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Holiday Subscription Box Review Part 2

Holiday Subscription Box Review Part 2

 

Review by: Geek Girl Mistress Zelda

Geek Girl Zelda reviewed many unique subscription services in her holiday gift superguide! Here's part 2 of 3 (see Part 1 here)...

Subscription Box Review
Company: Ozone Socks
Price: $150.00 annually
Keywords: Socks, Fashion, Fun, Women, Men, Upscale, Quirky
Description: Ozone Socks sent me some samples from their Lolita collection. They are INCREDIBLY fabulous. The socks are very high quality both in design and materials – and really do proper homage to Japanese street fashion. Many times you will see products labeled as something it actually is not – but these styles look like they were imported directly from Japanese shops. They have lovely, dimensional designs in a variety of colors – it would work both for the gothic and sweet Lolita styles. Their subscription service doesn’t allow you to purchase individual months, so you have to be sure you’re a serious sock lover before subscribing - $150 for the year. But based on what I received I’d say you are absolutely paying for quality and style. Of course you can buy yourself individual designs as well. They are super original and unique – I’d never want to wear any of them under pants! The novelty section of their shop is a joy to peruse. The undersea socks are my personal favorite, although the lolita line is wonderful as well. They have socks in all sorts of different styles and the prints are unlike anything I've ever seen. Give your footsies a gift they will love you for :)
Perfect For: Him, Her, Children
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: BlueApron
Price: $9.99 per person per meal
Keywords: Food, Cooking, Upscale, Gourmet, Healthy, DIY, Unique, Organic
Description: BlueApron is an incredibly novel and wonderfully successful idea. They deliver fresh ingredients and instructions for creating delicious, gourmet, and surprisingly simple meals. At the price of just $9.99 per person per meal, it costs less than most pizzas and significantly less than going out to eat. Not only that, the portions are BIG and the quality is HIGH; my meals included free-range, organic chicken, fresh salmon and high quality beef, and GMO-free, heritage vegetables. For the price of what you’d pay to go out and eat terrible fast food, you can cook restaurant quality meals at home. I have a fair amount of experience cooking and love trying new recipes. The recipes BlueApron included pushed me outside of my comfort zone while simultaneously being easy to follow (the instructions are printed in full color and step by step). Everything you need to complete a meal is included and comes pre-measured and individually packed. Prep work is always the least fun part of cooking (well, besides cleanup), but BlueApron does all that for you! Meals can be created in between 25-45 minutes, and did I mention already that they are delicious? I think I did, but it bears repeating. Meals are designed by both BlueApron staff chefs as well as guest chefs. I cooked my first meal the day the giant box of goodies arrived – a chicken and roasted chestnut wheat pasta with onions, garlic, fresh rosemary, carrots, celery, pecorino cheese and granulated honey. I was so impressed with the service – concept, implementation, quality, taste, and uniqueness – that I will be signing up myself as well as gifting it to my parents for Christmas. It’s perfect for anyone who already likes to cook (no more trips to the market either – yay!) as well as for anyone who wants to learn. Ok, it’s perfect for anyone who likes to eat. I can’t say enough good things about this service. I got 3 different meals and every one was out of this world and gave me the opportunity to try new ingredients I'd never cooked or eaten. I shared the meals with my roommates and some friends and every one of them wants to sign up for the service. Here is a quote from one friend: "Mail order steak? Ok...I'll give it a shot." And while eating: "This is good as fuck. You can quote me on that." - Ben Meares, writer of Hellraiser comics.
Perfect For: Him, Her, DIYers, Mom/Dad, Artists, Hedonists, Foodies
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USE THIS COUPON TO GET 2 FREE MEALS WITH YOUR PURCHASE OF BLUEAPRON
Subscription Box Review

Subscription Box Review

Subscription Box Review




Subscription Box Review
Company: Loved + Blessed Box of Encouragement
Price: $10 monthly
Keywords: Religious, Spiritual, Uplifting, Unique
Description: Loved + Blessed Box of Encouragement is a Christian subscription service that delivers words of hope and encouragement along with a small gift monthly. December’s box included a scarf “To remind you of the warmth of God’s embrace” along with several pieces of scripture-based letters, stickers, cards and a mini poster. This month’s theme was LOVE. It is a nice way to give yourself an uplifting message of hope each month, or a thoughtful gift to a friend and family member to remind them that they are loved (both by you and by God!). Sometimes it is nice to have that reminder. The boxes were well curated and it is nice to see a religious service that promotes only the most positive messages of their faith. Don’t buy this box expecting any high quality goods (the scarf was nicer as a thought than it was in practicality), but that actually fits with being Christlike. This box isn’t about material goods – it’s about an emotional connection. Whether you are religious or not, it’s what Christmas should be about!
Perfect For: Mom/Dad, Religious, Christian
Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Bombfell
Price: Varies
Keywords: Men, Fashion, Upscale, Clothing, Accessories
Description: Bombfell is a men’s subscription service that includes upscale clothing personalized to you through a targeted style survey and personal stylist. Going through the survey was a lot of fun and perfect for all of you geeks – it includes lots of really quirky images to analyze your style (like the skintone guide where you choose your color based on cast members from the show Community). After completing the survey, a personal stylist is assigned to you to help pick out clothing that is suited to your tastes, body type, price range, and even upcoming important events. I filled out a survey on behalf of my fiancé who is known to make tragically poor decisions when it comes to fashion. The stylist created a complete look that was both understated and flattering. When I asked to make a small change, the response time from the stylist was quick, took into account my concerns, and he found a beautiful replacement more suited to my fiance’s style. The box arrived immaculately packaged and the items were things that we would have felt tentative to purchase on our own. It’s an amazing feeling of being pampered, of getting a taste of celebrity, to have the fine folks at Bombfell design a look for you. If there is a man in your life you need to shop for (or you are a man who needs some help shopping for himself), be sure to check out their service. They are on the expensive side (understandably, since their products are very high quality), but you can set your own desired price range and the stylists will work with your budget. So don’t be afraid to try it out! At the very least go through their survey and see what they pick out for you. You might learn something about your style.
Perfect For: Dad, Him
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: ScentBird
Price: $14.95 monthly
Keywords: Perfume, Beauty, Women
Description: ScentBird has custom, personalized, full-sized perfumes sent to you monthly. After going through their survey to determine my tastes, I received a lovely, fruity, earthy perfume in a nice logo velvet carrying case. Admittedly, I don’t wear very much perfume as a lot of it tends to give me allergies. I have a hard time going to a store to find something I like (the smell of hundreds of perfumes in a department store tends to be overwhelming). Getting the opportunity to smell one perfume at a time greatly increased my enjoyment – and the survey worked well at finding me something I like, even though I have very little previous knowledge of perfume. It doesn’t seem to have any of the allergens I am used to inside it, and it’s a beautiful little stocking stuffer. At the price, it’s a wonderful gift to give as a subscription as well! It is beautifully packaged and is sure to make the receiver feel glamorous and beautiful.
Perfect For: Her, Mom, Fashionistas
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Goodmouth
Price: Between $8-$15 monthly
Keywords: Healthcare, Beauty, Hygiene, Charity
Description: Ok, so maybe toothbrushes aren’t the most FUN gift in the universe, but they are a necessary one! Goodmouth manages to make it a little more fun by having colorful brushes, yummy mints, personalized chapstick and flossers. It makes for great pieces to stuff a stocking (and to offset all that candy). Everyone needs this stuff, and sometimes people forget that you are supposed to change out their toothbrush and get a new one every 2-3 months. The best way to use this service, in my opinion? Send it to your kids who are away from home at college for the first time. I got a hot pink and purple toothbrush and it’s so fun that remembering to brush twice a day is easy!
Perfect For: Him, Her, Children
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Taste Japan
Price: £15 monthly
Keywords: Snacks, Candy, Food, Japan, Fun, Quirky
Description: Taste Japan is a monthly subscription box that limits their treats to items found exclusively in Japanese stores. These are items you can't go to your local Asian market and purchase! As with everything in Japan, the packaging is fun, colorful, comedic, and full of deliciousness. I especially loved this December's box as it included a Christmas boot full of candy! On it's own it would be a fantastic stocking stuffer - I don't think you'd need anything else. Plus, getting to try unique treats is more fun than getting the same repackaged, recycled stuff we get every Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day and Christmas. There was even one item in the box that looked like it had a Japanese boy band on the packaging...amazing. I've received other Japanese subscription services but this one was a lot more fun, included more items, and even has trivia and toys from Japan to keep you entertained. It definitely did as the name would suggest - gave me a taste of Japan! And I am jealous for the people who get to live there. At least once a month I can get the experience.
Perfect For: Him, Her, Mom/Dad, Children, Geeks, Anime Fans, Foodies
Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Charleston Epicurean
Price: $35 monthly
Keywords: Food, Upscale, Healthy, Local, Snacks, Beauty, Organic
Description: Let me preface this one with YUM. I absolutely love this box featuring products from local Charleston small businesses and locally created food and goodies. As soon as I opened it up, it smelled wonderful! There was a beautiful cookbook with room to add your own recipes, locally produced soap, some high quality snacks, and a really beautifully handmade, scented, woven rose. I live in Los Angeles, so I wouldn't have access to anything included in this box if not for Charleston Epicurean. I love that it promotes local mom and pop shops - we see so many national chains destroying small businesses nowadays. There is not nearly as much variety nor as much quality as there once was, so it is wonderful to see small businesses that continue to take pride in what they create have the opportunity to share their products through a distribution service like this. Anyone would be thrilled to receive the items inside - it's very grown up, sophisticated, classy and smart. I felt pampered just opening it! I also love that they include non-consumable products in their service. Some of the products in this box will last you forever!
Perfect For: Him, Her, Mom/Dad
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Dollar Shave Club
Price:$1-$9 monthly
Keywords: Shaving, Beauty, Men, Women
Description: I had seen the Dollar Shave Club advertisements before and thought "What a cool idea, but that price can't possibly be right!" I wish I had checked them sooner, because their ads are actually true. This service is inexpensive - incredibly so - how do they even make money? It's a mystery to me, but I'm not complaining. The box i received had A TON of stuff, and it was all remarkably high quality. For a dollar in the stores, all you get is a pack of some of the cheap plastic razors that do more damage than good to your skin. This packaged included enough razors for 2 months, moisturizer, face wipes, shave butter, and serum. It's a wonderful gift for both women and men, although I would probably give it to the men in my life. Shaving is one of those things you might not realize can be so much more enjoyable...but once you get a taste of the good shaving life, you can't believe you neglected it for so long. Dollar Shave Club definitely can convert anyone to the benefits of inexpensive, upscale shaving products. Your skin will thank you.
Perfect For: Him, Her
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Goodebox
Price: $17 monthly
Keywords: Organic, Beauty, Women, Healthy, Socially Conscious, Upscale
Description: Goodebox has a wide variety of  organic health, beauty and makeup products. Everything from skincare to notepads made out of recycled paper, nail polish, and bubble bath. It's all about natural wellness! For only 17 bucks a month, you get several high quality, fragrant, cruelty free products. It's perfect for any women in your life, young or old, and is like having a spa treatment delivered to your door. I relaxed with some of their body scrub in the bathtub and followed it up with a manicure - I felt like a million bucks after! Most of the items are sample size, but still plenty to last you awhile. They make perfect stocking stuffers, gift bag additions, or a beautiful recurring gift with their monthly service. The joy of these subscription box services is even after Christmas, your loved ones will continue to receive packages to let them know you care. There is a world of difference between real, organic natural products and processed chemicals - your skin feels it instantly. For only 17 bucks I don't think you can afford not to treat someone (even if that someone is yourself! Shhh...we won't tell anyone). Each box is personalized, so you can even specify the types of products you want to receive. They seem to mix it up pretty well each month too, so you get something different to try out each time.
Perfect For: Her, Mom, Health Nuts
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Subscription Box Review

Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: StyleBox by Jamberry
Price: $25 monthly
Keywords: Nails, Beauty, Fun, Quirky, Women
Description: A lot of you are probably already familiar with Jamberry Nails by now, and for good reason. Jamberry was the originator of the fun nail trend - do you ever wonder how women have perfect, graphic nail designs? Do you spend a ton of money going to get manicures? Jamberry offers a unique vinyl sticker which can be put very easily on the nails using heat (a blowdryer will do) and a nail file. Most sheets cost between $10-$20 dollars and last several weeks (do a top coat over them to be safe!) They come in a ton of different styles, from colors to prints to fun, outrageous designs. You can even upload your own designs and have them printed out, so the only thing holding you back is your own imagination. You can even sign up to sell their products and have Jamberry parties - I have a friend who does it (and loves it!) and about 20 girlfriends who use their nail wraps. I remember my mother throwing Tupperware and Mary Kay parties growing up and what a fun bonding experience it was for women, so I am excited to see that tradition continue, with a modern update. There are a lot of copy cat companies out there now, because it's such a great idea...but do yourself a favor and check out the best. Maybe even throw yourself a party and get some free designs! They are inexpensive enough that you can change your style almost as often as you want.
Perfect For: Her, Mom, Geeks
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Mantry
Price: $75 to $10 shipping monthly
Keywords: Men, Food, Upscale, Snacks, Artisan
Description: Mantry is pretty much exactly what it sounds like - artisanal food products that a man might enjoy having in his pantry. Every month includes 6 full sized foods from small businesses and crafters from around the country. Oh, and did I mention it comes in a handcrafted crate? I don't know about the men you know, but my male friends? Almost enjoy the packaging more than the contents. Which isn't to say the contents aren't spectacular - they are! Mantry features small start ups and gives them the opportunity for their products to be seen and loved. It appeals to the male stomach while elevating foods they commonly enjoy - amazing clam chowder, delicious hot fudge, spicy jalapeno tuna. But Mantry can appeal to the foodie in your life of ANY gender. I mean really, who hates incredible food? Nobody. It's a wonderful gift for anyone in your life. And after Christmas, you might even want to subscribe yourself. I wouldn't blame you! These products look absolutely gorgeous in my pantry - it's pretty easy to spot just looking in there which products came from Mantry. They are stylish, delectable and gourmet.
Perfect For: Him, Her, Mom/Dad
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Mystery Chocolate Box
Price: $17.95 monthly
Keywords: Chocolate, Candy, Charity, Socially Conscious, Unique, Mystery
Description: Mystery Chocolate Box is a different kind of subscription box. While you get 3 different chocolates each month, they don't tell you what the chocolate is. It's not just a mystery before it arrives, it's a mystery when it arrives as well! Mystery Chocolate Box encourages you to share with your friends or family - the fun of the box is not just eating the chocolate, but trying to guess what the ingredients are. It's a perfect family activity around the Christmas tree, or as a monthly fun bonding activity. Not only does the chocolate bring people together as they eat it, the service donates 2 meals to help fight hunger - one meal in the US and one abroad (read more here). Delicious chocolate and a chance to help people? What can be better? Not much. I think my fiance and I were able to correctly identify some of December's holiday themed chocolates, but I won't ruin it for you. Pick up a box and have fun unraveling the delicious mystery yourself.
Perfect For: Him, Her, Mom/Dad, Family, Children, Foodies
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: Shave Mob
Price: $2-$3 monthly
Keywords: Shaving, Beauty, Healthcare
Description: Ok, I don't think I'm ever going to buy razors at the store again. Shave Mob is 70% off and it keeps you from having to make your purchases at the store. Shave Mob doesn't include shaving accessories - just razors - but I know I go through them like crazy! And sometimes I use them longer than I should, because having to remember to buy them at the store can be a pain. Luckily with Shave Mob, they are automatically delivered to your door monthly, and for the price of a cup of coffee. They have services for both men and women, and you can personalize the type of razor you want delivered. They even have a fun stocking stuffer this month that has a wooden mustache and monocle! My roommates collect mustache stuff obsessively so I was really excited to give them the gift to put on the Christmas tree.
Perfect For: Him, Her
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Subscription Box Review



Subscription Box Review
Company: The Mysterious Package
Price: $149 per story
Keywords: Unique, Mystery, Literature, Horror
Description: When I first found out about Mysterious Package, I was SO enthralled by the concept. It's one of the single most interesting and unique things around right now. It's hard for me not to spoil anything by talking about it, but I will do my best... Everything about this service is a mystery wrapped in a question wrapped in an enigma. Before accessing the full website and seeing the services offered, you have to submit a survey about yourself and apply for membership. From the very second you visit their website, it's already terribly intriguing and, of course, mysterious. The correspondence you receive from their curator is a breath of fresh air from the dumbed down netspeak and slang we normally encounter nowadays. It brings me back to another time, transports me to another place - everything reading is supposed to do. There are several different ongoing narratives you can subscribe to, which include correspondence and artifacts related to the story. I won't spoil what the stories are about - even if you don't decide to buy the service, it's worth applying for membership just to enjoy the care and craft they have put into the concept. Discovering it yourself is most of the fun, after all. Anyone who is into murder mysteries, Sherlock, or HP Lovecraft would definitely get a kick out of what they offer. If you have anyone in your life who loves to read (and I hope that you do), loves discovering, loves mystery, loves the idea of there being more to the world than what we see...surprise them with this gift. It's too late to get in on their Christmas orders now, but it's a great present any time of the year. Mysterious Package will absolutely transport anyone to another world. And if you don't tell them about it, it might even scare them a little bit. In that good way! I've only gotten the first part of the experience, but I am hooked. I cannot possibly say enough how much I love this concept and how well Mysterious Package executed it. I really hope to see it continue for a long time. Sorry guys - no photo. Find out for yourself!
Perfect For: Him, Her, Geeks, Readers, Horror Fans
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December 14 2014



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