Gift Guide: Best Subscription Boxes for Every Budget

The Gift That Keeps Giving

Subscription boxes make exceptional gifts because they provide ongoing joy, not just a single moment of excitement. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or just because, there’s a perfect subscription for every person and budget.

Budget-Friendly Gifts (Under $20/month)

Ipsy Glam Bag - $14/month

Best For: Beauty lovers, makeup enthusiasts, teens Why It’s Great: 5 beauty products monthly, cute makeup bag included, highly customizable

Sips By - $16/month

Best For: Tea lovers, cozy homebodies Why It’s Great: 4 personalized tea selections, discover new brands, detailed tasting notes

Book of the Month - $17.99/month

Best For: Readers, book club members Why It’s Great: Choose from 5 new releases, skip any month, hardcover books at paperback prices

Mid-Range Gifts ($20-50/month)

BarkBox - $35/month

Best For: Dog owners, pet parents Why It’s Great: 2 toys, 2 treats, 1 chew monthly, themed boxes, satisfaction guaranteed

Bespoke Post - $49/month

Best For: Men who appreciate quality, lifestyle enthusiasts Why It’s Great: Curated lifestyle goods, can skip any box, high-quality items

KiwiCo - $24.95/month

Best For: Kids ages 0-16+, creative children, STEM enthusiasts Why It’s Great: Age-appropriate STEM projects, detailed instructions, educational value

HelloFresh - ~$50/week for 2

Best For: Busy couples, new cooks, families Why It’s Great: Fresh ingredients delivered, step-by-step recipes, reduces meal planning stress

Premium Gifts ($50-100/month)

FabFitFun - $54.99/quarter

Best For: Women who love lifestyle products, self-care enthusiasts Why It’s Great: $200+ value per box, choose 5+ items, seasonal surprises

ButcherBox - Starting at $146/month

Best For: Meat lovers, health-conscious foodies, grilling enthusiasts Why It’s Great: Grass-fed, organic meats delivered, restaurant-quality at home

Stitch Fix - Varies

Best For: Fashion-forward individuals, busy professionals Why It’s Great: Personal stylist picks, keep what you love, no subscription required

Luxury Gifts ($100+/month)

Rent the Runway Unlimited - $89-199/month

Best For: Fashion lovers, event-goers, professionals Why It’s Great: Designer clothing rental, unlimited rotations, dry cleaning included

Wine.com Wine Club - ~$90-150/month

Best For: Wine enthusiasts, couples, entertainers Why It’s Great: Sommelier-selected wines, tasting notes, discounts on additional purchases

Gift Subscriptions by Recipient

For the Person Who Has Everything

• Bespoke Post: Unique, curated goods they’d never buy themselves
• Hunt a Killer: Immersive mystery experience

For New Parents

• Lovevery: Developmentally appropriate toys
• KiwiCo Panda Crate: Baby play kits

For Fitness Enthusiasts

• Gainful: Personalized protein supplements
• Daily Harvest: Healthy prepared meals

For Remote Workers

• Trade Coffee: Fresh coffee delivered
• TheraBox: Self-care and wellness items

For Pet Lovers

• BarkBox/Super Chewer: Dogs
• KitNipBox/Meowbox: Cats

How to Gift a Subscription

Option 1: Direct Gift Purchase

Most subscription boxes offer gift options where you pay upfront for a set number of months:

• 3-month gifts: Good for testing
• 6-month gifts: Shows commitment
• 12-month gifts: Best value, maximum impact

Option 2: Gift Card

Many boxes sell gift cards, letting recipients choose their plan and preferences.

Option 3: Prepaid Subscription

Some services let you set up a subscription in someone else’s name with your payment info.

Tips for Gifting Subscriptions

1. Consider Their Space

A craft subscription box requires storage. Food boxes need refrigeration. Consider the recipient’s living situation.

2. Check for Allergies/Restrictions

Food and beauty boxes need preference customization. Either fill out the survey yourself (if you know their needs) or let them do it.

3. Include a Nice Card

Subscription gift confirmations can feel impersonal. Add a handwritten note explaining why you chose this gift.

4. Time the First Delivery

Many boxes let you schedule the first delivery. Coordinate with birthdays or holidays.

5. Don’t Commit to Annual

Gift 3-6 months. If they love it, they can continue. If not, no awkward commitment.

Last-Minute Gift Options

Need a gift TODAY? These boxes offer instant digital gift cards:

• Book of the Month
• Stitch Fix
• HelloFresh
• BarkBox

Return & Exchange Policies

Unlike physical gifts, subscriptions can’t be returned. However:

• Most boxes offer pausing or skipping
• Some transfer subscriptions between people
• Many provide credit toward different products

Always check the specific box’s policy before purchasing as a gift.

Summary

The best subscription gift matches the recipient’s interests and fits naturally into their life. When in doubt:

• Start with a shorter commitment (3 months)
• Choose boxes with high customization
• Look for boxes with easy skip/pause options
• Add a personal note explaining your choice

Browse our full collection to find the perfect subscription gift for everyone on your list!