You think you've seen it all when it comes to subscription boxes, and then you stumble upon a hidden gem. Whether it's a gift subscription or a nostalgic masterpiece, there's always something new to discover in the subscription box world. We recently asked our reviewers to submit their favorite hidden gem subscription boxes and created a list based on their responses. Get ready to discover some of the coolest (and maybe strangest?) boxes you never knew existed that are packed with fun and value. There's a bit of everything in the following list, from cocktail kits and food to golf gear, video games, and more.
The 10 Best Hidden Gem Subscription Boxes:
For the Wannabe Mixologists
For Those Who Cherish Classic Video Games
For Beauty Lovers Searching for Cruelty-Free Essentials
For Kids Who Learn STEM Best Through Play
For New Plant Parents
For Young Readers Who Love To Learn While Playing
For Those Who Want A Mix of Snacks and Self-Care Products
For the Bookworms Who Want Customized Indie Reads
For the Seafood Lovers Looking to Try New Foods
For Eco-Conscious Subscribers Looking to Clean Up their Homes
The 10 Best Hidden Gem Subscription Boxes
1. Cocktail Courier Premium Alcohol Cocktail Kit Subscription
For the Wannabe Mixologists
Image via Cocktail Courier.
Key Features
- Cost: $46 without alcohol, or $68 with alcohol
- What You Get: high-quality spirits (optional), fresh citrus, and seasonal ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes
- Best for: those who love being the life of the party (or the best host/hostess ever)
It’s right in the name - Cocktail Courier provides the ingredients and instructions you need to create seasonal craft cocktails. You’ll select your favorite spirit categories, then receive everything necessary for 6-8 delicious cocktails. The instructions are well written and easy to follow — and yes, the alcohol you’ll need is included (along with garnishes, aromatics, and more). Just want the mix, but no alcohol? Cocktail Courier also offers alcohol-free cocktail kits as well.
Pros
- Choose alcohol or no alcohol
- Receive everything you need to make craft cocktails
- Seasonally themed drinks
Cons
- Only one type of drink option per box
- Subscribers of certain states can't receive the alcoholic version
2. Video Game Mystery Box from Premier Trading Cards
For Those Who Cherish Classic Video Games
Image via Video Game Mystery Box.
Key Features
- Cost: $32.99 per month
- What You Get: 1 iconic video game for your preferred console
- Best for: those who miss the classic video games of their youth (90's-early 2000s)
Remember those classic video games from your childhood like Super Smash Bros 64 and Pokémon Red? As a 90's baby, I certainly do! If you've ever wanted to go back in time and revisit the highlights of your youth, then Video Game Mystery Box is exactly what you need. This game subscription box delivers a random video game from your preferred platform each month. When signing up, you can choose to receive a game from the following types of consoles:
- PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1, PSP
- XB1, 360, Xbox
- Wii U, Wii, Gamecube
- 3DS, NDS, GBA, GBC, Gameboy
- N64, NES, SNES
Pros
- Receive 1 classic video game per month
- You get to choose your preferred platform/console
- Great way to build your collection of childhood favorites
Cons
- You can't pick the game
- You can't pick the rating
3. Vegancuts Beauty Box
For Beauty Lovers Searching for Cruelty-Free Essentials
Image via our review.
Key Features
- Cost: $28.49 per box
- What You Get: 4-6 full and deluxe sample-size beauty products
- Best for: beauty lovers who care about animal rights and want non-toxic, eco-friendly products
This is the perfect beauty box for filling up your makeup bag with clean, cruelty-free products. Each monthly Vegancuts box contains a mix of 4-6 full and deluxe sample-size beauty products designed for skin and body care. All items are free from toxic ingredients and animal byproducts. Vegancuts’ curators highlight indie brands, and each box is valued at $60-$110+.
Pros
- Indie beauty brands are frequently featured
- All products are clean and cruelty-free
- Includes full and deluxe-size products
Cons
- Can't handpick products
- Rarely features makeup items
4. SuperPower Academy
For Kids Who Learn STEM Best Through Play
Image via Superpower Academy.
Key Features
- Cost: $29.99 per box
- What You Get: hands-on STEM projects, comic books, and stories of real heroes
- Best for: kids ages 5-10 who want to learn STEM and have fun along the way
While most parents want to introduce their child to STEM as early as possible, some curricula and projects are either too advanced or just plain boring. That's where Superpower Academy shines! This STEM subscription box for kids delivers monthly "Secret Missions" that come packed with hands-on projects, comic books, and stories of real heroes. This box is designed to help kids work on proven skills for lifelong success while also teaching them about emotions, empathy, and making good choices. And, unlike most other STEM boxes out there, this one doesn't break the bank.
Pros
- Great for kids ages 5-10
- Transforms STEM projects and reading into fun "Secret Missions"
- Very affordable for a STEM box
Cons
- Can't choose the project
- Some projects may be slightly advanced for younger ages
5. The Cactique Boutique Box
For New Plant Parents
Image by author.
Key Features
- Cost: $36.95 per box
- What You Get: mini succulent and cactus arrangement, chic container, top dressing (i.e. rocks and/or moss), care instructions, plus occasional extras
- Best for: those who want decorative low-maintenance plants
If you happen to be a new plant parent or love low-maintenance plants, then The Cactique Boutique Box will make a great addition to your home. Each month you'll receive a mini cactus and succulent arrangement (usually 2 plants) held in a beautiful container along with top dressings and care instructions. You may also find extras like soap, candles, or cactus and succulent-themed gifts too. These small arrangements are perfect for countertops, window sills, hanging shelves, or anywhere else you see fit.
Pros
- Receive a succulent and cactus arrangement each month
- Arrangements are held in a beautiful pot/container
- Expect top dressings and other extras
Cons
- Can't choose the plants
- Only 1 theme available per month
6. StoryCaptain Children's Book Club
For Young Readers Who Love To Learn While Playing
Image via our review.
Key Features
- Cost: $24.95 per box
- What You Get: 2-3 books plus an activity guide and extras like stickers
- Best for: kids ages 0-3 and 4-7 who love reading books that are paired with fun activities
Each month, StoryCaptain delivers 2-3 age-appropriate books for children ages 0-3 or 4-7 paired with fun activities and goodies. The included activities are designed to reinforce the concepts in the books, provide hours of entertainment, and make books even more fun (especially for reluctant readers). Your child will learn about a different culture, place, or time in each box and thoroughly enjoy how vibrant each book is.
Pros
- Books for children ages 0-7
- Receive 2-3 books per box
- Each box comes with an activity guide and extras like stickers
Cons
- Can't choose books
- Must provide own supplies for activities included in the handout
7. Fruit For Thought Subscription Box
For Those Who Want A Mix of Snacks and Self-Care Products
Image via our review.
Key Features
- Cost: $47.99 per box
- What You Get: 5-7 fun and unusual lifestyle products
- Best for: those who want to pamper themselves in a variety of ways
Fruit for Thought delivers 5-7 curated gifts each month that include an assortment of scents, flavors, and colors relating to a specific theme. You can expect to receive a mix of products like home accessories, jewelry, bath and body products, snacks, and more. This subscription box makes the perfect gift but can totally be used for self-pampering.
Pros
- 5- products per box
- A mix of lifestyle products, snacks, and more
- Curated around a monthly theme
Cons
- Can't pick products
- Item quality varies
8. Books & More by Box Of Books - Great Reads Delivered
For the Bookworms Who Want Customized Indie Reads
Image via Books & More.
Key Features
- Cost: $52.99 per box
- What You Get: 1-2 books and 3 novelty items
- Best for: avid readers looking for hidden gems and lifestyle items
If you're looking for a book subscription that goes above and beyond the norm, then Books & More is worth your time. Each month you'll receive 1-2 indie books paired with 3 lifestyle items like journals, skincare, and jewelry. What's more, this book subscription actually lets you customize your plan so you'll only receive books and products that are tailored to your interests.
Pros
- 1-2 books per month
- Plus get 3 lifestyle products
- Each box is tailored to your interests and is unique for each reader
Cons
- Can't choose specific books
- Can't select lifestyle products
9. Tinned Fish Club
For the Seafood Lovers Looking to Try New Foods
Image via Tinned Fish Club.
Key Features
- Cost: $34.99 per box
- What You Get: 2-3 tinned fish delicacies
- Best for: seafood lovers who want to try sustainably caught fish from around the world
Ok, so this is definitely one of the most interesting subscription boxes you'll come across online. While it's certainly not like anything else you'll find, it's 100% worth a try if you're a foodie. Each month you'll receive 2-3 tinned fish delicacies from around the world along with a few condiments that pair well. You'll also be provided with ideas and tips for how to best enjoy each tin.
Pros
- 2-3 different seafood selections each month
- Try seafood from around the globe
- Each box comes with condiments and recipe ideas
Cons
- Can't select seafood
- Can't customize for allergies
10. greenUP Box
For Eco-Conscious Subscribers Looking to Clean Up their Homes
Image via our review.
Key Features
- Cost: $54.9 per box
- What You Get: 5-9 eco-friendly products
- Best for: eco-conscious shoppers looking to make sustainable swaps
greenUP Box is a quarterly subscription box that focuses on providing earth-friendly discoveries to reduce the use of disposable plastic in your life. You'll receive 5-9 eco-friendly products empowering you to use less plastic and produce less waste in one area of your life. Each box is curated around a theme of everyday life to sustain plastic-free habits within that area of your life.
Pros
- 5-9 products per box
- Curated around a specific area of life
- Helps you reduce plastic consumption
Cons
- Can't choose products
- Known for repeats
