PopSugar MustHave December 2014

PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month. This month, I waited until Christmas to open it, so it really was my "stocking." It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. I was out of town for a few months and had to cancel to skip my October and November boxes. Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). Not a bad deal when you consider all that's in it. 

Seems this month has been very very busy for the company. There have been some delays in responding to some customer service issues and people have been unhappy. The ordering site has a bit of a glitch and if you select "gift" to send a box to a friend, many people (myself included) have had their orders doubled. It took a while, but with persistence, they resolved the issue. Although they sent 2 boxes, they refunded one of them. So, my friend who I intended to give a box to, received and loved it. And, another friend will be receiving a gift box and I know she'll be subscribing. Many people use extra boxes and separate them to gift individual pieces.Thanks Customer Service for responding and resolving the issue. 

Now ... onto the box!!! I knew what to expect from reading spoilers, but I sill like seeing how it's all put together in the box. Each box also comes with a fold-out card detailing the items enclosed. Helpful, I think. 

 First think I noticed in the box was the Williams-Sonoma Cupcake Mix in Vanilla Bean. I have been hearing rave reviews about the cupcakes, but since they contain dairy, I gifted them to a friend who loves to cook. She also received a full box from me, so she will be making multiple batches. Retail $14.95

Next item that caught my eye was SPUN by Subtle Luxury Speckled Metallic Scarf. I love scarves, so this was a big win for me. A few years ago, I went searching for a sparkly scarf to wear to a New Year's Eve party and settled for one that was just "meh." This year, no searching. I heard some mixed reviews, but I love it. It is really soft and has an almost thin velvety/suede-like texture to it. It clearly has a primary side of gold. The underside fabric is clearly a "back" and the back of the specks are silver. I think it adds texture when you show both sides at once. Retail $62

The other sort of luxury wearable piece was the SparklePop Sydney Necklace. It has a very long chain, which I love and can be worn really long or doubled up for layers. Again, mixed reviews. The chain is dainty and had some neat texture details. I like it and will wear it. Retail $42

For the home, a Canvas Dauville Platinum Bowl. It has a white paint on the outside and is stainless inside. My husband thinks it's "cool" so that speaks volumes. I have a habit of piling small items (jewelry) on my bedside table and then crawling on the floor to find them when I knock them off. This is a subtle and tasteful piece to put at the bedside to hold my bits and bobbies. Retail $29.


Can't have a celebration without a great lip color. Smashbox Be Lengendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer in Bordeax satisfies the need. I tend to wear dark lip stains and this works well. One of my friends who received a gift box absolutely loves it. Retail $24

And a holiday box couldn't really be complete without some sort of gift wrap or tags. Something useful. Knot & Bow Parcel Tags do the trick. Small, subtle. Handy. Retail $4

Overall, $175.95 worth of items for $23.28, I love the value and the curation. Customer service responded to my request and solved a small issue. I have nothing to complain about and lots to be happy about. I think it's a great value and I love receiving things I "want" but don't "need." Right now, they are running a special for a $30 discount off a 3-month subscription.
That brings it to $26.62/box if us use the code NEW YEAR. Feel free to use my link to subscribe. Thanks and enjoy.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)