Retro Pop Box is a subscription service that sends retro inspired goodies from your favorite decade. Choose between the 70s, 80s or 90s.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes
This review is of the Retro Pop 80s, $20 a month, box.
The Subscription Box: Retro Pop Box
The Cost: $20 a month ($7.50 shipping) with discounts available for longer subscription commitments
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your 3-month, 6-month or 12-month subscription!
CODE: MSA10
The Products: 4-7 items valued at over $45 that are “carefully curated for a maximum jolt of nostalgia from YOUR FAVORITE DECADE. The unique pop-culture products within each box will span the decade and touch on iconic events, music, shows, movies, toys, candy and more!”
Ships to: Everywhere! International shipping rates apply for locations outside the U.S.
Check out all of our Retro Pop Box reviews and the Lifestyle Subscription Box Directory!
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Here's the info card for the box.
The list of items is on the other side. I love the funny ways they phrase their descriptions!
Exclusive Pee-Wee's Playhouse Jambi the Genie T-Shirt - Value $15?
YESSSS! Pee-Wee's Playhouse is such an amazing show. There are so many zany antics and characters to love—many that I'm just now, as an adult, able to recognize and appreciate! This purple shirt features Jambi the Genie and his famous spell in bright blue (which is, you'll recall, the color of Jambi's face). I like the color combo a lot. The shirt has a "women's" cut about it, which is a bit trimmer than a unisex one would be. I'd prefer the sleeves were a bit longer (do cap sleeves look weird on everyone, or just me?), but I like that it's comfy and has a little stretch to it.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Scented Pencils - Value $7.99
Wow, I totally forgot about the scented stuff fad! These pencils feature some unlikely aromas that are fitting for the Turtles theme: grape soda, greasy pizza, rock candy, creamsicle and root beer.
They DO actually smell, too! They're not the most complex scents (the fruity ones all smelled pretty similar to me), but I think they're pretty fun.
Every Retro Pop Box has a fun fact attached to one of the products. This month, the fact comes with these pencils. I'm a long-time TMNT fan, but even I didn't know about how the series came to be!
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters Plush - Value $7.39
Thanks to the reboot, it seems like Ghostbusters is back in pop culture in a big way. I loved the new movie, but few things can top the appearance of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in the original.
This little plush is less menacing than the version in the movie (despite his creepy grin), plus he plays the Ghostbusters theme when you squeeze his super-soft tummy. He's around 9 inches long—there's a key ring on him, but I think he's just a bit too big to carry on my keys or bag comfortably.
I Love Beer Knit Drink Cozy - Value $9.99
According to the info card, this beer cozy is an homage to the ski resort settings of so many '80s films. In that setting, an oversized turtleneck (and a super-cool, high-volume hairdo) is crucial. This cozy makes sure your beer is just as fashionable.
The fibers don't feel like they're of the highest quality (not that you expected a cashmere-blend beer cozy, but just to put that question to rest), and the design only appears on the front side. But I do love this funny accessory, and can't wait to slip it over my next cold one!
Rubber Rainbow Bracelets - Value $2.04?
I couldn't find this exact item online, so I linked to a similar product. I remember these kinds of bracelets! Moving into the '90s, I think they took on some salacious symbolism, but my memories of them are much more innocent. For an aspiring fashion plate, these rubbery, plastic bracelets were a simple (and really inexpensive) way to add some cool color to my outfit!
I really dig the color combination they put in this box. Would I wear these out and about today? My style's matured quite a bit, but maybe there's a way I can work these in along other bracelets. The next time I have a retro party to go to, I'll be equipped with the perfect accessory!
Verdict: I thought this box was a lot of fun. The challenge for me is always whether I'll get a lot of use out of the items—the joy of seeing these familiar finds are obviously valuable in and of itself, but most of the time I end up giving the products away or leaving them in a junk drawer. The box is $20.00, plus $7.50 for shipping, but there's about $42.00-worth of products inside this month's package. It's a great value if you're a collector, or maybe someone with kids who'd enjoy playing with these retro items.
What do you think of this month's Retro Pop Box?
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