OwlCrate Young Adult

OwlCrate delivers a highly anticipated Young Adult release each month in an exclusive edition featuring custom dust jackets, sprayed edges, and often author signatures. The full subscription includes 3-5 bookish items like fandom jewelry, collectibles, and reading accessories, all themed around the month's book. A book-only option is available for readers who just want the exclusive editions.

About OwlCrate Young Adult

OwlCrate has established itself as the premier subscription for Young Adult book lovers since launching in 2015. Founded by Korrina Ede in Edmonton, Canada, the service began with a simple premise: deliver not just books, but complete bookish experiences that make readers feel special. A decade later, OwlCrate remains the gold standard for YA book subscriptions, known for exclusive editions that collectors treasure and themed merchandise that builds anticipation around each month’s unboxing.

What distinguishes OwlCrate from generic book subscriptions is the exclusivity of their editions. Each month’s YA release features custom-designed dust jackets, sprayed page edges in colors that complement the book’s themes, and frequently includes author signatures or personalized bookplates. These aren’t books you can purchase at Barnes & Noble or Amazon, they’re genuine collector’s items that often appreciate in value on the secondary market. The 3-5 accompanying bookish items are thoughtfully curated to match the month’s theme, ranging from fandom jewelry and collectible pins to candles and bookmarks.

The subscription has earned a loyal following, reflected in its 4.4-star Trustpilot rating where 87% of reviewers give 5 stars. Subscribers consistently praise the edition quality, merchandise curation, and the overall experience of receiving each box.

Pricing Plans

OwlCrate offers multiple subscription options for Young Adult readers:

Plan	Price	Contents	Best For
Monthly Full Box	$38.99/month + shipping	Exclusive book + 3-5 items	Full experience seekers
3-Month Full Box	$113.97 prepaid	Same as monthly	Committed subscribers
6-Month Full Box	$221.94 prepaid	Same as monthly	Long-term fans
Book Only Monthly	$29.99/month + shipping	Exclusive edition book	Edition collectors
Book Only 3-Month	$86.97 prepaid	Same as monthly	Budget-conscious collectors
Book Only 6-Month	$167.94 prepaid	Same as monthly	Value seekers

Shipping Costs:

• US: ~$8.99/box
• Canada: ~$8.99/box
• International: Varies by destination

Additional Options:

• OwlCrate Jr.: Middle-grade reader subscription
• Adult Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror: Quarterly book-only at $31.99

What’s Included

Full Box Subscription:

Each monthly OwlCrate contains:

• Exclusive Edition Book: A highly anticipated YA release with custom dust jacket, sprayed edges, and often author signature
• 3-5 Bookish Items: Themed merchandise including:
  • Fandom jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings)
  • Collectible pins and enamel badges
  • Book-scented candles
  • Custom bookmarks and book sleeves
  • Character art prints
  • Mugs, stickers, and reading accessories
• Author Content: Exclusive notes, signed bookplates, or bonus material
• Theme Card: Details about the month’s theme and items

Book Only Subscription:

• Exclusive edition book with all the special features (custom cover, sprayed edges, possible signature)
• No merchandise or accessories included

How It Works

1. Choose Your Subscription: Select full box or book-only, and choose monthly or prepaid (3 or 6 months). Prepay options lock in pricing and ensure continuity.

2. Monthly Themes Announced: OwlCrate announces each month’s theme in advance with subtle hints, building anticipation without revealing the book title.

3. Box Ships Mid-Month: Boxes typically ship around the 15th, arriving within 1-2 weeks for US/Canada (longer for international).

4. Unbox Your Experience: Many subscribers document their unboxings on social media. The presentation is designed to create an event, with themed packaging and careful item placement.

5. Join the Community: OwlCrate has an active community on Instagram, TikTok, and book forums where subscribers discuss selections, trade items, and share excitement.

6. Manage Flexibly: Skip months that don’t interest you, pause during busy periods, or cancel anytime through your account.

Who It’s For

Perfect For:

• Young Adult Readers: Those who love YA fantasy, contemporary, and romance
• Edition Collectors: Readers who value exclusive covers, sprayed edges, and signatures
• Bookish Merchandise Lovers: People who enjoy candles, jewelry, and accessories themed to their favorite books
• Gift Givers: Excellent ongoing gift for teen or adult YA readers
• Community Seekers: Those who enjoy sharing unboxings and discussing books online

Consider Alternatives If:

• You Want to Choose Your Books: OwlCrate selects for you, try Book of the Month for choice
• Budget is Limited: At $38.99+ shipping, it’s pricier than some options
• You Only Read Adult Fiction: Consider OwlCrate’s Adult Fantasy or other services
• You Dislike Surprises: The curated model means accepting their selections
• You Need Fast Shipping: Canadian origin means longer delivery for some US addresses

OwlCrate has earned its reputation through consistent quality, genuine exclusive editions, and a deep understanding of what book lovers want. For YA readers who appreciate the full experience of themed merchandise alongside collector-worthy books, it remains the benchmark against which other book subscriptions are measured.

Edition Collectibility

OwlCrate editions often become collector’s items:

What Makes Them Special:

• Custom dust jackets designed exclusively for OwlCrate
• Sprayed page edges in colors matching book themes
• Author signatures or signed bookplates
• Exclusive art prints and bonus content

Secondary Market Value:

• Limited edition nature creates scarcity
• Past boxes frequently sell above original price
• Complete sets command premium prices
• Signed editions especially valued

Storage and Care:

• Keep dust jackets in protective sleeves
• Store upright to protect sprayed edges
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Handle with care to preserve signatures

Comparison with Book Subscription Alternatives

Service	Price	Choice	Focus	Notable
OwlCrate	$38.99	Curated	YA + Merchandise	Exclusive editions
Book of the Month	$17.99	Choose 1 of 5	Adult fiction	Reader choice
FairyLoot	$44.99	Curated	Fantasy	Luxury merchandise
Illumicrate	$44.99	Curated	Fantasy	UK-based
Once Upon a Book Club	$49.99	Curated	Various	Wrapped gifts

OwlCrate balances edition quality with pricing better than many competitors, offering genuinely collectible books with quality merchandise at a mid-range price point.