Whether it’s a mystery teabag or new make-up, an element of surprise comes packaged within many subscription boxes. Canvas8 spoke to Aditya Gupta, a PhD candidate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to understand how surprise impacts the experience of self-gifting.

Subscription boxes have seen success in industries ranging from fashion to cosmetics to food, enabling people to avoid a trip to the shops for everyday essentials and treats. With freshly cut bouquets sent to customers on a weekly basis, Freddie’s Flowers is embracing this model for floristry.

Nearly a third of Americans never floss, while 37% floss less than daily. But, with its high-quality filaments and Instagram-worthy packaging, Cocofloss wants to transform this oral care technique from a boring chore into a daily indulgence. Could it be the least ostentatious status symbol ever?

Super-size culture is out-of-step with new world sentiments as the zero-waste and clean eating movements mark the end of wasteful excess, making a strong case for petite purchasing. But how can brands scale down their products without leaving people feeling short-changed?