Note from MSA: Please join us in welcoming Kate to the review team! Kate is a longtime MSA reader, an active swapper, and an all-around lovely lady. We're thrilled to have her on the team and excited to feature her upcoming reviews of some great indie subscriptions.
Smartass & Sass is a monthly subscription for sassy ladies. There are 3 plans available:
Shirt Only for $15.95, Box Only for $34.95 or the Big Box Subscription which includes the shirt and box for $49.95. Shipping is $3.95 for the Shirt subscription and $7.95 for the Box or Big Box subscription. This is a review of the Box Only subscription.
Each box contains 8-9 full size beauty and lifestyle items from Smartass & Sass and various other sassy businesses. The shirts are comfy unisex T's available in sizes XS-3X.
This box was paid for by the author. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
This month's theme is "New Year, New B*tch!" I'm amazed that Smartass & Sass has been around for 6 years and they can still come up with interesting new themes every month. And can we just stop for a second to admire the box itself? I don't think any subscription has a box that better conveys the feel of the subscription than Smartass & Sass. If they put this much love and thought into the box itself, you know the contents are going to be great!
Now, Let's Get This Party Started!
Per My Last Email Office Kit - Retail Value $9.95
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How cute is this mini office kit? I'm a sucker for miniature items; they're just so cute! And this kit doesn't disappoint. It has 7 compartments filled with tiny versions of your everyday office essentials. TWO mini staplers (complete with mini staples), a darling mini tape dispenser, mini sticky notes, rubber bands and paper clips. Portable, adorable and useful. I'm excited to keep this in my nightstand for those sleepless nights I feel like getting something done (rather than just watching Gordon Ramsey reruns).
Sassy Bookmark Set (3) by Letterpress PDX - Retail Value $3.50
A set of 3 pastel bookmarks made from cotton paper with gold ink printing custom made for Smartass & Sass. Each bookmark has a nice weight and feel to it. They're going to make an awesome surprise in a random notecard to my bibliophile bestie!
Portable Snack Bags (Set of 3) by ASOBU - Retail Value $12
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At first I didn't know what to make of these funny bags but now I'm sold. They're durable, reusable, dishwasher-safe, zip top bags that are a nice alternative to disposable plastic zip bags. Better for the environment and a lot better to look at, these bags have hole in the corner and come with a small carabiner that holds them together when you're not using them. As a bonus, this month's Smartass & Sass booklet comes with three recipes for some snarky, delicious sounding treats!
Careful What You Eat Condiment Ramekins, by Smartass & Sass - Retail Value $17.95
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I'm one of those people who loves condiments but doesn't like them running all over my plate. Happily, the next item I pulled from this box of snark was a cute box containing 3 funny ceramic condiment bowls. Score! Now I'm craving chicken nuggets. Dipping sauces, anyone?
Makeup Brushes In A Case, by Smartass & Sass - Retail Value $24.95
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These 7 brushes are of a very nice quality. Sturdy handles and smooth bristles. They're a lovely color, say hilarious things on each handle and come in a really well made vegan leather pouch. On the pouch is engraved: All Things Are Possible With Coffee And Mascara!
I have a complicated relationship with makeup brushes. I have a lot of them. I don't understand how to use any of them! I must not be the only one because Smartass & Sass has has dedicated an entire page in their booklet on how to use each brush! I'll be cutting that out and storing it with my mountains of brushes.
Calm Down Therapy Spritz, by Pinch Me Therapy Dough - Retail Value $10.99
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I love face mists. My bathroom counter is covered in them. But this mist is a little different. Yes, it smells amazing and is meant to be misted directly onto the face but rather than skincare, it's more like a shot of tranquility! It has a soft floral scent, I want to say lavender, but not the strong (almost medicinal) scent of pure lavender. This is much softer and quite addictive. Does it relieve stress? Not sure yet. I almost want to carry it in a holster and walk around misting stressed out people! Ok, bad idea, but it's sassy!
2022 Weekly Tracker, by Smartass & Sass - Retail Value $9.95
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This cute weekly tracker really has it all. From tracking your water intake to your mood to even your plant's water intake! Plus it has the most important section of all: your REWARD! Give yourself a reason to be good each week; then follow through and treat yourself!
Get It Together Sticker Set, by Smartass & Sass - Retail Value $9.95
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This set of 3 vinyl stickers fits the theme of the month: "New Year, New B*ich" by reminding us to drink more water, eat healthier and make the best of it. They'd look great on a water bottle or lunch tote. Cheers to a new year; may we all make the best of this mess!
The Verdict
While not the best box I've received from Smartass & Sass value-wise, it had some interesting things that I'm now glad to own. The total Retail Value is $89.29 which is still greater than the cost of the box, but it just felt like it was missing something in its curation. It felt like a bunch of little things that fit the theme but there wasn't a wow factor, hero-item. A nice thing about Smartass & Sass though, is that they don't inflate their Retail Values like many boxes; they aren't afraid to tell you when something is only worth a few dollars. But usually quantity and a few stand-out items make the box more than worth the price.
It's also worth noting that Smartass & Sass has a great shop with items found, and not found, in the box. They also have a monthly "Secret Shop" for subscribers who automatically receive 20% off their order.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today?
No, your first box will be the February box. However, often, extra previous boxes will be available for sale in the Smartass & Sass store.
Value Breakdown: This is the regular box, so it cost $34.95 plus $7.95 shipping which means each of the 8 items cost an average of about $5.36.
What do you think of Smartass & Sass?
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