I agree that M&S is really disappointing. It used to be easily the best value option, an affordable price point but including a good mix of full size and mini products that made it feel both fun and worthwhile. It was pretty much a no-brainer - often two or three full sized items covered the whole cost. While most of the rest have upped their game since, M&S have increased price without also increasing or even (if today’s money terms) retaining value.
Here is a quick comparison for those who like the numbers and stats:
In 2019 M&S cost £40, with a minimum spend of £30. Contents were “worth” £300
In 2019 Liberty cost £215, and contents were worth £600.
This year:
M&S costs £60, contents “worth” £330. So price has gone up 50% (and there is still a minimum spend on top), but value of contents is only up 10% Taking into account inflation, you’re getting rather less than you were in 2019.
Liberty costs £250 (BD)/ or £275 and is “worth” over £1200. So cost up 16% at the BD members price, but value has doubled.