Box of happiness: Product subscription boxes send the things you love right to your door

Dog near barkbox panting
What’s better than a brand new, shiny product to sample? A whole box of shiny new products, sent straight to your doorstep.
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.
Re-Imagining the Traditional Cookie