Comparing the Best Planner Subscription Boxes: Erin Condren, Plum Paper, and May Designs

In the world of planner subscription boxes, Erin Condren, Plum Paper, and May Designs stand out as popular choices. This blog delves into a detailed comparison of these three boxes, evaluating their packaging, value, contents, and overall appeal to help you decide which one is the best fit for your planning needs.

📦 1. Packaging Comparison

When it comes to packaging, Erin Condren takes the lead. Their box is not only beautiful but also features a glossy UV coating, making it reusable. Inside, the presentation is delightful with bubble wrap, tissue paper, and a sticker—classic touches that enhance the unboxing experience.

Plum Paper follows closely in second place. Their packaging is simpler, using a brown box adorned with cute writing. This design is both fun and budget-friendly. Like Erin Condren, they also include bubble wrap and a nice sticker to keep the contents secure.

In contrast, May Designs falls short in this category. Their box, while branded, is oversized for the small items inside, making it feel impractical. The lack of adequate wrapping and the use of crumpled paper as filler detracts from the overall presentation.

In summary, Erin Condren excels in packaging, while Plum Paper offers a solid alternative. Unfortunately, May Designs misses the mark, making it clear who tops the packaging comparison.

💰 2. Price vs. Value Analysis

Understanding the relationship between price and value is crucial when choosing a subscription box. Each box offers different items at varying price points, and evaluating what you receive for what you pay can guide your decision.

Plum Paper stands out by delivering exceptional value. For a price of around $43, they provide approximately $90 worth of items, making it a fantastic deal for those who love surprises in their subscription boxes.

On the other hand, Erin Condren's box, priced at $37.71, also offers solid value. Although it is the lowest-priced option, it consistently delivers about $64 worth of products. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate her unique style.

However, May Designs falls short in this comparison. With a price tag of $43.10, the estimated value of the items included only totals around $32. This significant gap raises concerns about the overall value offered, suggesting that buyers might be better off seeking individual items elsewhere.

In conclusion, while Plum Paper and Erin Condren provide good value for their prices, May Designs leaves much to be desired. Assessing both price and value can help you make a more informed choice.

🎨 3. Sticker Selection

When it comes to sticker selection, Plum Paper truly shines. They offer four sheets of adorable stickers that perfectly match their pastel color scheme, making them a delightful addition to any planner.

Erin Condren also impresses with her inclusion of puffy stickers, a first for her boxes. However, some users find them challenging to write on, which can be a drawback for practical planners.

In contrast, May Designs falls short with their stickers. They are smaller and primarily text-based, lacking the creativity and fun illustrations that many users prefer.

Overall, Plum Paper takes the top spot for sticker selection, followed by Erin Condren, while May Designs lags behind significantly.

🎉 4. Greeting Cards Included

The greeting cards included in the subscription boxes vary significantly. Plum Paper stands out with an impressive selection, offering four unique cards along with a six-pack, providing great variety for any occasion.

In contrast, Erin Condren includes only two cards, with one being a hit and the other not appealing to everyone. The metallic foil design adds a touch of elegance, but the overall selection feels limited.

Unfortunately, May Designs falls short, as the cards were missing from the box entirely, leaving no option for comparison. This lack of cards places them firmly in last place.

👜 5. Tote Bags and Pouches

When it comes to tote bags and pouches, the comparison between Erin Condren and Plum Paper is quite telling. Erin Condren offers a single, high-quality pouch that stands out due to its pleather material and stylish design. This pouch features a cute zipper and a liner, showcasing a premium feel that many users appreciate.

On the other hand, Plum Paper provides a tote bag along with a pencil case. While the pencil case is cute, the overall aesthetic might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who aren't fans of pastel colors. The tote bag, unfortunately, feels less impressive compared to Erin Condren's offering.

In summary, Erin Condren clearly takes the lead in this category, delivering better quality and value. Plum Paper’s inclusion of two items is commendable, but they don't quite measure up to Erin Condren's standards.

🖼️ 6. Office Decor Items

Office decor items can add personality to your workspace. Plum Paper impresses with twelve adorable paper clips, perfect for organizing notes while brightening your desk. Erin Condren follows closely, including cute post-its that add a touch of fun.

However, the post-its sometimes struggle to stick effectively, which can be frustrating. Overall, Plum Paper takes the lead in this category, offering more variety and functionality in office decor items.

📝 7. Planners and Notebooks

Planners and notebooks are essential tools for anyone looking to stay organized. Each subscription box offers unique options, but their effectiveness can vary greatly. Let's explore what Erin Condren, Plum Paper, and May Designs bring to the table.

Plum Paper's Notebook

Plum Paper offers a visually appealing notebook, but it comes with a significant drawback. While it features a clear plastic cover and cardstock underneath, the main content is an address book. This choice might have been exciting decades ago, but in today's digital age, it feels outdated. Most people today don't find an address book useful, which is disappointing given the notebook's potential.

Erin Condren's Offering

Erin Condren's subscription lacks a traditional notebook this time. This absence could leave some users wanting more. However, the focus seems to be on providing other types of planning tools that may appeal to different preferences.

May Designs' Travel Notebooks

May Designs includes travel notebooks, but they come with long pages that may not suit everyone. With stitched or stapled bindings, these notebooks aren't designed for easy page removal, which can limit their functionality. Users might find them less practical for everyday tasks.

Conclusion

In summary, while each brand has its strengths, the overall effectiveness of their planners and notebooks varies. Plum Paper's notebook could have been a standout, but the address book concept falls flat. Erin Condren misses the mark with no notebook, while May Designs offers an unconventional option that might not meet everyone's needs.

✨ 8. Additional Extras

When it comes to extras, Plum Paper leads the pack. The box is packed with a variety of fun items, making it a delightful surprise. Erin Condren follows closely, offering some unique additions, but they don't quite match the volume found in the Plum Paper box.

A standout extra from both boxes is the washi tape. However, Erin Condren's design received mixed reviews. While it’s different, it may not be to everyone's taste. In contrast, Plum Paper’s washi tape is well-received, complementing the overall theme of their box.

One notable missing item from the Plum Paper box was a pen, which many find essential. Erin Condren provided a pencil, but its bulkiness was a downside for some users. A thinner pen option would have been more appreciated.

Ultimately, while both brands offer exciting extras, Plum Paper's variety makes it the clear winner in this category.

😊 9. Overall Happiness Level

The overall happiness level for the subscription boxes is notably close. Both Plum Paper and Erin Condren provide a satisfying experience, though they differ in quality and quantity. Plum Paper offers a greater number of items, while Erin Condren excels in delivering higher quality products. Unfortunately, May Designs falls short, leaving many feeling disappointed.

🔍 10. Final Recommendations

Choosing the best planner subscription box ultimately hinges on your personal style and preferences. If you’re looking for quality and variety, consider ordering both the Plum Paper and Erin Condren boxes. This combination provides a delightful mix of items tailored to your planning needs.

However, it’s wise to skip the May Designs box altogether, as it falls short in both value and excitement. It's essential to avoid disappointment by selecting boxes that truly enhance your planning experience.

Looking ahead, keep an eye on upcoming seasonal boxes. They may offer fresh surprises and improved selections that could better meet your expectations.

In summary, prioritize quality with Plum Paper and Erin Condren, and steer clear of May Designs for a more satisfying planner journey.