Subscription boxes are a current internet craze, and there are plenty of geeky boxes to choose from. There’s something special about getting surprises in the mail, and that’s what these boxes aim for. There’s something for every fan, and almost every pocketbook. These boxes can make great gifts, even if they’re just for yourself. We rounded up some of the best (and most popular) subscription box services from around the ‘web. Ready your wallets, fans.
LootCrate
Fandoms: Basically anything you can imagine
Price: From $8.99 to $44.99 USD/month
LootCrate is one of the OGs in the geeky subscription box craze. In addition to the regular LootCrate with varying themes each month, the service offers a number of specific crates as well. There are specialty fan crates for Firefly, Halo, WWE, Sanrio, Marvel, and Harry Potter. They also have anime, pet, gaming, apparel-only, and premium crates. LootCrate didn’t send us a box, but they’re one of the originals in the game and still going strong.
Best for: Anyone new to these crates who wants to see what’s available, fans of multiple properties (most of the standard crates feature a mix of fandoms), or fans of the special subscriptions LootCrate offers.
Check it out: LootCrate
SuperGeekBox
Fandoms: Marvel, DC, Capcom, Nintendo, Star Wars
Price: $12.92 USD/month
The SuperGeekBox is a cute little blue box (seriously, it’s tiny!) that contains lots of fun geeky stuff. The box I received was Star Wars themed and featured a soft, women’s fit Rebel/NASA logo shirt, furry Wookiee socks, a patch, a necklace, and some other small trinkets. The shirt is nice, though a bit random. This isn’t the best box out there, but it’s great for fans who can’t afford some of the pricier boxes and still want nerdy stuff delivered monthly.
Best for: Geeks on a budget
Check it out: SuperGeekBox
Supply Pod from Outer Places
Fandom: Science-Fiction
Price: $39.99 USD/3 months
The Supply Pod from Outer Places is unique because it isn’t a box put together by a major company. Curated by a geek who wanted to mix science with science-fiction, the Supply Pod from Outer Places features a mashup of science fiction goodies and their real-life science counterparts. The Star Wars-themed box I received contained Rogue One wall stickers, an X-Wing kite, a Boba Fett rocket kit, and a macaroni-and-cheese orange Han REBEL shirt.
Best for: Geeks with kids (I could see a lot of this being a great bonding experience) and geeks who love actual science, not just the fiction part.
Check it out: Supply Pod from Outer Places
HeroBox
Fandoms: DC, Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek
Price: From $49 USD/box
HeroBox from Superherostuff.com is unique in that the boxes are not part of a monthly subscription service. There are limited edition boxes announced each month, but they take orders only after announcing the theme. It’s a different system, but it’s neat because you actually get to pick and choose which boxes you want (you just have to keep your eyes peeled).
The box I received was a Gold box which are $69 USD and contain additional gear. This one was Batman themed and contained a metal Batarang keychain, an exclusive Harley Quinn Imposter POP!, a coffee mug, a Batman car air freshener (apparently he smells like vanilla), a shirt, nail art, a comic, and a really nice Batman pen.
Best for: Picky fans, fans with extra cash
Check it out: HeroBox
DC Legion of Collectors/Smuggler’s Bounty/Marvel Collector Corps/ETC.
Fandom: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Star Wars
Price: $25 USD/box every other month
Funko (the maker of POPS!) has teamed up with Marvel, DC Comics, and Star Wars to create subscription boxes for each property. They feature exclusive POPS!, along with a shirt or hat, pin, patch, and other small memorabilia. They are high-quality and everything’s officially licensed, but many of these boxes feel the same as the others. The POPS! imagery doesn’t work as well on t-shirts and hats, and people only have so much shelf space. Many of the items seem to be very similar across the boxes, so multiple subscriptions aren’t recommended.
Best for: Die-hard fans of Marvel, DC, or Star Wars, as well as anyone who really, really likes POPS!
Check it out: DC Legion of Collectors, Marvel Collector Corps, Smuggler’s Bounty