There are many book and magazine subscription boxes available now, it can be hard to know where to start. In this post you’ll find some that support mental health, the environment, worldwide charities, small home start ups, and the luxury end of the market.
It’s good to know that in many instances you can buy a one-off box, rather than committing to a subscription. I hope you’ll find something here that you can treat yourself to, or buy as a gift for someone else.
This gift guide includes the following gift and subscription boxes:
Little Book Shed Pre-loved Box
Shelter Box Book Club
Happy News
Quaintly British Lifestyle
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Please note that some, not all, of these boxes have been gifted to me for review. Rest assured that all thoughts are my own and I have only included boxes that I am entirely happy to recommend to you.
If you are a company, small business or charity and think your gift boxes would suit my readers, please get in touch to chat about it.
Shelterbox Book Club
A worthy book gift box is from the ShelterBox Book Club. This has a different approach to many other gift or subscription boxes.
Shelterbox is an ethical book club with profits going to disaster-hit areas such as those affected by cyclones or floods. The monthly membership fee entitles you to receive a new book every six weeks that will be based on stories and cultures from around the world.
You will be able to join in online forums to discuss the book and then vote on a book shortlist for the next delivery. Membership costs from £10 per month although you can opt to pay more if you prefer.
I have photographed two different books from the club. There is no fancy packaging but each book comes with a letter telling you a little about the book and more about the type of people that joining ShelterBox that you will be supporting. There was also a postcard with one of the books, that you could write on and send back to ShelterBox for them to forward to a family fighting the current global pandemic. What a lovely idea.
To order: You can find out lots more information on the ShelterBox Book Club website and subscribe to the book club HERE or if you’d like to gift a membership to someone else you can find that option HERE.
The Little Book Shed
I came across The Little Book Shed as I was following Jen’s bookstagram account. I was so excited by this idea, I just had to share it with you all.
Just like many other book boxes you get a book with a drink and a treat all wrapped up in a nice gift box, but the Little Book Shed comes with a difference – you can chose either a new or a pre-loved book. It’s such a great idea. Regular readers know that I have a strong reuse and recycle ethos and this is the first box of its type that I’ve seen.
When I ordered, Jen showed me photos of the second hand books that she had in stock and I chose one from a new author to me, along with a biscuit snack and hot chocolate drink.
On opening the box, it was beautifully wrapped in coloured tissue paper with a gift card. It really was rather exciting opening all the layers not knowing exactly what you were going to get.
Inside was a gorgeous little treat box containing some love hearts, a chocolate, hot chocolate with separate marshmallows, and of course the book which was wrapped in brown paper and coloured card with a gift tag. It was all beautifully packaged
The book I chose was pre-loved, but in excellent condition, infact you wouldn’t really know it has been read. I will also mention that all the packaging could be reused and the card wrap on the book is perfect to use as a bookmark!
These boxes are ridiculously cheap and I can’t recommend them enough. They are a perfect treat for book lovers at anytime of year, not just Christmas or birthdays. Pre-loved boxes are just £4 or £7 for new books, with £3 postage each.
To order head over to The Little Book Shed Facebook or Instagram page and get in touch with Jen. You’ll be able to chose your new or pre-loved book, along with a choice of 3 different snacks and drinks. You can even opt for a surprise version instead.
Please note that you can order a pink box during October and all profits go to a breast cancer charity. You can also order children’s book boxes too. Such a great idea and nice to be able to support a small set up too.
(Please be aware that Jen works full time and posts these around work commitments so do check her schedule if you need a box by a certain date.)
The Happy Newspaper
I came across The Happy Newspaper last year and thought it was such a great idea – a newspaper that only gives happy news! During these current times, I think this would make such a lovely gift for someone. I know my parents really missed having their daily newspaper during lockdown, but didn’t miss all the doom and gloom that national papers write about. This will make an ideal gift for them.
You can buy individual newspaper subscriptions, a year’s gift subscription (which comes with a gift card in the first issue) and bulk issues if you want to order on behalf of you and your neighbours or work colleagues. They even have an option to order damaged issues which are perfectly readable but tatty around the edges. A great idea if you’re working towards zero waste.
To order: Head over to The Happy News website where prices start from £3.99. If you’re looking to buy the December edition, make sure you get your order in before the end of November.
Quaintly British Lifestyle Gift Boxes
As Quaintly subscription gift boxes can be sent worldwide, they make the perfect gift to send to your loved ones overseas. They have many different British themed boxes filled with quality items.
I have the London box (pictured below) but there has also been a Cornwall themed box this summer, and this month’s special is based on historic Britain.
My box contained the monthly magazine full of tourist information about where to eat and visit in London, as well as interesting articles and yummy recipes. Gift wise there was a fabric face covering, a tote bag, a London mug, some lip balm, shower gel, a print by Jessica Hogarth and a beautifully soft shawl perfect for late summer evenings. Each item was London themed and of the highest quality.
The website is easy to use and you are able to sort by most recent or price. There is a whole selection of gift boxes to suit all price brackets and tastes, from mystery treat boxes, to care packages or themed boxes such as Halloween. You also have the option to upgrade each box to “quintessential” which has added luxury items.
Quaintly also run a tea and book club. you can opt for a one off box, or three and six monthly subscriptions where you will receive a surprise book, tea and treat each month.
Do check out their blog on Love British Lifestyle as they feature many posts from UK bloggers including recipes, book reviews and places to visit, and their Instagram page is adorable.
As with all online shopping please make sure you are using secure payment facilities.
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Tea & Cake For The Soul 
I love subscription boxes the variety of things you can get now is amazing
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What a lovely selection. I love the sound of the happy news, we could all do with a bit of this! And the book subscriptions are great too!
Thanks so much for joining in with #MMBC. Hope to see you again! 🙂
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I love the variety of boxes that are available now, there are so many options and they look perfect for presents or treats for yourself! x
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