There’s just something about coming home to a package on your doorstep. You get out of your car, fiddle with your keys to lock it up, lift your eyes to the door of your home, and something is different. There’s a package waiting, and it’s just for you! I imagine it’s similar to when I would actually get a piece of mail as a kid. It was usually a card with a five-dollar bill, and I thought mail was the greatest thing ever. Now I’d be happy to never get mail, but getting a PACKAGE is totally different. It’s like a present. Even if you did pay for it yourself.

Monthly subscription boxes are one way that you can get yourself that present every month without even thinking about it. Most of the time you won’t be thinking about it, so it will be a surprise, which is even better.

Some boxes are pretty reasonable, and others are on the pricey side. You might subscribe for a few months and learn that it’s not all you thought it would be, or you will be a long-term subscriber and enjoy trying out new things without the hassle of going out or having to search for new products. If you happen to be a shopaholic, these monthly boxes have the potential to get out of hand, so be aware of what you are thinking and feeling when you sign up for something new.

Here are some subscription boxes I have tried, and some others that I’m interested in trying:

1. Rocksbox
What it is: Rocksbox was my first subscription box, and I basically committed to the monthly service because I’m not always great at coordinating my accessories. Rocksbox was a way that I could try out a few accessories every month and see how they fit with my wardrobe. The service is $19 a month and they send you three pieces of jewelry. You can make a wishlist or leave it up to the designers. If you decide to keep a piece, you can purchase it at a discounted price. If you don’t want a certain piece, send it back in the box and envelope it was sent in. Every month when you return your box, Rocksbox will automatically charge your payment method for items that you kept, and then send a new set your way! The other awesome part of Rocksbox is that you don’t have to return your pieces right away. Just don’t send one piece back if you plan on returning the others, because it’s considered a purchase then.
My Experience: I’ve gotten a Rocksbox four times now, and I love it. I’ve kept a piece or two from each of my boxes. Whenever I don’t like a piece, I can let my designer know what I didn’t like about it, and she will try not to send me any future pieces with that feature.
Use this code: kelseysbff1

2. Stitchfix
What it is: Stitchfix is a clothing and accessory subscription that you may use monthly, but you can also choose the frequency of how often you receive a box. You pay $20 for each package, so the frequency of the subscription that you choose will determine how much you pay overall. When you set up your account, you will take a style quiz to help stylists at Stitchfix get a feel for what you might like. Then, your package will contain 5 items that your stylists thought you would like, along with pictures of how those pieces can be coordinated both casually and formally. I really like it because, again, I’m not that great at coordinating my outfits.
My Experience: I haven’t been a subscriber for very long, but I see myself continuing the subscription service for some time, as my weight loss progresses and my wardrobe changes. My first box came with a pair of skinny jeans, a cute black sleeveless top, a dress, a long tribal print cardigan, and a casual striped light sweater. All of these items matched my style, but I wasn’t so in love with them that I would buy them. I did want the sweater, but it was a little big on me so I asked my stylist to send it again in a smaller size. Overall, $20 a box to try something new isn’t too bad if you get it here and there, although the option for getting a box every 2 weeks could get pricey.
Use this code: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/7638852

3. Bulu Box
What it is: Bulu box is a monthly subscription for fitness and/or weight loss, depending on which you choose. You can choose what types of products you receive and also set preferences for any diet restrictions you have. This was a HUGE plus for me because being vegan and gluten free, it is very difficult to find health and wellness products that fit into my diet. A month to month subscription is only $10 a month, and if you use the code “MYSUB5” you will only pay $5 a month, for as long as you continue your monthly subscription.
To sign up, go to http://www.bulubox.com/referred/?id=163313 and enter the code 12575101.

4. Birchbox
What it is: Birchbox sends beauty samples right to your doorstep, so that you can experiment with products without the commitment or price tag of a full-sized item. When you get your box, you can earn 10 points for each item that you leave a review for. Every ten points counts as a dollar that you can use towards items in the Birchbox store, where they sell a large variety of products and full-size versions of the samples. I am new to this box so I don’t have a review for it yet, but I have heard great things so I am very excited!
Use this link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/s4db1

5. Book of the Month
What it is: Every month judges will choose five popular hard-cover books, and you can choose one to be delivered to your door. This regularly costs $16.99 a month but right now a 3 month subscription can be $7.50 a month with the code APR50. Each month the judges choose a variety of genres and give a long review of each book, so that you can get an idea of what the book is about and what the judges found appealing about it.
Use this code: https://www.bookofthemonth.com/referCode/?referCode=xt3bz8e7y5xhto6r

6. Ipsy
What it is: Ipsy is a lot like birchbox in that it is a beauty and makeup subscription, but the plus here is that many of the items you get are full-sized! Every month your box also comes with a cosmetics bag, which is great because those things wear out pretty quickly! This service is only $10 a month! You can cancel any time and customize your subscription to your skin, hair, and beauty needs. Use this code: https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=y4pib

7. Phone Case of the Month
What it is: Phone case of the month is a $10 monthly subscription to receive a limited edition case, for any iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone. Personally, my phone is the one thing that I have with me all the time, so getting a unique case every month is like a new top or piece of jewelry to me. Right now you can get your first case for only $5 using the link http://bit.ly/1rXkjjI

8. Level Up T-shirt subscription
What it is: This t-shirt subscription is from the company Loot Crate, and sends you a themed t-shirt every month for only $8.99. There are also subscriptions for themed socks, jewelry and hair accessories, and other items. Themes include comics, anime, Star Wars, Aliens, Call of Duty, Doctor Who, and all kinds of awesome. You can use the coupon code SAVE3 to get $3 off your first month.
Use this link: http://looted.by/dSyxf