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5 Subscription Boxes Under $20 to Help You Get Through the Semester

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter.

It’s always a nice to get a little treat for yourself in the mail, and while Amazon is our favorite go-to for online ordering our favorite snacks and newest items, subscription boxes are becoming more popular! If you search around, you can find subscription boxes for everything and everybody, even your pets (check out Cratejoy for a massive list of subscriptions)! However, the price tags on some of these boxes may scare you off and wondering if the mystery products are worth your investment. Here are some affordable subscription boxes that are highly-rated, and are the perfect way to treat yourself throughout the semester!

GIF from Giphy

Note: The list features subscription boxes that are under $20 at checkout, which typically are the most basic plans. Subscription plans for lifestyle diets (such as vegan or gluten-free), contain more items, or have express delivery will likely cost more.

1. Love With Food

This snack box subscription focuses on delivering healthier snacks that are made with real ingredients and no artificial flavors or added chemicals. The best part: for every box you get, Love With Food donates at least one meal to American families in need!

Image from Love With Food

Plans: Month-to-month, 3 months, 6 months, annual

Boxes under $20:

  • The Tasting box is $7.99 – $9.99 a box for 7+ snacks.

  • The Deluxe box is $16.50–$19.95 a box for 15+ snacks.

  • The Gluten-free box comes in at $19.99 a month, but only if you’re willing to pre-pay for an annual subscription.

Shipping: Free

https://lovewithfood.com/subscriptions?s=top-bar-snackbox

2. Snacksack

Who can say no to a box of snacks to help you power through a study session? So, this snack box doesn’t exactly count as under $20 at first, but with a quick Google search, I was able to find a discount code that made my Classic box subscription drop to $18.36 a box! This box is similar to Love With Food where they also focus on sending out healthier snacks, and you also get a free cotton tote in your first box!

Image from Cratejoy

Plans: Month-to-month, 3 months, 6 months, annual

Boxes under $20:

  • You can get Classic, Gluten-Free or Vegan with the right code (the one I used for February 2019 is SMART20 that made all boxes just under $20)

Shipping: Free

https://www.snacksack.com/

3. Ipsy

For the makeup lovers out there, Ipsy will help you find the new mascara or moisturizer that you can’t live without! All you do is fill out a quick beauty quiz, and Ipsy sends five full-sized or deluxe-sized beauty products personalized just for you!

Image from My Subscription Addiction

Plans: Month-to-month or annual

Boxes under $20:

  • Depending on how you want to pay, month-to-month is $10 a box, or you can pay $110 upfront for an annual subscription

Shipping: Free

https://www.ipsy.com/

4. Book of the Month

For anyone who wants to get in touch with their inner bookworm, Book of the Month lets you pick one of five books that they select to be featured each month. They provide a variety of genres, from historical fantasy to contemporary fiction, and pick titles that are highly-rated.  Any of the choices look perfect to curl up, have a cup of tea, and unwind after a long day of classes!

Image from Book of the Month

Plans: Ships monthly (you can even skip a month if you don’t find a book you like!)

Boxes under $20:

One book per month for $14.99 (you can add an additional book for $9.99 more, but obviously that puts you over $20).

Shipping: Free

https://www.bookofthemonth.com/

5. Birchbox

Another popular subscription to add to your makeup and skincare stash! Like Ipsy, Birchbox will send you five beauty samples every month tailored to your profile! The perfect size to keep in your backpack or gym bag from always being on the go!

 

Image from Birchbox

Plans: Month-to-month, 3 months, 6 months, annual

Boxes under $20: Each box comes in at $10 a month

Shipping: Free

https://www.birchbox.com/subscribe/women

Kendyll Boback

CU Boulder '20

Kendyll is currently a junior at CU Boulder studying Integrative Physiology. She grew up in Castle Pines, CO and works part-time as a barista. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, cooking up some new recipes,and looking for a group to go hiking with!
Sko Buffs!