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POPSUGAR Must Have Target Box Review – January 2016

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanMay 2, 2017 | 48 comments

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POPSUGAR Must Have
3.9 overall rating
530 Ratings | 71 Reviews

Every year, POPSUGAR and Target collaborate for a limited edition fitness and health box to start the year off right. It's a great value, and one of my favorite collabs!

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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FYI - This box sold out in record time. If you want to get email alerts for future POPSUGAR Must Have box news like this limited edition box, make sure to sign up for News alerts at the bottom of this post.

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Props to those who packed this box - everything seemed to fit perfectly!

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The Box: POPSUGAR 2016 Target Box

The Cost: $75

The Products: "Time to get motivated and make this year your healthiest yet. POPSUGAR and Target are back again! We've teamed up to bring you everything you need to get a jump-start on a healthy 2016. This exclusive box is fit-focused and filled with fun and functional essentials to get you motivated to move!"

Check out my review of the last POPSUGAR Target Box too.

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

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Jawbone Up2 Gunmetal Hex Lightweight Thin Strap - Value $99.99

This was the spoiler revealed when the box was available for purchase and I love that this alone is worth more than the cost of the box! Here it is on:

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It is super comfortable to wear and I like the clasp too:

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This tracker features:

  • Smart Coach - Personalized insights from Smart Coach guide you to make healthier choices every day and deliver the motivation you need to reach your goals.
  • Activity Tracking - The simplest way to get credit for your steps, exercise and overall calories burned throughout the day.
  • Sleep Tracking - Automatically track hours slept and quality of sleep, so you can wake up refreshed and ready to get the most out of your days.
  • Food Logging - Set goals, log your meals and use Food Score to get the information you need to improve your diet and reach your ideal weight.

I'm most excited for the Activity and Sleep tracking. Since the battery lasts for 10 days and it is comfortable to wear, I'm hoping that means I'll actually keep in on my wrist all the time. (I have an Apple Watch, but it has been living on its charger and not my wrist for a very long time now).

And! This tracker allows for duels! If you are interested in dueling with a fellow subscription box addict, check out this forum post! (Thanks for setting that up, Chris!)

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Mission EnduraCool Cooling Microfiber Towel - Value $15

Woah! I did not realize this towel was so high tech!

The Mission EnduraCool Instant Cooling Towel is made from a proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools when soaked with water, wrung out, and then snapped in the air to activate the cooling properties. The proprietary technology works by absorbing moisture and perspiration into the fabric core where the unique radiator-like fiber construction circulates water molecules and regulates the rate of evaporation to create a prolonged cooling effect.

Items like this make me realize I need to work out more when I think, hm why would I need this?

Define Bottle Sport Flip Top - Value $19

This water bottle is dishwasher safe (top rack) and BPA free! I like the design (everything unscrews) and you put fruit or herbs in the bottom section to infuse the water in the top section.

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Pixi by Petra Makeup Melting Cleansing Cloths - Value $10

These are a great gym bag/travel bag essential, plus I like the Pixi brand. (And I can never get enough makeup wipes in subscription boxes!)

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The other thing I can never get enough of? Lip balm!

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S.W. Basics Organic Lip Balm Flight - Value $15

This set is one of my favorite items in the box! The lip balms go on so smoothly, I love all the essential oil blends (Cinnamon, Citrus, Cocoa, and Peppermint), and this kit came with a bonus face scrub sample too:

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C9 Champion 3-Pack Headbands - Value $5

These are a little tight on me (most headbands and hats are) but the grippy lining makes them stay in place!

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Skullcandy Method Ear Buds - Value $28

These earbuds are made for working out and have Stickygel technology that make them 30% more secure when sweating.

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I workout at home in front of the tv, so I will likely swap or gift them to someone who will use them more!

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Simply Balanced Freeze Dried Strawberry Slices - Value $3.50

Yum! The best part of Special K cereal! I'm guessing you're supposed to eat these with cereal, yogurt, etc. but I just ate them out of the bag - so good!

LUNA Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (6 Pack) - Value $5.49

These are gluten-free, non-GMO and amazingly only have 5 grams of sugar - I'm impressed! Luna Bars also have a good amount of all the daily vitamins you need.

Verdict: I think this was a great fitness box! A few items might be repeats for some fitness enthusiasts, but still the value should be good even if you gift or swap a few items. I also like that the fitness tracker has a stylish look to it, and I think that's very appropriate for a POPSUGAR fitness box. The only issue I have with this box is that it sold out so quickly. (This box was sold out in less than an hour). Hopefully next year POPSUGAR + Target make way more boxes. And also, maybe they can do another collaboration box this year?

What do you think of the POPSUGAR + Target 2016 box? Were you lucky enough to grab one?

Starting at $75.00
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POPSUGAR Must Have is a quartely lifestyle subscription box curated by the editors at POPSUGAR. Each box features their "must have" products for beauty, fashion, home, food, fitness and more. Every box has a value of $250 +!
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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48 comments

Randi

I got back from vacation and had this box along with the BB LE box, GlobeIn and Glossybox waiting for me – such a great welcome home present 🙂
Love all the items and really want to start using the fitness tracker but can’t decide if I want to try to exchange it for a fitbit?… I like that fitbit has caller ID and the small display, but I like the looks of this one better.

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Sara

Is anyone selling their Jawbone UP2? Email me at golfchick005 @ aol.com =]

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Daisy

Sent you an email, let me know if you’re interested.

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Justme

I’m very pleased with this box. I’m on the west coast and was lucky enough to catch one (I set my alarm lol). Wish I would’ve gotten one for my mom and sister too. I think I like last year’s a little better, but the quality and value is definitely there.

Wish they’d offer these boxes quarterly, I’d be all over it.

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Amanda A

Has anyone checked the accuracy of the Jawbone against any other tracker? I happened to get a VirginPulse Max as a health spending fund bonus incentive from my husband’s employer, and yesterday I walked 5 miles on my treadmill.
The Max tracked over 7500 steps. The Jawbone said just over 1800.

If anyone has compared their Jawbone with a different fitness tracker, I’d really like to hear how it’s working out for you.

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Araceli

I think you might have ot see if they trake steps by acelerometer or gps or a combination. If its GPS then youre got going anywhere on a treadmill, you know?

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Annie

Wow. That sounds wonky. Your steps per mile will vary depending on your stride, but I get at least 10,000 everyday with my fitbit and log around 4.5 miles every time. I don’t know how accurate the mileage is, but I know my steps are accurate because I’m the crazy person who will do random checks – check my step count, walk for 20 minutes and count my steps and check my step count again – the fitbit is always spot on. I would definitely look into it more, it sounds like BOTH of your trackers are cheating you.

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Brittany

I was questioning the accuracy as well. It is only my second day using it but I woke up at 415 this am and was in and out of sleep for 2 hours… however it shows I was in a sound sleep. I also walked way more today than I did yesterday but I have 2000 less steps. I’m not sure how accurate this tracker really is.

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MichelleSomer

Oh my email is michellesomer at mac dot com! Thanks!

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MichelleSomer

I honestly can’t believe how fast this box sold out!! West Costers (or Super West Costers, the people of Hawaii) are at such a disadvantage when getting a box like this when we are so many hours behind!! I would have loved a box like this! I got a FitBit for Christmas and I wasn’t wild about it, so when I saw the spoiler for the Jawbone UP2, it was perfect for me! If I could have gotten it at that huge discount, plus a water bottle, plus plus plus…AMAZING!! But I am just going to get the Jawbone in the color I want now, with the money I got from exchanging my FitBit. I’ll happily take place in the group challenge or whatever it is, but I really hope next time Target & PopSugar do this they make WAY more boxes. If someone wants to trade with me their Jawbone I’m open to it as well…or water bottle…lol I’m on a super tight budget now having moved to one of the most expensive places to live (and I moved from LA!! lol).

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Meme

Aloha Michelle! Welcome to the Aloha State! While there are many benefits to living here, timing for us subbers is definitely NOT one of them. I have stayed up a few times till 2 or 3am to catch a limited edition box or two myself, so I feel your pain! I stayed up till 4am to get the Caroline Hiron’s Box of Dreams with Cult Beauty! I didn’t get one of these either, but then again, I don’t know if i would have because I love my Fitbit and there was no other “hero” item in it for me. FYI…get used to NOT getting your boxes until the end of the month or the following month after they are released (ESPECIALLY Birchbox!). I just got my January box yesterday and it’s been an endless problem. I’ve suggested that I’m even willing to pay a little more shipping to get my box on time with everyone else, but no one seems to care…lol. It’s even worse on the outer islands (I live on Kauai…a lot of our homes don’t even have home mail service and have to rely on PO Boxes).

Anyway, just wanted to let you know you’re not alone!

Much Aloha!

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Jocelyn

Haha I feel the opposite as an east coaster–I’m already at work when they go on sale and due to the nature of my work I can’t use my phone 3/4 of the time so I miss out because they launch so late. I wish I could catch them at 6am!

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Steph R

I finally got mine today – only to find out the Jawbone app doesn’t work with my phone….. I think I’ll try it with the BF’s phone. If I like it I’ll upgrade my phone (I’m due anyway….)

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darla

Could anyone recommend a lifestyle box? I am already subscribed to some beauty boxes, but am looking for a box that is more of “a little of this and a little of that.” I got the FabFitFun Welcome Box and I was disappointed. The contents didn’t excite me as much as I was hoping. I’m looking for a box with maybe a little beauty, but also maybe a knick knack or print or decor for the home, maybe a candle, maybe some type of stationery, a piece of jewelry, something fun and unexpected … does anything like this exist? I want to open the box and just go “Wheeeeeee!” I am thinking of subscribing to PopSugar. I am just hesitant because their January box didn’t WOW me. I don’t need the planner or Chap Stick and I’m worried about getting more earbuds or fruit infusers. I’m looking to stay in the price point of PopSugar or FabFitFun. Any ideas, ladies? Thanks for the help. 🙂

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Nancy M.

I’ve been impressed with 5 Wacky Women, White Willow, and Konenkii is a quarterly– their Winter Box is the first time that I’ve ever received a flower bulb in a box. The paperwhite narcissus is so nice to see during these winter months!

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Megan

Artistry Gifts always does a home decor item, a beauty item, a food item and then the rest varies. But there’s usually a spoiler item and a theme so you kind of know what you’re getting.

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Sarah

True dat LLB is your jam. If you are looking for less expensive options, LLB has an every other month mini box called Serendipity which is great. Also I love the BeautyCon BFF box, some of the accessories are too young for me, but overall I get some really cute things.

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darla

Sounds great! I’ve never even heard of the Beauty Con one, so I will go check it out. I am in love with the Luxor Box but it is $$$. I will go check out your recommendations. Thank you!

Karen

Based on what it sounds like you want, I would also recommend Little Lace Box – and right now they are giving away a Restoration Hardware faux fur throw if you buy an annual subscription (6 boxes), so if you decide to take the plunge you picked a really good time to do it!!

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darla

I will check it out! I drool over the Luxor Box, but that is a little too much for me. The throw sounds absolutely lovely. I will go look it up pronto! Thank you!

nana

You could try Little Lace Box

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darla

I will check it out! Thank you!

Cat

I would have got mine Saturday (in NC) but snow shut down everything. Got it Monday. I love just about everything…also the Jawbone is so much better than the Fitbit was for me. I have detailed sleep charts and they’re a lot of fun to see.

We should do a little friend group thing on it for here or something.

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Christen

I got mine yesterday but only rifled through everything very briefly. It looked great. For other people’s sake, I’m disappointed that the customer service with PSMH has been so disappointing. I don’t “need” a fitness tracker, although that’s the main reason I bought it, at the discount. If anyone desperately needs any of the items, email me at christenclee at gmail and we can discuss a swap/sale.

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Kim

I’m still waiting on a replacement for my Her Christmas bracelet!

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Kim

I logged in within 10 minutes of the boxes going on sale and was told that they were sold out!!!! If you are a monthly subscriber and having to deal with their terrible customer service, looks like you could at least get a first shot at getting the specialty boxes!
If I’m not mistaken, that’s one of the main reasons for subscribing to a lot of these services! They have to have THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!! As soon as my subscription is over, I am done with them!

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Farrah

I’m done too! Horrible customer service lately with PSMH. I’ve subbed to them since the 2nd box and never had problems until lately. Looks like I will be giving Little Lace Box a try. I sure hope their customer service is better.

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Aimee

I would have bought it if it wasn’t affiliated with popsugar. I’m hoping target will do a box like this on their own

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chelsea

I had a couple issues with getting my box (supposed to arrive soon…), but FYI for all those out there with customer service issues, I found that the people who work Popsugar’s Facebook messenger are WAY more helpful and nice than the emailed service.

Also, that bonus face scrub is awful. Got it in another box and just hated it. It felt like goo and wasn’t at all close to a decent substitute for other scrubs.

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Tanya

They still pick and choose who they respond to via messenger as well it seems. I had a completely polite inquiry that I reached out to them about since I never heard back from their Customer Support email. They received and viewed the message (Thank you Facebook time stamps) but never responded to it. I could understand if they took a couple days to get back to me, but after a week went by with no response, I cancelled my subscription.

Messenger does seem to be the better option to try over customer support though, or commenting on their Facebook page (though a few their responses to customers come across as a bit pretentious and rude IMO).

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Maria

I wish I got one! They are selling on eBay for around $119 to $139

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Lauren

Wish I got one! Thought about it for too long! ☹

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chris

Yay! What a great box! Love it. 🙂

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Dom

Unfortunately I will not be getting mine. I was able to successfully place an order about 10 minutes after I saw the post here. I got an order confirmation soon after. I didn’t get the email that offered me the chance to wait or get a refund. So I checked my account on Monday to see if anything has shipped only to find that I was getting a refund. I’m not terribly disappointed, but I am frustrated at their lack of communication with me. I get their other emails, so I’m not sure what happened.

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strmama

Did you get a free “Today Show” box? I saw on facebook that a lot of people got those for free plus the refund.

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Dom

As far as I know, I am only getting a refund and nothing more. I might send them an email to see what’s up, but based on what other people have said, I might not get a response.

nelliebelle1197

Which is lovely, considering many, many people are waiting for replacement Today show boxes they paid full price for 8 weeks ago.

Jen

Love this box. My son and I both have trackers now (I got one for Christmas last year that I never got around to setting up) so we are battling it out. Its so comfortable and I wear it 24/7. The only thing I won’t likely use are the headbands. Love the Luna bars to keep in the car. I use headphones all of the time. Etc. Great box!

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DaisyK

Has anyone had any issues with FedEx Smartpost? My tracking said my box was delivered via USPS on Monday but I was home when the mail came and no package. I emailed PSMH support and they said that sometimes the tracking will show it as delivered and then arrive a few days later. I’m just freaking out that I’ll never see my box 🙁

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JT

The same thing happened to me, only said it was delivered Sunday. It actually made an appearance Tuesday, but not before I freaked out and emailed fedex, usps,

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DaisyK

Still nothing two days later…

Heartbreak if it was delivered to the wrong address. USPS is so completely incompetent in Chicago.

Lindsay Koch

Mine was missing the lip balm. I contacted POPSUgAR Sunday, and no word yet :/ They did get back to me about the taper candles that I received broken from he For Her box- When they sent me another set, those were broken as well. They are refunding me for the candles, but they didn’t say how much they were refunding me. Time will tell.

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joy

The packaging for the replacement candles we terrible and mine arrived damaged as well. Did you also notice that they were not the same candles? Waaaay poorer quality. They offered to refund mine as well and said it should take 7-10 days to post.

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Molly

The same thing happened to me with the candles and they refunded me $15

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Molly

actually i just looked and don’t see the credit! But I have an email from a few days ago where they said they would….hopefully its just a delay.

MissP

I logged on as soon as I heard it was available and it was sold out! Maybe next time.

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