Relax & Radiate Crate is a quarterly collection of thoughtfully curated products chosen by The Girlfriend, an AARP-sponsored website specifically for Gen X women over 40, and CultureFly. Each box is $50 per quarter, and contains 7-12 unique and custom-designed home, beauty, and wellness items with a value of over $200. The items support mind, body, and soul. This is a review of the Summer 2022 Crate (the Fall Crate is scheduled to ship in October).
NOTE: The box arrived with a sticker closure that was small compared to how large the box is and some boxes may have come open during shipping. There is a card inside that has all of the items listed (you can see it at the end of this post) and there was a bonus item not on the card from Laura Gellar. If anything is missing, please reach out the Relax & Radiate and know that they have stated they will wrap the box in plastic or something similar next shipment to prevent any future shipping problems.
Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout ($11.39) Each box comes with a book and this quarter it was the same book for everyone (sometimes they send one of several different books, it varies). According to Amazon this book falls into the sisters, mothers & children, and psychological fiction genres. It is also book 2 of a 3 book series and since I haven’t read book one then I am afraid I would be lost so it will have to be shelved for the time being.
Here are two sisters: One trades self-respect for a wealthy husband while the other finds in the pages of a book a kindred spirit who changes her life. The janitor at the local school has his faith tested in an encounter with an isolated man he has come to help; a grown daughter longs for mother love even as she comes to accept her mother’s happiness in a foreign country; and the adult Lucy Barton (the heroine of My Name Is Lucy Barton, the author’s celebrated New York Times bestseller) returns to visit her siblings after seventeen years of absence.
From the Amazon website
Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer ($36 for similar) I linked to a similar product because it looks like Laura Geller no longer has this product on their website (it’s $23 on Amazon though). This is the bonus item, which wasn’t listed on the card but I’m sure was welcomed by many subscribers. I was surprised to find that this was a mattifying formula meant for oily skin — after all, this box is aimed at the AARP age group and I find that I am increasingly plagued by dry skin, so I would have thought they would send the hydrating formula as that seems better suited to the target audience. It was slightly tinted but clear upon application and feels like most of the dimethicone-based primers out there, kind of silky smooth as you rub it in. It doesn’t have much scent and my powder foundation sat well all day long. The card that came with the product had a 35% savings offer to be used at the Laura Gellar website and they suggest getting the Cult Classics kit, which has the moisturizing primer lol.
Melamine Plates I’m at an age where I know what I like and I like eating off of stoneware plates, not plastic. However, I can think of how these plates might come in handy. Of course, they can be used as plates, and since this box is geared towards an age group that may have grandchildren then keeping some sturdy plates on hand for their visits is a great idea. We previously received a picnic tote (in the Spring 2022 box) and these plates coordinate very well with the colors of that bag and they are more environmentally friendly than using disposables. Finally, I tend to use similar plates as a cutting board for meats so I can use it that way too. It’s also great if you like eating al fresco but would prefer not to have breakable dishware outside.
Soy Wax Candle We will receive a coordinating candle with each shipment until further notice and this time around we have a lavender-scented candle in a lovely blue ceramic holder. I think they could have chosen a beach scent since it’s summer but this works too.
El Camino Travel Membership Discount Code This “item” might not be appreciated by every subscriber because first of all it’s not an actual item and second it’s really only valuable if you have the money to pay for the service, which gives you access to their exclusive guided trips (airfare not included). The service to access the trips is $99 dollars a year so this saves you half off of that, but you also have to pay for the trips and whatever extras they require. It looks like their least expensive trip right now is for 6 days/5 nights in Nicaragua starting at $1750. I must say, it all looks like a lot of fun and they list the itinerary, meals that are included, and excursions. If I had the money I would love to explore with them and have them plan out the entire trip!
Slim Can Coozie I’m used to coozies that are made of foam and that fit around a soda can. This coozie is made of metal, almost like a tumbler but with a rubbery lip. I guess it’s meant to hold slim cans, I read a suggestion that they will fit a White Claw inside (PS the target age for White Claw is a person between the ages of 21-44, or those typically known as Millennials). Someone said they were going to use it to hold pens but it’s too tall for that, you would have to reach in blindly. Maybe you could place a small bunch of flowers? I don’t know, and I don’t have a need for this item but cheers to all of the White Claw drinkers!
Sunglasses I have mixed feelings about these sunglasses. Mostly I like them, even though I usually go for the Wayfarer style when choosing sunnies. I’ve heard of rose-colored glasses but these give everything a blue tint instead. Depending on your age (remember, this box is for the AARP set), you may wear prescription sunglasses, which is what I’m getting later this year when I order my new prescription progressive glasses. I have to wear sunglasses when driving, walking, etc. but I am also at the point where I need corrective lenses while doing just about anything. So, I guess these can be worn while I’m at the neighborhood pool or lounging in my backyard, and my daughter said they look good on me.
Straw Visor Last summer we received a straw hat and this year it’s a straw visor to mix things up. It has velcro so you can adjust the size to fit your head. I prefer a full hat, even a baseball cap, because I need to protect my scalp from the sun but for those who like visors I am sure this is a good one.
Woven Tote Bag Nice try with the tote bag but I think it has more flaws than good points. It’s not lined, but then again the holes aren’t too big so as long as you don’t place small items inside it should be ok. It says you can put everything for a day at the beach inside but it’s way too small for that, and a beach towel won’t even fit inside. You could place the sunglasses, book, and visor from this crate inside and that’s about it, but luckily the sand should come out when you’re finished for the day.
The Summer box from Relax & Radiate had a fun theme and seems nicely color coordinated but the usefulness of the products will depend on the recipient and how they plan to use those items. The primer isn’t really for my skin type so I will gift it along with the can koozie because I can’t see me using it as I typically pour my drinks into a glass before sipping (and I’ve never had a White Claw). The visor won’t get used but that’s because some of us experience thinning hair as we age and my scalp needs to be completely covered while in the sun. The beach bag was ok but on the petite side, and the candle smells nice and came in a pretty container. I like the plates, they will go into the picnic basket from the previous box. I won’t be able to read the book until I read book 1 of the series first, and I straight up can’t afford the travel club. The sunglasses are probably the item most likely to get used but then again, when I get my prescription sunglasses they will most likely fall out of favor. Maybe I’m being a little harsh but as I age I become more particular about what I like and I don’t think that whoever curated/designed the items for this box had a mature woman in mind.
Below is another box opening picture plus you will find the product pamphlet that was included in the box.
The Relax & Radiate Crate is a quarterly subscription box filled with a collection of unique and custom-designed products selected to bring you comfort while nourishing your mind, body, and soul. Each seasonal box includes 7 to 12 items hand-picked by members of The Girlfriend team and community, averaging $200 or more in retail value. Each box also includes a copy of an all-new Girlfriend Mini-Magazine produced exclusively for Relax & Radiate Crate subscribers.
Relax & Radiate Crate subscribers also get access to an exclusive online community where you can connect with others, access special giveaways and offers, and provide input on upcoming crates.
Get a collection of thoughtfully curated products that’ll keep you radiating your best self all year round. Each crate comes with a seasonal selection of unique and custom-designed home, beauty, and wellness items.
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Comments
I can never understand how these boxes are supposed to be targeted at 40-somethings. I’ve never seen the items in person, but they always somehow look both cheaply made — perhaps geared toward young people just starting out when money is tight — and like something a much older woman would have used back when I was a kid. I’m personally still dressing and decorating the same way in my 40s as I did in my 30s, just with better quality items as my income had increased a bit. Maybe it’s just me?
I think I feel a lot like you do Tolin, but according to their Facebook group, many people love the items and are very happy with the products and designs. I guess it just goes to show that there are boxes out there for a variety of tastes. –Deb
That’s cool — I’m definitely glad that there’s something for everyone in the sub box world!