Savvy consumers are by now familiar with subscription box services like Birchbox and BarkBox, and a couple of the celebrity-curated boxes like Fabletics by Kate Hudson and Honest by Jessica Alba. But there’s a whole world of boxes out there covering the most niche categories. There are boxes for brides, boxes for winos, boxes for gaming nerds, boxes for romance novel addicts, and plenty more.
We’ve rounded up the most unique, fun, and surprisingly essential box subscription services out there.
Arcade Block
Do you pine for ‘90s era Nintendo video games and merchandise? If so, you’re in luck. Arcade Block, the subscription box from Nerd Block sends you four to six old-school video game collectibles such as autographed gear or a game-related T-shirt every month for $19.99, or a bit less if you opt in for longer. If you want to switch things up, you can trade in Arcade Block for one of Nerd Blocks' other subscription boxes such as the Sci-Fi Block, Horror Block, or Comic Block.
Tulle La La
Planning for the big day but want to cut out some of the in-store stress with at-home deliveries? Tulle La La is a subscription-based service for brides-to-be that delivers four to five monthly wedding planning “Tulles,” and advice right to your door. You can sign up for eight monthly deliveries at $40 per month, six monthly deliveries at $43 per month, or four months at $45 per month. Most of the goodies you’ll receive are meant to generate excitement about being a bride. Tulle La La also offers a Bridesmaid Box, a Groom Box, and a Groomsman Box.
Break-Up Box
Let’s hope the brides don’t need this one! The Break-Up Box, designed for those recovering from a disappointing dude, is exactly what it sounds like and comes in three varieties: a small box, aka the Matt, for $30; a medium box, aka the Trevor, for $45; and the large box, aka the Chad, for $60. You can’t put a price on heartbreak, but you can get some amusing consolation in the form of fancy chocolates, a face mask, and copy of the movie "Eat, Pray, Love," along with other “boyfriend detox” goods.
Teens Turning Green
If you’re looking to support teens doing right by the environment, you may appreciate this assortment of seasonal kits from Teens Turning Green, a student-led initiative. The Conscious Collection is an eco-friendly box that touts an array of items, with the theme depending on the season. Recent offerings have included the “Magnificent Mom” box in anticipation of Mother’s Day — which featured organic, fair trade, and non-GMO specialty items including beauty goods — for $75. There’s also a Valentine’s Day, Graduation Day, Holiday, and Back To School collection. All proceeds support the Teens Turning Green Summer Internship Program.
Runchkins
Kids, they grow so fast! And that can be taxing on your wallet, especially when your only option once they’ve outgrown their threads is to hand them down or donate them. Enter Runchkins, a monthly outfit subscription service for children up to six years old. For $38 you can get an entire new outfit per month, or for $19 a month you can get a gently used outfit. Runchkins will buy back used outfits, and based on their condition, will refund your account between 15 and 30 percent.
Splendies
Ladies, how often do you buy new underwear? Don’t answer that. Instead, consider a service like Splendies, where you can sign up to receive three new pairs of panties a month, indicating your size and style preference for $13.99 a month, or a bit less if you commit for a longer period. For curvier bodies, check out the plus-sized selection, Volupties, which goes for $16.99 a month.
My Guilty Pleasures Book Crate
Romance readers, rejoice in this subscription service that allows you to choose your genre: erotic, historical, or new adult romance. Plans start at $14.99 a month, and go up to $39.99. Depending on your price range, you can get a book-velope, a mini-box, or a crate. This service looks to be pretty popular — July crates are all sold out, so you’ll have to check back next month. You can also follow their sexy Instagram account for a chance at free giveaways.
Vinebox
Rather than sending you one bottle of wine per month, Vinebox delivers three glasses of different limited-production wines from all over the world to your door. The glasses come in slender, capped vials, all tucked in a foam-protective case, and each selection accompanies notes for recommended pairings. The service starts at $30 per month (it’s a bit more if you want less than a year commitment). Full-sized bottles can be bought at any time by anyone.
Tea Sparrow
As vast and complex as the world of wines is that of tea. For $20 a month, this particular "tea service" will send you four different teas chosen by tea connoisseurs and sommeliers. Currently you’ll find a collection of exotic blends such as Walnut Green Tea; or Maracuja Orange, which can be served iced for those hot summer days.
RatPak
There are quite a few subscription box services for dogs and cats, but what about the pet rats and other little critters? Well, fortunately, there’s RatPak, the monthly subscription service for our beloved rodents. Ideal for one or two rats, the MiniPak comes with two treats and a chew toy for $15 a month; while the Original RatPak has six to seven treats and can serve up to three furry friends, for $25 a month.