The GQ Best Stuff Box is a quarterly men's subscription from GQ magazine that's $59 per quarter (or $216 per year with an annual subscription) and ships for free. 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 box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
For the first time I can recall, the box was a different size. It looked the same, but was wider. However, I didn't get to photograph the box before my children opened it, dumped out the contents, and cut holes in it for a game. Each item includes a code for a discount at each manufacturer. Aside from the look of the box, my real first impression is always the weight of the box. That often lets me know if it's full of items or if there will be vouchers to send away for the big items.
Inside the GQ Best Stuff Winter 2023 Box
Rains Hilo Weekend Bag Small - Retail Value $95
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The feature item in this quarter's box is an overnight bag from Rains. It's the smallest of three sizes they offer and therefore called the small weekend bag. It measures 9.1 by 15.7 inches and 7.9 inches deep. It has a single, large compartment with no thrills or pockets. It does however have compression straps to keep everything compact once you're packed. There is also an optional shoulder strap. Rains is known for its signature waterproof fabric. The website says this is level "W3" waterproof, which is safe in a light rain. I actually am currently using a Rains wallet and dopp bag, which I love. So I am pumped to have another, different Rains products to add to my rotation. I do wish there were a small compartment or two inside, but it's not a dealbreaker.
Avant Pro-Intense Hyaluronic Acid Illuminating Day Cream - Retail Value $117
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From Avant is this soothing day cream. From their website, this product "combines the signature ingredients Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Water, Jojoba oil and Soy Lecithin. Its powerful moisturizing properties help to keep the skin hydrated, making it an excellent additive for mature, dry or overworked skin." My wife and I are both trying this out and enjoying it.
Note: GQ says this retails at $117, but the official website currently has it at around $86.
Schwanen Garten Antioxidant Treatment Essence - Retail Value $9
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Another addition to our temporary skin routine is this essence from Schwann Garten. From their site: "formulated with an exclusive, naturally-derived antioxidant complex, these active ingredients neutralize free radicals, support the skin barrier, and provide nourishment to combat premature aging." This is a little more my style (and price point). Just pat a little into your skin and go.
Anthony Invigorating Rush Hair & Body Wash - Retail Value for 3.4 fl oz $18 (32 fl oz for $62)
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This travel size bottle of hair and body wash from Anthony is almost already gone in our household. My showers are quick and efficient, so a cleanser for my entire body with the invigorating scent of eucalyptus feels like it was made for me. I am a big fan of this.
Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots - Retail Value $19
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These anti-acne dots from Peace Out stop pimples on the spot. They contain encapsulated Salicylic Acid to clear up blemishes fast without the irritation. Retinol helps to promote clear-looking skin while Aloe Vera gently soothes and minimizes the appearance of redness. Impurities are extracted and a barrier is created to help guard against external elements. Their site claims your breakout will look less red and significantly less annoying in 6 hours or less. There are two 10-packs of dots in each box.
Thorlo No Show Tab Fitness Sock - Retail Value $13.99
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These workout socks from Thorn are thoughtful and smart. The No Show Tab is designed to keep the sock from sliding. The mesh top helps with breathability. They have targeted padding to reduce impact and pressure. And they feature a flat toe seam for pain-free and blister free performance. I never realized so much went into a performance sock, but I'm wearing these bad boys and they feel great. (Spoiler alert: I am not working out.)
Oxfordhill Texture Clay Pomade - Retail Value $13
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Here's a high-hold clay from Oxfordhill that's chemical-free, non-greasy and 100% natural, giving you full-bodied control without clogging pores or drying your locks. A combination of natural oils and minerals work in tandem to provide texture, volume, high hold, all while nourishing your hair. Unfortunately, I have no hair to use this on. So I'll take the site's word for it.
Troomy Nootropics Mushroom Gummies - Estimated Value $2.33
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These gummies from Troomy use different kinds of mushrooms to achieve things like better focus, more energy, etc. I think it's a cool, natural way to accomplish that. I ate the focus gummies before this review and I'm feeling good, but maybe it's the coffee. I'm not sure, but I tell you they taste great and I love the packaging.
Jars of these gummies sell for $35 for 30 servings. So these two sample servings are about $1.17 each.
Sudio S3 Speaker - Retail Value $79
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As I understand it, last quarter's main item is now included for free into boxes for new subscribers for the time being. For some reason, I always receive the "welcome boxes" so I got another one of these. So I'm just going to copy my review from last quarter, but I will add that I use my speaker often while I am working and it actually fills the room nicely.
This portable speaker from Sudio is meant to bring tunes wherever you go. It measures 3 by 3-1/2 inches and is water resistant. It claims 7 hours of play time and has a broadcast function, which means you can connect multiple S3 speakers together. The silicone loop is perfect for attaching it to a backpack, kayak, or shower head. It's also quite light. Of course, the main question is "How does it sound?" It's pretty decent. Considering it's meant to travel with you – even wet places – the sound is good for its size and portability. However, this isn't a speaker I would use around the house.
Additional Offers
This quarter's box included some additional coupons for deals from Factor, Naked Wines, and GQ itself. I think this is a great way to spread the word, and they will be perfect for some subscribers. However, I don't count them toward the value of the box.
Verdict
A nice installment by GQ Best Stuff Box. I love the bag. I was really happy to see GQ put something big, useful, and different in their box. It's probably a top-three item for me from three years of this subscription. Personally, when it comes to value, I feel useful items to be more valuable than something that simply costs more money. A useful item will have value for a long time. All the products were nice, but I particularly liked the hair and body wash. I would gladly sacrifice the others for a full size bottle of it. The day cream was great, but I personally didn't like that a majority of the box's value was from a small bottle of cream. Although I don't have a reason to use them at the moment, the pomade and acne dots look like great products. The shroom gummies tasted good. And I will always welcome new pairs of socks. The extra speaker was a welcome sight, but I'm not really including it in the overall enjoyment of the winter box, since it's just for new subscribers. Overall, I really enjoyed this box.
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 $287. That's most than four times the cost for GQ Best Stuff Box. That does not include the gift cards nor the speaker, because that's only for the welcome boxes. Still, that's a great value for only $59. I would point out that a lot of that value is the day cream at $117.
For $59 for this box, here's approximately what you're paying for each item:
- Bag ($95): $19.95
- Day Cream ($117): $24.57
- Essence ($9): $1.89
- Body Wash ($18): $3.78
- Acne Dots ($19): $3.99
- Socks ($14): $2.94
- Pomade ($13): $2.73
- Gummies ($2.33): $0.49
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 2023" GQ Best Stuff Box for a guy in your life... or yourself?
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