We've seen monthly beauty boxes that females can have sent to them including a random supply of goodies that are left as a surprise to the buyer until delivery, but Loot Crate is my first experience with a company that provides 'geek and gamer gear' in the same way.

Each month sees a theme credited to the box shipped out, and August's theme was 'Heroes', following the 'Villains' in July.

Super-excited by the prospect of receiving some fantastic goodies, including an exclusive Pop Vinyl figure that would only be available through Loot Crate, I couldn't wait to see what would turn up at my door and certainly wasn't disappointed.

Shipping out on the 20th of the month - as is tradition - it arrived in pristine condition, well-packed and stuffed to the brim.

Though there was no t-shirt - something I was really hoping for - this was the only downside to a collection of things that had something for everybody.

The exclusive figure was a glow-in-the-dark Groot from Guardians Of The Galaxy, and he came alongside a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figurine from Kidrobot - I got Raphael (my favourite!) but understand that this was a random selection, and other Looters have received instead Leonardo, Donatello or Michelangelo.

Continuing with the TMNT theme, a plastic set of glasses were included - again randomly assigned as they could come in each of the turtle's corresponding colours.

What I next noticed were a pair of gold foil 'Shwings' which can be added to a pair of real-life shoes - not something I'll personally be using but certainly able to give you the edge over others at a fancy dress party!

Sonic The Hedgehog was of course paid some respect in the form of an air freshener - now hanging proudly in my car - others available were from the Mega Man series.

Finally there was a Chimichanga magnet - something I'm not familiar with - a badge and comic that ran with the Heroes theme which I'm told is a recurring feature of the boxes, and some bonus digital loot including additional Doctors for the Doctor Who gaming app.

Overall, I'm impressed. I like that the box is decorated inside with artwork and there does seem to be a lot of thought put into what's included. A couple of things I may have swapped if given the opportunity - perhaps the magnet and turtles glasses - but on the whole it's an exciting and satisfying service with extremely pleasant staff members who are willing to help if you have any problems.

Subscription is open now at $13.37 per month + shipping and handling - check out www.lootcrate.com to see if your country is available for Loot Crate and for more subscription details.

Every crate has a retail value of at least $40. Each month, a Mega Crate with $750+ value is shipped to one lucky customer.


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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