A subscription is the gift that shows up again in February, when the decorations are gone and everyone needs a little cheer.
We picked boxes and memberships that people actually look forward to, for kids, dogs, snack lovers, readers and the endlessly curious. Most can be gifted for a set number of months, so nobody gets surprise bills.
Shopping for the dog? See our full guide to gifts for dogs.
For Kids & Families
Something new to open every month.
KiwiCo
KiwiCo Project Crate (by age, one-off or subscription)
See price
Why it's a great gift: Hands-on science and art projects matched to their age.
Lovevery
Lovevery Play Kit (by age)
See price
Why it's a great gift: Montessori-inspired play kits for babies and toddlers, timed to each stage.
Universal Yums
Universal Yums Yum Box Gift (1, 3 or 6 Boxes)
From $29 on Universal Yums' site, November 10, 2026
Why it's a great gift: A snack box from a different country every month. Gift 1, 3 or 6 boxes.
Universal Yums
Universal Yums Yum Yum Box Gift (1 to 12 Boxes)
From $39 on Universal Yums' site, November 10, 2026
Why it's a great gift: The bigger Yum Yum box for families who share everything.
For the Dog
Tail wags, delivered monthly.
BarkBox
BarkBox (monthly subscription)
See price
Why it's a great gift: Themed toys and treats every month for the happy-go-lucky dog.
BarkBox
Super Chewer BarkBox (monthly subscription)
See price
Why it's a great gift: Tougher toys for dogs who destroy everything in five minutes.
For Curious Minds
A year of learning something new.
Storyworth
Storyworth (one year of stories + printed book)
See price
Why it's a great gift: A year of weekly story prompts, turned into a printed book.
MasterClass
MasterClass Annual Gift Membership
See price
Why it's a great gift: A year of classes from famous chefs, writers and artists.
Babbel
Babbel 12-Month Gift Subscription
See price
Why it's a great gift: A year of language lessons before their next trip.
Skillshare
Skillshare Gift Membership (3, 6 or 12 Months)
See price
Why it's a great gift: Creative classes in photography, design and crafts.
Read, Listen & Relax
For calmer, cozier days.
Everand
Everand Gift Subscription
See price
Why it's a great gift: Audiobooks and ebooks for commuters and bedtime readers.
Blinkist
Blinkist Premium 1-Year Gift
See price
Why it's a great gift: Book key ideas in 15 minutes, for people who wish they read more.
Headspace
Headspace Gift Subscription
See price
Why it's a great gift: Meditation and sleep sounds for a calmer new year.
Our gift-giving tips
- Pick a gift option with a fixed number of months so the recipient never gets billed.
- Print the confirmation email and put it in a card to unwrap on Christmas morning.
- For kids' crates, choose the line that matches their age today; they grow fast.
Questions & answers
What is the best subscription box gift?
It depends on the person: KiwiCo for curious kids, BarkBox for dogs, Universal Yums for snack lovers, Storyworth for grandparents, and MasterClass or Babbel for lifelong learners.
Will the recipient be charged after the gift ends?
Gift options usually run for a fixed time. Check the terms on the brand's site before you buy, and choose the prepaid gift option where there is one.
Can I give a subscription as a last-minute gift?
Yes. Many of these are delivered by email, so you can print a card and wrap it.
Prices shown were checked on each brand's website on the date given and may change at any time, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Where we couldn't verify a price, we show "See price".
