From vegan treats to beauty bundles, Tori Attwood checks out the UK’s growing subscription services
WHEN it comes to online shopping, we Brits have high expectations.
The norm of fast and free delivery coupled with competitive online prices means we can get whatever we want, whenever we want – sometimes even the same day.
And now we may not even have to shop. Thanks to the UK’s growing subscription services, you can now get a range of your favourite treats, toys and tipples delivered straight to your door, without even having to shop for them yourself.
From everyday essentials to cheeky treats, these are the deals you need to sign up to this season.
FOR BEAUTY LOVERS: BIRCHBOX - £12.99
If regular trips to Selfridges’ beauty counters are a firm factor in your weekly agenda, then Birchbox’s monthly beauty bundle is sure to hit your sweet spot. For just £12.99 a month, the makeup lords will send you a selection of five handpicked products from up-and-coming brands for you try and review. Even the box your goodies come in looks fancy – perfect for hoarding all your makeup finds.
FOR GUYS THAT GROOM: GRUMM - £19.99
As the beard-breeding ground of the north, it should come as no surprise that start-up Grüum chose Manchester as the launch pad of their male grooming service. The subscription takes manscaping to the next level with customisable grooming packs for all, whether bushy-bearded or clean shaven. Prices start at just £19.99.
FOR FOODIES: HELLO FRESH - £42
We all love snapping pics of decent food for Instagram, but sometimes putting all that graft into making a slap-up meal can be way too much hassle. Well, slave in the kitchen no more, thanks to Hello Fresh. The trial box is £42 a week (bloody hell) - but that includes all the ingredients and recipes you need for three meals for two people – which savvy spenders can stretch out over a week if you’re flying solo. Head chef Patrick picks out weekly meal plans specific to your palette, so you get a taste of the high life.
VEGANS, VEGGIES AND HEALTHY EATERS: THE GOODNESS PROJECT - £9.95
If the thought of forking out £42 for your daily bread sends your bank account into meltdown mode, then try The Goodness Project. Jam-packed with Vegan, natural and gluten-free products, the box offers a quick and cheap way to get some healthy nosh. There are some beauty and household treats thrown in there too, making it easier to embrace an all-natural lifestyle.
CHOCOLATE: HOTEL CHOCOLAT TASTING CLUB - £9.95
Stop everything - Hotel Chocolat now delivers. The connoisseurs of the cocoa have devised a monthly plan where you can sample a selection of their finest treats without making the pilgrimage to their stores. Gone are the days of perving over gooey molten choc videos on Facebook, as now, my friend, you can stuff your face with recipes that are yet to hit the high street. A divine treat that’s well worth the £9.95.
VINTAGE BOOKS: PRUDENCE AND THE CROW - £15
If vintage paperback books leave you feeling giddy at the knees, then geek out with Prudence and Crow’s book subscription service. For £15 a month the London-based start-up will deliver a pre-loved book worthy of any literary collection.
PROPER TEA: BRUU - £10
Break-up, bust-up or just a crappy day, there’s nothing a decent cuppa can’t fix. And now the tea-makers at Bruu are mixing up the blends for monthly subscriptions that are way more than you’re your average brew. Coffee caramel, exotic lychee green and the illusively named Bonk are just a few that caught our eye.
FOR COFFEE SNOBS: THE ROASTERY - £6.50
Turn your nose up at tea? Then the Roastery might be more your kind of cup. Freshly roasted, beautifully blended coffee gets sent straight to your door for the small sum of £6.50. Well worth it just for the smell of fresh coffee in the morning.
LUXE LINGERIE: THE GODDESS PROJECT - £39.99
Let’s face it ladies, the quest for the perfect bra is a bloody nightmare. Getting hot and bothered as you squeeze into badly fitting sets whilst an assistant stares at your baps – it’s hellish, even for the exhibitionists amongst us. So, stop all that commotion and let the ladies over at The Goddess Project send you a stunning lingerie set for £39.99 a month. With a holier-than-though name and stunning products including lacey camis and items from the Heidi Klum intimates range, it sounds like a pretty sweet deal. And who wants to be an Angel anyway, when you can be a Goddess?
FOR THE HELPLESS ROMANTIC: FLOWERS FROM BUNCHES - £16.99
If you usually wait ‘til the commercial pressures of Valentine’s day to send obligatory flowers, then it’s time to improve your game. Thankfully, Bunches offer a monthly flower subscription so you can bestow your beloved every month with floral gifts. It might not be as romantic as picking the posies yourself, but it sure as hell beats the petrol station bargain bin.
PREGNANCY: PROJECT B - £14.99
Tackling the rollercoaster of pregnancy, Project B sends out nutritional bundles and healthy snacks throughout your 9 months. Although there’s nothing this magic box can do to contain your flying hormones, momentary meltdowns or bizarre cravings, it does include some natural beauty items to help preen and pamper you ready for your new arrival.
FOR ASPIRING GYM-GOERS: FREELETICS -£15
Gyms can be overpriced, especially if you struggle to visit the establishment after your first month of membership (guilty). Luckily for fellow lazybones, Freeletics offers a virtual gym setup where you can access training apps and personalised nutrition plans without even leaving the front room. Prices start from as little as a dirt cheap £2.12 a week, with upgrades available for a more personalised workout.
CONDOMS (seriously): CASANOVA'S BOX - £4.99
We kid you not, for just £4.99 a month lads can get a selection of ten jonnies delivered straight to their door. Because experienced in the sack though they may be, purchasing a pack of rubbers can still be a humiliating affair for the modern man (at least, according to Casanova’s website). Those with a more active bedroom lifestyle can upgrade to the ‘Pick Up Artist’ model – that’s twenty condoms a month with five extra free - for a well-stocked stash ready for wherever the night takes you.
FOR PARTY PEOPLE: TIPPLE BOX - £24
For a spirit-sipping journey, Tipple ticks all the boxes. £24 a month will get you a cocktail masterclass in a box, carefully crafted with a selection of premium spirits from independent distilleries across the UK. Each box comes with recipe cards for the perfect homemade cocktail, meaning that your weekend is set to be epic.
