Unboxing: LitJoy Magical Edition Year 7.1!

A day before Christmas, I received an early Christmas present; my LitJoy crate. I ordered it back in September and have been anticipating it ever since. It's a part of their famous Magical Edition-collection where each box represents a book in the Harry Potter series. This is year 7 part one – and the next box is ready for pre-order in April.

See my unboxing of their previous box here or visit their website here.

All in all, I enjoyed this box immensely. LitJoy has a beautiful way of curating magical items that showcases their deep knowledge of the Harry Potter universe and books. This isn't just a box of random licensed items; it's a box curated by fans for fans. And it makes all the difference. 

This box in particular was beautiful – but perhaps I prefered LitJoy's earlier boxes. This may just be down to personal taste, but it may also be because the seventh book isn't as well-defined in its artefacts as the rest of the series. I'm not sure ... 

In the end, the box still shines. LitJoy will always be the best Harry Potter subscription around and I cannot wait for the next box. 

One can never get too many mugs. I certainly can't. And so I was excited when LitJoy revealed that there would be a tin mug in this box. It turned out to be one of my favourite items – and one of my new favourite mugs too! It depicts such a huge part of the seventh Harry Potter book under the headline of "Worst camping trip ever!". The book can't be summed up better than that. 

The first thing that greeted me when I opened the box was a fluffy blanket adorned with a wizarding map. The blanket is incredibly soft and is the perfect companion to lazy reading days, but it's also a beautiful homage to the all traveling that happens in the seventh Harry Potter novel.

Every Harry Potter location can be found on the blanket; from the Shell Cottage to the Burrow, the Durmstrang ship to Platform 9 3/4, Godric's Hollow to Malfoy Manor and so on ... It's so cleverly done – and so snuggly too!

The masterpiece of this box is this replica of Hermione's handbag. Sadly, it has not expansion charm, but it's perfect for storing jewelry and small trinkets.

To me, there's nothing more relaxing than listening to a podcast and doing a jigsaw puzzle. I loved doing jigsaw puzzles as a child and lately I've rediscovered the joy of doing something so purely devoid of digital distractions. So imagine my joy when I found a Godric's Hollow-themed puzzle in this crate. It was only 250 pieces so it was quickly done – but a fun break nevertheless with beautiful artwork too.

When I opened the box I was hit by a strange scent of pine. Not nessecarily a pleasant scent, but a scent that can evoke forgotten memories and transport you to the deep forests of your childhood.
Cleverly enough, the candle is designed to represent the deluminator and the unlocking mechanism mimics this to perfection. I'm not sure that I'll ever light this candle as the scent is a bit hard-hitting as it is, but I do love the idea.

LitJoy always include magnetic bookmarks in their magical crates that represents various scenes from the books. The bookmarks are always humourous, and so I couldn't help but giggle at the morbid, yet horrifying, cartoon version of Umbridge's door – complete with Moody's eye attached.

I gasped when I saw this book. Albus Dumbledore is my favourite character and there's nothing I'd love more than to know more about him, his mysterious past and his many secrets. If Rita Skeeter's bestseller really existed, I would have read it long ago. As it is, this lined notebook is a wonderful replacement – and along with the mug, it's my favourite item in this box. It's gorgeously made, decorated with glitter and wonderful end pages.

For some reason, I've always been confused by pins. There's so many beautifully designed ones out there, but I'm never sure what I should do with them as I do not wear them. They always puzzle me though I do appreciate their beauty.
This pin represents the golden snitch from Dumbledore's will – complete with the engraving "I Open at the Close" and the pin can be slided open to reveal the resurrection stone. A fun way to display an iconic scene.

This box was delivered to me the day before Christmas. And so, it seemed perfect that a tiny and fluffy Hedwig ornament was to be found within it. I really do think she's the cutest thing ever!

I must admit, I giggled a bit when I saw this pen. The sword of Godric Gryffindor floats up to the doe patronus whenever you turn the pen – exactly like the pens that were so popular in the 90's. 

In every box LitJoy includes a few playing cards themed around the Harry Potter characters. I particularly adore the depiction of Hermione on this – she looks radiating! 

This booksleeve is made for protecting books on the loose in your bag. And not only is it made in good quality; it's very beautiful too, designed to resemble the famous book Hermione inherits from Dumbledore. I'll definitely use and treasure this. 

Luna is the best. Her imagination, her creativity, her carefree nature mixed with her odd ability to always say the most profound things in the oddest way possible. She of course plays an important part in the seventh Harry Potter book and so it only made sense to see her represented through these colorful socks – complete with dirigible plums and all! 

Paper replicas are always fun. Especially when they're goldfoiled. And so, I absolutely love this copper-adorned invitation to Bill and Fleur's wedding. Completely with a wax-sealed gold envelope and all! 

"Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure". One of my favourite quotes from one of my favourite characters. And so, this pillowcase should hit home for me but I'm very conflicted about it. Something about the colours and the artwork just feels off to me. And even though the quote fits well with the seventh book, I still feel like a quote from Half-Blood Prince seems out of place in this box.

Unboxing: LitJoy Magical Edition Year 6!

This is a review/unboxing of LitJoy's Magical Edition year 6; an amazing subscription box based on the Harry Potter series. This one revolves around Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Beware: spoilers ahead!

I've never known what to think about subscription boxes. While I've never been able to resist the pull of a magic surprise, I've also been hesistant. Worried that a subscription box with items I haven't chosen for myself wouldn't measure up to the money spent; and worried that I'd be taking part of creating unnessecary waste, buying items I don't really need.

But after watching earlier unboxings of LitJoy's Magical Editions, my hesitance disappeared. Their boxes are beautifully curated, filled to the brim with wonders and enchantments. They're worth their price. 

My box arrived at the end of last week. And it didn't disappoint at all. 

The attention to detail in every item is incredible. This is clearly a box made for fans by other fans. Not only is this Slytherin locket perfectly book accurate; it also came with a tiny note by R.A.B. I absolutely adored it.

Like many items in this book, the locket is a LitJoy exclusive. 

When I opened the box I was met by a tiny flicker of pink. Packed in a gorgeous box was a fluffy pygmy puff in a pink cage. It looked exactly like something from the bright shelves of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes; and it even came with a colourful certificate of adoption. And while I do already own a pygmy puff, this is nothing alike. I'm happy to adopt yet another pink fluffball! The pygmy puff is a LitJoy exclusive. 

The box also contained another pink item. Something that scented the air with notes of roses and orange blossoms; an Amortentia candle made by Say Anything Studio. I love the fact that it isn't just a  decorative potion bottle, but an useful item. With a gorgeous smell at that. 

Carefully wrapped in an anonymous brown box, I found this item. A tiny music box with carefully carved illustrations of soaring phoenixes and a lid with an unforgettable quote. I turned the silvery handle and heard a tune that almost made me cry; the soft sound of nostalgia and iconic movie moments. It was so beautifully done. And perhaps my favourite item of them all.

Beautifully carved art by Maggie Rose.

Every subscription box comes with pins; and I have no idea of what to do with them. I'm not a pin collector though there's quite a few wonderful ones. In this box there was a Pensive pin by Dust & Pages. Though I consider it a bit useless, it's very beautiful. The middle spins and everything!

LitJoy also delighted their subscribers with a phone stand in the shape of Gaunt's ring with the resurrection stone glinting in the middle. This is such a creative and fun idea, though I almost can't bring myself to use it ... The phone stand is a LitJoy exclusive.

I giggled when I opened yet another brown box and saw this tiny shot glass. Designed in the shape of a butterbeer mug and with a very cute engraving of Aragog, this is such a fun item. A perfect way to remember the great spider by. The shotglas is designed by Catarina Book Designs.

Another item I fell absolutely in love with is this book sleve. With a detailed, purple-toned illustration of the Room of Requirement, it was an instant favourite – and my first book sleeve too. Now I have the perfect way to protect my books. The book sleeve is designed by Yessi Draws.

Ever since I was a child I've wanted an overflowing bookcase that opens up to a hidden room; empty book covers hiding old mysteries, and secret notes stuck in-between pages. There's something oddly poetic about using other people's stories to cover up your own ... 

And so, I gasped when I saw this hollow book designed by Holly Dunn. And when I opened the book up I was greeted by the unmistaken glimmer of Felix Felicis. Or, at least an interpretation of it. The idea is simple, but the presentation is stunning. Especially as the potion bottle comes with a stand for display purposes. 

The potion bottle and stand are LitJoy exclusives. 

Just when I thought the box was empty, more items showed up. Including this silver envelope with an invitation to Slughorn's Christmas Party! It's one of my absolute favourite items and looks like something straight out of the books. I almost feel like framing it. 

The Christmas Party invitation is a  LitJoy exclusive. 

On the photo beneath you can see a beautiful collection of trading cards. They're always included in LitJoy boxes, and while they may not be strictly useful they're certainly beautiful. I especially adore  Gabriella Bujdosó's untraditional take on Slughorn.

The box also contained a wooden bookmark designed by Nan Fe; an oddly alluring depiction of Bellatrix Lestrange. It's art on a bookmark.

One can never get too many tote bags, right? This colourful tote bag shows off products from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes on one side and Fred and George on another side. It's so detailed and in a lovely leathery material. It's designed by Melody Howe.

As seen on the photo below, there were more bookmarks in the books. These three are magnetic bookmarks and they're LitJoy exclusives. I absolutely adore the Slughorn one – and I love that Lavender Brown is represented as well. 

Lastly, the box contained a beautiful print by Rob Bruno. It's a portrait of Dumbledore; looking strangely peaceful and completely accurate. I love this milder depiction of Dumbledore, showing his gentleness instead of the movie's fierceness. 

The spoiler card is quite photogenic and is presented as a security folder on how to avoid Death Eaters. Could it be any more magical? 

Owl Post #1: Film Wizardry

Is there anything better than owl post? To receive an eagerly anticipated package from some other part of the world? It's certainly one of the best feelings in the world. Especially when the package in question is Harry Potter-related. Here is one of my recent Harry Potter-purchases, delivered by owl post:

There's been published so many Harry Potter-related books that it has almost become a maze, impossible to navigate in. Many of the movie-related books covers the same aspects and even contains some of the same articles and images artworks. There are so many overlaps, that I've found it hard to select which books I want to own.

However, I recently stumbled over this particular book, Film Wizardry. It's a, rather old, movie scrapbook with wonderfully designed chapters about every film, interviews with the cast and fun anecdotes and insights into the world of movie production. And while the information really isn't groundbreaking, it's nicely put together and well-presented.

And ultimately, what the book lacks in text, it has tenfold in design. It contains many fun and incredibly detailed inserts making the book a treasure trove of magic paper props. It is such an unique book – and I'm so happy to finally have it in my collection. 

The inserts include: 

• Harry's acceptance letter to Hogwarts (however with a printed seal instead of a wax seal)
• A catalogue of dark objects from Borgin & Burkes
• A booklet designed as 'Advanced potion-making' with stickers inside
• The Marauder's Map (in a smaller version than the ones you buy separately, but still an incredible offering)
• The Quidditch World Cup programme
• The Yule ball programme
• A catalogue from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes
• 5 of Umbridge's educational decrees
• An identity-card from the Ministry of Magic belonging to Mafalda Hopkirk
• A photo album with pictures from the movies

All very beautiful and detailed. Perfect as fun photo props or decorations. I'm particular in love with the Yule Ball programme and the Marauder's Map.