I literally love mystery subscriptions. They are such a marmite-esque thing, as some people love them and some people hate them. In my regular day to day life I hate surprises, as I like to be in control of situations, and I even struggle not to tell people what their birthday and Christmas gifts are, but bizarrely mystery subscriptions are an exception to the rule. Maybe it’s because they make me curious?
I have been a member of the planning community for just short of 7 years, discovering this amazing hobby just after Theadora was born. It is such a huge part of my life now, not least for being how I found some of my closest friends and how I spend so much of my spare time. I am very lucky that 2 of my closest, most wonderful friends own very successful planner shops in the UK; Plannerface & Josephine Bow, both of which currently offer mystery subscriptions that I subscribe to. Both mysteries are very different, and I adore them both for my planning style.
I became a subscriber of the Plannerface mystery in June 2021 and my first kit was the July 2021 mystery, meaning I am approaching 4 years of subs – that is 48 kits! Anna creates the mystery sub ideas with our friend Kat, and then works with artists to have the artwork made. Anna then uses these artwork elements to design the 4 mystery formats she offers. I remember the exact kit that convinced me to subscribe – Coastal – of which I still have 2 copies in old kit formats!
The mystery originated with 2 formats available in 2 types of paper; the Standard Vertical Kit (SVK) and Mini Kit, both available in either Removable Matte or Premium Matte sticker paper. Later, the Journalling format was added, and most recently, the Creative Kit format. You can see the contents of each format here. My favourite is the SVK, as I plan in a 7×9 coiled planner from Tilly Journals, so this format suits me best. I can’t usually be relied upon to not stick stickers wonkily….so I stick to removable matte paper!
Anna’s mystery kit is exclusive to the mystery for 12 months, meaning it doesn’t release in the shop until a year after it has been released. On the very rare occasion Anna prints overstock, these are usually available on the website not too long after the mystery ships. Each month a sneak peek graphic is shared, using some of the artwork from the kit. This gives people an opportunity to get a bit of a vibe as to the theme of the kit. Mystery subscription spots open on the 25th of each month, closing on the 1st of the following month. It is printed, cut and shipped in house by Anna from Plannerface HQ. You can sign up as a one-off purchase or as a reoccurring subscription which is automatically charged each month until you cancel. Prices vary per kit format.
The Josephine Bow mystery kit is very new, approaching it’s 3rd month of production. The subscription is available in 4 formats again, although the available formats are slightly different. The SVK and journalling formats are available, however Joanne also offers 2 Hobonichi formats; Weeks & Cousin.. Joanne draws all her own artwork, prints, foils, cuts and ships the mystery herself.
Joanne’s kits have an optional transparent underlay add on which is a great addition to the subscription. You can purchase the subscription each month as a one-off or you can subscribe for a 3 month minimum term at a reduced price. Prices vary per kit format. I was very lucky that for the very first subscription, Joanne bumped up a Paris-themed kit to tie in with my trip to Paris. Mystery subscriptions usually open on 22nd of each month and close on the 1st.
I really love that sometimes the mystery kits are designed with a theme in mind, and specific kits can be quite hard to find. Given I use 52 weekly kits per year in my planner, having 2 per month laid out for me works amazingly in helping me allocate kits to each week. I unbox the mystery kits on my YouTube channel each month, you can view these here.
For transparency, I am a member of the PR teams for both of these shops and do sometimes receive discounted and gifted products. However I do pay in full for my mystery kits as per every other customer. My PR codes are not valid on the mystery kits, however if you want to go shopping, you can use the codes below to save some pennies on their websites!
Use my code BETH at www.plannerface.com to save 10% on your order. It is not valid on custom scripts, the mystery subscription or any other specialty items. By using my code you will also receive a random seasonal freebie with your order, or you can use the notes to seller box to request a specific number freebie.
Use my code BETHPLANS15 at www.josephinebow.com to save 15% on your order when you spend £5+. It is not valid on the mystery subscription or any other specialty items. By using my code you will also receive a PR freebie with your order.
Love, Beth x
Beth's Notebook 
I love reading your blogs. You have such a way with words. It’s nice to know your love of stickers and how your journey started. X Love Nina x
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