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The 10 Best Hidden Gem Subscription Boxes, According to Our Reviewers

Kathryn Giuffrida
ByKathryn GiuffridaOct 27, 2023

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:

  • Cocktail Courier
    Cocktail Courier

    For the Wannabe Mixologists

    Starting at $68.00
    Get Cocktail Courier
  • Video Game Mystery Box
    Video Game Mystery Box

    For Those Who Cherish Classic Video Games

    Starting at $32.99
    Get Video Game Mystery Box
  • Vegancuts Beauty Box
    Vegancuts Beauty Box

    For Beauty Lovers Searching for Cruelty-Free Essentials

    Starting at $24.08
    Active Deal
    $40 off
    Get Vegancuts Beauty Box
  • Superpower Academy
    Superpower Academy

    For Kids Who Learn STEM Best Through Play

    Starting at $29.99
    Active Deal
    Save 30% off your first box!
    Use Coupon Code HELLO30
    Get Superpower Academy
  • The Cactique Botique Box
    The Cactique Botique Box

    For New Plant Parents

  • StoryCaptain Books
    StoryCaptain Books

    For Young Readers Who Love To Learn While Playing

    Starting at $19.95
    Active Deal
    Get 50% off your first box with code MSA50!
    Use Coupon Code MSA50
    Get StoryCaptain Books
  • Fruit For Thought
    Fruit For Thought

    For Those Who Want A Mix of Snacks and Self-Care Products

    Starting at $47.99
    Get Fruit For Thought
  • Books & More
    Books & More

    For the Bookworms Who Want Customized Indie Reads

    Starting at $52.99
    Get Books & More
  • Tinned Fish Club
    Tinned Fish Club

    For the Seafood Lovers Looking to Try New Foods

  • greenUP Box
    greenUP Box

    For Eco-Conscious Subscribers Looking to Clean Up their Homes

    Starting at $54.95
    Active Deal
    10% off of your first quarterly box
    Use Coupon Code MSA10
    Get greenUP box
  • 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

    Starting at $68.00
    Get Cocktail Courrier
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Cocktail Courier reviews.

    2. Video Game Mystery Box from Premier Trading Cards

    For Those Who Cherish Classic Video Games

    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

    Starting at $32.99
    Get Video Game Mystery Box
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Video Game Mystery Box reviews.

    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

    Starting at $24.08
    Active Deal
    $40 off
    Get Vegancuts Beauty Box
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Vegancuts Beauty Box reviews.

    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

    Starting at $29.99
    Active Deal
    Save 30% off your first box!
    Use Coupon Code HELLO30
    Get Superpower Academy
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Superpower Academy reviews.

    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

    If you want to learn more, check out all our The Cactique Botique Box reviews.

    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

    Starting at $19.95
    Active Deal
    Get 50% off your first box with code MSA50!
    Use Coupon Code MSA50
    Get StoryCaptain Books
    If you want to learn more, check out all our StoryCaptain Books reviews.

    7. Fruit For Thought Subscription Box

    For Those Who Want A Mix of Snacks and Self-Care Products

    Fruit for Thought example

    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

    Starting at $47.99
    Get Fruit for Thought
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Fruit For Thought reviews.

    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

    Starting at $52.99
    Get Books & More
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Books & More reviews.

    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

    Starting at $34.99
    Get Tinned Fish Club
    If you want to learn more, check out all our Tinned Fish Club reviews.

    10. greenUP Box

    For Eco-Conscious Subscribers Looking to Clean Up their Homes

    all of box contents on display

    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

    Starting at $54.95
    Active Deal
    10% off of your first quarterly box
    Use Coupon Code MSA10
    Get greenUP box
    If you want to learn more, check out all our greenUP Box reviews.

    Kathryn Giuffrida
    Kathryn Giuffrida

    Hi, I'm Kat! I’m a SAHM and lifetime swimmer who shares about brands that keep busy moms afloat and thriving. While I'm usually baby-wrangling or writing, I enjoy training and savoring shaken espressos in my free time.

    I've contributed to over 200 articles on My Subscription Addiction including best-of lists, recurring reviews, and informational guides. I also work behind the scenes at SUCCESS.com as Associate Editor contributing to digital publications on personal and professional development.

    Want to get in touch? Contact me at [email protected], or connect with me on social media.