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 gearing up for the Spring.
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
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This quarter's box continues the new design and updated index sheet. It's larger, which keeps me from squinting too much. I also noticed that each item includes a code for a discount at each manufacturer. This is also the first time that I recall that there is a sponsor in the booklet, but no item from them. Granted it's tequila. So they can't just send that in a box. I just thought it was strange.
Inside the GQ Best Stuff Winter 2022 Box
Breda Virgil Watch - Retail Value $150
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This season's big ticket item is a watch from Breda. The variant of this square-faced timepiece is a GQ exclusive. This timeless version is moss green with a croc-embossed leather strap. Breda's website offers several other color combinations on its website for this style watch, which they call "Virgil." This combo is well suited for most formal attire. While I appreciate the exclusivity of the item, I would have preferred a choice here, since there are many styles to consider. The GQ Best Stuff Box usually includes a voucher for personalizing one of its items, which they opted out of this quarter. I think it would have been neat to let subscribers choose different kinds of watches (formal, active, outdoors) or a least a choice between the color combinations of the "Virgil" watches. Having said that, this timepiece is certainly classic and will go with just about anything. It may not be my everyday wear, but I will definitely be keeping it with my formal attire. The watch also comes with warranty information as well as a 30% off coupon for your next purchase from Breda.
If any of that sounded familiar it is because it is almost verbatim from my Fall 2020 review. GQ featured a Virgil watch in that box too; back when it cost $115. Two and a half years sounds like an OK amount of time to wait before repeating some items (see last quarter). However, since this is a quarterly box, that is only 11 installments. Surely there are more than 11 gentlemanly items that can be featured in these boxes. Even a different style of watch would have been a vast improvement. The one positive I will say is that now I have a black and brown watch, we really should cover most outfits. (I have yet to wear my first one.)
WESN The MT - Retail Value $38
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I have collected a lot of multi-tools over my years with MSA. They often try to jam as many useful thingamajigs on a carabiner as possible. The MT from WESN goes in the opposite direction. The item is made of "premium steel" and very stout, rigid, and has a little weight to it. The make of the tool is unquestionable, but its versatility is. According to the packaging, this tool – "created for the modern pioneer" – includes a flathead screwdriver, the obligatory bottle opener, and a pry bar/scraper ... that's it. If you're doing a cost analyst, that's around $13 per tool. I have to say it's a very solid, mature, gentlemanly bottle opener. I like it and, honestly, I'm going to use it. I think the pry bar will also help with opening cans. However, in my opinion, marketing it as a multi-tool for the modern man is a little grandiose.
Goldtoe Sport Striped Short Crew Socks (2-pack) - Retail Value $14
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I have also collected a lot of socks during my time at MSA. Like ... a lot. Maybe it's my age, but I never tire of receiving another pair. These striped short crew socks are from Goldtoe. They look a little retro to me. Like something I might have worn back in gym class, some years ago. These are apparently made exclusively for GQ subscribers. True, I couldn't find these exact pairs on the official site, but here are very similar ones on Amazon for a different price.
Pura Vida Bracelet - Retail Value $7
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I have never been an accessory kind of guy, but I could see wearing something like this. I dig this crafty, DIY-vibe bracelet from Pura Vida. It looks like something my daughter would make me, which I mean as a compliment. Subscribers will received varied colors.
Able Skincare Anti-Aging Retexturing & Resurfacing Duo Moisturizer - Retail Value $104
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What is a GQ box without an anti-aging moisturizer. This one is from UK-based Able Skincare and "helps retexture skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." It is formulated with something called Skincare Drone. I always have a tough time reviewing products that are supposed to change my complexion, because I don't know much about it and I don't have a long time to use it. But I can say that I enjoyed this lotion and the way it made my face (and confidence) feel. The price tag is high. Able sells this for £87, which comes to $104. If you're looking for some retexturing and resurfacing, I suggest a quick Google search.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm - Retail Value $10
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Because I am at "Appreciates a good pair of socks" age, I also feel the same about lip balm. Always like the have it handy and the more that I have, the more places I can stash one for when I need it. This particular lip balm is from Jack Black and features natural mint, shea butter, and a healthy dose of SP 25. Pucker up.
Jack Black Beard Lube - Estimated Value $7.50
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I rarely have a beard and when I do, I don't know how to take care of it. Enter this beard lube, also from Jack Black. It says it "multitasks" as a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and facial skin treatment. I saw it's supposed to make my beard soft, but apparently is also a companion for shaving. I haven't trimmed in quite some time and I'm not going to shave off all my hard work just yet. But when I do, I look forward to lubing up with Jack Black.
Note: Jack Black sells a 3 oz. bottle for $13. This is 1.5 oz. or half, so i halved the value.
Madeca Derma Revitalizing Mask - Estimated Value $2
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Due to the aforementioned beard, face masks don't really do me any good. So I gave this mask to my wife to try. This revitalizing mask from Madeca Derma was a hit. She said she felt soft and smooth. I wouldn't know. She won't let me smooch her on account of the beard.
These sell at $20 for a 10-pack. So, for one it's a $2 value.
Dr. Rossi Purifier Cleaner - Retail Value $78
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I was confused by this item, because it is not listed in the booklet. I went to the GQ Best Stuff website and noticed it is being offered as a gift to new subscribers. I'm not sure if I was supposed to receive it or if every subscriber will get one, but it was a welcomed bonus.
The purifier is from Dr. Rossi and is an oil cleanser to be used twice a day. It feels a little strange, since it goes on oily. However, add a little water, massage, and rinse, and it does a wonderful job of washing the dirt away. I actually really liked this item and the way it left my face feeling.
Verdict
After last quarter's home run, I felt this installment of GQ Best Stuff Box was a strikeout. Repeat items, lackluster products, and an overpriced bottle opener (which I like). Granted, my sentiment is skewed since I've been reviewing long enough to get the same watch twice. I think it is a fine timepiece and, if it is your first, you may be much more happy with it than I am. But I just can't wrap my head around GQ repeating almost the exact same expensive item. If I don't stop talking about it, I'll go on forever.
I really did enjoy the multitool, even if it was a little mis-marketed, in my opinion. The socks and bracelet are nice. All the personal care products will get used, but there was nothing I was excited about. My favorite was the purifier and I'm not sure I was even supposed to receive it. Overall, I would put this among the worst efforts I've seen from GQ. Again, that is due largely to the redundancy. I'd like to see GQ do better and be more thoughtful to longtime subscribers.
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 $337. That's more than SIX times the cost for GQ Best Stuff Box. That does not include the cleanser, because I'm not sure everyone will get it. That's an incredible value for just $50. I think some of the items have an inflated price tag, but for the cost of the subscription, the prices are hard to beat.
For $50 for this box, here's approximately what you're paying for each item:
- Watch ($150): $22.20
- Multi-tool ($38): $5.63
- Socks ($14): $2.07
- Braclet ($7): $1.04
- Lotion ($103): $15.25
- Lip Balm ($10): $1.48
- Beard Lube ($13): $1.94
- Mask ($2): $0.30
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 "Spring 2023" GQ Best Stuff Box for a guy in your life... or yourself?
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