When we were asked to give Christmas gift ideas to send by mail, we immediately knew we were going to talk about subscription box and gift boxes! We LOVE to give these as new and updated holiday gift baskets, and are thrilled to share some of our favorites.
These 29 Thoughtful & Easy Christmas Gift Ideas to Send by Mail are subscription boxes and gift boxes from several broad categories, at all different kinds of price points. *Updated September 2025*
This post will help you shop for the long distance people on your list by giving you a list of 29 Thoughtful & Easy Christmas Gift Ideas to Send by Mail. It will give you lots of ideas and inspiration not just for Christmas, but for any special occasions when you want to send a gift.
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Ultimate Gift Guide Series: Christmas & Beyond
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Slowestuff Christmas Section
We love all things about holiday season!
This post is focused the best Christmas gift ideas to send by mail, but you can find all kinds of Christmas and holiday season inspiration in our Christmas section of the blog.
You will find great gift ideas under $50 for everyone on your list, find a way to keep you list organized with this digital Christmas planner, discover 25 amazing gifts any guy will love, even some great gift ideas for your favorite Swiftie.
If you want to do more shopping, we also have all these gift ideas and more linked in our storefront here!
Beyond gift shopping, we have all kinds of holiday themed posts – the best Lifetime Christmas movies, Timeless Blues Christmas songs to add to your playlist, and some great Christmas scrapbook pages to inspire your next layout!
FAQS: Sending Subscription Boxes as Christmas Gifts by Mail
Most services are US-only; some ship to APO/FPO or selected countries. If shipping isn’t supported (or duties are high), gift a digital activation link or e-gift card now and let the recipient enter an eligible address.
Plan on 10–14 days for standard delivery. If you’re late, buy the gift plan today, email/print the brand’s gift note, and schedule the first box for January.
Usually no. They’ll see the plan length (e.g., 3 months), while the receipt stays with you. Any renewals beyond the gift term require their payment info.
Many brands let you pick a start month or delivery window at checkout. If timing’s tight, send the digital gift now and set the first shipment for after the holidays.
What are the best Christmas gift ideas to send by mail?
We always recommend SUBSCRIPTION BOXES in our gift guide for the Christmas season, particularly for those who live far away. It even works great for last-minute Christmas gifts, especially if you want to send something tangible and not just an e-gift card.
There are so many times during the holiday season when you might need to send off a Christmas gift to a loved one—whether it’s a family member who lives far away or a last-minute present you forgot to grab.
We’ve all been there, standing in line at the post office with holiday gifts, hoping they’ll arrive on time and in perfect condition. Not to mention the extra cost for standard shipping or even express shipping if you’re cutting it close!
That’s where subscription boxes come in as a great idea for hassle-free gift-giving.
Which subscription boxes make great Christmas gifts for long-distance family and friends?
Subscription boxes and gift boxes are the perfect gift solution to those who you can’t see in person, because they provide items tailored to your person’s preferences, plus, take care of the shipping for you!
No longer are you limited to the tired Christmas gift baskets or gourmet gift baskets with cheese and crackers. Sometimes, even a wine gift box is not a great idea. Now there are so many options for subscription boxes and gift boxes, you can really find something they will actually love to receive! From books, beauty, relaxation, to flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries or coffee beans or tea for a tea lover, the choices are endless.
We also love that you can customize how much you want to give! What we mean is, you can send a one-time box or subscription, or choose a quarterly or monthly option—meaning your gift recipient will receive a surprise throughout the year!
It’s truly a great way to give something personalized without worrying about shipping it yourself.
What Types of Subscription Boxes & Gift Boxes Are Available?
There are literally subscription boxes and gift boxes for everything!
We have narrowed it down just a bit, to feature four different subscription boxes in each of the categories of: pampering/self care, books, make up, jewelry, flowers, coffee & tea, kids, and finally, one subscription box we call an “all encompassing” gift box subscription that has lots of different items in it.
Subscription Boxes For Pampering
What self-care subscription boxes are easiest to send by mail?
Choose boxes that bundle bath, body, and relaxation items with a gift note option and flexible start date; they feel personal without you handling packing or shipping. This is a good option as a subscription box for someone that you may not know if they have specific preferences – this covers all kinds of things that would appeal to most.
Therabox
Therabox is a subscription we have used for a while, and this is the standard by which all are held! It is so well curated each month, and the quality of the products is top tier.
Laurel & Reed
Laurel & Reed is a clean beauty box that will elevate anyone’s self care routine.
Care Gift Studio
We don’t want to sleep on Etsy shops! There are AMAZING shops on Etsy, including shops that put together fantastic gift boxes. This is particularly perfect if you want to send something a little more customized, on a one time basis, rather than a monthly or regular subscription service. Look at this one from Care Gift Studio!!! Who wouldn’t love to open that on Christmas morning? Love it!
Happy Hygge Gifts
This box is so aesthetically pleasing, it calms us just looking at it. Cozy items are always amazing for self care!
Book Subscription Boxes
What book subscription boxes are best to gift by mail?
These are near and dear to our heart as we LOVE book boxes! There are so many to choose from it was hard to limit it to four. Pick a box that fits their favorite genre, includes author swag or special editions, and lets you send a digital gift message if you’re ordering close to the holidays.
Owlcrate
We were gifted a subscription to Owlcrate and that is what started us on our love affair with subscription boxes! It was the perfect gift for a young reader, as Owlcrate has YA and adult book box selections. They always had the hottest books, and a lot of time with exclusive covers. Owlcrate is based on Canada, so this one is perfect for our Canadian and US friends! Absolutely loved our Owlcrate subscription box and highly recommend this one!
And the story begins
This subscription box will send two books from your favorite genre, all wrapped up and ready to enjoy!
Fairy Loot
This magical box is an experience everytime it arrives!
Beyond The Trope
If you are looking for more of a one time type of gift book box idea, a blind date with a book is such a great way to send a gift! Not only is all the shipping, etc., taken care of for you, you can curate it to your gift recipient!
Check out this from Beyond the Trope – you can pick all kinds of details for this book box. I promise – ANY book lover would love to get this!!
Makeup Subscription Boxes
Which beauty boxes make the best Christmas gifts to mail?
Go for editor-curated boxes with clear product sizes, clean-beauty options, and skip/pause controls; they’re great when you don’t know exact shades. Make Up boxes are such a great idea to try new products to figure out which ones are your favorites!
Medusa’s Makeup
Medusa’s Makeup subscription box is perfect for anyone who loves bold, cruelty-free beauty products, offering a monthly dose of vibrant, vegan-friendly makeup. It’s a fun way to surprise a friend (or yourself!) with something colorful and unique!
Allure Beauty Box
The Allure Beauty Box is a curated collection of editor-approved beauty must-haves, featuring both top-tier brands and hidden gems. It’s a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to discover new skincare and makeup products each month!
How To Be A Redhead
The How To Be A Redhead subscription box is a tailored beauty experience specifically for redheads, packed with redhead-friendly makeup, skincare, and hair products. It’s the ultimate gift for anyone with fiery locks who wants products that truly suit them!
Margot Elena
The Margot Elena subscription box is a luxurious collection of bath, body, and beauty treasures, featuring the most elegant and fragrant products. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves to indulge in a little self-care and pampering!
Jewelry Subscription Boxes
What jewelry subscription gifts are safest for different styles?
Minimalist, gold-tone or mixed-metal picks fit most wardrobes; personalized engravings add thoughtfulness, while easy returns or exchanges reduce risk. A jewelry subscription box is a fun way to receive stylish, curated jewelry pieces each month, letting you refresh your accessory collection with trendy or timeless designs.
Mint & Lily
Mint & Lily isn’t your typical subscription box—it’s a personalized jewelry brand offering customized, meaningful pieces, like engraved bracelets and necklaces.
Reclaimed With Love
The Reclaimed With Love subscription box offers unique, handcrafted items made from repurposed materials, blending creativity with sustainability. It is geared towards both men and women, so you can find the perfect fit for those who love eco-friendly, one of a kind pieces.
Wear Your Magic
The Wear Your Magic subscription box is all about empowering self-expression through fashion and accessories with a mystical twist. Each box is filled with items like jewelry, apparel, and spiritual tools designed to help you channel your inner magic. It’s a fun and inspiring gift for anyone, including men, who love a bit of mystery and flair in their style.
Emma & Chloe
The Emma & Chloé subscription box delivers handcrafted, French-inspired jewelry pieces straight to your door, showcasing chic, elegant designs that elevate any look. It’s perfect for anyone who loves timeless, Parisian style.
Flower Subscriptions
Which flower subscriptions deliver reliably around Christmas?
Choose eco-friendly services with delivery calendars and holiday windows; if timing is tight, send their e-card now and schedule the bouquet for January. A flower subscription service brings a delightful surprise to your doorstep regularly, providing fresh, seasonal blooms that brighten up any space. It’s a fantastic gift for anyone who loves nature and beauty, allowing them to enjoy a burst of color and fragrance month after month!
The Bouqs Co.
The Bouqs Co. subscription service delivers stunning, eco-friendly flowers straight from the farm to your door. With sustainably sourced blooms and customizable options, it’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant floral arrangements all year round!
Farmgirl Flowers
Farmgirl Flowers offers a subscription service that delivers stunning, locally sourced, and sustainably grown flowers directly from partner US farms. What makes this subscription unique is its commitment to creating beautifully arranged bouquets without excess packaging, emphasizing both eco-friendliness and artistry.
ReVased
ReVased specializes in delivering unique, sustainable flower arrangements made from reclaimed flowers that might otherwise go to waste. Their subscription service focuses on eco-consciousness and creativity, providing beautiful blooms that tell a story while helping the environment.
Wildly Native Flowers
Wildly Native offers a subscription service featuring beautiful, native flowers and plants that celebrate local ecosystems. Each delivery is designed to support biodiversity and sustainability, showcasing blooms that thrive in your area.
Coffee & Tea Boxes
Which coffee & tea subscriptions ship quickly for the holidays?
Prioritize roasters/tea houses with prepaid gift plans, roast-date freshness, and printable gift notes; recipients can set grind type or tea format later. Coffee and herbal tea subscription services deliver curated selections of high-quality brews right to your door, offering a delightful way to explore new flavors and blends. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a tea enthusiast, these subscriptions allow you to enjoy a variety of options each month, making them a fantastic gift for anyone who loves a cozy cup at home!
Club Magic Hour
Club Magic Hour is a subscription service that offers a curated selection of premium, small-batch tea from around the world. Each month, members receive unique blends and flavors that are perfect for enhancing your daily brew ritual.
La Colombe
La Colombe’s subscription service delivers exceptional, artisanal coffee right to your doorstep, featuring their signature blends and innovative flavors. Known for their commitment to quality and sustainability, each box ensures you get freshly roasted coffee that elevates your morning routine.
Bean Box
Bean Box is a subscription service that brings you a delightful selection of gourmet coffee from top artisan roasters. Each month, you can explore different single-origin coffees and blends, complete with tasting notes and brewing tips.
Piper & Leaf Tea Co.
Piper & Leaf Tea Co. offers a subscription service that delivers handcrafted, organic teas with unique flavor profiles straight to your door. Known for their creative blends and artisanal approach, each box features seasonal selections that celebrate the beauty of nature.
Kid Subscription Boxes
What kid subscription boxes are the easiest to mail?
Look for age-tagged kits (craft, baking, STEM) that include all materials and a gift note, so parents aren’t scrambling for extras. Kid subscription boxes are fantastic gift ideas because they offer a fun and engaging way for children to explore new interests and learn through play. Each month, kids receive curated activities, toys, or books that keep them excited and inspired, making it a delightful surprise that sparks creativity and curiosity. Plus, they provide parents with an easy way to discover new, high-quality products without the hassle of shopping!
Craft Box
Each box includes all the materials and instructions needed for fun, engaging activities that inspire young crafters. It’s a perfect gift for budding artists looking to explore new skills while enjoying hours of creative fun!
Baking Box
Each box includes easy-to-follow recipes, pre-measured ingredients, and fun baking tools, encouraging kids to explore their culinary skills while enjoying the joy of baking.
Toy Box
The Toy Box subscription service delivers a curated selection of high-quality, age-appropriate toys designed to spark imagination and encourage play in children.
STEM Discovery Box
The STEM Discovery Box is an exciting subscription that introduces kids to the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiments and activities. Each box includes engaging projects, materials, and instructions that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Fragrance Subscription Boxes
Which fragrance subscriptions are safest to gift by mail (and why)?
Sample-size subscriptions are ideal because they let the recipient test multiple scents before committing, avoiding blind-buy misses. Fragrance subscription boxes offer a delightful way to explore a variety of scents each month, allowing subscribers to discover new perfumes, colognes, and body sprays. Each box typically includes sample-sized fragrances from top brands and niche perfumers, making it easy to find your signature scent or experiment with different aromas. They make great gifts for fragrance lovers or anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their daily routine!
Scentbird
Scentbird is a popular fragrance subscription service that allows you to explore a wide range of designer perfumes and colognes each month. Subscribers receive a 30-day supply of their chosen scent in a sleek, travel-friendly vial, making it easy to try out new fragrances without committing to a full bottle.
LUXSB
LUXSB is a premium fragrance subscription service that curates a selection of high-end, luxury perfumes for subscribers to enjoy each month. Each box features a generous supply of exquisite scents from renowned designers and niche brands, allowing fragrance enthusiasts to indulge in luxurious aromas without the hefty price tag.
Olfactif
Olfactif is a subscription service that specializes in niche and artisanal fragrances, delivering a curated selection of unique scents to subscribers each month. Each box typically features three sample vials from independent perfumers, allowing fragrance lovers to explore diverse and innovative compositions.
Wicked Good
Wicked Good Scent offers a subscription box that delivers handcrafted, small-batch perfumes with distinctive, high-quality fragrances each month. Subscribers can explore an array of unique scents made from natural ingredients, providing an opportunity to find their perfect signature aroma.
All Around Subscription Box
What all-around subscription boxes work for almost anyone?
Variety boxes that mix beauty, wellness, and home items feel generous and are easy to gift when you’re unsure of one niche.
FabFitFun
FabFitFun is like the ultimate surprise package that brings a little bit of everything right to your doorstep! Each seasonal box is packed with full-sized goodies across categories like beauty, wellness, fashion, and home, so you get to try out all sorts of fun products.
29 Thoughtful & Easy Christmas Gift Ideas to Send by Mail
We know how hard it can be to get the best gifts when the holiday season approaches. Finding the perfect choice for your Christmas list can be a challenge. These subscription boxes are thoughtful gifts that show you care, but are also so easy! These are the best gifts to bring joy and surprise right to the recipient’s doorstep.
If you are looking for more Christmas ideas and content, we have plenty in our Christmas section, so go check that out!
You can also find all of the listed items and more in our storefront, so check that out for some easy shopping during the holiday season.
If you are looking for more Christmas season ideas, inspiration and vibes, we have a whole section of the blog dedicated to it! Go check it out for more ideas and inspiration!
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Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Enjoy Kwanzaa, and Season’s Greetings to all!
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