Around 2012, American YouTubers started unboxing mysterious little packages on screen. These little subscription boxes, called Loot Crates, were filled with nerd and pop culture paraphernalia and caused quite the envious buzz from those outside the US.
Well, more than six years later, Loot Crate is still going strong but with two major changes. One, there's now themed crates to select from, guaranteeing that every niche itch is scratched. Two, they are available to UK customers ship form the US. Yes, Blighty finally has access to the little Pandora’s boxes of wholesome collectable goodness.
Depending on the plan, you’ll receive packages at certain frequencies, either monthly or bi-monthly. It’s the gift - to yourself or a loved one - that keeps on giving.
Here are some of the best theme crates on offer.
(Honourable mentions must go out to Loot Deadpool, Loot Lord of the Rings, Loot Gaming and Loot Wearables).
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Loot Crate, starting at £24 per crate
The original crate. This option offers up items from across pop culture, including TV, film and gaming. Each month is based around a theme, for example August 2019’s crate was “Legends”, featuring franchised items from Jurassic Park, Zelda and Power Rangers.
The contents' value at full retail is always $45 or more.
There is also DX version of this crate, which promises "next level loot" for £59 per crate. The same theme applies as to the standard Loot Crate but the items are premium and the minimum value is $75.
Loot Sci-Fi, starting at £28 per crate
This one brings you science-fiction gear from a galaxy far-far away (well, the USA) right to your front door. Loot Sci-Fi is all about the best science-fiction gear from across literature, TV, film and video games. Past items are from films like Star Wars, Alien, Terminator and Back to the Future.
The contents' value at full retail is always $60 or more.
Loot Fright, starting at £27.99 per crate
This create brings horror merchandise straight to your door – but given the title, this should come as no surprise. In the past, this box has sent out frights from Night of the Living Dead, The Thing, Nightmare on Elm Street and The Krampus.
The contents' value at full retail is always $50 or more.
Loot Anime, starting at £28 per crate
One for the otakus – this crate delivers everything anime and manga. Franchises cover everything from kawaii to kowai , with being hitter like One Piece, Deathnote, Food Wars, Battle Angel Alita and Cowboy Bebop.
The contents' value at full retail is always $60 or more.
Loot Socks, starting at £10
This crate will bring two new sets of geek-themed socks to your door every month. Socks are the most boring element to any outfit, so it makes sense to give them a boost and help represent the best franchises. Past franchises include Kill Bill and The Legend of Zelda.
Marvel Gear & Goods, starting at £39 per crate
Marvel have teamed up with Loot Crate to bring the ultimate superhero crate. You’ll get access to goodies from the likes of Spiderman, X-Men and Captain Marvel – all curated by the brains at Marvel comics.
The contents' value at full retail is always $75 or more.
Wizarding World, starting at £39 per crate
This one has Rowling’s stamp of approval. It’ll deliver you items like Hufflepuff Picnic blankets, Horcrux enamel pins, Potter Funko Pop! figures and stuffed Hedwigs.
The contents value at full retail is always $65 or more.