Amazon Welcome Box Review

A few months ago I read on a couponing site about how Amazon has this really cool thing called a Welcome Box if you make a baby registry on their website. Seeing how I have baby number four coming in August, and there are just a few things I'd like to have but don't totally NEED, I decided I would give this a try. I figured even if I got nothing off of it, I'd at least get this super cool free box of samples and goodies.

So I made myself a registry.

Would you be surprised to know that Amazon is tricky about qualifying for the free box? Well, they are. First of all, your registry has to be very specific and you have to have one item for key groups for it to qualify. A pain because with a fourth baby, I really don't need furniture. I put a rocking chair and ottoman on there because the one I use down in the living room that I bought used for $15 is falling apart so really, I need a new one down here. So yay.

Secondly, you have to have Amazon Prime. I signed up for the 30 day trial and I did it mostly for the Amazon Prime for my TV but so far? That's been pretty crap. I really want reality TV shows and Dr. Phil yet nobody gives me that so I'm disappointed. The only perk about Amazon on my TV is that I can get Backyardigans and Bubble Guppies, which I have discovered is amazing only because Penelope will willingly eat vegetables at lunch time while watching either show. Frankly, I'm considering paying the $99 a year just for that alone.

Third, someone has to purchase something for $10 or more off of your registry. It is an absolute fluke that someone bought me a box of diapers (thanks, Ellen!) so I knocked that off of my list. Then I was able to add the box to my cart and check out. And wait for it to come.

It came in about a week, (Really two day Prime shipping? Really?) and it was... lackluster. I honestly thought it was going to be much more awesome given the reviews I read online.

Everything out of the box, this is what I got.

A small bottle (either 5 or 6 ounces, I can't remember), which is OK because that I can use. A bottle of Johnson's Baby Bubble Bath, which I'll use. A small tube of Aquaphor diaper cream which I had gotten in something when Penelope was just born and forgot about it but it worked WONDERS on her face after she was so sick and her face looked like it had diaper rash from all of the mucus coming out, so this stuff is amazing. Some prenatal pills which are HORRIBLE. They are massive and you need to take THREE for a daily dose. This bottle is enough for five days and I'm telling you right now, I have never felt worse in my life. All natural, my ass. I also got a MAM pacifier and a really gross peanut butter and strawberry Kind bar.

 A package of Avent breast pads, which I will need because I leak terribly once my milk comes in and I'm refusing to buy a full box because I know I won't use them, a sample pack of BabyGanics wipes, some kind of Burt's Bee's thing that I threw out..

and two Seventh Generation Free & Clear newborn size diapers.

Overall? I'm kind of disappointed. The box is basically half great and half junk. It's certainly nothing I would pay for, that's for sure. I also think that unless you already have Amazon Prime and you were already going to do a registry on Amazon, this isn't something to go out of your way to do. Frankly, the registry packet you get from Target is far better and at least with that you get some coupons as well and get on their baby coupon mailing list and you'll get coupons periodically. So if you were on the fence, I would go with Target because you can set it up in the store or online, and have all of the conveniences that Amazon does as well. Food for thought.