Early last year, after deciding not to buy Lush for a year, I signed up for several subscription boxes. I wanted to try out a bunch of new things, and was really into the idea of reviewing them. But I spent a lot of money, and didn’t end up reviewing all that many of the products.
Subscription boxes are rad as heck. It’s super cool to spend money on a surprise gift for yourself every month. I’ve been a part of a beauty box (BirchBox), a Fitness Box (BuffBox), a pin box (Lapels and Spells from Laserbrain) and Book Boxes (Owl Crate, Once Upon a Book Club, and Unplugged). They’re all so fantastic. but I’ve realized that they aren’t all for me.
I’ve cancelled all of my subscriptions except one. Being on Instagram, and seeing the Bookstagram community, there are a ton of people with many subscription boxes. This isn’t to throw shade at people who do collect and subscribe to multiple boxes, but I want to discuss why I’ve cut so many out of my life and mailbox.
BirchBox
Let me be clear; I love self indulgence. I loved getting a BirchBox for the 6 months I received it. When I ended my subscription, I realized that I had a ton of samples that I had barely used! One of my goals this year is to use up the samples, because I have literally SO MANY samples at home! It’s too many! And most of them are multiple use items (mascaras, body washes, eyeliners, and the like). So I’m happy I ended that subscription.
BuffBoxx
I also tried out BuffBoxx. This fitness subscription box was in my life for four months. They sent me a couple of protein-related items, along with a piece of equipment every month. I found that I was disappointed by the equipment options, and in my third month, they sent me fish-based protein, which isn’t for me. When I contacted them about possibly exchanging it for something else I found out that they don’t exchange for vegetarian needs, only allergies. They said that they would throw in some extra items in my next box, but I checked their tagged photos on Instagram after receiving my box, and saw that I got the same items as everyone else. I still have most of the samples from this box subscription, I gave away one of the equipment items, and I’ve only used the others once or twice.
OwlCrate
OwlCrate is a very well-known book subscription box, and for good reason! It comes with gorgeous books and book related items, which I am very much here for! But what this box really reminded me of, was that I have a lot that I don’t need. I have a lot of thinga-ma-bobs (look out Ariel, I’m coming for ya). I loved receiving this box, and I’m so glad I did. Maybe in the future, I will return to it.
Once Upon a Book Club
I also absolutely loved Once Upon a Book Club. It’s an incredible way to experience the books they send; unlike other boxes, you can’t just open all of your gifts at once, you have to wait until you hit certain parts of the book you’re reading! All of the items are taken directly from the book, which is the coolest thing. What bummed me out, though, was that not all of the items really fit with my needs. For example, I received a bowl in one box, which is fantastic and super unique, but I have a bowl set that I use and enjoy in my kitchen. So it holds my pins, which is necessary! But this really reinforced that I didn’t need to bring in so much more random stuff.
Unplugged
Unplugged is currently the only subscription box that I am currently a part of. Unplugged is a great box for me, because it has what I enjoy about book and beauty boxes, in one box (and one payment)! It has both beautiful books, and self care products. Most of the beauty items I receive in this box can be reviewed, used multiple times, and make for comforting experiences. I have loved the books I’ve received so far, and I’m proud to watch the company grow!
I have too many books, beauty products, and just stuff to feel alright with taking in a ton more every month. I have been focusing a lot on not buying as much that I don’t use (after a year of not buying Lush products and project panning, I realized just how many unused beauty products I have). I’m proud of myself for cutting back, and I hope to continue this trend. How do you deal with having too much stuff? I’m thinking of selling/decluttering a whole bunch of small items I’m not super into.
I hope you’re all having a lovely week, and you can relax with some books and beauty products!
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