*Spoilers* December 2013 Popsugar Must Have Box

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[@]KayEss[/@] I agree about keeping the spoilers group specific. I'm sure it was an accident, but a lot of us really like to go spoiler free! I opened my box last night and have now slept on it. This may be my least favorite box since I've started subscribing in June. This box just seems random and cheap. This bracket is just about as opposite my taste as could be. I'm hopeful my SIL likes it because I'd hate to just toss it. The chocolates and popcorn, while tasty I'm sure, should not the highlight of my box be! I'll be sharing them with friends and family. The wrapping paper I'll use but it's certainly not a "must have!" I'd be furious if I waited for Christmas morning and found this. Mascara=BORING. I'm sure I'll get to it, but not exciting at all. Govino glasses I'll use in the summer for picnics and festivals but they are again, not exciting. Those nails stickers will be played with, with some pre-teen girls I know. These are pretty juvenile IMO. I've used nail stickers before that were edgier, black & metallic, and they were pretty cool. If I wanted red & white stripes or polka dots, I could do some nail art on my own. I have always enjoyed at least on thing very much from each box I've received. So, I guess it's my turn to not love the jewelry. Shoot, I even wore that pink dainty thing and I LOVED the rose gold chain! The box I disliked next is August, but I'm still using that body wash, have used the lunch box and I do enjoy the necklace! Ok, I'm done witching. :scream3: I feel better! :rolleyes:

 
I received my box yesterday.  I am just meh about it overall.  I like the Govino glasses because I go camping a lot & they are great for that.

But, I was VERY surprised to find the "bonus" Baublebar necklace on top.  I had attempted to order a 1-month gift subscription for my best friend with the code for the free necklace for both of you.  My order didn't go through & I contacted CS via email.  It took a day or two for them to get back to me & since I was on vacation for Thanksgiving I didn't get the message for about a week.  They told me to re-submit the order & that both of us would still get the necklace if I used the code.  I tried that, but the code was expired.  I ended up submitting the order with the $10 off Black Friday code instead.  I have checked several times & only 1 order went through (the BF code).  I still got the necklace!  It's a silver color & really cute.  Actually, it's my favorite item in the box.  I hope my best friend also got the necklace because she probably won't care for the other items in the box.  Her box is scheduled to be delivered Friday.

Anyone else have this happen?

 
It's so funny.  Last December the PopSugar subscribers complained about:

  • the glass mugs being sent and some were smashed/damaged, so this year they send plastic glasses and people complain about being sent plastic.
  • the tea, they wanted chocolate, this year we get tons of chocolate this year and people complain that it's not good enough, too commonplace or "drugstore."
  • the bar soap: "it's boring, who uses bar soap anyway" and they wanted sparkly jewelry, this year we get sparkly jewelry and people complain that it's "not their style" or "ugly."
  • the rent the runway voucher, got lots of complaints people wanted makeup or a beauty item, this year they send mascara and nail polish strips and people complain that they're boring or cheap and better suited for teens.  
​

Seems a little funny no matter what's sent, no one seems pleased.  

 
I got my box yesterday..Strangely, our mail comes around 4:30 in the evening but hubby said this was dropped off by another mail person at 7:30am in addition to our mail coming again that evening! Anyway, this is my second box and I was a bit disapppointed at the spoilers at first, but upon receving it, I like it much, much better...

Wine glasses: I usually hoard stuff to decide if I want to swap for something better lol but my hubby was with me when I was opening the box and grabbed the wine glasses to pour us a drink lol.  I don't know if they are "unbreakable" as they claim to be, but we'll def use them at home and on our deck when the weather breaks.

Popcorn:  When I first saw this spoiler, I thought I would give it as part of a gift exchange, but I love carmel popcorn and again, hubby was with me lol.  I was actually dispointed there wasn't more..lasted all of 10 minutes!

Chocolates:  Disappointed not because of the brand, but because I'm a total couponer and brought 6 bags of these during black friday sales for 50 cents a bag lol.  They were brought as stocking stuffers though, so I am keeping these for me.

Bracelet:  When I first took it out, I had no feelings either way..but def wasn't excited about it.  Then I took it out a bit later to try it on and take pics and it looks a lot better on.  My only compliant:  One of the gems is a bit crooked and really bothers me lol.  Not sure if it's worth complaining about but at $110...I want them uniformed.

Mascara:  I won't use this due to fear of wasting a whole tube because my eyes are really sensitive and will start burning if irritated.  I guess that's why I like the samples I get in BB bc I don't mind trying and throwing out eye products if they don't work.

I will probably hoard the wrapping paper because all of my gifts I'm giving is too large for these and the nail stickers will be attempted to be traded. All in all, pleased with this box although I LOVED last month's box.  Can't wait for January.
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It's so funny.  Last December the PopSugar subscribers complained about:
  • the glass mugs being sent and some were smashed/damaged, so this year they send plastic glasses and people complain about being sent plastic.
  • the tea, they wanted chocolate, this year we get tons of chocolate this year and people complain that it's not good enough, too commonplace or "drugstore."
  • the bar soap: "it's boring, who uses bar soap anyway" and they wanted sparkly jewelry, this year we get sparkly jewelry and people complain that it's "not their style" or "ugly."
  • the rent the runway voucher, got lots of complaints people wanted makeup or a beauty item, this year they send mascara and nail polish strips and people complain that they're boring or cheap and better suited for teens.  
​ Seems a little funny no matter what's sent, no one seems pleased.  
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I didn't get last years box but I would have loved the mugs, tea and soap! Even that mini emergency kit looks super cute! You are right that you can't please everyone though. I did love the LE box and I'm hopeful for January! I'm possibly the odd one who would love a fitness/resolution based box. :sheep:
 
Quote: Originally Posted by greeneyedfoxxx /img/forum/go_quote.gif


I didn't get last years box but I would have loved the mugs, tea and soap! Even that mini emergency kit looks super cute! You are right that you can't please everyone though. I did love the LE box and I'm hopeful for January! I'm possibly the odd one who would love a fitness/resolution based box.
sheep.gif

I would LOVE a fitness/resolution based box. December was not my favorite box but, you win some and lose some. I loved the October box which most people didn't. Last month was ok. I'm definately hoping for an amazing January box!
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I think the problem with this train of thought is that when you get right down to it, we are paying customers. If we are unhappy with the product we are purchasing, we are well within our rights to complain about it. I realize that they buy in bulk and do a lot of things through product placement, but it's not my job as the consumer to go direct to a manufacturer and ask them to give PopSugar a discount. PS has plenty of people on staff for that, and that staff is paid with the money I pay PopSugar for my subscription. If their customers are unhappy then they need to do better, point blank. The consequence of them NOT doing better is that their customers go elsewhere, like #FFF or Quarterly.co. Reading your response I am not actually sure that you, yourself, are all that familiar with the way these companies work. This response isn't meant to be troll-y but you're essentially criticizing people for expressing disinterest (or interest) in a product, which is the whole basis of the consumer market in the United States.
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I'm loving this response. Especially the last line about consumer market/capitalism. <3
 
I liked this months box for the most part. I got it yesterday. I just realized that I end up with more stuff I don't use than things I do. But I got a 6month before the price increase, so now I'm regretting it. I liked the stuff this month but I don't drink and I don't celebrate Christmas. But I recognized that I would be in the tiny minority for December. I do love the flutes even though I don't drink! So cute!

 
I would LOVE a fitness/resolution based box. December was not my favorite box but, you win some and lose some. I loved the October box which most people didn't. Last month was ok. I'm definately hoping for an amazing January box! :headphonedance:
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Yes! I would love that theme too!
 
Quote: Originally Posted by Shauna999 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


Congratulations KatieDanielle- that's so exciting!! Wishing you a happy & heathy pregnancy :)
Thank you! I'm so excited, but can't tell anyone yet - so blabbing on the internet is my only option at the moment :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 
Quote: Originally Posted by katie danielle /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  Quote: Originally Posted by Shauna999 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


Congratulations KatieDanielle- that's so exciting!! Wishing you a happy & heathy pregnancy :)
Thank you! I'm so excited, but can't tell anyone yet - so blabbing on the internet is my only option at the moment :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />


Yay!  Congratulations!  That's so awesome!  I hope everything's going well for you! 

 
Got my box today. Probably the worst I have gotten since subbing this summer. I do like the idea of turning the charm from the bracelet into a necklace though. I don't know how anyone could stand something like that hanging off their wrist. My kids will like the cups, as well as the disgusting flavors of chocolate (I hate eggnog and pumpkin). I have enough mascara and hardly ever wear it. Not really interested in nail strips. It's all just so blah. I expected better for Christmas.

 
This box is nice, not wowed though with the price increase for what I'm getting - Bracelet is surely up for sale not me at all but will use everything else.

 
Thank you! I'm so excited, but can't tell anyone yet - so blabbing on the internet is my only option at the moment :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />
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Congrats! I'm pregnant too and haven't told anyone but hubby. I don't know why I haven't told anyone yet, I really need to, as I'm getting a pretty good bump already at 15 weeks.
 
I got my box yesterday, and I LOVE the bracelet! I didn't think I would, because I prefer smaller/daintier jewelry (I still haven't touched the chunky rose gold necklace from Bauble Bar), but in person, it is fantastic. The charm is so sparkly that I can wear it with my white metal wedding band without it looking odd. It has a nice weight, but isn't heavy, and the charm doesn't get in the way at all. Also, it doesn't look like a cross at all. If anything, it looks like a plus sign, but it hangs diagonally, and so really looks very art deco.

My popcorn was open though, and all over the box. I emailed them, and hopefully they will resend. Even though it was the least expensive part of the box, I was really excited, because it is something I could share with my husband, and he doesn't like most sweets.

 
are you looking to trade the necklace??
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Oh no- I actually ordered a box for a gift just to get two necklaces to gift as well. Someone had just asked for a photo earlier in the thread.
 
wow. i just skimmed the last few pages. it was intense. 
people have the right to appreciate what they received and to criticize it. or just to make observations. that is what a forum is for. 
 
I had to give all my chocolate away or else i would have devoured it myself! 
 
i dont understand the people making lists of complaints and other's criticisms. makes me wonder if some of the posters work for pop sugar ... 
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Quote: Originally Posted by sorsha /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  Not to be a complete bah humbug here, but does anyone ever suspect that Popsugar makes a deal with a brand, only to have that brand's website post an overly-inflated item price so we can all say wow, that was a pricey box/item value?

Just saying. Something should only be worth what you think it should be worth. I feel like things have gotten to a point where box value is trumping box curation. I want curation. If that curated value meets the box cost, I would be happy. 
Yeah, I've wondered about that before as well . . . in this case, I know Lulu Frost items do sell for a lot, but I feel like the "special" bracelet made for the popsugar box looks junkier than the other stuff I've seen from LF. I also remember a while back we got a shower wrap from Brokedown that was valued at something like $84, but the one on the website was trimmed with ribbon and looked cuter than the one we got in the box (which was basically a rectangle of fabric that you could probably buy for $10, with elastic sewn onto it).

I feel like subscription boxes in general seem to have a pattern of having a really great month, followed by a few lame months and then another great one . . .  it wouldn't surprise me if the strategy was to provide enough awesome finds to keep people on the hook/not wanting to miss out, while also minimizing costs as much as possible. But then maybe I'm just a humbug too, LOL

For now, the $40 is still worth it to me, but I do think the actual value of a a lot of the boxes is overstated ... kind of like when you see $50 makeup palettes being advertised as a "$300" value...you get more colors for your money when you buy the palette, and they ARE a good value, but there's no way on earth anyone would actually pay $300 for it...that's how I feel about these boxes...definitely a good value for $40, but I would never spend anywhere close to the full retail value on the box.

 

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