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Best subscription boxes to send as fun lockdown gifts

From surprise tech treats and creative craft kits, to plants in the post and alcohol-free booze, these are the best subscription gift boxes to send in 2021

For those of us who have been working from home for months, the sound of the doorbell to signal another delivery is both thrill and torture. These subscription gift boxes and services, though, should work nicely as a surprise treat (that keeps coming) for a friend having a tough time or a family member you haven't seen in months. And while you're at it, treat yourself - it's practically the law after all.

Lootcrate

A one-stop shop for cult gifts

One for gamers, anime fans and pop-culture aficionados, Lootcrate provides a selection of collectibles, clothing, figures and more to the lucky recipient. Each subscription ‘crate’ can be tailored to suit fans of pop culture, film and TV, animation or gaming with limited-edition buys buys available too. Each edition features a surprise selection, but you can narrow it down into franchises such as Marvel Gear + Goods, JK Rowlings’ Wizarding World, Star Trek and Destiny Universe. A recent Masters of the Universe crate came complete with a Ghostbusters jacket.

Price: From £19 per month | Sign up to Lootcrate

Gadget Discovery Club

Whether you’re buying for a tech novice or an avid tech tinkerer, the Gadget Discover Club will find something they didn't know they needed. The subscription service covers everything from music tech to wearables and smart home with devices including Google Home speakers and kit from Philips and Samsung. Upon signing up, you’ll get asked to select your preferences - be the box for yourself, a family member or a friend - and asked if you’re ‘not that tech savvy’, a ‘frequent gadget user’ or a ‘gadget geek’. You can then choose your plan ranging from month to month to a more committed 12-months subscription.

Price: From £33 per month | Sign up to Gadget Discovery Club

Craft Gin Club

"I've been getting really into gin"

Missing the pub? This giddy subscription box from Craft Gin Club, which lets you try unique small batch gins, aims to bring happy hour home. You can sign up to receive a box every one, two or three months, only pay for the months you get and pause your subscription at any time. Each box contains a full-size bottle of craft gin, tonics and garnish to create a delicious G&T, ingredients for a cocktail of the month and a sweet and savoury treat. Oh and there’s a 56-page club magazine to enjoy while you sit back and sip away.

Price: From £40 per month | Sign up to Craft Gin Club

The Cheese geek + Ourglass

Bored of your regular supermarket plonk? A wine club like Ourglass will spice things up, opening you up to new flavours, notes, legs and full bodies. Ourglass helps you choose a selection of three to six bottles every month, suggesting wines depending on your preference from a selection of over 1,500 types from around the world. Each box comes with tasting tips and the membership is flexible, so you can skip a month if you fancy going dry for a while.

If you’re looking for something to pair with your wine, The Cheese Geek can deliver a bespoke cheese box as a one off on or a subscription basis. Each box from the modern cheesemonger includes up to five artisan cheeses.

Ourglass: From £40 per month | Sign up to Ourglass

The Cheese Geek: From £42 per month | Sign up to The Cheese Geek

Beer 52 + Sober Sauce

Crack open a lockdown brew

If you know someone who can tell their Duvel from their Dovetail Helles in one sip, then a beer subscription might be just the ticket. Beer 52 is a craft beer discovery club that offers themed subscription boxes that take you on a journey to discover unique flavours from around the world - from England to Estonia and Canada to Australia. Each box includes eight mixed or light beers a month, a snack and beer magazine to accompany.

For anyone embracing sobriety however, Sober Sauce makes for an excellent alternative. The company offers alcohol-free hand picked beers on subscription, delivering upright different beers every month for you to try. Each box includes a mix of lagers, pale and medium-bodied ales.

Beer 52: From £24 per month 

Sober Sauce: From £20 per month 

and as always have a chilled day from the Viking