The Best Subscription Gifts Won't Feel Like You're Phoning It In

Not all meal-delivery kits stand in direct opposition to your New Year's health goals. Blue Apron offers a wellness edition of its kits, for those looking to lean into veggies without the triple-digit produce runs, though the easiest thing for your giftee is for them to choose what meals they want to make, courtesy of your generous gift card.

For your friend with the formidable Goodreads record, a Book of the Month club membership is always a thoughtful way to keep them up-to-date on the best new releases. They'll get a surprise book in their mailbox every month that's curated by the service, and entry into an online community of opinionated readers. It’s like joining a real-like book club, minus the awkward chitchat.

You don't have to know their usual coffee order to give the gift of caffeine. With a Trade Coffee subscription, they get to choose from literally hundreds of java options from roasters that don't start with “star” or end with “bucks.”

For the fragrance fanatic who's not loyal to any one signature scent, they'll have the chance to sample mini vials of top-shelf eau de parfums from the likes of Acqua di Parma, Burberry, and beyond before closing in on one full-size option.

Why gift just one bottle of top-shelf liquor when you can keep the booze flowing all year long? With a Flaviar membership, your gift recipient will receive one tasting box with three premium samples of small-batch whiskeys inside and a full-sized bottle to be delivered to them every three months. It’s the perfect gift for the person who loves to imbibe...a reasonable amount.

Call us biased, but we think our editors do a pretty bang-up job of curating these men's accessories, grooming essentials, and home goods every month. From full-sized skincare products to beanies and socks and even speakers from some of our favorite brands, each seasonal box is filled with a bounty of things they'll be rearing to open.

Beer Drop lets your favorite craft brew enthusiast customize their kit to their own niche preferences—a helpful service if you can't remember whether they're into IPAs, pilsners, or sours.

The only downer about gifting fresh flowers is knowing they won't last for very long. Urban Stems' subscription ensures that those wilted blooms will soon be replaced with a fresh bouquet arranged by the brand's in-house florists.

If they know the difference between spaghetti and bucatini, they'll love this three-month subscription from the New York-based pasta brand Sfoglini. They'll get shapes they've never heard of made from ingredients they didn't know could go into pasta—and if you're lucky, they'll invite you over for a delicious, carb-heavy dinner.

Equal parts utility and novelty, Breo Box allows your tech-y gift recipient to unbox a new batch of small gadgets and home goods every month, from drones to tiny vacuums.

Unlock their childlike sense of wonder by allowing them to build their own toys. Crunchbox is sort of like adult Legos except they're building functional gadgets that won't end up strewn across the floor.

A gift for Fido is basically a gift for Fido's owner, too, right? With every $35 box, their pup gets to try out new treats and toys that come tailored to the theme. Buy just one as a last-minute gift, or send them a six-month supply for $125 plus shipping.

Put your niece or nephew on the right track to a future in STEM with a subscription to KiwiCo that sends them fun arts and science projects that'll keep them occupied enough to spare you from another Cocomelon marathon.

Having the tools for a close shave really necessitates regularity, which is why Bevel's subscription (which tops them up on blades, shaving cream, priming oil, and beyond) is one of our favorite all-inclusive grooming boxes.

The holidays and all of its endless snacking choices are upon us. Thankfully, there's this subscription from iconic New York City cheesemonger Murray's to help them nibble their way through all kinds of sharp, savory delights.

Jeni's, one of the country's best indie ice cream shops, offers a monthly delivery of the brand's experimental flavors, from kookier blends like frosé sorbet or sweet-tooth classics like salty caramel. Even new flavors—like powdered jelly donut—aren’t exempt from showing up at their door.

Bespoke Post is known for its themed curations, from breakfast ingredients to wildnerness supplies. Buy the boxes a la carte or send someone on a new adventure every month.