Christmas subscription gifts: for presents that keep on giving

Christmas subscription gifts

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

Wouldn't it be great if it could feel like Christmas came more than once a year? With the gift of subscriptions and special days out it can feel just like that. Every month you can look forward to something new and exciting to open, and wouldn't that be the perfect gift?

When Christmas is over it can always be a bit deflating, as all you have to look forward to is the huge clean up afterwards. But with a subscription or experience gift, you don't only get the excitement of opening the present on the day, but you have something to look forward to in the New Year too. You can even get subscription gifts for all the family, or something more individual.

If you are stuck with what to buy loved ones, especially if it sometimes feels that they have everything they already need, and you are too busy for homemade gifts, then a subscription gift is both personalised and thoughtful. It shows you really know what the recipient is interested in and will bring them joy through out the year.

Best subscription gifts at a glance:

•Best eco-friendly toy subscription gift: Whirli toy subscription

•Best vineyard experience gift: English Vineyard Experience For Two With Cheese

•Best baking subscription gift: Family Bakers Club Subscription

It can be hard finding time for Christmas shopping and wrapping in the run up to Christmas, especially with a young family, but subscription gifts do take the hassle out of buying presents. There are lots to choose from to suit everyone, so to make it even easier, have a look at our pick of the best subscriptions and experience days out, for a gift that truly keeps on giving this Christmas.

Best development toy subscription gift

Description

The Lovevery Play Kit supports your child’s learning during important developmental windows with play essentials that are tailored to their exact stage. All toys are built to last and made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics. Starting from 0-12 months, up to 3 years old, there are a huge range of kits to choose from, with a box delivered every 2-3 months (depending on your child's age). You can skip or cancel the subscription at any time.

Review: "I was gifted one of the 3 year old boxes on a rainy day when we were all wondering what to do next, so was an absolutely brilliant surprise! I have a soon to be 3 year old and a 5 year old, we received the analyst play kit. The sensory box was fantastic, they both played together so well with everything. The toys felt well made and sturdy and included things my 5 year old is learning about at school too so she loved 'teaching' my youngest through the toys provided!"

Pros

  • A great range of play kits to choose from
  • Different payment options available

Cons

  • Only suitable up to 3 years

Best toddler book subscription gift

Description

Little ones can enjoy a new book each month with this lovely gift idea. The books are handpicked and wrapped, so your little one will feel like it's Christmas or their birthday each month. Just choose how long you'd like the subscription to last.

One reviewer said: "Excellent idea and the surprise monthly will be lovely for my grandson. Yet to see quality of books and am happy from the description the titles will be good."

Pros

  • New book every month
  • Arrives gift wrapped

Cons

  • Cant't choose titles

Best eco-friendly toy subscription gift

whirli toy subscription
Price: £10 to £100

whirli.com

Description

Designed for 0-8 years old, Whirli offers an eco-friendly way to enjoy Christmas this year with its subscription-based service that allows you to update your child’s toy box whenever you or they like. Meaning you never have to worry about them losing interest or wasting money on toys they won’t use after a few months, because they will always have something new!
There's the option to purchase as a gift card, or send a box of toys ready to get switching.

Reviewer, Michelle, said: "My son absolutely loves seeing his Whirli box arrive! Great way for kids to try out new toys and discover what they enjoy."

Pros

  • Can choose to start with a gift card or box of toys
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • Delivery fees are not included

Description

This fun subscription box is a great way for children to learn about the world. Choose the subscription package you would like, and enjoy the new adventures each month. The post comes personalised to your little one from Geo the Owl and Atlas the puppy who are exploring the world, sending souvenirs and facts about each country they visit.

One customer said: "Lovely product, arrived quickly given the pre-Christmas craziness, and wasn't overly packaged or wasteful. My nephew is excited to start getting his subscription shipments too!"

Pros

  • Choose subscription frequency
  • Can be personalised with child's name

Cons

  • Not suitable under 4 years

Subscription gifts for mums and dads

Best gin subscription gift

Description

Each month, the recipient will receive two 50ml gin samples, plus tasting notes. This is a great gift for a mum (or Dad!) who loves gin and deserves a little treat to unwind. It is a six month subscription package so it provides lots of opportunity to taste different gins.

Julie, a reviewer, said : "Was given this gin tasting subscription as a leaving gift from work. Great idea. Easy to redeem with clear instructions on when to expect delivery. First batch already received and can fit safely through a letter box. Useful tasting notes. Can't rave about this highly enough!"

Pros

  • Different samples every month
  • Packaged to fit through a letterbox

Cons

  • Only one subscription option of six months

Best wellbeing box subscription gift

Description

A truly caring gift, this three month subscription box is all about the recipients's wellbeing. The items included are specifically designed to improve wellbeing using techniques from mindfulness, meditation, psychology, therapy, aromatherapy, crystals and more. Each month has a theme too!

One reviewer said: "A lovely box full of wellness goodies. Nice different selection."

Pros

  • A great selection of items, includes exercises and products
  • Each month has a theme

Cons

  • Cannot choose items or monthly theme

Best vineyard experience gift

Description

Perfect for wine lovers and foodies, this vineyard experience gift is a lovely gift. Not only does the recipient get a tour of Albury Vineyard as well as a wine tasting, but they can also enjoy a selection of English cheeses and return home with a bottle of the vineyard's gold award-winning Classic Cuvée.

Pros

  • Includes a tour, wine and cheese tasting as well as bottle to take home
  • Perfect gift for a couple

Cons

  • Must redeem voucher within 12 months

Subscription gifts for the whole family

Best photo experience gift

Description

It's not always easy rounding up the whole family for a photo, so the perfect photoshoot gift experience will let families prepare for this special day - and you can even take the dog. There are more than 100 studios across the UK to choose from as well, and you even get to take their favourite picture home with you.

One reviewer said: "Got for a family Christmas present.Grate for a young family"

Pros

  • Over 100 studios to choose from
  • Valid for 18 months

Cons

  • £35 deposit is payable upon booking

Best craft subscription gift

Description

Each month, enjoy trying out a new craft from lino cutting to book binding and even Japanese shibori dyeing. The gift box comes equipped with all the tools you need each month, and every month is completely different.

One customer said: "I've wanted one of these kits for ages so I thought this would be an ideal gift for myself from kids and it didn't disappoint. I got a candle making kit with gorgeous copper tins."

Pros

  • Try a different craft every month
  • Clear step by step photo instructions included

Cons

  • May have sharp elements so not great for little ones

Best outdoor experience gift

Description

There is nothing more magical than staring up at the stars, so why not gift an experience that is truly incredible? Take a tour of the night sky and learn about the constellations of the northern hemisphere. You'll be shown how to use a telescope, as well as taught how to take the perfect picture of a star-filled sky.

Review: "The experience sounds brilliant, Bought as a gift for parents who haven't used it yet but loved the idea and look forward to it."

Pros

  • All equipment included
  • Experience is restricted to a small group of eight

Cons

  • Voucher is for one person only

Best family baking subscription gift

Description

A great family subscription gift this includes a recipe for adults and a recipe for children each month. Recipients will receive all the dry ingredients needed in a letterbox friendly box, and you just need to add the fresh bits like eggs and butter. Each box also includes a step by step recipe card and the children's box also includes an activity such as colouring and a chef's hat. Example recipes include, Vienesse Whirls, Poached Pear Cake, as well as S'mores Cupcakes or Gingerbread Penguins.

Review: "Bought as a gift, arrived safely and well packaged. The recipient was very excited and pleased with their gift and cannot wait to receive a further two more."

Pros

  • Great for both children and adults
  • Letterbox friendly packaging

Cons

  • Need to supply your own fresh ingredients

Can I give a subscription as a gift?

Yes! They make perfect gifts, especially if you are unsure what to buy an individual or a family, they make great gifts for dads, mums and grandparents, or even the little ones.. Plus they can be personalised or customised for the recipient. There are subscription gifts for so many different things including food and drink, gardening, crafts, toys, books and magazines, so there is certain to be something your loved one will enjoy. Plus, once Christmas is over, they can look forward to the joy of receiving their monthly subscription throughout the year.

How does gifting subscriptions work?

Once you have selected the subscription gift you want to purchase, you enter the recipient's details. Often there is a choice to either email the gift or send it in the post. Also, there might be a choice for the duration of the subscription or the frequency. Subscription gifts can be personalised or customised making them individual for your loved one. Typically, they are valid for 12 months, but this can vary. We think a subscription or experience gift, teamed with a homemade Christmas card from your little one, makes the perfect present for everyone.

Samantha Ball is a Commercial Content Writer and freelanced for the Mother&Baby website for two years before joining the team full-time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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