Gifts That Keep Giving: Subscription Boxes for Year-Round Joy

What Subscription Boxes Will Santa Bring? 

When it comes to Christmas gifts, subscription boxes are the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. 

Unlike a one-time present, these thoughtful packages deliver joy month after month, making them a standout choice for family, friends, or even colleagues. 

From wine enthusiasts to bookworms, there’s a subscription service to suit everyone.

Here’s why subscription boxes are a memorable choice for Christmas, along with some of the best options to consider.

Why Subscription Boxes Make Fantastic Gifts

Year-Round Surprise: Receiving a gift repeatedly throughout the year keeps the excitement alive long after the holidays.

Tailored to Interests: With a subscription box, you can find a service that perfectly matches the recipient's hobbies, tastes, or lifestyle.

Convenience: Subscription boxes save you the trouble of hunting for the perfect gift by delivering curated products straight to their door.

Unwrapping Joy: Each box is like opening a mini Christmas present, filled with surprises and delights.

Top Subscription Boxes to Consider

1. Wine Clubs for Connoisseurs

For wine lovers, a wine subscription is a dream come true.

Recommended Services:

Naked Wines: Focuses on supporting independent winemakers, offering a selection of exclusive wines.

Wine52: A UK-based service that delivers three premium wines from a different region each month, complete with tasting notes.

Why it’s great: It’s a journey of discovery for the palate, introducing the recipient to new and exciting wines.

2. Book Subscriptions for Avid Readers

Perfect for bibliophiles, these subscriptions deliver hand-picked books to their doorstep.

Recommended Services:

The Willoughby Book Club: Personalised book subscriptions for all ages and interests.

Books That Matter: A feminist book subscription box featuring stories by women and marginalised genders, plus themed goodies.

Why it’s great: Encourages reading while introducing recipients to titles they might not pick up themselves.

3. Wellness Kits for Self-Care Enthusiasts

For those who need a little TLC, a wellness subscription box is a gift of relaxation.

Recommended Services:

BuddyBox: Designed to promote mental health, this box includes uplifting self-care items.

Mindful Chef: A healthy meal kit subscription focusing on nutritious recipes and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Why it’s great: Encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and healthy living.

4. Gourmet Food Subscriptions for Foodies

These boxes cater to those who love good food and like exploring new flavours.

Recommended Services:

Graze: Customisable snack boxes with a variety of healthy and indulgent treats.

The Spicery: Monthly spice kits with recipes for creating world cuisines at home.

Why it’s great: Each box offers a culinary adventure, whether it’s trying exotic spices or enjoying gourmet snacks.

5. Hobby-Based Boxes for Creative Souls

For the hands-on types, hobby boxes inspire creativity and fun.

Recommended Services:

Craftiosity: A craft subscription that delivers all the materials for a monthly DIY project.

Bloom & Wild: A letterbox flower subscription that allows recipients to create their own stunning arrangements.

Why it’s great: Encourages new skills, creativity, and a sense of achievement.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Subscription Box

Know Their Interests: Think about the recipient’s hobbies, passions, or areas of curiosity.

Choose Flexible Subscriptions: Opt for boxes that allow the recipient to customise or pause their subscription.

Check Reviews: Ensure the service has a good reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

The Joy of Giving a Subscription Box

A subscription box isn’t just a gift—it’s an experience. Whether it’s discovering new wines, curling up with a good book, or indulging in self-care, these curated packages bring happiness all year long.

This Christmas, think beyond the ordinary and give a gift that keeps giving—because the best presents are the ones that leave a lasting impression.

Happy Christmas gifting! 

The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Magazine Subscriptions for Christmas

As the festive season approaches rapidly, the quest for the perfect Christmas gift is on. We all want to find something thoughtful, meaningful, and perhaps a bit unexpected.

Enter the humble magazine subscription – an often overlooked but incredibly versatile gift that can bring joy not just on Christmas morning, but all year round.

Why Magazine Subscriptions Make Great Gifts

Personalised and Thoughtful

Magazine subscriptions cater to the recipient’s unique interests, making them feel truly understood. Whether your loved one is a foodie, a fashionista, a history buff, or a sports fanatic, there’s a magazine tailored to their passions.

A Year of Surprises

Unlike a one-time gift, a subscription provides a monthly or quarterly surprise. Each issue arriving through the post is a little reminder of your thoughtfulness.

Sustainable and Space-Saving

For those aiming to avoid clutter or give more sustainable presents, magazines are an excellent choice. Many publishers now offer digital subscriptions, making the gift even more eco-friendly.

Encourages Relaxation and Discovery

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a magazine offers a tactile escape. It’s an opportunity to unplug, learn something new, and indulge in a moment of quiet.

Choosing the Perfect Magazine

When selecting a subscription, consider the recipient’s hobbies and interests. Here are some ideas:

For Food Lovers: BBC Good Food or Delicious

For Fashion Enthusiasts: Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar

For Nature and Science Fans: National Geographic or BBC Wildlife Magazine

For Gardeners: Amateur Gardener

For home and Garden lovers: Country Life (Which my wife already subscribes to!)

For Literature Buffs: The New Yorker or Granta

For the Little Ones: The Week Junior or National Geographic Kids

If you’re unsure, look for a magazine with broad appeal, or consider a gift card for a subscription service that allows the recipient to choose their own.

How to Present the Gift

Since the first issue might not arrive by Christmas, you can get creative with how you announce the gift. Consider:

Wrapping a current issue of the magazine with a handwritten note about the subscription.

Designing a custom card with details of the subscription.

Pairing the magazine with a small related gift, such as a cookbook for a food magazine or a cosy blanket for a lifestyle subscription.

The Digital Option

Many magazines offer digital-only subscriptions, which are perfect for tech-savvy recipients or those who prefer to read on the go. They’re also an ideal last-minute gift, as you can set them up instantly.

Supporting Independent Publishing

Gifting a magazine subscription also supports publishers and writers, many of whom work tirelessly to create engaging, high-quality content. If possible, consider independent or niche magazines, which often provide unique perspectives and are produced with immense passion.

A Gift That Stands Out

While gadgets and gift cards are common, a magazine subscription feels more personal and enduring. It shows thought and care, making it a standout gift under the tree.

So, this Christmas, consider stepping away from the conventional and surprising your loved ones with the gift of a magazine subscription. It’s a gesture that’s as timeless as it is thoughtful – and it keeps on giving, month after month.

What magazine would you love to receive this year? Share your favourites in the comments below!

The Gift of Subscription Boxes: Bringing Christmas Cheer All Year Round

Finding the perfect gift can be a joy, but let’s face it: choosing something meaningful and memorable can sometimes be a bit daunting. 

If you’re looking for a present that will keep your loved ones delighted long after the festive season ends, a subscription box might be the answer. The best part? 

With subscription services for everything from chocolates and cheeses to wines and craft beers, you can tailor a gift to your recipient’s tastes, and ensure that Christmas cheer lingers throughout the year. 

Here’s a look at some of the most popular (and indulgent!) subscription box ideas for keeping the festive spirit alive all year long.

1. Chocolate Subscription Boxes: A Sweet Monthly Treat

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Whether your loved one is a connoisseur of dark chocolate or has a penchant for truffles and caramels, chocolate subscription boxes make it easy to bring a little joy to their door each month. Many chocolate clubs offer curated selections from artisan chocolatiers, so they’ll get to experience a variety of flavours, textures, and cacao blends. Some even focus on fair trade or organic options, which add a layer of ethical gifting to each sweet parcel.

This is the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth, and with so many options, it’s easy to find a subscription that’s truly unique. Imagine your friend or family member unwrapping beautifully crafted chocolate bars with exciting flavours like chilli-infused dark chocolate, salted caramel, or even seasonal varieties.

2. Wine Club Subscriptions: A World Tour of Wine

For the wine lovers in your life, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a wine club subscription. These memberships typically deliver a curated selection of wines every month, with choices ranging from vintage classics to adventurous new world wines. Most subscriptions also come with tasting notes, food-pairing suggestions, and information on the wine’s origins, so your recipient will not only enjoy a delicious glass but also learn about the unique qualities of each bottle.

Whether they’re a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or bubbly champagnes, wine clubs offer a personalised experience and a sense of discovery with each delivery. It’s the gift of a monthly indulgence, perfect for winding down a long day or celebrating a special occasion.

3. Craft Beer Subscriptions: A Brew Lover’s Dream

If you know someone who loves a good pint, a craft beer subscription could be just the thing to make their year a little more exciting. With craft breweries popping up everywhere, many beer clubs provide exclusive or hard-to-find selections from both local and international breweries. From IPAs and stouts to pilsners and sours, each delivery is a new adventure in taste.

Most subscriptions come with tasting notes and food-pairing tips, and some even provide branded glassware or coasters. It’s a great way for beer enthusiasts to explore new flavours and find their next favourite brew. This is a gift that truly keeps giving, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a cosy night in.

4. Cheese Clubs: Monthly Decadence for Cheese Lovers

For the cheese aficionado, a cheese subscription is practically a ticket to heaven. Many cheese clubs deliver artisan selections from local farms or international producers, with varieties ranging from creamy bries to sharp cheddars, blue cheese, and tangy goat cheese. Each month brings a chance to sample cheeses they may never have tried, along with notes on flavour profiles, origins, and serving suggestions.

Some cheese subscriptions even pair selections with crackers, chutneys, and pairing notes for wine or beer, creating a complete tasting experience. Imagine the delight on your recipient’s face as they receive a box of gourmet cheeses every month, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as an indulgent treat.

5. Coffee Subscriptions: Fuel for the Caffeine Enthusiast

If you have a coffee lover on your list, a coffee subscription might be the ideal gift. Coffee clubs typically offer beans from around the world, sourced directly from the farmers and roasted to perfection before being sent out to subscribers. From fruity Ethiopian blends to rich Brazilian roasts, each delivery will be an experience in new and exciting flavours. Many subscriptions allow you to choose whole beans or ground coffee, so it’s convenient for any type of coffee lover.

Some coffee clubs also include tasting notes, brewing tips, and information on each origin, making it an educational experience as well. Whether your loved one is a pour-over fan, a cold brew enthusiast, or someone who simply can’t start the day without a rich espresso, a coffee subscription will keep them happily caffeinated all year.

6. Book Club Subscriptions: An Escape in Every Parcel

For the avid reader, a book club subscription offers the pleasure of receiving a new story each month. Many book subscriptions allow you to tailor the selection to your recipient’s favourite genres, whether they love thrillers, romance, non-fiction, or classic literature. Each month they’ll get a new book to dive into, with some clubs even offering exclusive editions or signed copies.

Some book subscriptions come with added treats like bookmarks, art prints, or themed items that tie into the book. It’s a thoughtful way to give the gift of adventure, excitement, and knowledge throughout the year, offering a mini escape in each delivery.

7. More Subscription Ideas for the Foodie, Fitness Buff, and Beyond

From spices and sauces to artisanal honey or vegan snacks, there’s a subscription service for nearly every interest. For the health-conscious, you can find monthly deliveries of vitamins, protein powders, or fitness accessories. For the home chef, gourmet spice kits or meal kits can inspire creativity in the kitchen. There are even subscription boxes for gardeners, crafters, and pet lovers—each one designed to bring a touch of joy and excitement each month.

Final Thoughts: A Gift That Truly Lasts

Subscription boxes offer the ultimate way to give a gift that keeps giving. Every month, they provide a little moment of happiness, an opportunity to discover something new, and a reminder of your thoughtfulness. Whether it’s chocolates, wine, cheese, or even books, each delivery is like a mini celebration, a touch of Christmas that lasts all year long. And for the loved ones on your list who seem to have everything, a subscription box might be the most thoughtful—and enduring—gift of all.

Fill their stockings with magazines this Christmas: an affordable and inspirational gift for men... and all the family!

With the Christmas countdown upon us, it’s time to choose a gift that really does go the extra mile, that keeps on giving all year long and will be used well beyond the festive season.  

A subscription to Readly, the digital magazine and newspaper app, is the perfect choice this Christmas. It’s guaranteed to inspire and entertain loved ones, environmentally friendly and kind on purse strings too. It's the true definition of a win-win situation!

With a Readly subscription, you can browse and read an absolutely stunning 7,500 digital magazines and newspapers whenever or wherever you wish. Plus the subscription also includes regional newspapers, podcasts and a portfolio of Disney comics and magazines, besides!

There’s really something for entire family wrapped up in one handy app to read on your tablet or mobile wherever you may be. 

Whether you’re into interior design, travel, Pilates, tech, music, fashion, sport or some gardening or enjoy reading business features, news or researching recipes, DIY tricks or looking for something to entertain the kids this Christmas, there’s a title for every occasion - all the latest issues and back issues too!

If you want to curl up on the sofa or read in a snowy log cabin or whilst you are travelling, you can download up to 500 titles and read in the offline mode too. 

And as Readly gives five profiles per household, the whole family can be entertained and inspired with the subscription. It’s unlimited reading of all your favourite titles and many more in a climate-friendly way,  wherever you may be!

5 reasons why Readly should be on every list this Christmas:

Inspire a new hobby: Support family and friends to fulfill their dreams and support a hobby or read about a new travel destination with the huge range of titles available! Whether mainstream lifestyle or niche, there’s a title for you.

Easy reading at home or on the go: as Readly can be read anywhere, anytime, friends and family can use their gift when travelling, cooking, sitting on the sofa, working out, commuting or in the garden. It’s really perfect for every occasion!

With newspapers and podcasts plus magazines - Readly has so many of the leading national, international and regional newspapers as well as magazines for everyone in your family or the family of your gift's recipient read. Or tune in to listen to a podcast, it’s all there, waiting to be enjoyed. 

And what's more, it's a genuinely sustainable way to read. Because reading a digital magazine on Readly results in 86% lower greenhouse gas emissions than reading the printed equivalent. 

You can read too!- a Readly subscription gives users five profiles per household so if you’re lucky enough to live with the person you’re giving the gift to, you can read too!

A subscription is just £9.99 a month and there is a range of Christmas GiftCards available for 3, 6 and 12 months, starting at £28.47 . Visit www.readly.com for more information.

Fill their stockings with Readly magazines this Christmas: an affordable gift all the family will use!

With the Christmas countdown on, it’s time to choose a gift that really does go the extra mile and will be used well beyond the festive season.  

A subscription to Readly, the digital magazine and newspaper app, is the perfect choice this Christmas. It’s guaranteed to inspire and entertain loved ones, environmentally friendly and kind on purse strings too. Win, win!

With a Readly subscription, you can browse and read 7,500  digital magazines and newspapers whenever you wish. Plus the subscription also includes regional newspapers, podcasts and a portfolio of Disney comics and magazines.  There’s something for all the family wrapped up in one app to read on your tablet or mobile wherever you may be. 

Whether you’re into interior design, travel, Pilates, tech, music, fashion, sport or gardening or enjoy reading business features, news or researching recipes, DIY tricks or looking for something to entertain the kids this Christmas, there’s a title for every occasion - all the latest issues and back issues too!

If you want to curl up on the sofa or read in a snowy log cabin or whilst travelling, you can download up to 500 titles and read in the offline mode too. 

And as Readly gives five profiles per household, the whole family can be entertained and inspired with the subscription. It’s unlimited reading of all your favourite titles and many more in a climate-friendly way,  wherever you may be!

Five reasons why Readly should be on every list this Christmas:

Inspire a new hobby: Support family and friends to fulfil their dreams and support a hobby or read about a new travel destination with the huge range of titles available! Whether mainstream lifestyle or niche, there’s a title for you.

Easy reading at home or on the go: as Readly can be read anywhere, anytime, friends and family can use their gift when travelling, cooking, sitting on the sofa, working out, commuting or in the garden. It’s perfect for every occasion!

With newspapers and podcasts as well as magazines - Readly has so many of the leading national, international and regional newspapers as well as magazines to read. Or tune in to listen to a podcast, it’s all there.

A sustainable way to read - Reading a digital magazine on Readly results in 86 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions than reading the printed equivalent. 

You can read too!- a Readly subscription gives users five profiles per household so if you’re lucky enough to live with the person you’re giving the gift to, you can read too!

A subscription is just £9.99 a month and there is a range of Christmas GiftCards available for 3, 6 and 12 months, starting at £28.47. Visit www.readly.com for more information.