Subscriptions: They’re not just for magazines. No, these days, it seems everything is available for recurring purchases—from household staples, such as deodorant and cleaning supplies, to more unique monthly subscription boxes, including wine delivery services and massive boxes of beef jerky. With so many options out there, it can be tough to weed through the nice-to-haves and get to the holy-shit-I-must-drop-everything-and-buy-this-nows.
That, dear reader, is where we slide into your screens. We’re here to hold your hand through the strange and scary simulation as you peruse the best subscription boxes and best gift boxes on the web. We know these are going to be hot-ticket items this year since a) they’re awesome, b) they let you leave the gift-choosing to experts in fields you might not be well-versed in, and c) they don’t have to arrive in time for the holidays, which makes them a perfect and thoughtful last-minute gift if you’ve been procrastinating your holiday shopping.
Read on to see a short list of some of the best subscription boxes for everyone on your holiday shopping list, from Japanese snack subscriptions to craft beer club memberships.
Quit whining…
…And start wining! [Sobs in LiveLaughLove.] Winc, the super-popular wine subscription box service, will send your giftee bottles based on their preferred flavor profiles once a month. It’s a great last-minute gift idea that doesn’t require shipping, and you eliminate the possibility of getting them a bottle they don’t love. Plus, if you just bought them a regular bottle of wine, it’s likely that they’ll just knock it back that night.
We must gift the good Japanese snack subscription
Calling all snacky Jackies and couch-locked stoners: You can now have delicious Japanese snacks sent to your door each month. Bokksu, whom we love, delivers authentic Japanese snacks, candies, and teas directly to your home. “Every box you purchase supports these family-run businesses in Japan and helps keep their traditions alive,” the website reads. Each box ships from Japan and comes with 20-24 Japanese snacks, candies, and a tea pairing curated around a fun cultural theme, along with a guide magazine that details each product's origin, flavors, and common allergens.
Contains no men
Man Crates are marketed to—you guessed it—men, but they’re really for anyone in your life who’d love to be showered in jerky, whiskey paraphernalia, and other traditionally “masculine” things. (Though, for the record, whoever decided grain alcohol and preserved meats were only for men made a critical blunder.) This holiday season, gift your loved ones a box of everything they need to dominate the grill, a crate of sick workout accoutrements, and more.
For the indoorsman in your life
If you haven’t noticed by now, we’re stans of all things outdoorsy, cottagecore, and lumbersexual. Bespoke Post is one of the best online retailers for everyday carry essentials and general outdoors gear, and has all sorts of themed subscription boxes available for à la carte or monthly subscriptions. Right now we’re feeling “Dulce,” a Mexican-inspired traditional hot chocolate setup, and “Stealth,” which comes with a Bear Edge Assisted Opening Knife, a pen-Ultimate 7-in-1 Tool Pen, a low-profile money clip, and a key capsule.
Beer is good
Like, really good—and it’s also an easy sell (and perfect gift) if the person you’re shopping for is a serious suds guzzler. The Craft Beer of the Month Club sends a 12-pack of exceptional craft beers from around the country directly to your giftee’s door. Plus, you’ll get access to the Monthly Beer Club Newsletter, which details the story behind the beers, where they originated, and what to pair with them. You’ll also receive a bonus gift with your first box.
Fly By Jing’s chili crisp
You know what says “I love you” more than anything else? Making sure your loved ones’ fridges and pantries are stocked with Fly By Jing’s delicious Sichuan Chili Crisp. The brand was started as a supper club by Jing Gao, a chef, entrepreneur, and renowned expert on Chinese cuisine, and is now an online pantry on a mission to bring uncensored Chinese flavors to the world. (Oh, and if you haven’t scooped their dumplings yet, you should. We stan.)
For the pet freak in your life
You know the ones: They won’t stop showing everyone pictures of their (admittedly cute) corgi, they tell their friends with kids that being dog parents is even harder than being human parents, and they never shut up about how they heard that Jessica has been feeding her purebred Dachshund [shudders] kibble and not sustainably sourced Scottish salmon. This Barkbox is their perfect gift; the monthly subscription comes with themed toys that are great for setting the scene at their next doggie photoshoot.
The gift of good skin
Don’t you hate when you run out of a staple in your skincare routine at an inopportune time? We do, too. That’s where Birchbox comes in: The brand curates and sends you an easy, simple beauty routine delivered straight to your door. “We’ll send you five handpicked deluxe samples to help curate the most practical products for you,” the website reads. “It’s really that easy.”
A literal crate of joy
It’s time to bust out your crowbar of optimism—we’ve got crates of joy coming your way in the form of monthly subscription boxes from Cratejoy. These are awesome, affordable gift boxes that will make perfect presents for your loved ones. Perhaps they’d be interested in The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box, which sends a new stand-alone investigation game to your doorstep each month? Or maybe they’re more into a Date Box Subscription, which delivers a box with challenges or activities to help inspire laughter and strengthen your relationship on date night? The possibilities are endless.
Say “cheese!”
And then say it again each month, since Murray’s Classic Cheese of the Month Club delivers hand-picked cheeses chosen from the highest quality international and domestic producers, directly to your doorstep, from the most delectable cheddars and triple creams to the brightest goat cheeses and most savory washed rind wheels. This club is a great gift for the novice cheese lover who wants to try new varieties or the seasoned cheese veteran who likes to keep their home well-stocked with the good stuff. Each box comes with a rotating collection of three to four approachable and iconic cheeses your giftee will love.
We really like the name of this one
Great minds, eh? The Vices subscription box sends you everything “from fine wines to high-tech gear,” and is an excellent gift for the boulevardier in your life. Past boxes include the Correspondence Edition, which comes with whiskey, a decanter set, an ice mold, engraved stationery, and an elegant wooden pen; as well as the Art of Shaving, which includes a straight razor, shaving cream, aftershave, hazelnuts, shoe cleaner, and a travel case.
An affordable CBD subscription box
Look, we’re not knocking the CBD with the dubious packaging that hangs out next to the Salsalito turkey at the bodega, we’re just—wait, no, we are knocking that. With Hempcrate, you can get affordable CBD treats including cotton candy, honey sticks, teas; CBD wellness products including lotions, bath bombs, tinctures, and topicals; and good ol’ edibles and capsules delivered straight to your giftee’s door every month. Ah, the gift of chill.
Don’t forget to liKe, CoMmEnT, aNd SUBSCRIBE!
The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story.
