Ikigai Box – Bonsai Box

What's in the box: Four types of bonsai seeds with four biodegradable pots, four peat granules, four waterproof labels and a digital growing guide, or eight species in the Deluxe version.

Ikigai Box is a small Canadian shop started by a couple who share an interest in Japan and the Ikigai philosophy. It sells bonsai starter kits and a Temari embroidery kit. Despite the box branding, these are single purchases, and the site does not describe a recurring subscription plan. The standard Bonsai Box costs $39.99 CAD. It comes with four types of seeds, four biodegradable pots, four peat granules, four waterproof labels and a complete digital guide. The Bonsai Box Deluxe costs $49.99 CAD and includes eight species. The site does not name the species in either kit. Growing bonsai from seed takes a long time. Germination can take weeks, and it takes years before a seedling looks like a shaped tree. This kit suits patient beginners better than anyone who wants a display piece soon. The guide is digital only, so the kit stays compact, but you will be following the instructions on a screen. The store works in English and French and lists prices in Canadian dollars. For a modest cost, it is a tidy, giftable introduction to bonsai. Experienced growers will find little here that they could not put together themselves.