FOBE

What's in the box: One designer handbag of your choice from brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci or Celine, rented for your chosen period with shipping and basic protection included.

FOBE is a German rental service for designer handbags, not a classic surprise box. You pick a specific bag from the catalog and keep it for the length of time you choose. The range includes well known houses such as Saint Laurent, Gucci, Celine, Loewe, Miu Miu, Valentino and Balenciaga, with models like the Gucci Horsebit 1955 and the Saint Laurent Le 37. Memberships start from 79€ per month and can run from two weeks up to 12 months. If you add the monthly swap option, you can choose a new bag each month or keep your current one for as long as you like. Without it, each swap costs 29€. There is also a two week rental with no commitment for special occasions. Shipping and basic damage cover are included, and you can add a premium protection plan with no excess. FOBE says that extending your membership gets you lower prices. The big catch right now is availability. The site says all membership places are taken and asks new customers to join a waitlist, so you may not be able to start straight away. The site is in German and does not make clear whether it ships outside Germany. If you would rather own a bag, FOBE also sells pre-loved bags through its resale section.