Best Book Subscription Boxes | Award Winners 2023

Reading is a favorite pastime for many. Offering one of the best excuses to get a little peace and quiet, we’re celebrating every bookworm's right to grab a good read and a warm hot chocolate, find a cozy spot to curl up, and throw around the occasional "shh."

Reading can be just as fun as sitting back and watching your favorite Netflix show. Just how you tell yourself one more episode, you’ll be telling yourself just 1 more (or 2) chapters before you head off to bed.

There’s something so satisfying about getting lost in a new book, and if you haven’t felt that feeling in a while, it’s time to get back into reading. If you’re not sure where to start, no worries. We’ve got you covered with our favorite book of the month gifts.

In an effort to make sure everyone can start (or grow) their TBR list, the Cratejoy team perused the digital bookshelves to find our favorite monthly book boxes. From early readers to the wisest among us, we’ve found book subscriptions for all age ranges and lovers of every genre!

Also, many of these unique book subscription boxes don’t just deliver books – many of them come with useful self-care products like scented candles, body care gifts, and more. You don’t even have to make that extra online order for an at-home spa day. Pamper yourself in a warm bubble bath while you enjoy your new book. And yes, feel free to pour that glass of wine while you unwind.


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Read, Relax & Recharge by Introverts Retreat

From $46.99 per box
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Looking for a monthly subscription box that will help you relax and unwind? Read, Relax & Recharge by Introverts Retreat is a great way to make self-care intentional. Select your favorite book from available options or choose a favorite genre and get a curated selection, along with plenty of pampering goodies like body care products, softly scented candles, gourmet treats, chocolates, and a warm, comforting drink.

Shipping: The first box typically ships in 2 to 3 days. Look for an email with book choice instructions (if this is a gift, please note the book choice email only goes to the purchaser and not your gift recipient's email - they will only receive the gift message notification). If you prefer a surprise book, we'll choose a book for you after a 2 day wait.

Why Subscribers Love It

"What a great box! I'm so pleased! I like the option to be able to pick the book that you would like sent or have it curated for you. The snacks were awesome!" - Tracy A.


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Unplugged Adult Fiction Monthly Box

From $42.50 per box
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Plant yourself firmly in "the book was better" camp with a subscription to the Unplugged Book Box. Some people just know that screens can't compare to the mind's eye, and those readers will love combining stories with self-care. Bringing a new YA book or adult fiction hardbound novel, and a mix of bookish goodies like candles, aromatherapy essentials, and herbal teas, this monthly subscription is all about empowering body and mind.

Shipping: Monthly boxes ship between the 4th-8th of every month!. Renews monthly on the 15th.

Why Subscribers Love It

"The box truly lives up to its name in helping one unplug from the buzz and stress of daily life. They also take special care in supporting local small businesses." - Anita K.


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Books & More

From $39.99 per box
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If they're a book lover, they need a subscription to Books & More! Tell Books & More a little bit about them and they'll curate the perfect book for them each month. Books & More has over 13 years of experiences as an independent bookshop so you can trust that you're getting expert help in picking out the perfect book.

Shipping: Ships within a few business days of order.

"I signed up for this box because I love reading, but have a hard time deciding on what books to read. My first box came with a candle from Hemlock Park, a coffee sample from Elm City Craft Coffee (really excited to try this!), a pen, bookmark, word search book, and two books - Diane Chamberlain's "The Last House on the Street" and Karin Tanabe's "A Woman of Intelligence". Haven't decided which to read first over the weekend, but so looking forward to it!" - Jessica N.


peace-pages

Peace & Pages Monthly Subscription

From $24.75 per box
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This peaceful book box includes a featured novel each month, as well as self-care items -- like bath & body products and aromatherapy -- exclusively from small independent businesses. Every individual reader receives a novel specially selected for them from a curated collection of genres.

Shipping: Ships within the U.S. during the beginning of the month.

Why Subscribers Love It: “This is the book box I look forward to every month! I get a book in the genres I enjoy and several full size relaxing products. I’m not a fan of the boxes with lots of trinkets I won’t use so Peace and Pages is perfect for me!” – Tanya B.


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Bubbles & Books

From $26.92 per box
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Romance readers, rejoice! Bubbles & Books sends a slew of romance novels to subscribers each month, with 1-2 paperbacks, 5+ bonus romance ebooks, and an assortment of premium bath and spa products for a truly relaxing evening. Each month is a welcome surprise, delivering luxe items such as sheet masks, bath salts and bombs, handmade and whipped soaps, candles, teas, and (of course) bubble bath.

Shipping: Ships between the 18th and the 21st of every month.

Why Subscribers Love It

"Great subscription for reading and relaxing! Perfect for those who love to soak!" - Juliana J.


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Our Little Book Club

From $14.00 per box
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Help the kids in your life develop a love for reading and learning with Our Little Book Club. Available for children in 5 different age ranges, no matter where they are in their learning journey, there's a club for them! From newborns to tweens, each monthly book box sends 2 age-appropriate board books, hardcover story books or chapter books, plus 1 activity book with puzzles, mazes and craft ideas and instructions for extra hands-on learning.

Shipping: New orders will ship within 2 business days. Subsequent boxes for following months will ship on the 1st of each month. We can also accommodate birthdays and special occasions. We ship exclusively through Fedex.

Why Subscribers Love It

"Wonderful high-quality books. I ordered two subscriptions from two different age groups. The books were very age-appropriate." - Sheryl T.


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My Thrill Club

From $18.00 per box
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Thrillers, mysteries, and horror, oh my! For all the fans of hair-raising, palm-sweating genres, the My Thrill Club! serves up everything you need. Every monthly box sends 2 hardcover books, plus a bonus ebook, in the category of your choosing. Turn the lights on, lock the doors and try not to let the nightmares creep in as you read harrowing stories written by some of the best horror authors.

Shipping: New orders will ship within 3 business days. Subsequent boxes for following months will ship on the 1st of each month.

Why Subscribers Love It

"My Thrill Club! was a huge hit with me! I got two new hardcover books that I absolutely love and can't wait to read! So excited! Such a great box!" - Chelsea H.


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Authentic Books - The Full Experience

From $65.00 per box
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This unique book-of-the-month club carefully curates a selection of high-quality gifts and bookish goodies for the five senses. Every month, you'll get a soy candle in a new scent, a newly-published hardcover novel, a unique tea or cocktail, an exclusive playlist to go along with the month's book, and a couple of self-care products to round it out! Kick back, relax and enjoy a unique sensory experience.

Why Subscribers Love It

"Just got my first box and I love everything in it! The concept of the box is so perfect and I love all the little goodies that tie into the book I chose." - Emma F.


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Coloring And Classics

From $15.00 per box
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Free your mind and relax with Coloring And Classics, a monthly box of good reads and fun. Interesting activity books can help you reduce stress and refocus. Each box contains over $40+ in retail value and brings a new hardcover book, a relaxing coloring book designed for adults, and a brain-teasing activity book to keep you sharp and on your toes.

Shipping: New orders will ship within 2 business days. Subsequent boxes for following months will ship on the 1st of each month. We can also accommodate birthdays and special occasions. We ship exclusively through Fedex.

Why Subscribers Love It

"The value on this box is crazy! A hardback novel, 2 activity books—big ones, a package of colored pencils, a bookmark and a lollipop! And I got it so fast!" - Jodi M.


scribbler

Scribbler Box Subscription

From $29.99 per box
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Scribbler's literary subscription box is the premier box by writers, for writers! Founded and curated by a pair of New York Times-bestselling authors, each box of Scribbler focuses on a specific aspect of writing, such as structure, plot, character development, and more. Subscribers will receive a new novel (with a signed bookplate from the author), a themed booklet of writing advice, tips from professionals in the publishing industry, and more every month.

Shipping: Last day to order our next box is November 16th (unless we sell out earlier). Boxes will ship on November 21st via USPS Priority Mail.

Why Subscribers Love It

"Was delighted to receive my first box of the month from Scribbler. I was interested in the new writers' journey as well as the encouragement provided along the path. The book looks fabulous. This is an excellent way to be exposed to writing genres and styles that are different." - Debi S.


the-chaptr

The Chaptr Book Box & Book Club

From $18.99 per box
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Ready to try the book club experience without all the in-person action? Now you can enjoy the reading experience with other people without ever having to leave home by joining the book-of-the-month club from The Chaptr. Whether you want just the book or the book plus goodies option, which includes special themed cocktail recipes and other bookish items, you'll join a community of readers who meet monthly for a virtual book chat.

Shipping: In order to ensure that we have the opportunity to read the book title of the month together, all boxes are shipped at the same time, which is between the 24th and 29th of the month. Boxes ordered by the 19th of the month will be shipped the same month.

Why Subscribers Love It

"I'm super excited about joining this book club! You can curl up and actually hold a book to read!" - Hazel J.


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My Sci-Fi Club Subscription Box

From $16.00 per box
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Ideal for sci-fi lovers on a tight budget, My Sci-Fi Club makes it easy for you to get your fantastical fiction fix by sending 2 new hardcover titles to the front door every month. Simply opt for Sci-Fi, Fantasy. or a mix of both at checkout, and keep the TBR stack on your nightstand stocked with good reads. And, if you breeze through each book before the next monthly installment, email them to get an additional ebook for free!

Shipping: New orders will ship within 2 business days. Subsequent boxes for following months will ship on the 1st of each month. We can also accommodate birthdays and special occasions. We ship exclusively through Fedex.

Why Subscribers Love It

"Publisher overstock does not mean bad at all! The first two books I got sound amazing and I am sure that the next ones will be as well. That's right! I resubscribed!" - Daniel L.


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Elephant Books: The Book Club for Kids 0-6

From $21.45 per box
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Elephant Books sends out some of the best children's books in brown paper packages tied up with strings––so it's sure to be one of their favorite things! Focusing in on the educational needs of children between 0 and 6, this month-to-month subscription sends 2-3 recently published board books or hardcover storybooks with a personalized gift note and a few bookish extras, along with a guarantee to replace titles already in your collection.

Shipping: First box ships within 1 business day of your order Following boxes ship around the 15th of each month. Renews monthly on the 15th

Why Subscribers Love It

"I couldn't be happier with the books we've received. Great quality picture books that I know my daughter and I will read for years to come." - Heather K.


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The Book Drop: Adult Readers

From $25.99 per box
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Want a monthly book box that delivers that familiar indie bookstore vibe with each month's selection? The Book Drop is a unique monthly box that's manned by a team of avid readers who dig up just the right literary hidden gems to send to their subscribers. Available in a whopping range of 17 options, including everyone from early readers to adult fiction lovers, every delivery is like getting the best book recommendations from those in the know.

Shipping: Books are shipped monthly between the 16th-21st Renews monthly on the 31st

Why Subscribers Love It

"Can’t praise this service enough! The book selection is superb and always interesting. Supporting a small local business is also a plus." - Brennon B.


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I Smell Books Classic Book Box

From $49.99 per box
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If witty, bookish, and a little bit nerdy describes you to a T, get in on a bookish box––and a whole lot of fun––with I Smell Books. Simply choose your preferred genre, either a classic or the YA book-of-the-month, to get a captivating story, along with a stylish enamel pin, cozy socks, and extra bookish goodies. Run by a team of brilliant bookworms, you can count on them to choose a good read and curate themed goodies that are cute and useful!

Shipping: Classic Book Boxes ship between the 15th & 20th of each month.

Why Subscribers Love It

"I got the I Smell Book Classic Book Box for May, and I absolutely love it! Not only is there a classic book, but there is a second book! And the bookish goodies are adorable." - Kayla G.


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Down The Rabbit Hole Book Box

From $50.00 per box
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Hate for a book to tie up all those loose ends into the perfect happy ending? For those who prefer books that explore darker themes, Down The Rabbit Hole Book Box is here to deliver a delightfully macabre reading experience. Get a new book and numbered, individually wrapped gifts of anything from stickers to textiles, each designed to be opened at specific parts in the story.

Shipping: New Book Box Orders ship within 3 Business Days!

Why Subscribers Love It

"I got this for my 16-year-old daughter, she received the box about 10 minutes ago. She was so excited that she has already read the book to the first gift and it gave her the chills! She can hardly wait for gift 2! I don’t know who came up with this premise, but they are brilliant! Talk about getting into the story! One of my best purchases EVER!" - Lisa H.


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Used Books Monthly

From $8.49 per box
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Used Books Monthly is a book box that thrifty bibliophiles can really get behind! Perfect for those who love a good book at a great price, with 3 easy and affordable options, everyone can get amazing titles for less. Choose to get either 1, 2 or 4 gently used books, all handpicked to match your preferred genres, and sent out in a simple, protective mailer.

Shipping: First box ships within 7 business days of your order. Following boxes ship around the 15th of each month.

Why Subscribers Love It

"This was the coolest little box to get! I’ve been wanting to expand my library and they did not disappoint. I got two books I haven’t read from a favorite author, a book I kept meaning to pick up but never did, and two new books to branch out into new topics! I’m hooked." - Christina J.


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Young Adult Book Monthly

From $14.99 per box
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Promoting strong women leads and a diverse cast of characters, each monthly box from Now in Books features an interesting social theme and an immersive playlist curated for your listening pleasure. Open to find a beautifully gift wrapped first edition YA novel, with a letter or signed bookplate when available, a vanity bookmark, and a physical or QR code-accessible playlist of music designed to stimulate the senses and capture the mood of each story.

Shipping: Boxes ship around the 15th of each month.

Why Subscribers Love It

"I loved my first box! It came in a lovely box with quality materials. I downloaded the music list immediately and binge-read the book. I would not have selected the book or the music on my own." - Allyson T.