Already feeling the stress of the semester, and wishing your parents would send you a care package? Don’t wait for them to send you something nice. Instead, treat yourself to one of these monthly subscriptions, and find out what love looks like in package form.
Birchbox — For only $10 a month, both women and men can get a personalized sample box of high-end beauty products without the high-end prices. Women can look forward to everything from Smashbox makeup to OPI nail polish samples and the latest in skin care, while men can expect quality beard and shaving products along with fun gadgets and hair care samples. Plus, all products are available to purchase right on the website if you find something that you can’t live without.
Ipsy — Ipsy, a subscription service created by YouTube make-up maven Michelle Phan, is a great alternative to the women’s Birchbox if you’re looking for a more make-up heavy package. At a comparable $10 a month, Ipsy will send you samples from big-name brands like Stila, MAC and Essie. An added bonus? Phan often uses the products found in the monthly “glam bags” in her YouTube videos so you’ll actually know how to use that neon blue eyeliner.
Graze — Started by seven friends who wanted to change the way people snacked, Graze is the college student’s answer to smart snacking. With over 90 snacks to choose from, the company lets you find healthier alternatives to dining hall cookies for only $6.49 a month. Their delicious snack options include things like rosemary breadsticks with smokey chipotle relish and brownie flapjacks (oat bars). Graze’s only downfall? With only four snacks a month, you’ll wish you had more to sink your teeth into.
Conscious Box — For the environmentally-conscious consumer, Conscious Box provides all-natural, truly green products. For $6.95 a month, the company will send you five to eight items, ranging from tasty snacks and drinks to environmentally-sound beauty products and household items. The subscription also has special items for people who are gluten free or vegan.
MistoBox — What began as a project aimed to make artisan coffee easily available to the masses, Misto Box is a true connoisseur’s dream. Each month, the coffee experts who run the company handpick four coffee samples from roasters across the country, and have them sent right to your door. For $19 a month, this subscription can actually save you money on all of those early morning Starbucks runs, while providing you with quality coffee that a chain store can’t match. Make sure to pick up a grinder before springing for this subscription, because these beans arrive whole.
Tea Sparrow — Not into coffee? Luckily, there’s a subscription box for you too. Tea Sparrow provides four loose-leaf teas from around the world each month, perfect for those who can’t survive hours of reading without a warm mug next to them. Quality does come at a price, but for $20 a month you’ll get anywhere from 35 to 65 cups, depending on how strong you like your tea.