PopSugar Neiman Marcus Holiday Edition Luxury Box 2014

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After checking out the Love to Give items at NM, I would have jumped on this $250 box if it included some of the Love to Give items inside it.  Like the heart pillow, the Kiehl's skin set, the glasses, the jewelry, the board game or the $40 Nest candle.

 
I know I'm in the minority here, but I bought the box and I'm really excited about it.  I bought and enjoyed last year's NM box, but this box seems more useful to me.  I do agree that last year's was maybe a little more fun, but this year seems really classic and high quality.  I bought once I saw the clutch, because I love Clare V, but I'm also really excited about the candle and the moisturizer.  The picture frame would be a great wedding gift, so I may save it.  The only thing I could pass on is the lip gloss, just because I don't really use gloss, and I'd rather gift it than let $30 gloss just sit around.  

 
I guess I could try to sell the frame, candle, and clutch. Problem is there will be a lot of it on ebay, and with no color variations on clutch, it makes it hard to sell. I should sell the mascara and lipgloss too, I highly doubt I will get $250 out of selling these though :/ If I can even sell them. *sigh*

 
If I knew what was going to be in the box, I would not have paid $250 for it. But I did buy it, not knowing so I'm going to try to focus on the positive because there's nothing I can do about it! Haha :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

The last thing I need is another clutch & they aren't exactly practical with a one year old. Normally, I'd tell myself it's $220 and it would sit on my closet shelf & maybe be used a couple times for "special occasions". But, if I do that, I'm definitely going to feel like this box was a waste since that's the big ticket item so I'm going to use the clutch regularly and toss it in the diaper bag. And, I'm not going to care if it gets beat up cause it didn't actually cost me $220 & at least I used it.

The candle & frame will look gorgeous on top of my dresser. I'd never spend that much on a candle or frame so they are truly luxury items.

I've been looking at similar mirrored boxes for a while now & would have eventually bought one so I'm most excited about this item.

Lipgloss & mascara are the makeup I use on a daily basis and usually the only makeup since my toddler doesn't have the patience for much more. I would have preferred a more exciting makeup item or a pretty palette to stare at but at least this is practical (for me) & will get used.

I will enjoy the hot chocolate while the older kids are in school so I don't have to share :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I don't know about the cream. I'm going to read up on it & either use it or add it to my trade list and hope I can get an item I've been wanting for it. That's what I eventually did with the Goldfaden scrub.

I'm really trying to get excited about these items and not focus on what else I could have bought with $250. As much as I will use & enjoy these items, I'm done with PS SE boxes. The last 4 have been a fail for me. Apparently, $550 is my limit. I'll consider it an expensive lesson needed to break my PS habit. Some people buy drugs, I buy mystery boxes :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 
I also really like the box.  I didn't purchase it but I wouldn't have been too disappointed if I did, the only things I don't really love are the frame and the mirror box.  But I think both of those items make great gifts.  

 
If I knew what was going to be in the box, I would not have paid $250 for it. But I did buy it, not knowing so I'm going to try to focus on the positive because there's nothing I can do about it! Haha :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

The last thing I need is another clutch & they aren't exactly practical with a one year old. Normally, I'd tell myself it's $220 and it would sit on my closet shelf & maybe be used a couple times for "special occasions". But, if I do that, I'm definitely going to feel like this box was a waste since that's the big ticket item so I'm going to use the clutch regularly and toss it in the diaper bag. And, I'm not going to care if it gets beat up cause it didn't actually cost me $220 & at least I used it.

The candle & frame will look gorgeous on top of my dresser. I'd never spend that much on a candle or frame so they are truly luxury items.

I've been looking at similar mirrored boxes for a while now & would have eventually bought one so I'm most excited about this item.

Lipgloss & mascara are the makeup I use on a daily basis and usually the only makeup since my toddler doesn't have the patience for much more. I would have preferred a more exciting makeup item or a pretty palette to stare at but at least this is practical (for me) & will get used.

I will enjoy the hot chocolate while the older kids are in school so I don't have to share :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I don't know about the cream. I'm going to read up on it & either use it or add it to my trade list and hope I can get an item I've been wanting for it. That's what I eventually did with the Goldfaden scrub.

I'm really trying to get excited about these items and not focus on what else I could have bought with $250. As much as I will use & enjoy these items, I'm done with PS SE boxes. The last 4 have been a fail for me. Apparently, $550 is my limit. I'll consider it an expensive lesson needed to break my PS habit. Some people buy drugs, I buy mystery boxes :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />
I sort of concur on all points.  Except mine was $275 with taxes - and I bought two.  Though I will end up trading for more creme if there is some way for me to cancel my 2nd box. $550 for the 2 are a bit much.

 
I know I'm going to sound cheap, but then maybe I'm cheap. I personally must have a threshold on value and worth for the popsugar boxes. While having items I wouldn't normally but are fun and a treat, items I would NEVER buy are tough for me to enjoy.

I'm not saying don't ever send them but hear me out. $88 candle? What if it was $150? $200 candle? For me personally, I don't think I can appreciate the $88 or a fictional $200 one. I'd rather more volume of items OR I personally place higher worth on other home items. Hard to explain.

 
Re reading. Maybe a better way to explain is I would appreciate other high priced items over a high priced candle. I'm doing this comparison no justice.

 
Seeing the spoiler for the LE Nieman's box sealed the deal for me to buy the Birchbox Vanity Affair box.  :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Just placed my order and with the 20% off code, got a great deal on products I'll definitely use!
20% off code for Birchbox?  Tell me more! (please)

 
That Nina Garcia box is amazing!! I'm going to see what PS does for November/December and the $100 Holiday LE box, then make my decision come January...but I think Nina Garcia will end up getting my money instead.

 
This is the first popsugar LE box I have resisted since Fall 2013 and my first instinct was too feel relief that I put the $250 towards a winter coat.  However, it's still an okay value, I actually would've kept all of the items except for the face cream. The candle and frame are okay in my opinion because these boxes are supposed contain frivolous items 95% of us wouldn't purchase.

I do agree--this is missing a piece of jewelry and an "exclusive" makeup item.

If I'm feeling flush next week I may buy it. This week I'm going apeshit at Sephora. I am getting the T3 interchangeable wand for sure, and who knows what else!!!! I am supposed to work until 8-9PM tonight, but I took an hour of vacation to go to the Rouge Event since I don't think my hour long lunch break will be enough time LOL **makeup addict problems**

 
I know I'm going to sound cheap, but then maybe I'm cheap. I personally must have a threshold on value and worth for the popsugar boxes. While having items I wouldn't normally but are fun and a treat, items I would NEVER buy are tough for me to enjoy.

I'm not saying don't ever send them but hear me out. $88 candle? What if it was $150? $200 candle? For me personally, I don't think I can appreciate the $88 or a fictional $200 one. I'd rather more volume of items OR I personally place higher worth on other home items. Hard to explain.
The candles are made by Apothia, which is a candle maker in California. A regular Apothia candle costs $52 for the same size as the Missoni one. 

 
So at $88 you're paying $36 for the pretty holder. I wish they'd included a candle that's more well-known to candle lovers, like Jo Malone or Diptyque. They should've let someone who really knows candles pick one out. Still, I'm definitely going to try swapping for this one to add to my collection. 
 
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The candles are made by Apothia, which is a candle maker in California. A regular Apothia candle costs $52 for the same size as the Missoni one. 

 
So at $88 you're paying $36 for the pretty holder. I wish they'd included a candle that's more well-known to candle lovers, like Jo Malone or Diptyque. They should've let someone who really knows candles pick one out. Still, I'm definitely going to try swapping for this one to add to my collection. 
Not really though, the value of the candle is $88 which is about 13% of the box cost (@$250) so you're really paying about $31 total for the candle and holder/packaging.  Which isn't terrible considering B&BW just launched a line of candles at $30 each and while the scents are lovely the packaging isn't nearly as nice as this one.  

I don't think paying $31 for a candle is that outrageous but that depends on throw and burn time etc.  I mean you can buy versions of all of this stuff at walmart if you wanted to search for it.  

 
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Not really though, the value of the candle is $88 which is about 13% of the box cost (@$250) so you're really paying about $31 total for the candle and holder/packaging. Which isn't terrible considering B&BW just launched a line of candles at $30 each and while the scents are lovely the packaging isn't nearly as nice as this one.

I don't think paying $31 for a candle is that outrageous but that depends on throw and burn time etc. I mean you can buy versions of all of this stuff at walmart if you wanted to search for it.
Interesting. I suppose that is true. Bbw has some higher prices. Thanks for pointing that out.

My advertised or inflated prices, I wished there was a different distribution then. Isnt this so fun we can dream up our ideas and chat about our ideal boxes? Love it

 
I wrote them another email noting that you can return it if you did not buy from them. I expect a reply by tomorrow or I am going to start emailing like a mad women lol

 
It saddens me to see how upset people are over their sub boxes.  I understand $250 is a lot of money but we spend it knowing there's a chance we may not like the box.  Candles,frames, makeup, clutches are all common items in sub boxes so I m not sure why it's so shocking they are in here.  I mean the initial prices of some of the items shocked me a bit but then I remembered where they are coming from  Neiman Marcus is known for being a pricey store.  I do think they tried to make a completely different box from last year and choose items that could please a large range of people and  items that are beautiful quality.   While I may not love everything I am excited to get it and see everything.  Please don't take this the wrong way I m not trying to criticize anyone and I truly am sorry  that there is such a negative reaction to this box.  But personally for me instead of being upset I am grateful I am grateful I can buy this box, I am grateful people took the time out to put it together, and I am grateful for some fun new items to explore.  I hope everyone can find things in their boxes that they love and it brings them or anyone they gift an item to smiles & joy.  There are so many things to stress over and be upset about in life to me this is a fun surprise/escape regardless of what's inside.  Smile :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 
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I think the problem is just that no one gets excited about mascara and gloss .. no matter what the price tag. Also .. you can't gift mascara .. unless it's part of a whole set of gifts Or as a little thing (but then it's way too valuable for that)

And the clutch was really a bad decision after resort & summer boxes .. without those, it would have been very nice.

The cream also .. sounds great, but it's nourishing anti-aging ... so a lot of people will be on the young side and as a gift it's also a bit tricky.

Had it been a wallet or handbag and something more special than mascara/gloss . It would have worked much better.

What were they thinking when putting this together?

 
I think the problem is just that no one gets excited about mascara and gloss .. no matter what the price tag. Also .. you can't gift mascara .. unless it's part of a whole set of gifts Or as a little thing (but then it's way too valuable for that)

And the clutch was really a bad decision after resort & summer boxes .. without those, it would have been very nice.

The cream also .. sounds great, but it's nourishing anti-aging ... so a lot of people will be on the young side and as a gift it's also a bit tricky.

Had it been a wallet or handbag and something more special than mascara/gloss . It would have worked much better.

What were they thinking when putting this together?
  My 15 year old daughter uses this lancer cream.  Its more a moisturizer than anything else certainly not age specific. I have been using this cream for a while.   I am excited about the gloss.  I have never tried this brand.   Mascara I have to much of but I will give it a try.   I think the box is great.  I got a second box for my mom on the website after seeing the contents. I used ebates and a 10  percent off code.   My mom is going to love the box.  I guess to each their own .  I showed 2 of my co workers the box and they ran and ordered it too.  That's the kind of stuff Neimans sells high end stuff people don't really need so I am not surprised.  I liked last years box more but I still like this box a lot.  I feel bad that so many people do not  like the box.  I think that so many things in this box will make amazing gifts.

 
We are aloud to dislike it, no one can change our minds or make us grit are teeth and smile. I was expecting something of a similar curration to last year's Neiman Marcus Box and that's not unreasonable. It was $250 that caused a fight with my husband, but I told him it would be worth it. How can I make a photo frame, candle, lip gloss, and clutch worth it? I have 3 kids I can't use a clutch. Oh well, I am over it, just going to keep emailing Popsugar to return it since you can at Neiman Marcus store.

 
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