The subscription box industry has just exploded with all kinds of goodness, making us rethink the way we shop online, even gift to our loved ones. Theme-based packages of organic skincare, healthy nibbles, engaging toys, even daily well-being needs, all turn the practical into a wonderful surprise, even when we know what we’re getting. Have them delivered every week, month or year. Most often, you can curate boxes, or let the suppliers put together something for you. You can get these boxes on their websites or on an aggregator platform such as Scriberr ( Visit www.scriberr.in ) or Bojo ( Visit getbojo.com ). Bring the fun back to festival shopping, sans the jostling crowds, the tedious hours on the road, and the regifting horrors.
BEAUTY BEYONCES
For those who would like to keep a stream of skincare products incoming every month
The Nature’s Co: BeautyWish Box curates five to seven cruelty-free bath, body, and wellness products such as body washes, body mists, liquid balms, face gels and more. You can either buy this month’s box as a gift, or get a half-yearly/annual subscription. Each month has a special theme, though each edition is available all year round, so you can subscribe from the earlier editions too. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹795. Visit www.thenaturesco.com
It also has a special edition ‘The Man Works’ grooming kit (₹695) with after-shave gel, hair cleanser, face wash and more, for those men growing out their Movember beards.
ZoBag , by Zotezo that comes out with a new cotton tote bag every month stocked with bath products: toners, body wash and oils, and face masks. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹795. Visit zotezo.com/zo-bag
India Grooming Club’s kit, cased in a dignified black box, contains a shaving cream, an after-shave lotion and razor blades. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹850. Visit indiagroomingclub.com
MID-AFTERNOON MUNCHIES
For those who are trying to cut down on eating junk but find it hard to resist when that 4 pm hunger hits
Evolve
The service will bring to you a box of 10 surprise snacks every month that may include almonds, cashews, pistas, peanuts, walnuts and ragi chips. You can choose from the different subscription plans available: monthly, three-monthly and half-yearly. In case you aren’t a big fan of the ‘surprise’ element, you can reach out to them to choose your own snacks. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹540. Visit evolvesnacks.com/subscription.
The Healthy Cravings Co has an assorted collection of roasted jowar puffs and makhana in different flavours, packed together in its 7-day-snacks bundle for ₹449. Visit healthycravingsco.com.
HEALTH JUNKIES
For those whose lifestyles are just plain good
My Embrace Box: The company looks at a cohesive healthy lifestyle, adding in beverages, desserts, and even merchandise such as workout tops and coffee mugs. Each month, the boxes are curated by a different nutritionist. The only catch? It’s a mystery box: meaning you won’t know what this month’s box has until you order it. However, based on the previous months’ boxes, you can expect the likes of okra chips, almond buckwheat cookies and turmeric lattes. In case you are gifting it to someone, you may also choose from three packaging designs, or even select individual products and have them gift-packed. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹1240. Visit myembracebox.com
FOR BABY (AND ME)
For those who want to pamper the mums and kids in their lives
Mama and Peaches: An adorable-looking box set you can gift mothers-to-be or mothers and their newborns. Each month, you can give a personalised box that includes five to seven products related to organic bath and beauty, certified baby products such as growth-stimulating toys, books and activities, and apparel and accessories. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹1999. Visit mamaandpeaches.com.
Flintobox: Great to keep children away from gadgets, it delivers a set of activities related to art, travel, nature, science and more. You need to specify your child’s age, to browse through this month’s edition. For example, October’s edition for four to six-year-olds is themed, ‘Nature Detective’, which teaches children how to plant seeds, and cut grass to increase their fine motor skills, solve a garden 3-D puzzle, or simply maintain a nature journal. Three months subscription at ₹795 per month. Visit flintobox.com
PERIOD DRAMA
For those who can manage to ‘box’ the ol’ uterus puncher
Queen Bee: It sends all you could need to pamper yourself. No sanitary supplies but chocolates. It comes with eight low-calorie chocolate balls of four flavours: coconut, walnut, almond/pista and cranberry/raisin. Other than chocolates, it includes lavender green tea. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹449. Visit thequeenbee.co.in
The Care Bear Box that’s similar but comes with a handwritten note (!) to cheer you up. Also included are disposable toilet-seat covers. Monthly subscriptions start at ₹449. Visit https://bit.ly/2NUwrxb