So, I started some math:
Lulu Frost Bracelet--hard to know since they dabble in gold and silver and this is most likely neither--but as a base and not seeing it yet, let's say $40
Mint Studio Wrapping Paper: $9
Model Co Mascara: $20
Govino Flutes: $13
CC Made Caramel Corn: $4
NCLA Wraps: $16
Ghiradelli Chocolates: $10-15ish
So, that is a monetary value of: $112-117
The argument, however, seems to be more about the actual value in terms of what PS supposedly is offering:
"With POPSUGAR Must Have, you'll get an exciting monthly box full of fun, full-size products that are hand-selected by our editors."
"Now we'll curate the very best in home, fashion, and beauty and send them right to your door."
Perhaps it is that second quote which is upsetting some people and making them feel as though the sub isn't living up to their standards. However, it's also supposed to be fun:
"Unwrap, have fun, and share with friends!"
Now, monetarily we get our money's worth. We do get full sized products and I'm sure their editors are bombarded with different items to feature in the box each month. And if we go through enough of these threads--there is a LOT of fun and anticipation that occurs each month, as well as a bit of disappointment. However, there is no way each and every one of us could be satisfied by the contents, we are all too varied for that to ever happen. And we all talk about sharing the items, gifting things we know someone else would enjoy far more. Frankly, I could go blow $40 on cocktails or fancy snacks or any number of things BUT, a sub is far more fun--we pay not only for the items but for the entire experience from the forum posts to the wish lists, seeing what other people have done with their items and finding out what we'll do with ours.
Case in point--I am making thumbprint cookies for christmas and am going to use that jam we got last month. I am getting a co-worker a large tumbler with chocolates for her secret santa gift (she really wants a tumbler) and I am going to put it in the wine tote we got last month as well. Those chocolates coming to my door will end up in cookie gifts. Those nail wraps will look great at my company party, I will wrap my small gifts in the paper, try out that mascara since I am almost out, whip on that oh so cute bracelet and toast in the new year with my new flutes which won't be as precarious as real flutes (I have a very curious cat who likes to knock things over).
So, ladies--let's remember there is a person behind every post. And, winter is almost here, the wonderful holiday season is upon us and we are so fortunate to have roofs over our heads, food on our tables, people in our lives AND still have extra money to blow on treats like subs.
And as a PS--it's not like we're getting a box filled with $40 worth of gummi bears or plastic army men--we aren't just getting a box of junk.