10 of the Best Monthly Subscription Boxes to Give This Season

Actual gifts that keep giving

December 1, 2016

There are all sorts of reasons why giving a subscription box makes sense. What do you get that person that seemingly has everything? How do you shop for a parent who says things like "Oh, I don't need anything at all"? Perhaps you've been tasked with finding something for the boss. Or maybe you just don't feel like shopping at a ton of different stores to find some quality gifts. Whatever the case, a well-chosen box can make someone's day, or month or year. And with each subsequent delivery, they'll be reminded of your thoughtfulness. Herewith, ten tried-and-true services worth giving this year.

Jelly of the Month Club?

Make like Clark Griswold and enjoy a new jar of jam or seasonal preserves each month from LA's global-inspired eatery Sqirl.

From $60, at Sqirl

Saloon Box

Each month, get a do-it-yourself craft cocktail kit, packed with nearly everything you need to mix up a delicious drink, from the booze and mixers to unique garnishes (you just may have to add fresh citrus, say). The box comes with the makings for two recipes, curated by the best mixologists across the US with enough booze for four cocktails.

From $37.50 a month, at Saloon Box

Birchbox

One of the original subscription boxes remains one of the best. Each month, Birchbox ships out four to five deluxe product samples (think travel-size, not single-use) from the world's best brands. And the men's box comes with a full-size product like a gadget, bar tool or stylish accessory.

From $30 for 3 months (for women)
and $60 for 3 months (for men), at Birchbox

Treatsie

Anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate a monthly drop of well-crafted treats. Inside each box is up to $25 worth of artisanal candies, cookies and other sweets from an ever-changing lineup of the United States' best confectioners.

From $16.92 a month, at Treatsie

Globe In

You can feel good about giving a box from GlobeIn. They don't just include worldly handmade products, they actually give back to the artisans themselves. You can check out their site to see exactly where each of the fair trade goods are being made, and where your money is going to.

From $10 a month, at Globe In

Winc

Wine can be complicated to buy, but Winc makes it simple to find what works for you (or the person you're giving to). Answer six simple questions about the flavors that you (or the recipient) respond to and from there, you'll get a curated wine selection that suits your palette, delivered to you monthly.

$39 a month (for three bottles), at Winc

Vellabox

Ideal for the person who always has a candle burning at their place, this monthly box is packed with quality, hand-poured candles from small-batch makers. The all-natural selections and scents are coordinated with the seasons and most boxes also contain a small surprise gift as well.

From $10 a month, at Vellabox

BloomsyBox

When you're not sure what to give, know this: no one will be upset with a fresh bouquet of flowers each month. With BloomsyBox, you'll get 12 to 18 stems of fresh flowers—from roses and hydrangeas to gerberas—shipped free overnight from sustainable farms around the world.

From $39.99 a month, at BloomsyBox

The Tie Bar

Because he likely has enough ties (or doesn't wear them often) but he could always use some fresh, dapper socks. Over the period of four months he'll get three pairs of quality dress socks chosen by the stylists at The Tie Bar.

$89 (for 12 pairs over four months), at The Tie Bar

BarkBox

Gift subscriptions from BarkBox let you spoil one lucky dog while you help save another: The company donates 10% of each sale to local animal rescues. Boxes contain at least four items for your pup, from food samples and treats to shampoos and toys—often from small businesses you might not see in the big-box pet stores.

From $35 a month, at BarkBox

Quarterlane

For voracious readers always looking for something new to tackle, this box comes with three new fiction titles each month, along with a seasonal gift and a piece of art commissioned by the company's artist in residence, all lovingly packaged in a handsome ribbon-tied box.

From $85 a month, at Quarterlane

Jelly of the Month Club?

Make like Clark Griswold and enjoy a new jar of jam or seasonal preserves each month from LA's global-inspired eatery Sqirl.

From $60, at Sqirl

Jelly of the Month Club?

Make like Clark Griswold and enjoy a new jar of jam or seasonal preserves each month from LA's global-inspired eatery Sqirl.

From $60, at Sqirl