Life isn't just a box of chocolates
PUBLISHED ONSeptember 05, 2016 1:07 AMByLydia Lam
Subscription boxes, parcels of curated items delivered to your doorstep monthly for a subscription fee, are on the rise here, with goodies ranging from books and perfume to snacks.
My Paper checks out five subscription boxes you can get here.
PERFUME
Club Code Deco
Photo: Lydia Lam
What's in the box:
Three sampler Code Deco perfumes: Blanc One, White Oud and Happy Blu and a "special" - Mysore Sandal Oil
Price:
$48 for a trial box
$45 per month for a minimum of three months
Gift $135 for prepaid 3-month plan
Value for money:
3/5
Timeliness:
Delivered within a week
Verdict:
I got the same perfumes in a row for two months, which was disappointing. However, the prices are fairly affordable for local artisanal perfume, and are good for those who want to sample made-in-Singapore scents.
BOOKS
The BooksActually Box
Photo: Lydia Lam
What's in the box:
One book, a Hush lavender soy candle, a BooksActually drawstring bag, a tin, a dried sprig
Price:
$129 for three-month plan
$229 for six-month plan
$369 for 12-month plan
Value for money:
2/5
Timeliness:
Delivered next day
Verdict:
Very expensive as you essentially pay $43 for a book under the first plan with a few other items thrown in. However, the surprise/customisation factor could be appealing for some, as customers get to pick book "elves" or curators according to their reading tastes.
The second book I got was one I had been meaning to get.
CLOTHES
Lowinsky
Photo: Lydia Lam
What's in the box:
One top, a jacket, a skirt and six rings
Price:
$38 monthly
$204 for six-month plan
$384 for yearly plan
Value for money:
3/5
Timeliness:
Delivered more than a month later
Verdict:
Relatively affordable considering blogshop items cost $30 each on average. However, the items were not really what I would wear despite filling in a detailed questionnaire on my preferences.
I also got a late response to an e-mail query on the delivery date of the box, after waiting for four weeks. Still, it is good for those keen to experiment.
PERIOD SUPPLIES
blissybox
Photo: Lydia Lam
What's in the box:
Five pads, five pantyliners, 10 tampons, a Kit Kat Chunky, two mini Toblerones, two custard creams, a postcard, an organic herbal tea bag and a pouch.
Price:
From $9 per month for pads only to $25 per month for Madame Organic
Value for money:
4/5
Timeliness:
Delivered within the week.
Verdict:
An interesting concept but the surprise factor is somewhat dampened by the fact that you pre-select the sanitary products you will get. However, the extras are random and women may like getting monthly customised perk-me-up parcels.
JAPANESE SNACKS
Kimochbox
Photo: Lydia Lam
What's in the box:
One Bourbon soft pineapple cookies, one Calbee potato mini chips, a Glico Caplico mini mp, a Fujiya home pie, one Fujiya shio vanilla, one Kameda ebi mayo, two Kanro cream candies, one Ebara kimchi-chicken soup base, one Umaibow mentai aji, one Nabisco Ritz crackers
Price:
$15 monthly
$84 prepaid six-month plan
$165 prepaid one-year plan
Value for money:
4/5
Timeliness:
Delivered within a week
Verdict:
This box is ideal for sharing and good for breaks at the office. The variety means that the chances of getting at least one item you like are high. Good for the adventurous snacker.
lydialam@sph.com.sg
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