I’ve been a subscriber to TheCoffeeMonsterzCo ever since the subscription launched in January 2023. I joined right away at the Pen Pal tier, the highest one at the time, and I’ve never regretted it. 💗
Recently, though, Helen (the creator of TCMC) shared that she was dealing with health challenges related to burnout and anxiety. To reduce her workload, she decided to simplify the subscription program and adjust its format.
👍I completely support that decision, even though I was very anxious to see what the new subscription would look like.
Well… my first new-format subscription has finally arrived, so let’s take a look! 📦👀
- 📐What changed?
- 📦The actual contents
- 🧐First impressions
- 🌎Who I think this subscription is for
- ❗TL; DR
- 💭Final Thoughts
📐What changed?
Before the reformat, TCMC subscriptions were divided into four different tiers:
- 💌 Snail Mail included sticker sheets and occasional stationery items like bookmarks or pockets.
- 📦 Snail Parcel encompassed the stationery goodies that aren’t stickers or sticker sheets.
- ✨ Washi Wizard focused on washi tapes, of course.
- 🎒 Pen Pal was the ultimate tier and combined everything in the Snail Mail and Snail Parcel tiers.
With the new format, three of the four tiers have been removed entirely, leaving only the Snail Mail subscription. 🐌
The subscription is still themed and still follows a quarterly format, but instead of being shipped four times a year, subscriptions are now bundled into two larger shipments (May and November). ✂️
Because of that, subscribers are also charged only twice a year instead of four times, which makes the overall subscription much more affordable and manageable.
But the biggest surprise is the new end-of-year bundle. 😳
WHAT IS THE END-OF-YEAR BUNDLE?👀
This special bundle will include things that were previously part of the higher tiers, like washi tapes and extra stationery items.
Former Snail Parcel and Pen Pal subscribers are automatically enrolled in the End-of-Year Bundle.
Former Washi Wizard subscribers aren’t left out either. They’ll receive a special shipment containing the exclusive washi tapes that would have been included in the bundle.
BUT the exciting part is that the bundle will also be available for non-subscribers to purchase! 😍
📦The actual contents
So I have just received my first subscription since the reformat! It contains Q1 and Q2 stickers sheets and some vinyl stickers. Each quarter was centered around its own theme and wrapped in a separate cellophane pouch so really, it felt like I’d just received two subscriptions in one!
Just as for the Snail Mail, each subscription contained 5 sticker sheets and a card, but there was the added bonus of two vinyl stickers in each pack!
🧐First impressions
😅 I’ll admit that I’m probably not 100% objective here because TCMC was my very first stationery subscription. Still, I genuinely think it’s worth it. The quality of the items never falters, everything feels thoughtfully designed, and the subscription-exclusive goodies make each shipment feel extra special. Plus, how adorable are those emotis? 😍
One thing I’ve always loved about TCMC’s subscription is the quarterly format. It gives me enough time to actually use and enjoy my stickers before the next shipment arrives, and it’s much easier on the wallet than a monthly subscription. There’s also something exciting about the wait. If a monthly subscription feels special, a quarterly one feels like opening a tiny treasure chest every season. 🌸☀️🍂❄️
The new format stretches that wait even further, since subscriptions now arrive only twice a year. To be honest, that’s probably my biggest drawback, but even so, I was ridiculously excited when I tore open the envelope containing my latest shipment! 😆
While I personally prefer receiving subscriptions a little more often, I’d much rather have this simplified format than lose the subscription altogether. 💌
🌎Who I think this subscription is for
Honestly, this subscription is a great fit for anyone who loves paper goodies and Helen’s adorable art style. Whether you’re a planner person looking for functional stickers or a journaler who loves decorative elements, there’s a little something for everyone. The TCMC collection is so extensive that you could probably find enough stickers to keep you busy for years!
TCMC is actually the brand that started my stationery journey. Before discovering Helen’s shop, I was very much a beginner, so I can confidently say that it’s a wonderful place to start. That said, the sheer size of the collection can be a little overwhelming at first. 😅
My best advice? Go in with a rough idea of what you’re looking for and make good use of the search bar. Otherwise, you might find yourself scrolling for a few hours… or a few days. (Rabbit hole alert!🐇🕳️)
And if you’re a stationery collector like me, TCMC is especially dangerous (in the best possible way). Every design is hand-drawn, the collection is constantly growing, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching your collection expand over time. 💖
Ask me how I know. I currently have four binders dedicated entirely to TCMC stickers… and I don’t think my collection will stop there. 📚😂
❗TL; DR
This was a pretty long post ( I can never stop talking when it’s about TCMC…) So if you want a quick summary:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| 4 tiers | 1 tier |
| Quarterly shipments | Two larger shipments per year |
| Charged 4 times/year | Charged 2 times/year |
| Washi & stationery in subscriptions | *NEW* End-of-Year Bundle |
| Higher monthly commitment | Lower overall commitment |
Want a bit more info? Here it is! 👇
Below are screenshots taken from the current TCMC subscription information page.
All the information you need to understand the 2026 TCMC subscription reformat is right here.☝️👉
But you can always read the TCMC page for more info and a better understanding of Helen’s reasons behind this reformat.
💭Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m genuinely happy with this change. Not only is the new format more affordable, but it also feels less overwhelming while still delivering all the adorable TCMC goodness I’ve come to love. 💌✨
Since joining the subscription in 2023, I’ve discovered plenty of other stationery subscriptions, and my collection has grown quite a bit. And as much as I love receiving a giant treasure chest of TCMC goodies, there’s something nice about getting a little more breathing room between shipments without feeling like I’m missing out on anything. 📦
Will I miss the excitement of the old Pen Pal tier? Absolutely. But I think this new format strikes a good balance between keeping the subscription fun and making it more sustainable for both subscribers and Helen herself. 💖
That being said, if a Pen Pal tier (or something similar) ever makes a comeback, you’ll find me first in line with my wallet ready. 😂💸
Miss Stickers 
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