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POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review – November 2014 + Giveaway!

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanFeb 6, 2015 | 561 comments

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Box

POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly lifestyle subscription box for women. Each month they send a mix of items from categories like beauty, fashion, food, fitness, home, etc.

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes). I also have a POPSUGAR Must Have subscription that I pay for, but my box hasn't shipped yet. (Since POPSUGAR sent me this box for review, I'm giving away my November box to one lucky My Subscription Addiction reader - giveaway at the end of the post!)

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Items

The Subscription Box: POPSUGAR Must Have

The Cost: 39.95 a month

COUPON: Use coupon code MUSTHAVE5 to save $5 off your first box.

The Products: “Must Have” items for women selected by POPSUGAR editors. (Fitness, Home, Beauty, Food, and more)

Check out all of my POPSUGAR Must Have reviews and the Women’s Subscription Box Directory!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Info

Each box comes with a fold out card detailing the items included.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Wallet Purse

 SORIAL Saffiano Wallet on a Chain - Value $49

First thoughts - I knew it was a wallet/cross-body bag from the spoilers, but it still is a little smaller than what I was expecting. So I decided to give it my going-out test. Could it hold the three items I will never leave the house without?

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Test

My three key items: Hand sanitizer, phone, and lip balm. (And credit card/ID, but I knew those would fit.)

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Lining

Phone and lip balm - yes. Hand sanitizer - no. I have some single-use hand sanitizer wipes though, so I should be good. (Can you tell I'm a little obsessed with hand sanitizer?)

My iPhone 5 fits - but I'm guessing any new iPhone won't fit, or any other larger model phone.

Also worth noting - love the lining!

Here's how it looks on:

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! model

It's really light weight - and very well-made. (There's something wonderful about feeling like you aren't wearing a purse at all).

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Hand Cream

K. Hall Simpatico Ambergris Shea Butter Cream - Value $22

This is one of my favorite items in the box. The scent is subtle and wonderful, and it's a great hand cream.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Tube

One thing I thought was a little weird is that the opening of the tube is sealed in a way that you have to puncture it open, but the cap doesn't have a sharp end to open it with - so I used a pen. (This is probably TMI - but I wanted to mention it).

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Ingredients

I also thought it was worth mentioning that even though there is a whale on the cover of the box - this lotion doesn't contain any animal components!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Popcorn

G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popcorn - Value $3.69

This popcorn is a mix of part cheddar popcorn, part caramel corn - AKA the most delicious combination ever (according to my husband).

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Notecards

Tiny Prints Thoughtful Heart Stationery - Value $15

This is a set of 15 cards and envelopes. It's from the new line at Tiny Prints designed by Lisa Sugar. The cards are really good quality, and I will definitely use this set!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Code

The cards also came with a unique coupon code for $25 off a purchase at Tiny Prints - no minimum order required. Here is the fine print:

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Fine Print

They have so many options at Tiny Prints I'm not sure what I'm going to spend my $25 on yet. If you have any suggestions let me know!

 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Wine Glass

Wine Glass Writer - Value $10

I thought this was a fun inclusion in the box - perfect timing for holiday parties. These markers are designed to let you mark you wine glass with your name (they are smudge proof in 3 minutes, and wash off with soap and water). Since they work on any glass or glazed ceramic surface, there are lots of uses outside of wine glasses too. I will be using them to write on wine bottle hostess gifts:

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Wine Bottle

(Wine not included in box!)

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Book

Dominique Ansel: The Secret Recipes - Retail Value $35 ($20.47 on Amazon)

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Image

This book has tons of gorgeous food photography.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! Recipes

And I was happy to see that there are beginner, intermediate, and advanced recipes. He's serious about Intermediate recipes - most of them are a two day process!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review - November 2014 + Giveaway! GF

And there are plenty of gluten-free recipes (marked with the GF symbol).

I think I will be gifting this book to someone who really enjoys baking. Even some of the beginner recipes look a little advanced for me, and most of my attempts would probably come out looking like this.

Verdict: This box has a retail value of $135 ($120 if you count the Amazon sale price of the book). And if you count the Tiny Prints coupon toward the value, that brings it up to $160 retail value. (I will definitely use the Tiny Prints discount, so for me I'm counting it in the value).

I think this is one of their best POPSUGAR Must Have boxes recently. I'll use every item, with the exception of the book - which will make a great gift. What do you think of the November box?

Since POPSUGAR sent me this one to review, I'm going to send my regular subscription box to one lucky reader. Enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Liz Cadman
Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

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561 comments

Cindy

What is everyone buying with their Tiny Prints coupon? I am kind of ticked that every time they send me an email touting a sale or shipping promotion, it can’t be used with this ‘code’. And this code doesn’t work for shipping, even if you choose something less than $25.00.

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Kristin

I Have an alternative use for the wine markers: my kiddo and I are going to use them to draw snowflakes on our windows!

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Nicole

I won a Nordstom Rack g/c in my box!!! I love PopSugar Must Have!

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Anna

Oops sorry I didn’t mean that in response to your comment! Congrats on winning the card. If I had my box by now I wouldn’t be so upset with the. Especially if I won that card! That’s awesome!

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Anna

I’m done with popsugar. They never shipped out my box (they claim fedex never picked it up) and now they told me they are sending a “complimentary” replacement box. Which really isn’t complimentary since I paid for it and it was never shipped in the first place. On top of that they say it may take another week or so for the box to ship. I am canceling today. Hopefully they get it together because I do love the boxes but I can’t deal with the poor customer service and the fact that they can’t even say sorry or never bothered to reach out to customers and notify us of our boxes being late. On top of that I don’t think they would have ever sent me a box, had I not sent them an email.

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Jillian D

My box arrived today! Finally! And the Kendra Scott Necklace was inside it! YAY! I really like this box. I particularly like the hand cream. It smells lovely.

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Cindy

My necklace was not in the box and I am still awaiting it. BTW, does it match the earrings from a few boxes back?

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Laurie

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the necklace made it into mine – I was expecting them to screw that up, given everything else that’s been happening. Alas, it’s tiny, tiny, tiny (and I’m big, big, big), so it’s up for swap.

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Kristin

Well the good news is I finally got my Novemeber box today, and my October box was also finally delivered on Saturday…to the wrong address for a second time. (First time it was sent to Austin, a city I have no correlation to) and this time it was sent to my billing address instead of my shipping address. Lucky my parents still live in that house so I will pick it up when I am home for the holidays.
Popsugar told me they would “include a few extra goodies for the inconvenace of it being delivered to the wrong place the first time” so I am excited to see what those are since the box looked like a total bust.

As for Novmeber I am much happier with it this month. Love the purse, the cook book is really nice, not quite my style so I may be gifting it for Christmas.

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Cindy

Just got my November shipping notice with tracking indicating it will be delivered NEXT Friday (via Fedex). My God, is it coming on a horse?

At any rate, I was checking the Tiny Prints website and notice that you must pay shipping if your order is not $49.00 or above. I hope they will come out with a free ship day soon.

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Sandela

I received a shipping notification on the 15th saying a label was created Nov 14. They haven’t shipped it yet! I emailed last week, no response. Where they’re shipping from is about a 1/2 from my house… Can I pick it up??? Lol

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Michelle S

I love this box and it reminds me more of a LE than monthly. For the little blue case thing lol, the chain is very substantial and I really do wish I could use it as a cross body, but I just can’t because I carry a lipstick, house keys, phone, hand lotion, credit cards, cash, mints, metro card, ID. I will remove the chain and use it for something in my handbag. It’s really quite lovely with the lining and the nice tag. I just found out that this is vegan leather and not a fan.

But yeah! Great box..two thumbs up in a row for me.
I

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Jeannie

My PSMH November box finally showed up today (I got shipping notification 3 days ago) and it was definitely worth the wait. Not only do I love everything in the box, but there was also a little card in there that said, “Congratulations – You are one of fifty Must Have subscribers to win a $100 gift card to Nordstrom Rack”!! I am SOOO excited! I rarely win anything, so this was such a great surprise!

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Mara

That’s great! Congrats! FINALLY someone I “know” has won something. I have wondered if they actually really give the things they advertise (hair dryers, jewelry, etc.) away or if it was a fake.

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Jeannie

Thanks, guys! I’m super excited! I’ve always wondered if anyone really wins those things, too. Now we know!

Liz Cadman

That’s awesome – congrats!

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Sandela

Has anyone else received a shipping notice but, the box hasn’t been shipped yet? A label was created on 11/14/14 but, hasn’t been shipped. I know they’re short staffed but, I WANT MY BOX!! Lol.

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Diane

I love your site! Helped me find subscriptions that are worse getting.

– Diane

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Julie P.

A few of my can’t-leave-home-without items that need to fit in my purse include Fresh sugar lip treatment, hand sanitizer and hand cream!

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candice

I can’t leave home without my phone- though it’d probably be a good idea to give it a break! I also can’t leave home without my keys

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caitlin

My phone and matchbox cars!

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Nicole

Wow I can’t wait for mine to arrive! It should be here Tuesday.
If I had to pick three items to take with me, besides money and ID, I’d take my lip balm, phone and my favorite sunscreen (Supergoop City Serum) ^_^

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Shannon

I unsubscribed after their shipping fiasco with October’s box, but I just couldn’t do without what has become my favorite non-food box.

This month’s box was just a meh for me. The little purse is cute, well-made, just way too small for me.

I don’t drink, so the wine pens will be gifted.

I don’t use stationary anymore, so that will be gifted.

The popcorn is FABULOUS, and I already had some bags in my pantry.

The cookbook I’m torn about. Not sure if I’ll keep or gift. The recipes are nice-looking, however it may be more than I would attempt. Plus, I have loads of cookbooks already, and the internet is a good resource for me when I can’t find it in a book. As for gifting, I think this will be a “oh, how lovely” then chucked into a cabinet to collect dust kind of a gift. Grr..can’t decide.

The lotion is nice. I have lots of lotions already, but they don’t spoil or go rancid, so they’ll keep until I’m ready.

As usual, the box value is outstanding and the items are all wonderful quality. And while I may get the occasional meh boxes, the fun I get from opening them and discovering what’s inside makes it all worth it for me.

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Marty

I would love to see what fits in the purse if I would ever receive the d***ed box! Pony express would be faster but unfortunately we have to use less dependable delivery services in 2014…..
On a happier note, NG04 will be coming soon ’cause I got the notice and Quarterly has a better track record than PS…(gosh, I made a pun!) 🙂

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Nicci

I must have my phone with me and because my phone battery sucks I need my mophie case. A lip balm and my cards (id, debit, metro)

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Kim

I still haven’t received my November box. I emailed early Monday about it and they only then created a label for me. Now my tracking says I won’t get it until December 2nd. I also have not received my throwback Glossybox boxes I ordered mid October and just got my birchbox today, November 20th. I’ve only had luck with Ipsy being on time and sending out tracking emails. Ugh

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Kialei

My 3 essentials: my (large) phone, key, and cards!

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Cristie

On my way out the door I always do a quick check: keys, wallet, phone. A purse or clutch should always have room for emergency management as well – I never leave home without allergy management supplies.

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Tara B

FedEx got my box on the 20th. Why is it going to get here on Dec 2nd? Where is FedEx going with my box? CA to TX….. Doesn’t seem that far of a drive. I think someone is walking my box to my front door! lol That is just crazy FedEx!!!!

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Melody

My shipping label was created on the 14th but there has been zero activity/progress since. I am pretty sure they just made the label and haven’t even taken it to a shipping center yet since there is no scan and no estimated delivery date. Really strarting to irritate me. And I can guarantee you they can not and better not blame the storm on it because first of all I AM in NY where its shipping from. Secondly, I am receiving packages from others cross country faster, regardless. I run a small business on eBay and Amazon and am shipping things out of New York and packages are receiving their destination just fine. If I made my shipping labels and didnt take the package to a shipping center for a week or so, I would be out of business regardless of my product. I signed up with little lace and a couple other boxes. I will be canceling popsugar if they aren’t back on track by next month.

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Laurie

I’m pretty sure mine is going by Pony Express – that’s still a thing, right? 😉 CA to NV to UT…the expected date of delivery is 12/2 – over 2 wks from when it was shipped. Seriously?

Leah R.

My popsugar box shipped out of New York this time. I live in the Southwest and typically get it shipped from California. So confused. Also, it’s scheduled to show up on the 28th, but with the terrible weather in the Northeast, it could get delayed. Obviously, with people dying in these storms I shouldn’t be too upset about a delayed box. It just leaves me scratching my head on their shipping choices.

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Steph

Can’t leave home without items: Chap stick, wallet, cell phone, hand lotion & hand sanitizer 🙂

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Puneet

can’t leave home without lip balm, keys, phone and hand lotion.

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Juana

My can’t-leave-home-without items that would need to fit in your purse would be my phone, at least my thin wallet that only holds my credit card/DL/and few dollar bills, pen (never know when you need something to write with) and a lip pencil (Nars) or Fresh lip balm.

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robyn

sanitizer and chap stick

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