warmth & joy, whatever the month
January
A new year & the theme was new beginnings. A chalk board to leave hyggeligt messages to loved ones or a helpful memo board to make life easier was in each box, as well as handmade soap, teas & low calorie chocolate.
February
… was all about self love 💌 knowing that it was ok to put ourselves first sometimes. We know that for most of our subscribers, their hygge boxes are the discipline that they need to give themselves time out, if only once a month.
A little heart pendant on leather to remind ourselves to do this, a copper frame to hold a picture of our nearest & dearest or even a cutting of a favourite flower or leaf as well as candles for light and glow.
The feedback from our subscribers was telling us that we were getting it right!
Rule 5; each box should be about being hyggeligt on our own as well as with other people & therefore scribed with the recipients name for that personal touch
March
We love hygge with the changing seasons and our thoughts were turning to Spring & this box was a reflection of garden bird decorations, seeds and plant pot for growing beautiful sunflowers 🌻 & chocolate eggs with Easter nearly upon us.
Rule 6; Danes love to bring the outside in. Our boxes mustn’t forget that.
April
We’d been lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic weather and we’d been thinking about playful al fresco dining. We encouraged you all to invite a friend over for a very British tea party, including jam for mini Victoria sponges, English tea & table ware
Rule 7; hygge isn’t just for Danes & it is great when shared
May
We live by the sea and know how it makes us feel; inspired, calm, energised & in awe. We combed the beaches for sea treasures that could be crafted into mobile decorations, as well as candles, tea, vintage inspired gift card and a stick of rock.
With festival season in full swing this box was about the spirit of festivity & celebration, making plans & taking time to make and decorate bunting using natural inks. We also included a hurricane lamp to light the way.
July
Our thoughts were turning to that time of year when everyone it seems is travelling to far off lands. But you don’t need to go away for a break. The theme was travel & escape and one of Deborah’s personal favourites, perhaps because the greetings card was designed from her own personal stamp collection.
And in July we met a real life subscriber! We shared breakfast over a Cornish beach view and chatted away like old friends. It was great to get an understanding of what it was like to be on the receiving end of a hygge box.
She said “each box feels very personal. Like it is made especially for me. And I’ve kept one particular candle on my desk that I can just open up and smell from time to time. It’s beautiful.”
Rule 8; we must love every box and want to receive it ourselves
August
Our final box of the year is about relaxing and retreating. Just a sneak peak for now…
It’s been an incredible year. We’ve really challenged what it means to be hygge and conclude that it means something different to everyone. But what can’t be mistaken is what is important and that we all have in common; as human beings, it’s so important to take time out, to recognise the good & to make room in life for contentment, either alone or with others.
Our original hygge subscription boxes, we hope, do just that and if we keep to our own rules, we have many more to come.
If you’ve received one of our boxes, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
And if you’d like to Subscribe here