I remember when I first came across book subscription boxes back in 2017. I felt as if I had discovered a whole new world. Shopping for books is fun. I can happily spend hours touring the stacks of Waterstones, but receiving a surprise book - there’s something special about that. It’s a gift you give yourself, without knowing what you are going to receive. To me personally it is the ultimate act of self-care.

Of course, this is only the case if you manage to pick the right one. I only managed to stick with my first ever box for 2 months. Not that there was anything wrong with it, the quality was great. It just wasn’t the right fit for me. It came with so many additional items from fandoms I had never heard of. Which was a shame, because ultimately they ended up being donated or recycled.

My current box is a different story all together, I’ve been faithfully subscribing to them for over a year now, and see no reason to change this any time soon!

Now to help you find that subscription which is going to hit all the right spots, I’ve compiled of exciting and diverse book subscription boxes. I am sure one of these is going to make you very happy.

Chocolate and Book

If you’ve been reading my reviews so far, you’ll be familiar with this particular subscription box. It’s easily one of my favourites so far!

"Books and chocolate make life bearable..."   

…so said someone, and the lovely folks at ChocolateandBook second that, but with a dash of something to drink! Which is why, every month at ChocolateandBook they send out a recently published paperback book from your chosen genre, a bar of carefully selected chocolate to go hand-in-hand with that read, and (as if a great book and awesome chocolate wasn’t enough, pah!) the perfect beverage to make the ride that much more enjoyable..!

Pros:

• 8 different genre’s/types of boxes to choose from

• Fabulous customer service (I speak from experience). When my box went missing before it got delivered, Shakira sent me a new box without question and included a lovely hand-written note.

• Delicious ethically sourced chocolate in every box, with a new exciting flavour every time.

• Beautifully wrapped books

Cons:

• Shipping prices can be quite high when you’re not based in the UK

Prudence and the Crow

I only found about this one recently, but I have to admit it is making me consider getting a second subscription box. That wouldn’t be too much, would it?

Founded by two bookworms who were looking for a vintage book subscription service and couldn’t find one, Prudence and the Crow sends out vintage and second-hand copies of books to its huge fanbase. This service is particularly special because you know that each book has not only been tailored to your tastes but has been sourced and hand-selected for you - it’s like receiving a thoughtful gift from a friend. You’ll be able to curate an interesting bookshelf whilst also giving a new lease of life to books that have been long forgotten

Pros:

• 5 exciting options to choose from, however, if your preferred genre is not there these lovely ladies are happy to help you find the perfect book all the same!

• Each book comes with a vintage library card to help you catalogue your growing collection!

• The box fits through your letterbox so no need to wait around and sign for it.

Cons:

• As these books are pre-loved and at least 20 years old they won’t be in pristine condition.

• They currently do not offer worldwide shipping, although they are available in a wide range of countries.

Mr B’s Book Emporium

Ever since hearing about their Reading Spa’s (trust me, have a look, you won’t be disappointed) I have been hoping to plan a trip to this gorgeous bookshop in Bath. However, their book subscription is a great way to bring the shop to your doorstep.

As a recipient of one of their award-winning and bespoke book subscriptions, you begin by completing a short consultation so that they can get a feel for your reading tastes. Then one of the Mr B’s team will be appointed as your dedicated bibliotherapist and will hand-pick a book each month, chosen especially to suit you.

Every book arrives through your letterbox beautifully presented in their beautiful wrapping. And you also receive a stunning, limited edition bookmark to make sure you never lose your place!

Pros:

• You get to support an independent bookstore.

• The attention to detail on the packaging is otherworldly. (If you like packages in brown paper, wrapped with string and with a wax stamp to boot, you are in for a treat)

• Each book is hand-picked for you, based on your preferences.

Cons:

• No books in the month of January (so you can enjoy your Christmas reads, so it not all bad!)

Illumicrate

Illumicrate was one of the subscriptions that started off this whole journey for me. Yes, it is a bit more on the pricey side compared to the other ones, but it is packed full of things to love.

When you subscribe to Illumicrate, you will receive a carefully curated monthly box with a newly released book and a supply of fun, bookish merchandise, like bookmarks, mugs, stationery, tote bags, pouches, art prints and more! You will receive at least 4-6 items in each box.

We work with amazing independent suppliers to ensure that all the products you receive are of great quality and design. The items included are exclusive to Illumicrate, which means you can’t buy them anywhere else!

Pros:

• You have the option to choose a ‘book only box or a box that is packed with bookish goodies.

• Illumicrate works closely with authors and independent artist to offer books and goodies that unique to their subscription box.

• Their bookish items are of great quality and are made to last.

Cons:

• There’s currently a waitlist for their subscription boxes, so some patience is required.

• There is only one ‘genre’ or theme.

Book Box Club

Ok, I won’t go as far as saying I have saved the best for last but… A book subscription that comes with access to its own exclusive book club!? I mean, that is pretty good.

The Book Box Club is an unashamedly bookish subscription box and a secret society. 

Each month they send their members a themed bookish parcel featuring a newly-published young adult book, a selection of carefully curated goodies (for instance boxes have included chocolate, tote bags, signed bookplates and mugs among other things) and an invitation to an exclusive online book group, with the author of that month’s book taking part.

Pros:

• It comes with an invite to your own bookish society, free of charge.

• Ability to enjoy a book-only subscription or one that comes with all the bells and whistles.

• Each month centres on a different theme (for example, Magic Potions or Rule the Stars) and they really hype up the big reveal!

Cons:

• There is only one ‘genre’ or theme to choose from.

So what are your thoughts? Are you ready to subscribe to any (or all, I don’t judge) of these book subscription boxes? Is this the perfect gift for you bookish partner / friend / sister / lonely aunt? Or do you have some good recommendations of your own? I’d love to hear them. Let me know in the comment section below and, until then - just one more page!