The 18 Best Subscription Boxes for Gifting
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
Between birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, it's easy to run out of gift ideas. Don't throw your hands in the air yet—consider a subscription box. There are boxes for nearly every interest, and your giftee can try a bunch of stuff that would be far too expensive for you to compile yourself. You can buy them for one month, but I think three months makes the perfect gift since they'll get that warm, giddy feeling again and again. I'm also a firm believer that you need to gift yourself every so often. These boxes work whether you're buying for yourself or someone else. WIRED Gear writers hand-tested every one of these recommendations.
None of the options below require contracts, so you can cancel at any time. (Check the fine print of the plan you're choosing and see how many days before billing you need to notify to cancel.) If you purchase a multiple-month subscription, you can cancel the auto-renew, but you won't get money back for the boxes that haven't shipped yet. We've noted when boxes have separate gift options, which typically cost a little more, but you won't have to worry about canceling. Keep in mind that subscription boxes tend to ship at a very specific time every month, so they won't mail out immediately upon ordering if you're rushing for a last-minute gift.
Be sure to check out our many other gift guides, like Gifts for Teens and 25 Gifts Under $25, and some of our favorite gifts, like this tiny TV.
Updated November 2024: We've removed four older picks and added a hot sauce box, a meat box, a beauty box, and a giftable meal kit. We also updated pricing throughout.
- Photograph: Horti
For Plant Lovers
Horti Plant SubscriptionWhen it comes to flora, people tend to gift flowers. They're pretty and smell good, but they're already halfway dead by the time they get to your giftee. On the other hand, plants are fantastic gifts that can live on for years if cared for correctly. Horti makes it easy for someone to slowly turn their living quarters into a jungle.
Choose between pet-friendly, beginner, or rare plants (or go for Horti's pick) and either a plain terra-cotta pot or one with nice painted features. Each box comes with one plant, a puck of potting soil, and tips and advice for caring for them. The plants are carefully packaged, so they shouldn't be damaged in the mail. There's a separate rare plant subscription available too. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Starting at $36 per month, $155 for three months, or $310 for six months. (All cost a few dollars more for a painted pot, or less if you can pick it up in NYC.) Prices don't include shipping.
- Photograph: Vinyl Me Please
For the Old-School Music Fan
Vinyl Me, Please SubscriptionVinyl Me, Please sends an exclusively pressed record every month to those who can't get enough of that old-school sound. Choose from hip-hop; jazz, blues, funk, and soul; or essentials. Members can swap that month's pick for another title in their catalog if they'd prefer.
You can set up the membership for them or opt to gift a membership. If you go with the latter, you'll either print a confirmation for them to redeem or have them emailed on a date of your choosing. They can set up their own profile and choose their music preferences from there. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: $54 per month, $149 for three months, $279 for six months, $529 for 12 months. Gift-specific options cost the same, but don't auto-renew and are available for three, six, or 12 months.
- Photograph: KiwiCo
For Kids
KiwiCo Kiwi CrateYounger kids tend to like any random, plastic toy, but after a while they end up in the pile that go unused. We think a subscription box like this is a better option to give them interesting hands-on activities that they'll enjoy (and hopefully learn from in the process!).
KiwiCo has boxes for five age groups—from under 2 years to 14ish—and a range of themes you can choose from. You can pick cooking, geography, engineering, and more (see them all here—you can switch them up as you want). WIRED reviewer Adrienne So has watched her kids make everything from water guns to kaleidoscopes; she said there was even a night-themed box where everything glowed. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Kiwi Crates start at $24 a month, and different clubs have additional subscriptions that vary by club. Those prices come with auto-renew, which you can cancel at any time. If you don't want to worry about canceling, you can purchase the same amount of boxes for a few dollars more. (You'll see the option for non-renewing during the selection process.) Shipping is free in the US. Crates for older kids are a bit more expensive.
★ More options: We have many more favorite subscription boxes for kids if you don't think this one is right. We've tried other craft boxes, book subscriptions, and even coding kits.
- Photograph: Breo Box
For the WIRED Ones
Breo BoxNever know what to get your nerdy younger brother? Breo Box is a seasonal subscription box, so one comes four times per year, filled with four to eight of the latest gadgets and gizmos. It's the priciest option on this list, and your giftee may get some things they don't particularly have use for, but that's a possibility with any subscription box. This one at least gets curious hands on some cool tech. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Choose from Breo Box, which contains 1-3 items valued at $100 to $150, or Breo Box Plus, which contains 4-8 items valued at $200 to $300. Breo Box costs $79 per box, billed annually, or $89 per box, billed quarterly. Breo Box Plus costs $150 per box, billed annually, or $169 per box, billed quarterly. Gift options are available too: $175 for one box, $339 for two, $479 for three, $599 for all four.
- Photograph: Vellabox
For Candle Lovers
Vellabox Candle SubscriptionCandles are great gifts for the person you know who always has one burning or for someone that you might not know very well. Boxes include one candle in 4-, 8-, or 16-ounce sizes and one extra goodie—I got car fresheners. Pick scent profiles for them or let Vellabox choose. There are premade boxes too. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Vellabox starts at $12, $22, and $29 a month depending on candle size and subscription length—4, 8, and 16 ounces respectively; $90, $150, and $204 for six months; and $144, $264, and $348 for 12 months. There are single-orders and auto-renewing options. Shipping is free in the US.
- Photograph: Conscious Step
For the Cold Feet
Conscious Step Sock SubscriptionSocks might not seem like the most exciting gift, but we could all probably use a few extra pairs. Conscious Step socks are comfortable, are crafted from organic cotton, and the designs are cute. Plus, a portion of every purchase is donated to charity—the cat and dog socks support Best Friends Animal Society, and the socks for mental health support National Alliance on Mental Illness. There are 16 causes, and each tells you where the proceeds go. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Starting at $15 per month for one pair, or $26 for two if you build your own box, $12 for a pre-picked box, $86 prepaid for six months, $144 for 12 months.
- Photograph: Mistobox
For Coffee Fanatics
Mistobox Coffee SubscriptionThere's nothing quite as nice as hearing my coffee pot sizzle from the kitchen as I'm getting up in the morning, knowing a nice warm mug is just minutes away. If your giftee is always downing caffeine, or just wants to break out of their Starbucks addiction, opt for a coffee subscription to broaden their horizons. We like Misto for gifts because there are nearly 500 types of beans to choose from. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Starts at $15 per bag. Bags are delivered either once a week or every two, three, or four weeks. There are specific gift options available: three boxes for $60, six boxes for $120, 12 boxes for $240, plus a few specific options in between. Shipping is $5.
★ Alternative: We have many more coffee subscription options to choose from, including one-off gift options.
- Photograph: Novica
For the Wanderluster
Novica Undiscovered Artisan BoxTraveling all over the world and learning about different cultures is a dream that's not always doable. For those who can't hop on a plane at a moment's notice, the Undiscovered Artisan Box offers a look at a specific region through handmade goodies delivered to their door. Every three months, subscribers can either choose or be surprised with five gifts that include ethically handmade home goods, jewelry, and other accessories—the Thailand box included a singing bowl, shoulder bag, and a wooden tic-tac-toe game.
The boxes are beautifully wrapped too, so it makes a great gift. Each box is curated by an artisan from the same region, and they include their favorite local recipe, which is a touch I really appreciated. Subscribers also get to access a market for discounts on additional gifts. These boxes come from the fair-trade company Novica. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: $60 every three months. $4 shipping added.
- Photograph: Universal Yums
For the Snacker
Universal Yums Snack BoxWho among us doesn't like to snack on delicious treats all day between meetings, errands, and full meals? The Universal Yums box is our favorite snack box. There are a few sizes to choose from, and it includes food from a different country each month, plus a booklet with trivia and games on the country, so you get a little learning opportunity as well. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Small boxes (five to seven snacks): $19 per month or $204 upfront for a year. Medium boxes (10 to 12 snacks): $29 per month or $312 for a year. Large boxes (15 to 18 snacks): $40 per month or $480 for a year. Shipping is free in the US.
★ More options: We also have more snack options for jerky and Japanese snack lovers, plus those who want more customizable quantities.
- Photograph: Firstleaf
For the Wine Lover
Firstleaf Wine SubscriptionI love bringing a nice bottle of wine to someone's house as a gift, and while I drink it myself, I never quite know what's good. I like a dry white wine, but from there I have no idea what to look for.
Firstleaf delivers six or twelve bottles per month. I found a few new flavors that I'll buy again and some that weren't my favorite. You'll have to take a quiz for your giftee first, but once they get their first box they can rate their wines to better craft the next one. Or you can opt for a gift card instead. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: Starting at $90 for the Classic Club, $105 for “noteworthy” wine, $120 for “world-class” wine, and $150 for fine wines. Gift options are available too. There are usually discounts for first-time subscribers.
- Photograph: Curdbox
For Cheese Heads
CurdboxI often think about the line in The Devil Wears Prada where Emily talks about her insane new diet: “When I feel like I'm about to faint, I eat a cube of cheese.” I'm not on board with a starvation diet, but I am on board with eating cubes of cheese throughout the day. Snacks, meals, sides? Just say cheese.
A Curdbox subscription includes three blocks of cheese, plus three snack pairings wrapped in ice blocks to keep it all good (similar to a meal kit). Each box even includes a Spotify playlist, blog post, and wine-pairing suggestions. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: $85 per month, $246 for three months, $489 for six months. Gift options include three and six months for the same price, plus $972 for 12 months that don't auto-renew. Shipping is free.
- Photograph: Book of the Month
For Bookworms
Book of the MonthThere is nothing quite like wandering the aisles of a bookstore or library, but that's not always possible in our busy lives. If someone on your gift list always has their head in a book or has mentioned they want to read more, you can sign them up for a Book of the Month subscription.
Each month there are five to seven new books to choose from. The base subscription cost covers one book, but subscribers can add additional titles. If none strike their interests or they're still reading last month's book, they can skip a box at any time. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: $18 per box. There are gift options too: $60 for three months, $100 for six months, $200 for 12 months.
- Photograph: Bespoke Post
For the Hard-to-Buy-Fors
Bespoke PostBespoke Post has options for everyone, but I think it's a great place to start for men who are hard to buy for. If you've ever searched for men's gifts, guides typically include stereotypical things like whiskey stones and meat. Bespoke has a lot more variation and every month includes different options.
First you'll take a short quiz for your giftee—the questions are easy enough for you to guess (would they like kitchenware, clothes, cigars?)—then each month a box is assigned based on those interests. You can view and swap boxes before it ships (or skip it for the month). You can even choose the first box and then give your giftee the login info so they can choose from there. —Medea Giordano
Price breakdown: $49 per box plus $5 shipping. If you don't want to auto-renew, a single box costs $70.
- Photograph: Barkbox
For Your Pets
Pet SubscriptionsIf you don't gift your pet something on holidays, then we can't be friends. They're family too! Thankfully, they can also get a subscription box. We've tried Meowbox and Barkbox and loved them both for our cats and dogs.
Meowbox breakdown: For $26 every one or two months, your cat gets five or six toys and treats following cute themes. There are gift options available that don't auto-renew: $33 for one month, $89 for three months, $178 for six months.
Barkbox breakdown: For $35 a month, your dog gets a mix of six toys, treats, and chews. You could also pay $27 a month if you sign up for six months (you'll pay per month, not upfront like most subscriptions) or $24 a month for a 12-month contract. There are also gift options: $35 for one month, $99 for three months, $168 for six months, $288 for 12 months. —Medea Giordano
.jpg)
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
For Beauty Enthusiasts
Allure Beauty BoxOur sister site Allure makes a great, affordable beauty subscription box. Each box contains at least six items. Typically there's a mix of samples and full-size products, plus every box has exclusive discounts in case your giftee feels inspired to go shopping after trying out their new goodies. Members also have access to an exclusive Member Shop with savings on beauty must-haves, holiday sets, and more. I especially liked the trio of lip products in mine—a lipstick, a liner, and a gloss—and while contents vary from box to box, your giftee will probably like what they receive too. —Louryn Strampe
Price breakdown: $25 per month, $59 per quarter ($69 after the first three boxes), or $199 per year. Gift options are actually gift cards that can be redeemed towards the purchase of a subscription.
Alternative: We have many more beauty box subscription recommendations, including options for only full-size products and options that can be customized.
- Photograph: Adrienne So
For Carnivores
Harry & David Fine Meats Steakhouse ClubThis ultra-giftable gourmet box comes with premium, aged, hand-trimmed choice cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or even lobster tails. It's more expensive than some other meat boxes, but the contents of each box are special and elevated—something that's arguably difficult to achieve when you're mailing a box of meat hunks to a loved one. WIRED reviewer Adrienne So tested this box and received two perfectly marbled New York strip steaks, and the delicious result after cooking them still visits her in her dreams. —Louryn Strampe
Price breakdown: $190 for three months, $380 for six months, or $750 for 12 months.
Alternative: Check out our guide for additional meat subscription box recommendations that are more affordable or more specific.
- Photograph: Fuego Box
For Scoville Scale Climbers
Fuego BoxThis hot sauce box has fun, giftable packaging. There are also varying levels to the subscriptions that can be tailored to your giftee's taste buds. WIRED contributor Andrew Watman was delighted by That's What Shishito Said, a sweetly balanced shishito-based hot sauce that was as tasty as it was unconventional. Each box will contain at least one hot sauce that's unique, flavorful, and (probably) not readily available at your giftee's local grocery store. —Louryn Strampe
Price breakdown: $13 per box for one sauce in each box (shipped monthly), $30 per box for three hot sauces in each box (shipped monthly or every three months), or $29 per box for the “Pain Seeker” subscription, which includes two extra-hot sauces (shipped monthly or every three months). Shipping adds $5 per box.
Alternative: For additional sauce box recommendations, check out our guide to the Best Barbecue Sauce, Rub, and Hot Sauce Subscription Boxes.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
For Culinary Superstars
Cook with Bon Appétit BoxThe Cook With Bon Appétit box isn't your typical meal kit. Hailing from our sister site, each box includes five exclusive recipe cards and five shelf-stable ingredients from each of those recipes. The first box also includes a little binder where your giftee can store their recipe cards. If you want to gift them something to aid their time in the kitchen, but you don't want to go with a typical countertop appliance or another gadget they might already own, this is a solid option—especially if they're an avid reader of the magazine, as this comes with digital subscriptions to Epicurious and Bon Appétit as well. —Louryn Strampe
Price breakdown: Boxes cost $34 per month and get cheaper with quarterly or annual subscriptions. Gift options are actually gift cards that can be used towards the cost of subscribing.
Wired Coupons
10% Off Wayfair Promo Code with sign-up
20% off Dyson Promo Code
$50 Off In-Person Tax Prep When You Switch From Your Tax Current Provider
Up to $500 off cameras at Canon
Save extra 10% Off TurboTax
Exclusive: Up To 50% Off 6 Boxes With Factor Promo Code