STRONG self(ie) is a quarterly subscription box for teen girls aimed to empower and inspire.
Each box contains all sort of fun, positive products for teens, plus helpful information for parents, too. Choose from the BLOOM box, for 8-12-year-olds, or the BURST box for 13-17-year-olds. Both boxes cost $59.95 per quarter.
This is a review of the BLOOM box, which is $59.95 per quarter.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About the STRONG self(ie) BLOOM Subscription Box for Tween Girls
The Subscription Box: STRONG self(ie)
The Cost: $59.95 per quarter + free US shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 20% off your first box!
CODE: MSA20
The Products: Aspirational, positive products for tween girls (8-12), focused on health, beauty, fun, and more. Each box comes with info for parents, too!
Ships to: US for free. International shipping varies.
STRONG selfi(ie) Summer 2018 Review
Note that I’m reviewing this as an adult, not a tween! If you have, know, or are a tween-ager, take a peek and leave a comment about what you think!
Inside the box, there’s a little pocket of information for both the tween and the parent. Each pocket contains the same information but communicated in different ways.
The tween version has a fun text-inspired conversation talking about the box.
While the parents get a letter.
Both packets contain an info sheet with the products included.
In each pouch, there are compliment cards. The ones up above are the tween ones.
And these are the ones in the parents’ pack. Each card has a little “To” and “From” section on the back to fill out.
Continuing the #beyondthebox campaign we learned about last quarter, Naomi and Sofia were featured this month.
Jetsetter Maps Scratch Your Travels United States Map, 12’ x 18’ - Retail Value $27.99
When I saw what this is the first thought to cross my mind was "oh hell yeah!" I know this box is geared towards a younger crowd, but this scratch-off map is something anyone who loves to travel can get behind. This is a great inclusion for a summer box because that is when most families will take family vacations. Plus, the rainbow watercolor you uncover as you scratch is really pretty and something that tweens will definitely like.
Here it is with some of the states I've visited scratched off! I still have more scratching to do, but I love having this as a reminder of the fun I've had in past memories as well as a way to think of where I want to go next. STRONG self(ie) also suggests scratching a heart into States you want to visit but haven’t yet— that’s a great way to still use this if your tween isn’t a traveler yet.
Frooze Balls Salted Maple - Estimated Value $4 (buy a pack of 8 for $24)
I think almost every kid snacks more in the summer because they’re not on as strict of a schedule as they are during the school year. STRONG self(ie) including a healthy snack like these frooze balls is a great way to help promote smart snacking choices in your growing girl! The salted maple flavor reminds me a bit of salted caramel, however the real Canadian maple syrup and pink Himalayan salt are a great pairing with a bit of a twist. These snack balls are also gluten-free, vegan, and Non-GMO. As long as your tween doesn't have a nut allergy, these should be a nice snack.
The Turnip Seed Co Baseball Hat - Estimated Value $12
This millennial pink hat is right on trend and sure to be a hit, even if your tween is a member of Generation Z. When I worked at summer camps I saw young girls wearing hats just like these to keep the sun and their hair out of their faces, so I think this is another great summer box inclusion. The back of this hat is adjustable, however, the hat itself is rather shallow so it doesn’t comfortably fit my big adult head. That shouldn’t be a problem for the tween in your life!
Strong Self(ie) Summer Stripes Towel
When I was younger I would have been happy to have such a stylish towel— the colors and the fringe will really help your teen have a unique towel when she’s at the pool or beach. This is definitely smaller than a standard adult towel, but it should be perfect for the targeted age group.
Strong Self(ie) Heart Necklace
True beauty starts with loving yourself(ie), and that’s what STRONG self(ie) wants you to remember when you’re wearing this necklace. Right off the bat, I appreciated that this was wrapped in tissue paper because it felt like opening a small present (and I loved that just as much when I was a tween as I do now). This is another item that is definitely tween- sized, and the heart is dainty while still being polished. This would be cute on its own or layered— however, your tween wants to style it! I do wish there was more information of the composition of this necklace—is it nickel free? Stainless steel?
BYOU 3-Month Magazine Subscription - Estimated Value $5 (buy a year’s subscription for $19.99)
BYOU magazine is a magazine that focuses on positive media for girls ages 8-16. It focuses on building the self-esteem of its readers with positive role models, advice on a range of topics from friendship, bullies, and body image, and features on inspiring girls who are making a difference in the world. This 3-month membership gives you access to the digital publications of the magazine (delivered one a quarter) plus full digital access to back issues and weekly empowerment tips. I was a voracious reader as a child, so having access to back issues to read would have been very valuable to me (and my mom, who I drove crazy). I don’t believe you need to enter your credit card information to get your subscription, which is a key thing of importance for parents.
The Verdict: I think STRONG self(ie) thoughtfully created a great summer box! While I am not the targeted audience, I spent several summers working with this age group, and I think all of these choices were good ones. Figuring out a value for this was a bit tricky, as two of the items were box branded and STRONG self(ie) doesn’t have an online store. That being said, the values I could find totaled about $49, and the towel and necklace certainly are worth more than the remaining $10 to meet the cost of the box. Plus, I think that map was a really awesome subscription box inclusion!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of publication, this box was still available!
Value Breakdown: This quarterly box cost $59.95 with free US shipping and I received 6 items. That works out to $9.99 per item.
Check out all of our STRONG self(ie) reviews and more boxes for teens and tweens and our Kids Subscription Box List!
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Do you think tweens would like the STRONG self(ie) BLOOM box?
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