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Thursday, January 26, 2012

January Cravebox Review

I received my first Cravebox today, and I have to be honest -- I don't really like it.  I was ecstatic to have been able to grab one of their very limited beta subscriptions last week, because the December box was awesome.  I jumped at the chance to subscribe when they sent me an email announcing that they opened up a few slots.

Cravebox is similar to Conscious Box in that it is a lifestyle box subscription.  For $10 a month, you are sent 4-5 items that are based on a theme.  This is not an eco-friendly or green-centric box like Conscious Box, though.  But, as I said, I loved December's box and was disappointed that I didn't subscribe in time, so I had high hopes for January's box.


Here is the box upon opening.  The first thing I noticed was the pink tissue paper (I mean, how could you miss it).  I can't say I love the pink because it reminds me too much of a certain other subscription service.  I know that no one owns the copyright on pink, but I think it would have been wise of Cravebox to choose a different color (or a different shade).


Like most other box services, Cravebox came with a card that described the month's theme and the items included.  January's theme is vitality for the New Year.  The side of the card in this photo is the list of items, and the flip side has the welcome/theme message.


And here is the loot!  Cravebox tweeted five hints about the items before shipping out the boxes, so I've listed them below alongside the corresponding item.

  • You'll be inspired to get moving - Switch2Health S2H STEP Pedometer with Points
  • Your gorgeous face will thank you - Mereadesso Face + Neck Toning Gel (1.7 fl oz)
  • A Healthy option the best chefs can't live without - Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil (5 fl oz)
  • A quick boost to keep you at your best - Emergen-C Vitamin Drink Mix (10 packets)
  • Entertaining and educational - you'll have all the answers - Prevention Magazine
So here's my deal with these items.  They certainly fit a theme of vitality and health for inside and out, but I won't use any of them.  Or, rather, they're nothing I was excited to receive.
  • The pedometer is a cool thing I guess, but I'm not going to use it.
  • The Mereadesso gel is probably the thing I dislike the least, but I still wouldn't ever buy it or want it.  I honestly don't even know if I'll use it because I just don't need it.
  • Okay, the Colavita Olive Oil actually kind of annoyed me.  I worked at a grocery store for 6 years and spent many an hour stocking and leveling items like this, and when I saw it all I could think was, "how cheap!"  I liked the hint and was interested to receive a food item, but I don't want a bottle of olive oil that I could pick up at the grocery store for $2.
  • I hate the Emergen-C.  I rarely hate anything, but I am so sick of getting these stupid things.  I got a similar product in a Birchbox and it left me scratching my head.  Now I have a whole box of them and I don't want them.  Another thing you could just pick up at the grocery store.
  • I have no need for the Prevention magazine, nor do I want a year's subscription to it.  My mom said she would read it, so I guess it's not a total waste.

I'm very disappointed with the January Cravebox.  I was so excited to be subscribed, and now I'm just..."meh."  This is only their second month, and since they're still in beta and not accepting subscriptions I'm not going to cancel and lose my spot, but I really hope that February's box is much better.  If this cost any more than $10 I would be legitimately upset at having wasted my money on it.  I know that the value of the box exceeds $10, but that means nothing to me when I am literally not going to use any of these items.

Bottom Line: Cravebox, I'm not losing faith yet.  Yes, this box was a huge disappointment for me but I'm willing to give you more of a chance.  I feel like this box is more appropriate for an older audience (no offense meant by that at all, but it isn't as young feeling as some other services), and I'm not impressed by the fact that I can get 3 out of the 5 items from my neighborhood grocery store.

More photos are behind the "Read More."





*Disclaimer: I purchased this Cravebox with my own money and was not asked to review it by Cravebox.  I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

7 comments:

  1. I am a daily user of the Mereadesso skincare line. I absolutely love it. If you end up not wanting it, I'll trade you something! www.OtterKim.blogspot.com

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  2. I've been wanting a S2H pedometer. If you want to get rid of it, let me know!

    http://www.wahmbahm.com

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  3. I happen to love every single item i the box, so it just goes to show how varied interests are.

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  4. I am only a few years older than you and I really like this box (I also really liked December's) It is good to keep in mind that things will be hit or miss because everyone's tastes are so different.

    My thought from the beginning of discovering Cravebox is that if I got an item I didn't like, I would set it aside as a gift for someone I know who would. (you know that neck and toning gel alone costs $120, I am sure someone would LOVE to receive that as a gift. Same with the pedometer that you earn gift cards with. I can't wait to use mine!)

    I really liked that they made this box all about wellness! I am sure w/next month being February that there will be Valentine related things, so hopefully you will like that one more. :)

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  5. Yes, I agree that I probably wouldn't have liked this box too much. Although, the S2H Step would have justified the overall purchase for me. I used to own one & I loved it! I lost mine one evening when I was outside working on campus & I was unable to find it.

    I would love another one, but I have not had the money to buy another yet. You should do a giveaway for the S2H pedometer!

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  6. Sorry you did not like your box. Hope the next one contains products you will enjoy.

    I loved my box! The pedometer is the bomb! And, I liked trying the olive oil, a brand I was unfamiliar with. The Prevention Magazine was interesting and I enjoyed reading it, although I don't know if I would pay for a subscription. So much info is available online that I rarely buy a magazine anymore. I love the Emergen-C, a product I was using before the box came in the mail. I believe my daily drink has helped me stay healthy this winter. I have been using the facial gel for two weeks now and am impressed with the consistency and results. I would not have tried this brand on my own so it was nice to receive it and have the opportunity to try it. Bonus that it was a full size product. So often I receive samples and they are too small to try for a couple of weeks, which you need to evaluate a product like this.

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  7. @Anonymous I'm really excited to see what's in the February box, too. I'm glad that you did enjoy January's! I'm in the minority as far as being not pleased with it, but I think Cravebox is a really great subscription and I definitely want to see what they have in store for future boxes.

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