As soon as we heard that GQ would be getting into the subscription box game, you knew, of course that we would have to take a look and review it for you guys. We were, as it happens, super, super impressed with the first three boxes, and now it’s time to take a look at their fourth. GQ’s box delivers every quarter, as opposed to the more common monthly boxes you might be used to. And it’s something I truly look forward to every time now that they have such a good track record with it. It’s really fun! And there is always seemingly something great inside that I am excited to use. It’s called, as always, the GQ “Best Stuff Box” and it will run you $50 per box, or $190 if you sign up for a whole year of them.
If you are interested, note that they sell out super quickly. So while you can buy them outright without a subscription, it’s super hard. If you want them, you need to subscribe. Anyway, we are indeed looking at a price a little bit higher than what most of these subscription boxes usually cost, but, it’s only four times a year as opposed to 6 or 12 times, and we think the value here is tremendous. It’s quickly become our favorite subscription box service, by quite a margin (with Bespoke Post being second place). Let’s get into it a bit more by taking a look at what came in this third box from GQ.
The Box Contents
Hardcover Dotted Notebook — $20: Everyone could use another notebook. I keep one by my desk to use throughout the day to jot things down as needed. It’s very helpful, and a great analogue addition an otherwise purely technical desk setup. I like that this one is sturdy, dotted, and a cool blue color.
Face Mask — $60 for 4: I have not used this yet, but I like that it was included, even if it’s only one. It’s something I would likely never have bought, but now is an experience I can have. And if it turns out I like it, I can always buy more! That’s part of what is so great about these boxes.
Necklace — $175: $175 for this thing? I don’t think so. And I don’t wear necklaces. This is where GQ’s over-the-top trendiness as of late is upsetting and a waste of an item in the box.
Beef Jerky — $6: A fun addition, and not something you usually see.
Bombas Socks — $12: Something I have been meaning to try out for a while now, so I am super happy to have these. And I get the hype. These things are the best feeling and most comfortable socks I have ever worn. The honeycomb weave is as awesome as they claim.
Keyring — $30: This is ingenious, whoever thought it up. Instead of breaking nails trying to get a key ring open, you can just unscrew it. Love it.
Dove Shampoo — $5: Sponsored, yes, but who cares. A whole bottle? I don’t know of any other box that includes a whole freakin’ bottle inside.
Charcoal Face Wash — $18: Didn’t love this. Was super messy, and was not into the scent. Worked pretty well on the face, but not my favorite face wash out there.
iPhone Case — $25: Really, it’s a coupon code to get one for free from Peel, you just have to pay shipping. GQ has pioneered the “include a coupon for a free thing so that everyone can get the best option for them” and it works well. I wish they included free shipping too, but I’ll pay $3 for an iPhone case worth $25 any day.
Eye Serum — $55: See, so, this they didn’t actually include! It was either this or the face wash. I much would have preferred this. And, worse than that, they don’t note anywhere that you only get one of the two! I had to call to find out! Not cool…
Value & Conclusion
Like we said above, this box will run you $50 per quarter. Originally, you could subscribe for the whole year for $150, but it seems they raised that price, so get in now before they raise it any more. The value in each box well exceeds what you pay. Unlike some other subscription boxes, the items you get in this box are truly high quality, top of the field items. There is no crap in this box. True, you might not use every item as it might not fit into your life, but overall, I was shocked at how much stuff came in this box, and the value inside of it, and the fact that GQ has now been able to deliver this same reaction two times in a row. I don’t know how GQ pulled it off, but I guess they are capable of doing things and making deals that the smaller subscription box companies cannot. They call this a “Best Stuff” box and it truly is. Again, color me surprised. But they really deliver here!
To be sure, one of the best parts of these boxes is getting items that you never would have purchased alone, but, now that you have them, are excited to get to try to use. All subscription boxes we have tested get the first part right, but the second part is the key. It all comes down to curation. Are the items you are getting actually any good? Are the items that you would not have done out and gotten yourself something that you now actually want to use and are happy to have? Do you feel like you have something of a personal stylist and curator? Well, GQ utterly nails this. I was, truly, blown away by all the great stuff in this box.
It is a bit pricier than the other subscription boxes — even more than the already-expensive Bespoke Post at $45. Plus, you get no customization whatsoever (like you do with Bespoke Post), and have no idea what is in the box until it shows up (or until you read GQ online or in print, as they sort of start advertising it before everyone gets their box, something I wish they didn’t do to keep it a surprise!). Nevertheless, I think it is without question worth the money. Right now, if you could only subscribe to one subscription box, it should be this GQ one. Once a quarter is a much more reasonable frequency to get a box like this than once a month, and, if the third box is anything like this one, I fully trust GQ to continue to deliver awesome items you’ll be excited to use and try — even if you did not select them beforehand.
Other boxes at cheaper price points give you products that are not as well curated, nor as high quality. GQ’s box gives you a bit of everything. Some lifestyle items, some grooming, some clothing. It’s the best of all worlds. As with so many things, you get what you pay for. If you’re going to subscribe to a service like this, we have seen without a doubt that a bit more money goes a much longer way. If you are asking us, we think the best subscription box service is GQ’s Best Stuff Box, pretty much hands down.
Check back next quarter for our review of that box!