Last Minute Holiday Gifts: 10 Unique Monthly Box Subscriptions
The concept of a monthly mailing was pioneered by magazines and newspapers. Their subscription-based service caught on over the years, and now many businesses follow the model. Think about it: a one-time sale for a product is just a one-time sale, but a one-time sale that will send a product or service your way for the next 12 months gets you accustomed to the product and builds brand loyalty.
Businesses benefit because of the consistency of revenue. Consumers find these services convenient and a great way to save time and money. This holiday season, why not give the gift that literally keeps on giving? Here are some of my favorite options to choose from. With such diverse options, you'll definitely find something for everyone on your list.
Baked by Melissa
This popular cupcake shop brings the famous New York-based treats to your front door through their Mini of the Month Club. At the beginning of the month, they deliver their newest flavor of mini cupcakes right to your door for either three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions. You can also choose between 25, 50 or 100 cupcake deliveries, the latter being perfect to order for a whole family!
The Purple Carrot
TPC is a customizable meal kit delivery service that provides customers all the raw, pre-measured ingredients they need to cook healthy meals and snacks at home. Featured snacks in the past have included coconut energy bites, no-bake granola, and chocolate bark. TPC differs from similar services because they do not include any dairy, meat, poultry, or eggs in their recipes. These plant-based recipes are curated by celebrity chefs and take as little as 20 minutes to prepare.
Scrumptious Pantry
Called the Heirloom Club, this three- or six-month subscription offers the company's seasonal food products delivered to your doorstep with more information about the product and the farmers that grow the ingredients. You'll also get a recipe that focuses on the product as an integral ingredient. For example, the Heirloom Hot Sauces package showcases rare heirloom peppers that are wild-foraged in Indiana.
Bacon of the Month Club
Pretty sure the name says it all. Who doesn't love bacon? A Bacon of the Month club subscription includes delivery of two packages of thick-cut bacon every month. With over 35 varieties of bacon, your gift recipient won't ever be bored by the selection. All the bacon is nitrate-free, gluten-free, and pepper-free.
Saffron and Kumquats
This box offers five samples of a mix of spices, grains, beans, and nuts, and five recipes with which to use those ingredients. They're usually unique and something the home cook might not have in their pantry. Subscriptions to Saffron and Kumquats are available in vegetarian versions as well as non-vegetarian, and every month focuses on a different global cuisine, such as Persian, Mexican, or Indian.
Home Chef
This no-frills service caters to every individual dietary preference including gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and any allergies you have. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced with easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes. Just in time for the holidays, Home Chef is introducing a Build Your Own Holiday Meal Kit, where you can choose from à la carte main dishes and sides, customizable to any party size and dietary need. [pullquote:right]
Plated
This meal kit subscription service delivers fresh ingredients and chef-designed recipes for a home-cooked meal from scratch. Plated just announced its "Food with Thought" pledge, an industry first for ingredient standards. Plated now guarantees no antibiotics or added hormones in all of its meats and 100-percent domestic, sustainably sourced seafood. So if your friend is a stickler for whole foods, consider this option.
NatureBox
This snack subscription service delivers wholesome snacks to your (or your recipient's) doorstep every month. NatureBox is a healthy commitment, ideal for those who resolve to eat and snack better in 2015. Recipients select five snacks such from a catalog of over 100 items, or they can choose to be surprised and have the company curate a collection for them.
Handmade Beauty Box
Cook up something different with this DIY beauty concept that gives you the opportunity to use your kitchen for more than just making dinner. Handmade Beauty Box delivers beauty and spa projects monthly, with all-inclusive sets of ingredients and instructions. Upcoming boxes include all-natural lipsticks made with coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and avocado oil. Yum!
The Lobster Place
Their Fish of the Month Club offers access to a unique selection of finfish. Each month, you (or your giftees!) get to hand-pick five varieties of finfish (at one pound each) from a list of those that are extremely fresh and in-season. Each pound of fish is individually vacuum-sealed and comes with cooking tips and finish information.