PopSugar MustHave October 2015

 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.  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. The current discount code is MUSTHAVE5 for $5 off your subscription.  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. 

It's been a whirlwind past six weeks, so a little luxury was needed for relaxation. I had not paid attention to when my box may be arriving, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it on my doorstep. 

First glance in the box and I noticed 2 things. First was the card noting that for every box, PopSugar made a donation to Right Action for Women in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I appreciate that companies I support are willing/able to support good causes. 

Next thing I saw was that the other contents were eclipsed by the Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase. Yes, I actually do use white linens. I know some people don't. The 100% satin is supposed to prevent sleep wrinkles, reduce hair breakage, and protect salon blowouts. Well, I don't do blow-outs, but the other benefits sound good. It is very soft Retail $36. Also a gift card for 20% off a purchase. 

After lifting the pillowcase, the other contents were revealed. 

  And, also, the trifold card identifying and describing the contents. 

 Who doesn't love comfy house socks? Anyone? So, I'm happy with Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks and I'm wearing them while I write. Soft and cozy. Grippers on the sole to prevent slippage. And pink to highlight the cause of the month. Of course, I feel like wearing pink isn't quite enough, but it identifies the cause, and that's important, too. Retail $15.

Every box comes with food. I've heard great things about Belgian Boys De Stroopwafel. It's filled with caramel to be crunchy on the outside and creamy chewy on the inside. But, with dairy and egg, this will be gifted to a grateful friend. I won't tell her about the 200 calories per waffle (400 calories per package, yikes!!) Retail $1.59

There were some liquid items that were bundled together in a plastic bag. I didn't have leakage issues, but I've heard others had trouble with the Honest Company Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub. I am a big fan of Honest Company and I like scrubs, so this is a win for me. I don't know if they did different scents, but I love the lavender vanilla. Retail $17. Also a coupon for 30% off a bundle purchase. I may consider using it.

In the same bag was It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. It says it's sample size and not for resale and I can't find it on-line, so I am uncertain if the suggested retail is correct. But, It's a 10 partnered with Right Action for Women to provide financial assistance to women for screening. It's Leaping Bunny certified. It is supposed to offer 10 benefits in every bottle including detangling, defrizzing, shine, etc. I'm willing to give it a go. It smells fresh and clean and has a silky feel. Retail $11.96. This was listed as a Special Extra. 

Some fun items in the box included Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set. These are cute and fun and will be perfect for gifts of wine. Retail $8

And another fun item is Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling. So, Mindy is just plain funny and she says what the rest of us often think. And I love the sarcasm. I think this will make a nice light read. Retail $25, ($15 on Amazon). Some subscribers received autographed books, I did not. That's OK.

A Special Extra was a $40 gift card from Danielle Stevens Monogram Collection. So, I'm not really a fan of gift cards in boxes that require me to give a credit card or spend more money. And since nothing currently available in the collection is under $50, this card doesn't really excite me.

So, what do I think? Retail value of the box including special extras was $154.55. Take out the gift card that doesn't have value unless you spend, it comes to $114.55. Take out the $10 for the Amazon price of the book and we're at $104.55. Take out value of the hair care sample (which I like, so I think it does have value) and we're at $92.59. So, it's not the highest value PopSugar box, but I think it's a fun box and I appreciate the cause they are highlighting. Next month is inspired by gratitude, friends & family, festivities, and gifting. Perfect theme for Thanksgiving.