Welcome to our monthly post highlighting our favorite discoveries from a variety of outdoors, beauty, food subscriptions – and more. Here are our favorite subscription box items from December 2020:
Lindsey's Favorite:
The Item: Atlas Coffee Club’s Columbia La Plata
The Cost: $14 per shipment + $4.95 shipping
From: Atlas Coffee Club
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code MSA50 to Save 50% off your first subscription purchase
CODE: MSA50
Why I love it: I’ve tried a fair number of coffee subscriptions in my day, and this one blew my socks off. First of all, Atlas is laser-focused in their approach: they only feature one coffee every month. They source their beans from high-quality micro-lots, and they’re committed to sustainability. Farmers are always paid a fair wage that’s above market value, which helps stabilize supply chains to ensure great beans will continue to be grown for years to come. I really appreciate this ethical approach, but for me, a coffee subscription is only ever as good as the coffee. And Atlas’ coffee is exceptional. The Columbia La Plata I received in my December shipment is some of the best I’ve had in months. The beans were perfectly roasted, and the flavor was awesome— smooth, subtly complex, a little bright, and just plain delicious. I finished the bag in record time, and I miss it already.
Read our December Atlas Coffee Club review & more reviews by Lindsey!
Ragan's Favorite:
The Item: Blum Toasty Almonds, Cinnamon Spice
The Cost: Buy a 5-flavor variety pack for $31.96
From: Vegancuts Snack Box
Why I love it: Although this was a little bit of work to prepare, it was kind of fun to shake the almonds in the container provided for microwaving. These ended up being pretty tasty, too, and they were good the next day, which was nice – sometimes microwaved snacks are really *not* good the next day (like stale popcorn...) but this worked. These would be good to put out at a family gathering once COVID-19 is under control, or maybe also for a movie night (though you probably don't want to eat the whole container yourself – it's like 6 servings).
Read our December Vegancuts Snack Box review & more reviews by Ragan!
Megan's Favorite:
The Item: Blüh Alchemy Active Relief Body Oil
The Cost: $68.00
From: Boxwalla Beauty
Why I love it: Where do I even start? The scent, the hydration, the way it makes my legs feel! This stuff is a dream. My legs break out when I use lotions, but oils have been a godsend. This one has a warm and earthy scent with notes of wood and holy basil. I love to use it right out of the shower and before bed and the fragrance is so relaxing.
Read our December Boxwalla Beauty review & more reviews by Megan!
Carlos's Favorite:
The Item: A Die Hard Christmas Book and Ornament
The Cost: $12.69 for the book (The Ornament is an exclusive)
From: Geek Fuel
Why I Love It: To settle it once and for all if Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Here is a holiday retelling of the movie’s plot to the tune of “'Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The book is pretty faithful to the movie. So beware, it’s not exactly a children’s book. Geek Fuel subscribers were also treated to an exclusive Christmas tree ornament of John McClain in an air vent.
Read our December Geek Fuel review & more reviews by Carlos!
Becca's Favorite:
The Item: Entire Universal Yums Box, all contents
The Cost: $25
From: Universal Yums
Why I love it: We are Universal Yums obsessed in my house, and I love the variety of snacks from different countries that they send out in December. The pamphlet is filled with interesting facts and trivia, and it is an entire experience diving in and tasting the varying treats. We always look forward to receiving this box!
Read our December Universal Yums review & more reviews by Becca!
Abby's Favorite:
The Item: greenUP Box, all contents
The Cost: $39.95/month + $3 shipping
From: greenUP Box
ACTIVE DEAL: 10% off of your first quarterly box
CODE: MSA10
Why I love it: I absolutely loved this month's curation! Each item replaced something of mine that I use every day showing me that yes, it is possible (and easy!) to reduce the use of plastic in even the simplest of items. Plus, these items look and feel a lot cooler than your everyday grocery finds. Often you'll receive something in a subscription box that is good for a few uses and then you toss it, but everything sent from greenUP is reusable and of excellent quality. It was a great box to ring in 2021 and inspired a resolution to consciously cut down on plastic consumption.
Read our December greenUp Box review & more reviews by Abby!
Brandi's Favorite:
The Item: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
The Cost: $28.00
From: Book of the Month
Why I love it: I have been in cheesy Hallmark movie mode and I wanted a nice easy read that would keep that vibe going and this book really delivered! I loved the fun concept and that it revolved around the holidays, plus I’m a sucker for a good romance, especially one between long-time friends (why is that always so exciting?). I really enjoyed getting lost in this book for a few days!
Read our December Book of the Month review & more reviews by Brandi!
Jessica's Favorite:
The Item: Christophe Robin Regenerating Hair Mask with Prickly Pear Seed Oil
The Cost: $71 for 8.33 ounces
From: The Birchbox Treat Your Hair Kit (no longer available - see other Birchbox Discovery Kits here)
Why I love it: It is rare that a hair mask impresses me- especially when the instructions say things like “apply a small amount" and only leave in for a few minutes. My curls are temperamental, dry beasts, I tell you! And yet, this mask soothed and nourished my curls straight into submission, leaving me with hydrated and shiny locks that honestly left me feeling a bit dumbfounded. I go through so much deep conditioner and hair masks that the price of this is hard to justify, but man is the full-size version of this on my wishlist.
Read our Birchbox Treat Your Hair Kit review & more reviews by Jessica!
Naomi's Favorite:
The Item: Izzy & Liv “Affirm YoSelf ” Script Bracelet
The Cost: Listed Value $15.00
From: Brown Sugar Box
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 20% off your first box!
CODE: FIRSTTIME20
Why I love it: I was never that person who was into “positive thinking” or “morning affirmations” — well, 2020 changed my mind. I have seen how important positivity and self-image are. I love this bracelet not only because of its beautiful silver-plated shine and delicate chain but also because of the positive, elevating affirmation “Brown Skin Beauty” in elegant script lettering. If I have learned one thing in life it is that even if no one else is around to say it, YOU need to remind yourself of your power. You are beautiful, you are intelligent, you are strong. Yes, that’s right, girl, I’m talking to you.
Read our December Brown Sugar Box review & more reviews by Naomi!
Julie's Favorite:
The Item: Calm digital subscription
The Cost: $59.99 per year
From: Calm
Why I love it: During a recent bout of insomnia (thanks, 2020!) I downloaded and subscribed to the Calm app at 2:30 one morning (insert laughing/crying emoji here). While it may have started as a last-ditch effort to get some much-needed rest, this app has proven useful in so many ways. I love the soundscapes and sleep stories for winding down at bedtime and often use the music function while I'm editing or writing as engaging background noise (I love that there are so many options without distracting vocals). As someone who used to meditate regularly but fell out of the habit, I'm excited to use Calm's guided meditations as well.
Julie subscribes to Calm on her own—would you like to see us review it? Read more by Julie here.
What do you think of our favorites for December? And what were your favorite discoveries?
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