I wanted to treat the wife to a small gift. A “thank you” for working her ass off, the top in her company in her division, all while still juggling all of the balls in the circus that is our house.

Flowers? Eh. Dinner? We go out a decent amount. Spa day? She’s probably one of the few women in the world who isn’t a fan of being oil rubbed by strangers.

A monthly subscription box of beauty products? Yessssss.

But while signing up and browsing the website I kinda got hooked on looking at the stuff for guys. So I signed us both up even though I silently swore to myself years ago I’d never be the subscription box guy.

I was an idiot for that.

Subscriptions boxes are a smart idea for any guy. There are countless options out there — from clothing and fishing gear to beer and cured meat packages — but you’ve got to ask yourself these two simple questions before committing to any box…

What Kind Of Man Am I?

I’m not challenging your manhood here. I’m asking about your purchasing habits. I’ll use myself as an example because I don’t know you personally. I joined Birchbox at the end of last year. My monthly box is specifically tailored to include products for my face. While I know things like daily face cream with SPF and scrubs are important if a man is interested in looking 30 well into his 50s but those are products I ever go in search of at the pharmacy. I’ve never stopped to read those page in men’s magazine for longer than 20 seconds and I only stop to ponder “how did they pile all those soap products on a zebra’s ass?” My naivety to facial care means a monthly box of items to keep my face from looking like a leather satchel is a sound investment.

On the other hand, I’m usually good about keeping the wardrobe as updated and fresh as possible. A subscription service that provides just clothing isn’t necessary because I buy clothes on the regular.

So what kind of man are and where do you lack the most focus in upkeep? If you hate shopping, get clothes delivered. If you host parties often and don’t know wine from moonshine, get a monthly booze delivery. If your face looks like a Civil War era boot, subscribe to a monthly face product box. Fill in the gaps in your life with a mail delivery.

What Kind Of Man Do I Want To Be?

At least once a month, I threaten to quit the internet and technology and hole up in some bunker deep in the wilderness with just a stack of books, minimal food and a writing pad. Then I remember how much I hate the outdoors and how I’d never survive and I change my mind and go back to checking my phone every 20 seconds.

The deal I cut with myself is that instead of going off the grid completely, I’ll learn something new to keep myself off my phone, computer and other devices that piss me off. For that reason, a box service like Alpha Post is perfect. Each month, they send a new box to tackle a different goal like being a BBQ master or being super prepared in case of a medical emergency. The things a guy should know in case the fan gets a tossing of shit.

If you’re looking to expand your boundaries and try something different — whether it’s different clothes or different firearms — a subscription box service isn’t a bad idea because it does all of the hunting and gathering (of products) for you. In other words — here’s a box full of stuff to brew your own beer so go make god damn beer and stop playing Panda Pop!

So, Should You?

After a couple months, I’m happy overall that I pulled the trigger on a couple. There were a few I cancelled after the first box because I realized they were more fun than practical. The only real downside to some of these boxes is sometimes you’ll accumulate a ton of stuff you don’t use — I’ve got more than enough tubes of facial masks — and in tiny bottles. Oh the tiny bottles. They’re all over the bathroom.

Best Subscription Boxes For Men

Now that you’re either convinced a subscription box is a good idea or a total waste of time (I’m guessing you’re interested if you’re reading this far) here are some of the best options available today.

BirchBox – Look your best. At least from the neck up.

Alpha Outpost — Alpha Outpost is a subscription box company for men that provides the tools and training you need to take any situation by the jugular. Each month, they deliver a curated box of great quality items centered around a different story and theme. Each box is guaranteed to be worth double the value.

Cannabox — Just take a guess what’s involved. If you’re not catching on, you’re probably already baked.

Loot Crate — Loot Crate was founded in 2012 by an entrepreneurial team of geeks and gamers who thought that online retail was missing the sense of community, interactivity, and mystery they fell in love with at shows like PAX and Comic-Con. Each month, Loot Crate™ ships a themed mystery box of the best geek, gaming, and pop culture gear to a subscriber base of over 400,000 Looters.

Manpacks — While you’re busy working at the office, gearing up for the gym, or pre-gaming for a night out, Manpacks delivers essentials on your schedule. We automate your daily routines to liberate your valuable free time.

Beer Of The Month Club — A family-owned business for over 21 years, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club™ was founded and continues to be run on principles dedicated to consistently delivering quality, variety, and value through a structured craft beer selection process.

Is there a subscription box for men that I missed? Are you hooked on one that you think I should check out? Let me know in the comments.