Cratejoy Review: 7 Best Cratejoy Subscription Boxes To Try This Month
Photo Credit: Cratejoy. This Cratejoy review contains affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase a subscription box (at no extra cost to you). As always, we will only promote products and services which we personally love and use, including the 7 best Cratejoy subscription boxes we recommend.
The subscription box industry is becoming increasingly popular by the second. After all, subscription boxes offers such a unique and exciting anticipation where checking the mail becomes fun again!
And as for me? Ever since I ordered my very first subscription box (ahem, Ipsy) back in 2015, I’ve been a fan of subscription boxes of all kinds.
(Flash forward to 2023, I’ve subscribed to kencko, Causebox, MightyFix, Splendid Spoon, ButcherBox, Winc, and many others!)
And last year, I discovered Cratejoy’s Subscription Box marketplace – and that may just be the best discovery of the year!
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Cratejoy: the good, the bad, and everything in between! I’ll share with you my 7 best Cratejoy subscription boxes, and ultimately help you decide if Cratejoy is the right subscription box platform for you!
What is a Subscription Box?
A subscription box is a recurring, physical delivery of niche-oriented products packaged as an experience and designed to offer additional value on top of the actual retail products contained in a box.
Jameson Morris
To be defined as a Subscription Box, the following must be true:
1. Must be a physical delivery (digital subscriptions can’t be classified as a subscription box).
2. Must be a recurring subscription/membership (of any term or frequency).
3. Must feature one or more of the following value propositions:
– Surprise (at least 1 or more items in the box must be unknown to the customer before delivery).
– Discovery (slightly different than ‘Surprise’. Discovery-oriented subscriptions don’t have to have ‘mystery’ items, it’s more about consumers ‘discovering’ items they’ve never seen before).
– Curation (a thoughtfully picked variety of products related to a specific niche or category).
– Savings (a clear savings on the price paid for the box versus the total retail value of the items inside).
– Thoughtful Presentation (From custom packaging to the way products are arranged inside the box).
– Convenience (convenience cannot be implied solely by the fact that it’s a recurring ‘auto-delivery’. Rather, think of the fresh ingredient subscription boxes like Blue Apron or Green Chef–they deliver convenience in the form of pre-prepared ingredients and recipes).
Jameson Morris
What is the Cratejoy Subscription Marketplace?
I like to think of Cratejoy as the Amazon equivalent for subscription boxes. That’s right – when you buy from Cratejoy, you are buying from the subscription sellers and not from Cratejoy itself. Think of Cratejoy as your middleman to hundreds of great subscription box sellers! Just search the niche you’re interested in (i.e: food & drinks, self-care, games, escape room, men’s socks, and more!) and Cratejoy will suggest a subscription box you can sign up for!
According to the Cratejoy website:
We feature the most exciting gifts and subscriptions in the world, conveniently all in one place. That’s why Cratejoy is the best way to feed your passion, period.
In Cratejoy, you’ll get to discover and feed your passion on a whole other level. You’ll get to receive a subscription box with niche products every month! No matter how different and uncommon your passion is, Cratejoy will curate the best products that suit you best! With a wide range of categories to choose from, it’s either you explore what you already love or expand your limits with something new every month!
Cratejoy
How Does Cratejoy Work?
First, click here to browse all the different categories within the Cratejoy subscription marketplace. You are free to look around and see which subscription box(es) you like most. We suggest reading the reviews, ratings, as well as the Q&A section for more details. Once you find something you like just click subscribe – and wait in excitement for your box to arrive at your doorstep!
Who is CrateJoy Subscription Boxes Best For?
The cool thing about Cratejoy is that there’s something for everyone! Because Cratejoy acts as a marketplace, anyone can sell their subscription boxes on Cratejoy – which means you’ll find greater varieties of niched products compared to private subscription box companies! So whether you’re a plant lover, new mom, avid reader, fitness junkie, snack enthusiast, or even happy camper – chances are there’s a box for you!
No matter your interests, experts and enthusiasts will create and curate the absolute best products for your subscription box – and then send it right to your door, on the regular. Explore what you already love or expand your horizons with something new each month!
Cratejoy
Are Cratejoy Subscription Boxes Available to Ship Internationally?
YES! Unlike many private subscription box companies, Cratejoy’s subscription marketplace offers international shipping on select subscription boxes to countries all over the world!
Keep in mind that Cratejoy is a platform for subscription box businesses. As such, Cratejoy doesn’t sell subscription boxes of their own and do not require sellers to ship to all the countries. Each subscription box seller on the Cratejoy subscription marketplace have the autonomy to decide which countries to offer shipping to.
Managing Your Cratejoy Subscription
When you place an order through the Cratejoy Subscription Marketplace, Cratejoy will handle all the billing for that transaction. This means that you will be prompted to pay directly on Cratejoy’s website, where you can access past invoices and add/edit/cancel your subscription boxes at any time.
How Much Does Cratejoy Cost?
As a subscription box marketplace, Cratejoy offers subscription boxes in various price range, starting as low as $3 to over $100. The sellers determine the cost of their boxes based on several factors, including size of box, cost of materials, labor, shipping, and much more.
On the Cratejoy website, you can filter out subscription boxes based on your price range. Keep in mind that international shipping may incur an additional cost.
Cratejoy Review: Pros & Cons of the Subscription Marketplace
As promised, here’s our list of the good, the bad, and everything in between!
Cratejoy Pros:
- Wide range of subscription box categories to choose from
- Supports small business owners
- Convenient: Cratejoy is a one-stop-shop for all things subscription boxes
- Customers typically agree that what they received in their box is worth more than the cost of the box.
- Lots of affordable subscription box options
- Offers gifting options
Cratejoy Cons:
- Quality of different subscription boxes may differ according to the sellers.
- Cratejoy does not offer their own products.
- Extra shipping costs may apply for international deliveries.
7 Best CrateJoy Subscription Boxes
Read, Relax, and Recharge: Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for the Introverts
Admit it – you’d rather avoid other people and spend the day alone. We totally get it… So order a box, ignore your phone calls, cancel your plans, and imagine a warm candle-lit bath, a good book, a cup of tea or coffee, and a tasty treat. Does it get any better than that? No. No, it absolutely does not.
Introverts Retreat
Price: starts at $36.99 per month
Paletteful Packs – Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for the Art Junkies
Paletteful Packs is a monthly art subscription service that wants to bring the best art supplies to you. Each box includes everything you need to create a work of art. Paletteful Packs will help you discover new brands and supplies, and even gain a new appreciation for old favorites. There are 3 boxes to choose from: Premier Pack, Petite Pack, and Young Artist Pack. Each month has a thoughtfully curated theme: watercolors, markers, pens, acrylics, pastels, and more!
Paletteful Packs
Price: Starts at $22.95
The Dapper Dog Box : Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for Your Fur Babies!
The Dapper Dog subscription box sends you a monthly box of healthy treats, adorable toys and a gorgeous, limited edition bandana available exclusively from Dapper Dog.
Each box includes free shipping and 5 FULL SIZE products – including treat bags, toys and accessories, and is curated around fun themes like Coachella, Southern Charm, Happy Howlidays and more.
For every purchase you make, The Dapper Dog will donate a portion of sales to an animal rescue or shelter.
The Dapper Dog
Price: $20 per month
Simple Loose Leaf Tea – Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for the Tea Connoisseur
Most Rated Tea Subscription from Tea Lovers like you! Every month, Simple Loose Leaf Tea hand-selects unique teas that explore the different varieties of loose leaf tea. Members receive several servings of each tea plus goodies! You should always have something fun and delicious to brew up. Join today and never lack for great tea! Select a Sampler Box, Herbal/Decaf Box, Black Tea Box, or Green Tea Box.
Simple Loose Leaf Tea
Price: Starts at $9 per month
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TheraBox – Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for Self-Care
The ultimate self care subscription box! Each box includes 1 happiness activity to wire your brain for more joy plus 6 to 8 self-care wellness goodies (i.e., aromatherapy, natural/organic bath, body, skincare products, and other lifestyle goodies!) to reduce stress & enhance your life! TheraBox aims to inspire more love & happiness in every box through therapist-curated products to feed your mind, body & soul. Over $120+ retail value in every box!
TheraBox
Price: starts at $30.99 per month
A Killing Affair – Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for Your Inner Detective
Channel your inner Nancy Drew with this fan-favorite Murder Mystery Game in a Box! Just like watching your favorite TV show, you will start with Season 1, Episode 1, and all seasons are 5 episodes long. Each month you will work through secret messages, hidden clues, and evidence all while eliminating suspects. Once you have your final episode you will have everything you need to convict the killer.
A Killing Affair
Price: starts at $32.50 per month
The Cactique – Best CrateJoy Subscription Box for the Plant Addict
For cactus + succulent lovers or new plant parents—a monthly subscription box that delivers charming mini cactus + succulent arrangements planted with care in chic containers. Each box includes the arrangement of the month, top dressing (pretty little rocks and/or moss), care instructions, plus something extra for yourself.
The Cactique
Price: $18.66 per month
How Does Cratejoy Compare with Similar Services?
Currently, there’s really no similar service to Cratejoy as a “marketplace” for exclusively subscription boxes of all types! While there are virtually countless subscription box companies these days, none operates in quite the same model as Cratejoy does.
Final Cratejoy Review: Is Cratejoy Worth It?
The short answer is: yes!
I personally think Cratejoy is worth every penny. When it comes to finding just the right subscription boxes to either gift or buy for myself, I often find it difficult to know what all the options even are! I love that Cratejoy offers a one-stop-shop for all things subscription box.
If you’ve read my post on supporting small businesses, you’ll know that I like to use my spending dollars to help small business owners. As such, I love shopping through Cratejoy because they make it easy for small business owners to offer their products to the consumer market. So by purchasing from Cratejoy’s sellers, I am supporting their small businesses.
Overall, my experience with Cratejoy has been positive and I cannot wait to discover more unique subscription boxes through Cratejoy!
Have you purchased a subscription box from Cratejoy? If so, what did you think? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!
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Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Content is written by Michelle Schmidt of dwellbymichelle.com.
My Cratejoy box took a while to get here, otherwise it was good.
These look so fun!!
So helpful! I’ve been more interested in subscription boxes recently and this was fun to read through!
Wow I’d never heard of Cratejoy before but totally just stalked their site after reading this and I’m looking to get their plant box. Thank for sharing!!
I just bought the introverts retreat box you recommended for my mom’s birthday. I really hope it comes on time but I know she’ll love it!