The Top 10 Cost-Saving Subscription Boxes for Busy Solo Moms


The Top 10 Cost-Saving Subscription Boxes for Busy Solo Moms

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Because getting mail that’s not a bill is all it takes to make your day brighter

As Solo Moms around the world know, making time for ourselves is a constant battle. Luckily, there are some easy and automatic ways to do that, for those who have a little extra wiggle room in their budget. Subscription boxes have taken the world by storm the past few years. According to research by Shorr Packaging, there were more than 2,000 subscription-box services as of March 2017. What’s even more amazing is the number of visitors to subscription-box websites has grown by more than 3,000% in the past three years.

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that among subscription-box recipients, women make up the majority at 58%. Inc.com reports that the top subscription-box categories are beauty and food. (They make great gifts!) Subscription boxes also seem to be a bit of an obsession, as the average subscriber receives seven boxes and has at least 12 on his or her wish list. But how do you know which one is the best and whether you’re getting a deal or not?

Top subscription boxes for Solo Moms

The beauty is on the inside. One of the most popular subscription boxes is Ipsy, which sends five beauty products for only $10 each month. Ipsy allows subscribers to customize their box based on hair and eye color, skin tone, and comfort level with makeup. The Beauty Quiz gives an option to highlight brands, types of makeup products, and even shades the subscriber likes or would like to try. Ipsy may also toss in some skin-, nail-, or hair-care products.

Beauty products top the list of Solo Mom purchases, and with that in mind, Birchbox has a great subscription box ready. Packed with five beauty samples and directions on how to use them, Birchbox subscription boxes are incredibly popular. You can easily adjust and readjust your preferences in your online profile, and you have the option of canceling at any time. For those ready to commit, the yearlong subscription will save you money.

Makeup boxes are also popular, and here’s one from Sephora. Each PLAY! by Sephora monthly box has five products, a makeup bag, access to video tutorials, and a bonus fragrance. It also gives subscribers the opportunity to earn free products and try things out in their local Sephora store. Similar to Ipsy and Birchbox subscriptions, a monthly subscription to PLAY! By Sephora is also just $10.

Feed your soul. For the environmentally conscious Solo Mom, MightyNest puts together a box called The MightyFix. Priced at just $10 per month, each MightyFix package includes one environmentally sound product to replace other household products you often use. From dryer balls to reusable sandwich bags to stainless-steel cups, you’ll feel like you’re contributing to the greater good by using these products. The excitement of not knowing what’s coming is an added bonus.

Reading is a great escape, and for Solo Moms who love books, Book of the Month is a great monthly option. Each month the team at Book of the Month narrows down a list of books to present you with five options. You choose a book and then the hardcover magically appears at your front door, often with another special gift, and you are set to cuddle up next to the fire or lay out under the sun and read. This subscription makes for a great gift, costing $14.99 per month or three months starting at just $44.99.

Receiving mail is a wonderful feeling, and sending mail is even better. Kayla Pickrell of Lucky Dog Mail Club is working on a snail-mail revolution. Her adorable handmade thank-you and greeting cards come with matching envelopes and postage. There’s also usually an extra treat in the box, one month it may be wildflower seeds, the next, washi tape. The options include five- and 10-card thank-you and greeting cards for a $25 and $35, respectively, monthly subscription. You can also prepay for six or 12 months.

The team at Mommy Mailbox is devoted to providing a treat for moms. Each box contains four to six items that retail between $55 and $85, and given the subscription starts at $33.95, this is a great deal. The items in each box are selected by a guest blogger who shares her style and favorites. The products range from art to home décor to beauty and fitness. Some past boxes have included scarfs, sea salt hand crème, and a ceramic ring dish.

Bon appétit! It may be hard to box up motivation, but Bulu Box does just that. With two options (Original and Weight Loss), the Bulu Box team provides an array of supplements, healthy snacks, and wellness products every month. Each box has four to five samples, which you can then rate so others can read reviews. Plus, the monthly survey allows the box preparers to get to know your tastes, customizing your future boxes even more. This is another affordable box at only $10 a month if you pay month to month, or $8 if you subscribe for six or 12 months.

Healthy eating can be overwhelming, but when you work with the team at Fit Snack, you’ll receive a fully customized snack box designed by a nutritionist. From granola to healthy chips to nutritious drinks to snack bars, the possibilities are endless. Each snack meets at least two of these criteria: GMO free, high protein, low sugar, gluten free, organic, raw, vegan, or all natural. There’s also an exclusive workout included in each box! A monthly subscription costs $25.90, or you can choose a three-, six-, or one-year subscription. Each box is valued at $32 or more, and every purchase helps to provide snacks to children in the community who are facing hunger.

For those with a sweet tooth, consider the Candy Club subscription box. Each box is full of three candies plus a bonus treat for as low as $21.99 (when you purchase the 12-month plan). You can let the experts choose the candy selections for you based on a candy quiz, or select your own. Enjoy the candy with your children, or hide it until after they go to bed—we won’t tell.

A bonus box for military Solo Moms. Treat yourself or a special friend to the MilSO Box. MilSO, or military significant other, was created by a female veteran. Each month, a box with four to seven items designed to comfort, assist, and inspire female MilSOs arrives on their doorsteps. As a bonus, MilSO Box has an option on its website for people to anonymously send a box to a MilSO even if they don’t know one. We love how this box features products from MilSO- and veteran-owned businesses. You can purchase these month to month at $39.95, buy a onetime box, or prepay up to 12 months for a reduced price.

Are you ready to take the plunge and try a subscription box? Do you have a favorite that we missed? Let us know!


Rebecca Alwine is a freelance writer, army wife, and mother of three. Her writing experience includes military-family topics, research pieces, guest blogging, and much more. She’s a contributing writer for ARMY magazine and a regular contributor to several online publications, including the Homefront United Network, PCSgrades, and ESME. She also has been published in Ms. magazine and the Atlantic. You can follow her online at www.whatrebeccathinks.com and on Twitter and Instagram.


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