Earlier this year, The Gazette profiled online companies that allow people to rent fashion items through subscription packages. But, the special deliveries go beyond stylish outfits. A number of businesses exist that mail customers a box of items to try out each month.
One of the most well-known is Birchbox, which offers beauty, grooming and lifestyles products for men and women. But, there’s a site out there to fit almost any personality, from pet lovers to travelers to coffee addicts.
The best part: You keep everything in the box, and you might find a new favorite product in the process. Here are some of the companies and what they offer.
BarkBox Website: barkbox.com Who it’s for: Dog owners What you get: Four or more dog products -- such as toys, treats, gadgets and hygiene items -- selected according to your pet’s size. What it costs: $19 to $29 per month, depending on whether you sign up for one, three, six or 12 months.
Bulu Box Website: www.bulubox.com Who it’s for: Health-conscious people What you get: Four to five health and nutrition product samples. Original and weight-loss packages available. Earn rewards points by giving your opinion, and use your earnings to buy full-size products. What it costs: $10 per month. Subscribe for one, three, six or 12 months.
Conscious Box Website: www.consciousbox.com Who it’s for: People looking for natural products What you get: Healthy, GMO-free goods, including food, health and beauty items, and home products. Choose vegan, gluten-free or classic boxes. What it costs: $9.95 to $19.95 per month. Subscribe for one, three, six or 12 months.
The Cravory Website: thecravory.com Who it’s for: Cookie lovers What you get: A half-dozen, dozen or two dozen cookies in that month’s special flavors. What it costs: $9 to $36 per month. Pay monthly for an ongoing subscription, or choose a prepaid plan for three, six or 12 months.
Escape Monthly Website: escapemonthly.com Who it’s for: Travelers and daydreamers What you get: A travel guide and luxury products – including bath, spa and beauty items, gourmet food, treats and jewelry -- themed around a particular destination and designed to help you get some R&R. What it costs: $49.95 per month.
Green Kids Crafts Website: www.greenkidcrafts.com Who it’s for: Parents with children ages 3-10 What you get: Three or four themed STEM science and creativity kits, which include crafts, activities, materials and instructions. Subscribers also get free online resources. What it costs: $17.95 to $19.95 per month. Subscribe for one, three, six or 12 months.
Graze Website: www.graze.com/us/ Who it’s for: Snackers What you get: Eight snacks, chosen from the company’s inventory of 100 foods to meet your taste preferences. What it costs: $11.99 per month. You pay per box and can stop your subscription at any time.
Julep Maven Website: www.julep.com/maven.html Who it’s for: Makeup wearers What you get: A couple nail polishes and/or beauty products. Specialty boxes are also available, and boxes are customizable. What it costs: $24.99 or $39.99 per month.
MistoBox Website: one.mistobox.com Who it’s for: Coffee addicts What you get: Four 3-ounce coffee bags or one 12-ounce coffee bag, catered to your taste preferences. What it costs: $13 to $22 per shipment. One-time, six-month and one-year plans available.