97.1 Bob FM 80s, 90s, and Whatever
One lesson we’ve learned from 2020 is the importance of treating ourselves right all year round. Another is the quiet thrill of receiving packages at our doorstep.
Needless to say, subscriptions are a great way to extend these pleasures to the people you care about. Whether you’re shopping for a novice at-home chef, proud parents to a new pup or curious minds venturing to stay occupied, a subscription can deliver joy to their hearts and minds every month — not to mention save them regular trips to the store. And did we mention that the notification for their impending boxes can be delivered almost instantly to their email? No shipping time worries here.
Below we rounded up some of our favorites. Since we’re down to the wire here, check out some of our favorite Amazon stocking stuffer ideas (many of which come with two-day shipping), gift card ideas and all our other gift ideas too.
Atlas Coffee Club (starting at $50 for a 3-month subscription; atlascoffeeclub.com)
Coffee connoisseurs treasure every cup of joe. Not only will an Atlas Coffee Club subscription feed their need (and save room on their grocery list), the monthly deliveries from around the globe will take their taste buds on a world tour. We tried it and loved it.
__________________________________________________________________________
GlobeIn (starting at $33 for a 12-month subscription; globein.com)
As many of us spend more time at home than ever before, it’s well worth making it a beautiful place to be. Each monthly box from GlobeIn carries four to five home goods around a particular theme, sourced from artisans around the world paid above average for their craft. Check out our review of it here.
__________________________________________________________________________
TheraBox (starting at $30.99 per month; cratejoy.com)
Self-care has become as essential as eating and breathing. Monthly deliveries from TheraBox contain one therapeutic activity, drawn from research, and six to eight wellness-inspired treats, from aromatherapy to bath and beauty products.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Adults & Crafts Crate (starting at $30 per month; cratejoy.com)
Crafting can be a hobby or a way of life. Whatever your recipient’s attitude toward handiwork, they’ll appreciate the variety that comes with this monthly crate. Trying out a new craft, like engraving or woodburning, would otherwise require a bevy of new supplies and tools. The Adults & Crafts Crate delivers everything you need to complete a project.
__________________________________________________________________________
Barkbox (starting at $23 for a 12-month subscription; barkbox.com)
Do you have a newly obsessed dog parent in your life? A gift for their furry friend is truly the best one you could give. Every Barkbox comes with two toys, two bags of all-natural treats and one chew, all tailored to a monthly theme. Check out more gift ideas for pets and the people who love them here.
__________________________________________________________________________
SpearCraft Book Box (starting at $25 per month; cratejoy.com)
YA novels are coveted vehicles of escape for readers of all ages. SpearCraft Book Box delivers a new YA title every month, along with themed accessories for a complete bookworm experience.
__________________________________________________________________________
Book of the Month (starting at $14.17 per book for a 12-month subscription; bookofthemonth.com)
Book of the Month offers the sort of selection and flexibility that keeps readers hooked. Each month recipients choose one book from five different titles, curated with an emphasis on early releases and fresh voices. Skip deliveries whenever you like to keep your TBR pile from toppling over.
__________________________________________________________________________
MasterClass (starting at $15 for a 12-month subscription; masterclass.com)
The talent powering MasterClass’ robust library of online courses is staggering. Your recipient might choose to study creative writing with Margaret Atwood, beatmaking with Timbaland or acting with Samuel L. Jackson. Offering digestible virtual lessons on users’ own time, MasterClass is anyone’s best bet for learning a new skill.
__________________________________________________________________________
UrbanStems (starting at $55 per delivery; urbanstems.com)
Fresh flowers are a mood booster from the moment they arrive at your door. Imagine your recipient’s face brightening every month with modern, seasonal bouquets from UrbanStems. You’ll never be far from their mind.
__________________________________________________________________________
Plant of the Month Club ($39.99 per monthly delivery; 1800flowers.com)
For the green thumb on your list who can’t get enough, Plant of the Month from 1-800-Flowers delivers potted greenery in hand-selected decorative planters each month.
__________________________________________________________________________
Bokksu (starting at $39.95 for a 12-month subscription; bokksu.com)
Know a Japanophile who also loves to snack? Bokksu comes packed full of 20-plus varieties of candies and snacks from family-owned businesses, plus a tea pairing and a cultural guide detailing its contents’ origins and flavors.
__________________________________________________________________________
Dollar Shave Club (gift sets starting at $10; dollarshaveclub.com)
Whether they’ve grown a pandemic beard or like a fresh shave before Zoom calls, every guy needs a handful of grooming and bath products. Dollar Shave Club makes it a breeze to keep stocked on reasonably priced, top-quality essentials.
__________________________________________________________________________
ButcherBox (starting at $129 for a monthly box; butcherbox.com)
The gift of hearty sustenance is ideal for the winter months ahead. ButcherBox partners with sustainable farms to deliver humanely raised, high-quality meats, including poultry, beef and pork. Monthly boxes can either come preselected or customized, and Butcher Box offers loads of tips and recipes for preparation.
__________________________________________________________________________
Green Chef (starting at $9.99 per meal; greenchef.com)
For anyone embarking on a new eating program, Green Chef makes meal prep easy. Fresh, organic, sustainably sourced ingredients can be tailored to particular needs, like Keto, Paleo or Plant-Powered.
__________________________________________________________________________
Audible (starting at $4.95 per month; audible.com)
For anyone on your list who has exhausted their streaming services, Audible can open up a whole new world of storytelling. They can listen to luminaries like Barack and Michelle Obama read their memoirs, or catch up on the classics. Pairs well with crafts, meal prep and, of course, snacks.
__________________________________________________________________________
Escape the Crate (starting at $26.50 for one box every two months; cratejoy.com)
Inspired by the escape room craze, this at-home puzzle delivers all you need for a thrilling night in. The concept of escaping your own space is just on the nose enough to make this the perfect 2020 gaming gift.
__________________________________________________________________________
Bath Bevy ($34.95 per month; cratejoy.com)
Our bathtubs have become our full-service spas, and a new batch of luxuriants every month is just what they deserve. Each Bath Bevy delivery includes five to seven products, from scrubs to salts, or choose the new “tubless” option for an array of other options. Gift this one to yourself, honestly.
__________________________________________________________________________
Fresh Baked Cookie Crate (starting at $24.99 for a monthly box; cratejoy.com)
Pandemic baking has been one of this year’s great joys (though sourdough really put our patience to the test). This crate delivers everything you need to make a different batch of delicious cookies each month. Your recipient’s cohabitants will also be writing to thank you.
__________________________________________________________________________
Matter Science Crate (starting at $29.99 for a monthly box; cratejoy.com)
We may all be relocating to outer space at some point. Until then, have the mysteries of the universe delivered to their door. Matter assembles artifacts, like fossils and other natural materials, that allow curious minds to explore the world from the comforts of their home.