First Impressions is a series that introduces and reviews new brands to My Subscription Addiction, drawing from readers' requests for an insider's first look. Interested in seeing more reviews from this brand, or have another box in mind that you'd like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments.

Let me tell you about my favorite box so far: Brightly. The brand, above all, tries to help people in their journey towards sustainable living. It’s a positive, inclusive, non-judgmental, and informative space filled with empowering daily content that teaches people how to live sustainably and become more conscious consumers. Their goal is to take the consumer step-by-step until they get the hang of helping the planet become a better place, as corny as that may sound.

One way they help people in this journey is by promoting brands that have the same mission, whether that's in the beauty realm or in the food space. Every month, fans of the brands are welcome to choose from a variety of boxes that range in everything from skincare and travel to beauty and wine.

So What Exactly Is The Brightly Shop?

The Brightly Shop – which is also Climate Neutral Certified – launches new Brightly-approved, eco-friendly products that work for people and the planet every single month. These products have been tested by the team and its community members to ensure they match the brand's goals and mission. Brightly will also pack and send their products in bulk to reduce waste.

As I grow older, I realize that humans have not been all that kind to the planet that literally keeps us alive. So I decided to give The Brightly Shop a try to discover products that I can continue purchasing in the future to ensure our planet is a safe place for future generations. For November, the brand offered several different box sets including ones for skincare, beauty, travel, kitchenware, and wine. And of course, I choose wine – though it was a tough decision to make in the first place since I want to apply sustainability to every part of my life. However, the fact that I could unwind after a hectic week by enjoying a glass sustainably was hard to turn down.

The boxes change every month as they try to highlight new brands. However, you are bound to find one that suits your needs and you can't beat the price. Also, it's important to remember that you need to keep an eye on the site for their pre-sale event as the boxes sell out quickly.

Sustainable Wine Gift Set - $50

Getting this box on a Friday afternoon seemed perfectly timed because I was coming back from having probably one of the toughest weeks of my career and personal life. I could not wait to sit down with a glass of wine and watch a few episodes of the show I was binge-watching. The box was absolutely stunning, designed with plants and birds to remind you what the brand stands for. Inside, everything was neatly packed and secure to avoid any spills or broken glass.

The first thing I noticed was the wine voucher they had sent so I could order two more bottles of wine from the brand Nomen, which was started by a group of moms and sisters. Additionally, they included a pamphlet that defined Brightly and its mission. Inside the box, I found four coasters that could be recycled once I was done with them. There were also two bottles of wines included – a Rosé and a Cabernet Sauvignon. I was particularly surprised and pleased to find out that the bottles were PET plastic. These are 90% lighter, 100% recyclable, and account for 77% less greenhouse gas emissions than a glass bottle. They are, of course, shatterproof as well because accidents happen (I almost dropped mine as I took pictures of the products).

Along with the bottles of wine, two smaller boxes contained the most stunning handblown wine glasses I had seen. They were thick glass, sturdy, unique, and made in Mexico. Of course, I had to open a bottle immediately. Often, I'm very wary of wines from subscription boxes because I tend to only like one or two of the bunch. But the Nomen exceeded expectations. I'm more of a Rosé and white wine person, so obviously, that one was my favorite.

Who is this box good for?

This box is good for anyone who wants to make an actual change in the world and embrace sustainability. It's also a great box for anyone who likes a little diversity in the things they get every month. One month you could be buying a baby box while the next, you can purchase a food one. The variety definitely keeps you on your toes and helps you discover brands that also want to make the planet and the environment a cleaner place. And the price? There's something for every budget.

Verdict

Brightly exceeded expectations, in my opinion. At least, The Wine Kit did. Because of previous experiences with wine from subscription boxes, I was expecting it to be mediocre and that I just wouldn't like the wine but boy, was I wrong.

The packaging was stunning – I'm a sucker for great packaging – and the products inside definitely felt like one of a kind. It was evident that the Brightly team and its community of testers really put thought behind this – and every other box that they were offering for the month of November. I was also able to discover brands that I know I will continue enjoying in the future as I try to become more sustainable and help the world last a little longer for future generations.

If sustainability and diversity in boxes is something you want and are interested in, I highly recommend looking into Brightly.

Have you tried Brightly? What did you think? 

Let us know if you would like to see additional Brightly reviews!