Real-world shopping isn't exactly on the cards right now and there's always something special about getting a surprise message – which is why we've rounded up the best subscription boxes you can sign up for right now. Our subscription options cover a wide range of topics including vinyl, photographic film, comics, and healthy food. So whatever your likes and hobbies, chances are you'll find something to make you smile when you inevitably forget to sign up. Of course, many subscription boxes also make great gifts, so the following options are worth considering for the tech or pop culture fan in your life. Especially if you can't physically meet them to deliver a birthday present in person. We'll be updating this page regularly, but right now these are our favorite subscription boxes, so in no particular order, let's browse...
The best subscription boxes at a glance:
- Wax and Buffer
- Loot box
- Watch gang
- Cool movie
- Discovery Club Gadget
- The retro
- Brickbox
- Conscious leader
- Snack to the Franks
(Image credit: wax and pad)
- Ideal for: music lovers.
- What you get Two carefully selected vinyl records per month
- How much € 30 per month
Yes, Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist is a decent way to discover new music, but it doesn't exactly have the human touch of Wax & Stamp. If you (or your birthday friend) have a hub, then their subscription service makes a nice monthly gift. Once registered, Wax & Stamp will send you two records (an album and either an EP or a single) in the mail, as well as a monthly letter discussing your options. Earlier recordings included Snail Mail (photo) and Todd Terje's 'Inspector Norse'. Before it goes massive, of course. Subscribe to Wax & Stamp
(Image credit: Lootcrate)
- Ideal for: gamers and TV fans.
- What do you get? A case of assorted articles linked to the chosen topic.
- How many? Prices range from € 9 to € 59 per month
In this world of instant digital gratification, sometimes it's nice to have a good old-fashioned analog item to go along with the game, movie, or TV series you're currently obsessed with, and this is where the Loot Crate comes in. . This subscription service is just as obsessed with pop culture as you are, and it shows with collectible boxes, apparel, accessories, and figures delivered to your door every month. Themes cover everything from Fallout to Harry Potter to Rick and Morty. If you can't decide, you can go for a larger loot box that will serve up themes like 'agents' containing a mix of James Bond, Batman and Archer. Sign up for Loot Crate
(Image credit: Watch Gang)
- Ideal for: watchmakers
- What do you get? A new watch from a different manufacturer every month
- How many Prices vary from € 50 to € 300 per month.
If you don't know your crowns from your chronographs, or if you just want to start a new watch collection, the Watch Gang might be the monthly subscription box for you. Once you've answered a few questions about your favorite style, the Watch Gang will send you a new watch each month that guarantees more value than what you paid for. There are three levels of membership (Original, Black and Platinum) and whichever you choose will automatically be entered into a daily contest to win a Rolex, TAG Heuer or Seiko. Shipping varies depending on where you live: the base rate for the United States is €9.82, while for the United Kingdom it is €19.82 and in Australia you will have to pay €34.82. Subscribe to Watch Gang
(Image credit: Cool Film)
- Ideal for: retro snapper
- What do you get? Two reels of mystery movies every month.
- How Many Prices start at € 15.50 per month.
Smartphone cameras are great, but they're also a bit clinical and soulless. If you still prefer the distinctive variation of 35mm (or 120mm) film, then Cool Film is your new monthly friend. Each pack contains two rolls of 35mm or 120mm film with a description of what to expect, whether it's the vibrant colors of the Fujicolor Pro 400H or the atmospheric, monochrome allure of an Ilford HP5 Plus. Subscribe to Cool Film
(Image credit: Gadget Discovery Club)
- Ideal for: tech geeks.
- What do you get? A new gadget every month.
- How Many Prices start at € 24.99 per month, with annual subscriptions also available.
You're reading TechRadar, so clearly you're already a huge fan of technology. But if you miss the feeling of a gadget surprise on Christmas morning, this subscription is there to give you a taste of the good old days. The Discovery Club Gadget may not send you the latest iPhone, but instead will focus on small brands in areas like clothing, smart home technology, and headphones. But he claims that each box is priced at about double the price you pay, and if you already have one of the items he ships, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee to help you return it. Join the Gadget Discovery Club
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(Image credit: The Retro)
- Ideal for: comic book fans and nostalgics.
- What do you get? Five selected comics per month
- How much € 14.95 per month
The Retro offers subscription boxes for vinyl, classic video games, and even cassettes, but its most unique offering is its comic book box, released in 2014. Choose your favorite fictional characters (from Iron Man to Doctor Who) or the universe, and it'll ship five handpicked comics in the first week of every month. It does not guarantee any duplication, promises all comics will be shipped and packaged, and says it sources copies from independent UK comic shops. You can also change your tastes at any time to start expanding your collection. Subscribe to The Retro Comics Subscription
(Image credit: Brickbox)
- Ideal for: Lego fans
- What do you get? A Lego theme box sets every month.
- How much € 24.99 per month
A great gift for kids and adults alike, this Lego box subscription will send you a themed box of official sets to DIY and build each month. What kind of builds do you get? They tend to focus on smaller sets, the more recent BrickBox following the Lego Jungle theme. This included a Jungle starter set with three minifigures, Jungle buggy and a Jungle ATV plastic bag, allowing you to create a small themed world with pieces that work together. There are also several plans available, the 12-month option lowers the monthly price. Subscribe to BrickBox
(Image credit: Mindful Chef)
- Ideal for: eating healthy
- What you get A weekly box containing two to five meals.
- How many Prices start at around € 21 for two meals.
Launched in 2015, Mindful Chef takes a healthy and eco-friendly approach to the meal subscription box. All of their recipes are nutritionist-approved, and the ingredients are apparently gluten-free, dairy-free, ethically sourced, and refined carbs. Even better, every meal you buy also sees one given to a child in poverty thanks to your partnership with "One Feeds Two." After choosing a delivery window, you can choose between two and five recipes from their 16-option menu, with quantities tailored to the number of people you're cooking for (one-person sizes are available). Delivery is free throughout the UK and there's no contract either, so you can cancel at any time. Sign up to Mindful Chef
(Image credit: Snack at Franks)
- Ideal for: furry friends
- What do you get? A monthly packet of healthy dog treats, plus a surprise toy
- How much € 22.79 per month
It's not just humans that deserve a monthly treat in the mailbox — dogs can get a healthy snack gift box too with this bark-worthy subscription service. Sign up for Snack at Franks and they'll send you four 50g snack packs, three durable chews and a surprise toy every month. The snacks are apparently low in fat and suitable for all dogs, even those with allergies or diabetes. Delivery is also free across the UK, and snacks range from rabbit stew to chicken nuggets. Sign up for Snack at Franks < p class="vanilla-image-block">
Of course, there's nothing like having a high-quality magazine on your doormat, and at Future Publishing we have a wide variety. To see some of the latest deals, check out the links below. The best magazine deals today