SKIMS packs hair ties, bobby pins, and keychains into a $148 advent calendar, then offers refunds

For several shoppers criticizing Kim Kardashian's SKIMS advent calendar, the question was whether hair ties, bobby pins, and keychains justified a $148 price tag.

SKIMS offered refunds and store credit to customers of the 12-day accessories collection following the viral unboxing videos.

Here's what to know

Released Oct. 29 as part of SKIMS' holiday collection, the Accessories Advent Calendar cost about $12.33 per compartment, according to Baller Alert. The gifts ranged from everyday hair accessories to branded novelty items.

Three SKIMS-branded bobby pins, three satin scrunchies, and three hair elastics shared the first four compartments with a bear keychain. Elsewhere in the calendar were headbands made from bra elastic and a pair of hair clips, along with a squeezable stress toy and another set of bobby pins.

No clothing was included. The remaining gifts consisted of another set of three satin scrunchies, a faux-fur-covered compact-mirror keychain, and comb and logo keychains.

A content creator posting on TikTok as @WetSloppySwollen expressed disappointment while opening the calendar.

"This is way too expensive," the creator said.

A commenter on the video offered a similarly blunt assessment, stating, "$150 is WILD for maaaaybe $20 worth of stuff."

More background

Underwear, shapewear, and loungewear are the categories most closely associated with Kardashian's company.

SKIMS had also sold a substantially different Panty Advent Calendar, priced at $450 for 25 daily underwear gifts, according to Baller Alert. Fewer compartments and an entirely different category of gifts distinguished the $148 version, along with its lower price.

Before purchasing, shoppers could consult a detailed inventory on the product page. SKIMS also identified the keychains and hair accessories in its listing and marketed the product as an Accessories Advent Calendar.

For some commenters, those advance disclosures were a reason to defend the company. They noted that shoppers could have reviewed the details before buying.

What's being done?

Purchasers have received compensation offers directly from SKIMS. According to Baller Alert, a SKIMS representative told TODAY that the company was "aware of the feedback" and acknowledged that "for some, the calendar didn't meet expectations."

Keeping the calendar and receiving SKIMS store credit equal to its purchase price was one option in a customer-shared email from the company. The other was to send it back for a full refund, with no charge for return shipping.

Choosing to keep the items means receiving credit toward another SKIMS purchase, rather than an automatic cash refund.

The customer email also included an apology, while the representative told TODAY that customer responses "will directly shape how we approach future releases."

For content creator Kayla Ryan, the disappointment came down to wanting something that justified the price.

"I'm hoping this is a prank and the last one is a $150 gift card for all my money back," Ryan said while opening the compartments.

Where can I learn more?

Disappointed SKIMS customers aren't alone in questioning a purchase or seeking a refund. 

• Dr. Squatch buyers have raised deodorant quality complaints, with one calling the product "60% air."

• A Costco shopper criticized giant lip gloss packaging, while commenters suggested it deters theft.

• Amazon Prime users could receive up to $200 as the FTC expands automatic refund payouts.

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