The GQ Best Stuff Box is a quarterly men's subscription from GQ magazine that's $50 a box with free shipping. The box features $200 worth of products the editors have curated after testing and finding them to be the best in their class. Although this subscription is geared towards men, women love it for themselves as well. This quarter's box is about preparing your skin and wardrobe for winter. There are some wearables, a candle, and even some thank you cards
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Inside the GQ Best Stuff Winter 2021 Box
Industry of All Nations Alpaca Beanie - Retail Value $80
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This quarter's big item is a 100% alpaca fiber beanie from Industry of All Nations. The first thing you'll notice is how soft it is. I find myself touching my head a lot when I wear it. It's light but keeps you plenty warm like a heavier weight hat. Sustainably sourced from Bolivian alpaca, the yarn has been left undyed to preserve the fabric's natural warmth and conserve resources. Although it is undyed, there are still several colors available, which is pretty cool. Normally I would say that I would like a voucher for an item like this, so I could choose my color, but I since the weather here in Pennsylvania is pretty chilly, I'm glad this one came in the box.
Makers of Wax Goods Sandalwood Musk Candle - Retail Value $18
Here is a hand-poured, aromatic, single-wick candle with warm sandalwood accented by aromatic myrrh and hints of musk-infused oak. It's incredibly relaxing. It measures 3-3/4 x 4 inches and weighs 1.4 pounds. If you've received any men's subscription boxes, chances are you've received a few sandalwood items. The scent finds its way into everything, but I'm not complaining. Even my wife OK'ed this candle to be lit in our home. That says something.
Maurèle Notecard Set - Estimated Value $14
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I still write letters from time to time, although I usually use a typewriter on account of my terrible handwriting. So I was excited by this little set of quality notecards. There are four blank cards and envelopes. Each card is a little different in texture, which leads me to believe this is a sort of sample pack. You can feel the quality in your hand. Something that, if you received, you would immediately take seriously. I'm excited to send these out. In addition, there is a print of a GQ design created just for this box.
Note: I cannot find this particular set for sale. GQ says an 8-card set sells for $28, which is how I estimated this 4-card set. Most of the notecards seem to be selling for $25 for 16 cards, which is much more reasonable.
Gold Toe Heavyweight Crew Socks - Retail Value $12
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Maybe because I'm in my mid-30s, I get overly excited for socks. Especially thick, warm, comfy socks. Included in this box are two pairs of heavyweight boot socks from Gold Toe. They are crew fit and made from recycled plastic bottles. They are incredibly warm. They would be good for the trail, the cabin, or the worksite.
Note: I am not confident I can find the exact match on their website. I'm certain all their socks are awesome, but here is a link to Target for exactly what I received.
Mudmasky Leave-Me-On Winter Mask - Retail Value $45
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My moisturizer usage is already increasing as the dry weather has arrived. Here is a soothing winter mask from the Netherlands to help combat the dryness. As the name suggests, you simply apply a thin layer of the product to your face and leave it on all day. It moisturizes, nourishes, and protects your face in the cold, dry weather. It is mostly fragrance-free, which is always a plus for me. I know this is just me being needy, but it would also be cool if it had SPF.
Velvet Noir Signature Beard Oil - Retail Value $16.50
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Much to the chagrin of my wife, I've let my beard grow in again. Last year at this time, I received some beard oil in the Fashionsta Box, which I really enjoyed. However, beard oil never crossed my mind again until receiving this one. This bottle is from Velvet Noir and smells of bergamot and lavender, according to GQ. It promotes growth and leaves my beard feeling very soft. I like it, but not sure it will make a difference for my wife. One disappointment: the photo of the item shows it having a dropper, which was not actually included in the bottle.
Toiletries Face Scrubber- Retail Value $12
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I am actually familiar with Toiletries face scrubbers from a premium Gentleman's Box. That one came with a face AND body scrubber. It is the face scrubber that I actually use. So I am happy to receive another. The scrubber is a 2-inch, soft bristled hexagon that gives you an extra bit of gentle exfoliation. I use it on days I feel dirtier than usual, but you could use it as part of your every day routine. It's not something I would have ever thought to buy for myself, but was happy to be introduced to it and I still use it often.
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum - Estimated Value $10
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This rejuvenating serum separates in the bottle. Acure's website says "the top layer is an antioxidant rich essence and the bottom is a moisturizing serum blend. Shake to make one radically rejuvenating product." The products, which actually comes with a dropper, uses eggplant, turmeric, and holy basil in conjunction with Bakurchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol. All together, the serum reduces the change of breakouts and leave your skin feeling smooth.
Note: The link is for a full-size, 0.66 fl. oz. bottle, which costs $19.99
Olly Sleep + Active Immunity Gummies - Estimated Value $2
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Included inside are two sample packets of Olly supplements. I'm not sure which kind everyone will get, but I received Sleep, for a healthy sleep cycle, and active immunity. If you visit their website, they sell supplements for a plethora of reasons from Heavenly Hair to Happy Hoo-Ha to Libido. I'm going to stop short of saying these supplements work one way or another. Especially since I only received one dose to try. But if you take vitamins or supplements for any one of the hundreds of reasons people do, why not give Olly a try. I can attest to how good they taste.
Note: Full size bottles of the sleep and active immunity gummies are $13.99 for 15 servings. That's about 94 cents a serving. So I just rounded up because I'm lazy.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum - Estimated Value $1.64
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Lastly, there is a small, 0.05 fl. oz. sample of Jean Paul Gautlier's Le Male Le Parfum. It's a warm scent for the cool season. It carries notes of cardamom, lavender, and vanilla. I'm not typically a fragrance kind of guy, but dig this scent. It smells distinctive and confident. I also really like that this is actually a small spray bottle.
Note: Here is a link to Macy's where a 2.5 oz. size bottle cost $82.
Verdict
I thought this was a solid box from GQ Best Stuff. Most every item fit the winter theme well and there were a few more items rather than a box full of self-care products. I'm a big fan of the socks, candle, and notecards. I think I'll use all three of them together and reach out to some friends. The beanie is great, but my head is a little big. So I wish the hat were too. The beard oil will obviously only be interesting to those with facial hair and even then it will likely be hit or miss. (I liked it.) I really dig the winter mask. I'll definitely be using that up this winter to see how I enjoy it long-term. I think everyone will enjoy the face scrubber like I have. It's not life changing or anything, but it's a nice tool when you want that extra clean. I can take or leave the rejuvenating serum, but I did like the feel and smell of it. The gummies and parfum were just throw-in samples. Overall, I was very happy with this box. I liked the useful items and that everything came at once. No vouchers. Now if you'll excuse me, those sleep gummies are kicking in and I need to go to bed.
Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist.
Let's Talk About Value
By my calculations, this box clocks in at around $210. That's four times the subscription's cost and pretty typical for GQ Best Stuff Box.
For $50 for this box, here's approximately what you're paying for each item:
- Beanie ($80): $19.20
- Candle ($18): $4.32
- Notecards ($14): $3.36
- Socks ($12): $2.88
- Winter Mask ($45): $10.80
- Beard Oil ($15): $3.60
- Scrubber ($12): $2.88
- Bakuchiol Serum ($10): $10.73
- Gummies ($2): $0.48
- Parfum ($1.64): $0.40
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes. As of this post, the box is still available.
Would you grab the "Winter 2021" GQ Best Stuff Box for a guy in your life... or yourself?
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