Monthly subscription boxes are becoming increasingly popular. You can see this trend reflected in the number of entrepreneurs pitching their ideas on shows like Shark Tank. In our fast-paced, tech-focused world, there’s something exciting about receiving a package full of surprises, especially for new mothers who are home with their infants.
As a mother, I’ve tried a few baby subscription boxes. With my first child, I received three boxes from Bluum, and recently, I’ve been trying out the 16 Minute Club boxes with my second child. Here’s what I think about each service and how they compare in terms of value for money.
**BLUUM BOXES**
I first encountered Bluum boxes three years ago, and I’ve seen the company grow since then. They’ve expanded their offerings to cover pregnancy through to preschool ages.
Initially, I wasn’t very impressed. The box was filled with a lot of samples and not much else. But looking at their current boxes, it’s clear they’ve improved their offerings to include higher quality products.
Would I spend $29 a month on a Bluum box as a gift for someone else or like to receive it myself? Yes, as a gift, but not for myself. The main reason is that the boxes focus heavily on books. While I love reading to my children, I find the books included are too simple for preschoolers and not worth the full price. There are plenty of baby and toddler picture books available at discount prices, so getting them via this subscription doesn’t seem cost-effective.
**16 MINUTE CLUB**
The 16 Minute Club boxes are geared towards breastfeeding support, which I found incredibly helpful as a new mom. My first two boxes arrived right after I came home from the hospital – one focusing on pregnancy and the other on post-natal needs.
Having only experienced Bluum boxes before, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of content in each 16 Minute Club box. They included useful advice, a range of practical items, and some fun products. I was thrilled to find not just sample items, but also full-sized ones, along with a baby onesie, bib, toy, and more.
As a second-time mom, I enjoyed the variety of baby and mom items in the subscription box. I imagine it would be even more valuable for first-time moms, thanks to the useful resources and reading materials provided. Reflecting on my first-time mom experience, a box like this could have saved me many hours of searching online for answers and reduced a lot of stress.
At $31 per box, it’s a bit pricier than Bluum, but given the content, I think it offers better value for the money.
Overall, subscription boxes can be hit or miss from month to month, but they make thoughtful gifts, especially for new mothers. After all, who doesn’t love a surprise package in the mail?
Have you tried any subscription box services? I’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts.