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2020 In Review — Subscriptions That Kept Us Busy This Year!

Christen Russo
ByChristen RussoDec 25, 2020 | 0 comments
2020 In Review — Subscriptions That Kept Us Busy This Year!

Boxes That Kept Us Busy This Year

It's Been A Weird One. Here Are the Subs That Helped Us Maintain Our Grip.

As the end of each year nears, bringing holidays along with it, it's not uncommon to pause and reflect on what the past year has held. This time around it may not be as jovial of a reflection, but when we look closely, we can identify moments of light. In some cases, that light was born of necessity—the necessity to become our own full-time chefs, or to facilitate learning and entertainment for our kids 24/7, or to call on hobbies to fill our time in a whole new way. And, of course, to get creative with staying connected in the absence of in-person time together. Many of these instances guided us through situations that made for some fun and funny memories. Surely it won't come as a surprise that we've relied on subscription boxes for all of these needs. In a whole new way, subscriptions have helped to keep us safe and fed and occupied and beyond. We want to give a little shout-out to some brands that really showed up this year. To take some time to reminisce on how they rose to the occasion, and all the awesome stuff they sent their subscribers. Shall we?

1. Food and Grocery Subscriptions: Home Chef, Public Goods, & Universal Yums

Home Chef

Did anyone else watch as their very own Instagram feed filled up with photos of meals you couldn't believe came out of your kitchen? We are forever grateful to meal kit subscriptions like Home Chef for giving us a hand with meal planning, prepping, and delicious dining when we were suddenly faced with having to eat every meal at home. Below you'll hear from our team's top foodie, Lindsey, on how Home Chef helped us through the year.

 

What we liked about Home Chef this year: "Meal kits were a lifesaver this year. When I couldn’t eat out at restaurants and fell into a cooking rut, they were there for me, making dinner interesting (and keeping me sane). Unsurprisingly, I wasn’t the only one eagerly re-subscribing to meal kits. There was a wave of new demand in the early days of covid, and Home Chef rolled with the punches. They didn’t have to turn away new subscribers, and for that, they get a big gold star."

What we would like to see next year: "Home Chef offers around 20 different meals every week, which is impressive. In addition to the standard meal kits, there are usually a few “oven-ready” options and two or three “15-minute meal kits.” This is by no means anything to scoff at, but I’d love to see even more. I think a wider selection of easy to prep, quick to cook meals would be amazing. Additionally, it would be great to see more options designed for specific diets (like keto and Paleo) on the menu."

Our favorite meals from Home Chef: "Home Chef gave me my first taste of green bean casserole this year, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. (I know, I know. I can’t believe I hadn’t tried it before, either. And, no, I swear I haven’t been living under a rock all these years.)"

Who is Home Chef for?: "Home Chef recipes are comforting and familiar–the type of food you might expect to see at a classic gastropub or all-American kitchen. Therefore, I think Home Chef is a great choice for families as well as those who enjoy classic home cooking. One of the cool things about Home Chef is they offer a “customize it” option, which allows you to swap the featured protein in a dish. This opens up a world of customization possibilities, and since you can usually swap in seafood, tofu, or plant-based meat, I often recommend Home Chef to my vegetarian and pescatarian friends."

Check out all of our Home Chef reviews here!

Public Goods

For some, grocery shopping transformed from perusing aisles to scrolling virtual selections. Grocery delivery became huge in 2020, and while many local grocers have developed pickup and delivery options, some of us explored other ways to stock up. We found Public Goods to be a great option for categories like pantry staples, pet supplies, personal care goods, and more. Our reviewer Megan goes into detail about her experiences with Public Goods this year, just below.

 

What we liked about Public Goods this year: "The great pricing and chic/minimal branding of Public Goods made everyday essentials like lotion and soap feel elevated and special while still being affordable. They also have some seriously delicious food options! I have appreciated how transparent the brand is about the materials and ingredients in each product, and where their items are manufactured."

What we would like to see next year: "More categories! More pet stuff, new beauty, and skincare options, and, of course, more delicious snacks!"

Our favorite brands from Public Goods: Public Goods makes all their own products so that they can ensure high quality for a low cost.

Our favorite products from the whole year: "Public Goods Sweet Potato Fry Chews Dog Treats. My dog Tucker is a HUGE fan!"

Who is Public Goods for?: "Anyone who needs basics but is open to affordable non-branded items that are just as good (if not a lot better!) than the stuff you buy at the big box stores."

Check out all of our Public Goods reviews here!

 

Universal Yums

SNACKS. We can't imagine having had to get through this year without them. And, many of us here at MSA made the decision to up our snack game by subscribing to Universal Yums for the rumored (and subsequently proven) deliciousness, and for the excitement of new flavors we wouldn't have been able to experience otherwise. Our team's pro worldly snacker is Becca, and below she goes into detail about why this snack subscription has been such a bright spot in her year.

 

What we liked about Universal Yums this year: "This year Universal Yums helped give our family a sense of normalcy during an uprooting of our usual education, outings, and events. While we were unable to go on vacation, we were still able to experience new cuisines and treats from different countries thanks to Universal Yums. Even though they had a few repeats due to supplier issues during the pandemic, they made sure each box was filled with tasty treats, fun facts, and an experience to remember!"

What we would like to see next year: "I would love to see new countries visited. Universal Yums usually rotates countries every two years, so I am hoping for some new countries we have never visited before."

Our favorite brands and snacks from Universal Yums:

Changes to Universal Yums this year: "As of October 2020, Universal Yums has opened up their Yum Shop where you can purchase treats from past boxes."

Who is Universal Yums for?: "Universal Yums is for everyone! If you enjoy tasting new treats and are a little adventurous, this box is for you. Per their FAQ, all of Universal Yums' treats are safe and comply with FDA regulations. My kids are always thrilled to receive this box, and we have shared the treats with grandparents, parents, and friends."

Check out all of our Universal Yums reviews here!

 

2. Kids Subscriptions: KiwiCo & Little Passports

KiwiCo

Whether you are doing distance learning or homeschooling your children, KiwiCo boxes offer an excellent way to entertain your kids while providing an educational experience. This year a lot of kids have been missing the opportunity to play sports, go on field trips, or learn through experiences, and these boxes provided a variety of activities that can give them that hands-on learning experience. For parents, the boxes are very well organized, the instructions are clear, and usually, the mess is very minimal. It’s a simple open-the-box-and-go process which is helpful since parents are also stretched a bit thin this year!

The paragraph above is in the words of Brandi, our team's KiwiCo connoisseur, along with her two (ridiculously cute) kiddos. Together with two other awesome MSA moms, Haley and Becca, Brandi has reviewed almost every KiwiCo every month this year. KiwiCo has long been a favorite of ours, but we were really impressed when they whipped together a Summer Camp box experience in lieu of in-person options. Below, Brandi, Haley, and Becca share more thoughts on this kids subscription:

 

What we liked about kids KiwiCo this year:

"I have really enjoyed the design aesthetic of everything KiwiCo sends in Panda Crate (for ages 0-24 months). It revolves around "Poppy," a panda, and has modern designs and color palette. After a year of this subscription, I can also say that there are many toys and such from them that have become favorites we continue to reach for." -Haley

What we would like to see next year:

"I feel like KiwiCo is a company that is constantly working to improve their offerings and be innovative. This means that they are offering a wide range of projects, and since they have something for every age, this is a box that can grow with your kids. The only box that I feel could improve would be Doodle Crate (for ages 9-16+). It just feels so minimal in the way of materials and instructions in comparison to the other boxes we receive and I would love to see this box get a bit of a revamp and more attention overall." -Brandi

"I would say that the main area for improvement of Panda Crate that I have noticed is that they sometimes send soft items (one month we got a truck where the body was fabric and you velcro it to a wooden base with the wheels), and it was squished in the box. It was supposed to be structured enough to hold the shape of a truck but there was seemingly nothing I could do to restore its shape" -Haley

Our favorite projects from KiwiCo this year: 

"We loved the Duck Pond that we received in the KiwiCo Koala Crate Carnival box (for ages 2-4). The fact that we received a large blow-up tub complete with foam ducks and a fishing pole, blew the boys' minds! Using the carnival theme, we made an entire day out of our box and had a ton of fun!" -Becca

Here is Brandi & her family's favorite project pick from each KiwiCo box they review:

Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8) Treasure Hunt: "My kids still play with the chest and hide treasure in it."
Atlas Crate (ages 6-11) Thailand: "Not only was this my favorite because I used to live there, but my kids were so inspired by the puppet theatre and I just loved how much it sparked their imagination!"
Tinker Crate (ages 9-16+) Bubble Lamp: "We have it on display and take it down to play with every once in a while."
Doodle Crate (ages 9-16+) Spool-Knitted Animals: "This was such a cute project and I like that it teaches a new skill that kids can use!"
Eureka Crate (ages 14-104) Adjustable Table Fan: "This was such a cute project and I like that it teaches a new skill that kids can use."

Who is KiwiCo for?: 

"Panda Crate is for ages 0-24 months. I think it's a good option for those who are interested in something in the same vein as Lovevery but for a lower price point." -Haley

"Kiwi Crate - Kids who enjoy doing hands-on projects and learning new things!
Tinker Crate - Kids who enjoy tinkering and creating and enjoy making projects their own.
Doodle Crate - Kids who are artistic and enjoy learning different art techniques and methods.
Eureka Crate - Teens or adults who enjoy working with their hands to create fun and useful projects.
Atlas Crate - Kids who enjoy learning about new places and exploring the world!" -Brandi

Check out all of our KiwiCo reviews here!

 

Little Passports

Little Passports is another great box filled with activities and teaching moments for kids. We don't have quite the experience with this one that we do with KiwiCo, but they really impressed us by pulling together a summer camp experience on a dime. We felt they really listened to parent needs this summer, at a time when it was needed most. Becca and Brandi share their thoughts below.

 

What we liked about Little Passports this year:

"We enjoyed the fact that these kits supplemented educational materials that were left a bit in the dust due to Distance Learning. It extended my kids' knowledge of science and geography, all while being fun. Some of the kits were easy enough for Hank and Charlie to complete on their own, which helped enormously while I was working from home, and we were even able to create themed days using the basis of these boxes!" -Becca

"Since summer camps weren’t much of an option this year, my kids and I were happy to try out Little Passports summer camp boxes. There were so many activities for us to do and my kids were really engaged with it all. I liked that it was well-organized and that the schedule was very flexible so that we could easily fit it into our routine as needed." -Brandi

What we would like to see next year:

"Next year I would love to continue seeing new themes and maybe a family box for multiple aged children." -Becca

Our favorite projects from Little Passports this year:

"My kids really enjoyed the Science Summer Camp box. There were a lot of fun experiments that we enjoyed completing, but what they love most is that they have a backpack where they can keep all of the extras and educational materials and they like to take them out from time to time and play with them. My son loves looking at the little cards we received and he still has fun playing with the termites and chimpanzees." -Brandi

Who is Little Passports for?:

"I would gear these boxes towards families looking to add an extremely fun component to learning. They come in a variety of age ranges and are always interesting!" -Becca

"Little Passports: Science Expeditions - Kids who enjoy doing hands-on science experiments!

Little Passports: World Edition - Kids who enjoy learning about new places and exploring the world!" -Brandi

Check out all of our Little Passports reviews here!

 

3. Activity & Keep-You-Active Subscriptions: SketchBox & Cairn

SketchBox

How did you fill your time at home this year? Did you pick up an old hobby, or learn a new one? Maybe both? SketchBox was here for us in a big way, sending new and exciting pens, pencils, markers, inks, papers, and other high-end art supplies that challenged us creatively. Reflecting back on what we made using SketchBox as inspiration, we feel our creations are going to live on as a representation of this unprecedented time. SketchBox was Megan's ultimate muse in 2020—read on to see what she shares.

 

What we liked about Sketchbox this year: "2020 was a year where we all needed some kind of outlet, and if you've got that creative itch, this box was a dream. Every month was a delivery of color, cool artsy tools and doodads, AND inspiration!"

What we would like to see next year: "More of the same awesomeness! The pens, markers, pencils, and paints that arrive in this box are already stellar. We just want to keep adding to our collection!"

Our favorite brands from Sketchbox: "Daniel Smith, COPIC, Faber-Castell, and Kuretake!"

Our favorite products from the whole year: "Cretacolors Megacolor Pencils in English Red and Ochre Light from the March box. I still use these a lot (though they are much shorter now)."

Who is Sketchbox for?: "Anyone and everyone. Don’t talk yourself out of this one because you think you might not be an artist. Anyone can make art and you deserve fun and creative tools to do so!"

Check out all of our Sketchbox reviews here!

 

Cairn

This year our parks both national and local saw more hikers, runners, and cyclists than ever, with people turning to the Great Outdoors for something to keep them busy in a way that felt low-risk. Outdoor subscriptions helped set people up with the right gear for their adventures. Christen has been reviewing Cairn for a couple of years now, and here's what she had to say in reflection of the past year with this outdoor subscription box.

 

What we liked about Cairn this year: "I've long been an enjoyer of nature, but I found myself appreciating & using the outdoors in turbo gear this year. Cairn supported outdoor endeavors in a way that I felt was really heads-up this year. Their monthly themes & descriptions promoted getting outside while acknowledging the realities of this time."

What we would like to see next year: "For the most part I think Cairn should keep doin' what they're doin', but I would especially like to see more high-price-point items mixed in, like the Kammok hip pack from August and the Shwood sunglasses from November."

Our favorite brands from Cairn: "Through Cairn I found out about humangear and have really grown to love the thoughtful ways this brand helps people store the small stuff, both for outdoor adventures and for travel. Cairn also introduced me to TheTentLab this year, which is owned by a tent designer who makes and sells items that to be used for camping. I love the small operation and the quality of the products from them."

Our favorite products from the whole year: "It's hard to pick a favorite since each item Cairn has sent is fantastic for its intended use—I just don't always have a camping or backpacking trip planned, so sometimes they sit in my storage room for a while. But my family's most-used items from this year have been the Coal hat from June (it's easily adjustable so we can all wear it), the humangear GoBites flatware set from July (I keep it in my car), and the small humangear GoTubbs from August (they're the perfect serving size of nut butter or hummus for our toddler on outings)."

Who is Cairn for?: "I'd say Cairn is for regular nature-endeavorers who already have hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, or other outdoor activities as an established hobby. The products are a little specific to be useful to the average person. Plus, you can indicate your favorite outdoor hobbies in your Cairn profile, and some months they'll send items specific to your interests. I think Cairn is especially great for those who are wishing to grow or upgrade their gear little by little. I've been introduced to a lot of items that have improved my setup immensely!"

Check out all of our Cairn reviews here!

 

4. Stay-Connected Subscriptions: PostBox by Postmark'd Studio

Postmark’d Studio PostBox

For some, this was the year that "Zoom" entered our awareness. For others, video call platforms were well-established in our daily lives, but "Zoom fatigue" was the new development. A few members of our team took to snail mail to supplement other methods of keeping in touch with their friends and families, and stationery subscriptions like PostBox made it an utter joy. Check out what Megan thought of PostBox this year:

 

What we liked about PostBox this year: "If ever there was a year for snail mail, 2020 was it! With so many of us far away from friends and family, it just felt good to send a physical letter in the midst of so much Zoom and FaceTime. PostBox delivered thoughtful cards and stamps that made it super easy to send some love through the mail."

What we would like to see next year: "More letterpress and cool doodads! The founder, Anne, always does an incredible job of curating some of the most thoughtful and creative cards and supplies we could ever imagine. I can only see 2021 getting better and better!"

Our favorite brands from PostBox: "That would be hard to pick because the cards are sourced from smaller businesses and presses from all over the world! All feel super special. "

Our favorite products from the whole year: "Again, this would be impossible to choose. I do always adore the vintage stamps that arrive in every delivery. They are always perfect complements to the theme of the box."

Who is PostBox for?: "Lovers of handwritten cards, fans of letterpress, and anyone who wants to deliver a smile to someone else’s mailbox."

Check out all of our Postmark'd Studio PostBox reviews here!


Did any of these subscriptions help get you through this year? Let us know in the comments!

Christen Russo
Christen Russo

Hi there, I'm Christen. I am all sorts of things:

🌳 a writer who loves to convey feeling

🌲 a mother who wants to have just as much fun as my kids do

🌳 an outdoors-lover who's achieved #1000hoursoutside with my family

🌲 a low-maintenance self-carer

🌳 a general hungry person with an unstoppable sweet tooth

You'll find me collecting stationery and squirreling away stickers, riding bikes and swimming with my family, creating outfits in colors and silhouettes that make me feel amazing, wearing big earrings, drinking beer and asking my husband to feed me harmonies to sing, taking my vitamins, living for dancing to live music, roping everyone into a craft, being human and vulnerable, and celebrating the phenomenon of being alive.

...and doing it all with energy, delight, and jokes along the way.


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