10 Book Subscription Boxes That Are Great Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers

I know that I have written on here that the average book lover doesn’t want a book as a gift, but rather than actually getting a book, why don’t you give a book lover in your life an eBook subscription? 

Now, how does a book subscription work? 

Essentially, the subscriber gets certain books sent to them every month, and depending on the book service, it could be selected based on the genre, the season, the general mood, or you can actually just decide that you want a certain book every month and you’ll be sent it. 

Every program has its own way of operating, but a book subscription really goes a long way because you literally just get a new book every month like clockwork as long as you pay your subscription fees. 

I love it, and I feel like it makes a perfect gift.

In this particular post, I’ll be telling you my favorite book subscription services that are also cheap and make for perfect gifts.

Why Book Subscription Boxes Make the Best Gifts

Before jumping into the list, I want to say why I think these boxes make such thoughtful gifts, especially at Christmas:

1. They’re like a surprise treasure every month (or quarter) and not just a one-time gift.

2. Many include extras beyond the book like bookmarks, candles, snacks, or themed goodies.

3. They introduce you (or your giftee) to new authors and genres you might not pick on your own.

4. The boxes are a perfect way to show you care about the recipient’s passions.

And honestly, I love getting mail, especially mail that feels like a present just for me.

So if you’re looking for something that feels personal, thoughtful, and keeps on giving, book subscription boxes are the way to go.

Book of the Month (BOTM)

I have to start with Book of the Month because it’s the subscription I’ve used most consistently. It’s super popular, and for good reason.

I love it because you get to choose your book every month from a curated list of 5 brand-new releases. I like that I’m not stuck with a surprise — if one of the titles catches my eye, I can pick it, or I can skip a month.

The books are always recent and often bestselling or debut novels getting a lot of buzz. Their selections cover a range of genres — contemporary fiction, mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, and sometimes nonfiction.

And, shipping is reliable and quick, which is great around the holidays when timing matters.

How It Works:

1. Every month, BOTM sends you 5 books to choose from.

2. You pick your favorite (or skip if you want).

3. The book ships directly to you.

They also offer add-ons like extra books or bookish goodies if you want.

Who I Recommend It For:

1. Readers who love discovering new releases.

2. People who want some choice instead of a total surprise.

3. Those who enjoy contemporary and literary fiction.

I gifted a BOTM subscription to my sister last Christmas, and she told me she loved how it helped her catch up with all the new books everyone was talking about. 

And, she liked having the option to skip months when her TBR pile was getting too tall (been there!). I even grabbed a subscription for myself and found a few all-time favorites through the service.

Once Upon a Book Club

If you want to give a gift that’s way more than just a book, Once Upon a Book Club is a gem. This one turns reading into an interactive experience.

Why It’s Special:

1. Each box comes with a book plus wrapped gifts that correspond to specific pages in the story.

2. When you reach the right page, you unwrap the matching gift and it adds a tactile, real-world connection to the story — whether it’s a tea bag, a candle, a bookmark, or a keepsake.

3. The boxes are themed beautifully and designed to create a cozy reading experience.

How It Works (Step-by-Step):

1. You get a book in the box, and they’re usually new releases or carefully chosen titles.

2. The box contains several wrapped gifts with page numbers written on them.

3. As you read, you pause to open each gift on the indicated page.

4. The gifts deepen your immersion — it might be something the character uses, a themed treat, or a sentimental item.

Who I Recommend It For:

1. People who love surprises and little treasures.

2. Readers who enjoy fully immersing themselves in the story.

3. Book lovers who also appreciate candles, tea, and self-care goodies.

This was a gift I gave myself last year when I wanted to treat myself to some extra coziness in the winter. 

I still remember the joy of unwrapping the little packages. This one is perfect if you want to slow down and savor your reading time.

The Bookish Box (Books + Merch)

If your giftee is the type of person who collects bookish merch (I’m raising my hand here!), then The Bookish Box is a wonderful pick.

What It Offers:

1. Each box includes a hardcover book (sometimes signed editions).

2. It comes with exclusive, high-quality bookish items like enamel pins, tote bags, candles, art prints, and more.

3. They often collaborate with authors or artists to make the items unique.

What You Get in a Box:

1. One brand-new hardcover book.

2. 3-5 exclusive bookish items.

3. Sometimes a bookish-themed snack or candle.

Why It’s Awesome:

1. The merch makes great keepsakes and gifts beyond the book itself.

2. The packaging is lovely and designed with book lovers in mind.

3. The book picks are usually fantasy, sci-fi, or contemporary genres with a lot of fandom appeal.

Who It’s Great For:

1. Readers who love collecting unique book-related items.

2. Fans of genres like fantasy or YA.

3. Anyone who likes a little extra wow with their books.

I gave this box to a friend who’s a huge fantasy fan, and she was thrilled. The pins and prints were beautiful and she said it felt like a mini fan club package every month. 

I don’t use the merch as much myself, but I appreciate how it turns reading into a lifestyle.

The Willoughby Book Club

If the person you’re gifting is more of a classic or literary fiction lover, this is a subscription box you’ll want to consider. 

It’s beautifully curated and leans toward timeless, thoughtful reads.

What Makes It Stand Out:

1. The books are carefully chosen from classic literature, modern classics, and literary fiction.

2. Boxes often include essays or notes about the book, deepening the reader’s understanding.

3. Sometimes they include cozy items like bookmarks, tea, or stationery that feel timeless and elegant.

How It Works:

1. You receive a book every month or quarter, depending on your plan.

2. Each box includes extras designed to enhance the reading experience.

3. The books often come with a letter or booklet with insights about the author or the story.

Who It’s Best For:

1. Readers who love literary fiction and classics.

2. People who enjoy thoughtful, slower reads.

3. Anyone who appreciates beautiful, meaningful packaging.

I subscribed to The Willoughby Book Club for a few months because I wanted to dive into more literary fiction but wasn’t sure what to pick next. 

It really broadened my horizons and gave me books I might have missed otherwise. 

The little essays included helped me feel more connected to the stories and almost like I was part of a small book community.

OwlCrate

OwlCrate is a subscription box that shines if you’re shopping for someone who loves YA, fantasy, and magical stories — basically, anyone who wants to escape into an imaginative world.

What’s Inside:

1. A newly released YA book, often fantasy or sci-fi.

2. Several exclusive bookish goodies like enamel pins, stickers, jewelry, or apparel.

3. Sometimes a themed item like a mug or candle.

Why It’s So Fun:

The theme changes monthly and ties everything together, from the book to the merch.

And, I like that the items are exclusive and highly collectible. It’s great for readers who love fandoms and unique book swag.

Who to Gift This To:

1. Teens and young adults (or adults who love YA!).

2. Fantasy and sci-fi fans.

3. Anyone who enjoys a magical or adventurous read.

I got OwlCrate as a gift from a friend once, and it felt like Christmas morning every time the box arrived. 

The excitement of unboxing those cute themed goodies along with a great YA novel made reading feel extra special. 

If your giftee loves going into magical worlds, this is a fantastic choice.

Signed First Edition Book Club (by Harvard Bookstore)

If you’re gifting someone who treasures signed editions or is an avid book collector, the Signed First Edition Book Club is an absolute winner.

Why I Love This One:

1. Each book comes signed by the author.

2. The selections include contemporary fiction, thrillers, memoirs, and sometimes sci-fi.

3. Boxes arrive quarterly, so it is more special.

How It Works:

1. Sign up for a quarterly subscription.

2. Receive a signed hardcover book, often with exclusive cover designs.

3. Enjoy the pride of owning a signed edition.

Who It’s Best For:

1. Collectors who value signed books.

2. Readers who enjoy premium editions and special releases.

3. Anyone who wants a unique, limited edition to treasure.

I once bought a single signed book from this club as a gift, and the recipient was blown away by how special it felt. 

Later, I gave the subscription itself to another friend, and they loved the exclusivity and the joy of having a signed book to add to their shelves. 

It’s a thoughtful gift for book lovers who like something a little extra.

The Cozy Reader Club

When I want to recommend a box that’s all about cozy vibes, comfort reads, and self-care, The Cozy Reader Club is my go-to.

What’s Inside:

1. A carefully chosen cozy book — think feel-good fiction, gentle mysteries, or heartwarming stories.

2. Self-care items like candles, tea, bath products, or cozy socks.

3. Bookish extras like bookmarks or bookplates.

How It Works:

1. You get a monthly box with a book plus 3-4 cozy items.

2. Each box has a theme to enhance the comfort factor.

3. Settle in for relaxing reading time with your treats.

Who It’s For:

1. Readers who love slow, comforting reads.

2. People who appreciate self-care and me time.

3. Anyone who wants a little cozy joy during stressful times.

During a particularly hectic season last year, I treated myself to The Cozy Reader Club. 

It was like a little reset button — the books were soothing, and the candles and tea made my reading nook feel like a tiny sanctuary. 

If you know someone who deserves a little calm and comfort, this box is perfect.

Bookishly Box

If you want a subscription that feels like a personal gift from a friend who knows exactly what your reading tastes are, Bookishly Box is an option worth exploring.

How It Works:

1. You fill out a reading profile highlighting favorite genres, authors, and interests.

2. The Bookishly team handpicks your book each month.

3. You receive a box tailored to your tastes with fun extras.

Who It’s Great For:

1. Readers who want a more personalized subscription.

2. People who appreciate thoughtful curation.

3. Anyone who likes surprises but prefers them to be well matched.

I once filled out a profile for a friend who was picky about her books and she told me this was the first box she actually loved every month. 

The personal touch made a big difference, and the extras were thoughtful without being overwhelming. It’s like having a book-loving friend choose your gifts.

How to Choose the Perfect Book Subscription Box for Your Loved One

Okay, now that you know my favorite book boxes, here’s a quick guide on how to pick the right one:

1. Think About Their Reading Preferences

Are they into contemporary novels, literary classics, fantasy, or YA? Different boxes focus on different genres.

2. Decide How Much Choice They Want

Some boxes let you pick your book each month (like Book of the Month), while others are surprise-only.

3. Consider If They Like Bookish Extras

If they love merch or themed gifts, go for boxes like The Bookish Box or Once Upon a Book Club.

4. Check Delivery Frequency and Budget

Some subscriptions are monthly, others quarterly. Prices vary, so pick what works best for your budget.

5. Look for Reviews and Unboxings

If you want to be extra sure, check YouTube or Instagram for unboxing videos. Seeing what’s inside helps.

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If you’re gifting this Christmas, think about what kind of reader your giftee is, and pick a subscription that feels like it was made just for them. 

And remember, the best gift isn’t just about the books — it’s about the experience, the anticipation, and the little moments of joy that come with every delivery.