Gift Guide: Quirky Boxes for the Zaniest People on Your List

Updated by Shannon Ratliff

At Cratejoy, we care that you find that perfect gift for every loved one on your list, so we're coming at you with unique gift ideas for those fun-loving, die-hard hobbyists in your life. You probably know just who we’re talking about: young (or young at heart), independent, and super into his (or her) latest hobby or interest.

It doesn’t matter what they’ve jumped into. When they jump, they dive into the depths, be it games, geekery, foodie gadgets, a new fitness regimen, or anything else that lights a fire under them. And whether their latest passion is popular or not, they love sharing the fun and bringing you along on their quest for more.

Now you can meet them where they’re at with a monthly subscription box curated to serve up unusual gift items in any number of cool niches. Whether they’re delivering the top picks from the global zine scene or sending them deep into an interactive whodunit, we’ve put together a gift guide of 9 cool gifts for people who love to take the unbeaten path!

What are the quirkiest gift boxes of the year?

Contents of a 90s-themed subscription box. Items include socks, unicorn art print, a videotape greeting card, and a blockbuster magnet.

the oddball club

From $20.00 per box
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Gift a little fun while supporting small, women-owned businesses with a monthly subscription to The Oddball Club. They won't feel like they're on the fringes in this club, because everyone here is just looking to have a good time unboxing surprises! Whether you opt for a micro, itty-bitty teeny-weeny or medium box, they'll receive happy mail filled with everything from stickers and kitschy gadgets to accessories and sweet treats.

Shipping: Orders placed today ship by Dec. 17th. All boxes ship on the 17th of each month. Subscriptions renew monthly.

Customer Review

“Super cute and fun boxes. I love all the unique items that keep coming and I am happy to have taken the chance and signed up.” – Subscription L.

Paranormal T-Shirt Puzzle Subscription

Paranormal T-Shirt Puzzle Subscription

From $19.83 per box
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Shipping: If your order is received during the first week of the month, it will ship with the current batch. If it is received after that shipment has gone out, your subscription will start the following month.

Mondo Size

Mondo Size

From $18.33 per box
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Zine-o-Matic makes it easy to get good quality zines sent directly to their doorstep. With some of the best indie zines from cities across the U.S., you'll unpack a monthly box filled with a curated assortment of zines, plus some fun add-ins. Each zine will transport you to a new creative world with beautiful artistry, talented writing, and loads of original content. And, it makes a great gift for all your fellow creatives!

Shipping: We ship on the 1st of every month!

Customer Review

"This is my favorite thing I've received monthly for quite a time. So much support for many small artists and always introducing me to cool new creators!" - Andrea M.

Cryptid Crate Monthy Subscription - Cratejoy Edition

Cryptid Crate Monthy Subscription - Cratejoy Edition

From $47.33 per box
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Happy subscribers attest that the team at Cryptid Crate goes above and beyond, curating delightful collections of all things cryptozoological. A great gift idea for any teen who's into the not-yet-substantiated species of the world, each monthly box delivers 4 to 7 handpicked curiosities, including graphic T-shirts, offbeat decor items, intriguing accessories, and books and films from some of the best independent producers and artisans in the game.

Shipping: - Cryptid Crate ships on the first weekday of every month (will ship a day or two earlier or later if first weekday is a holiday) - Every box will ordered within a calendar month will be included in the shipment that goes out on the 1st.

Customer Review

“Amazing! I was so excited to get this box and it did not disappoint! LOVE the t-shirt and one of my new favorite stickers came in this box. Can't wait for next month!!!” – Megan S.

Tinned Fish Club

Tinned Fish Club

From $35.00 per box
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Tinned fish is having a moment in the culinary world—and with good reason. Not only is tinned fish a versatile ingredient or snack on its own, it’s also just downright delicious. Not to mention fish comes packed with Omega-3s and other nutritional benefits. From cod to salmon to sardines, with this subscription, they’ll fill their pantry with self-stable fish from around the world.

Shipping: We try our best to send out first time orders within 5 business days. We can also take some special requests if you just email us. Thank you for your support of our small business!

Customer Review

“Excellent product and service. Bought this as a gift and they couldn’t be happier with this box. I am getting my own subscription after seeing the gift.” – Travis C.

The Adults & Crafts Crate

The Adults & Crafts Crate

From $33.00 per box
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There’s no need to get bogged down in project planning when the pros behind the Adults & Crafts Crate have got it covered. Each monthly box sends at least 1 new Pinterest-worthy craft project, including all the supplies, tools, and illustrated step-by-steps to teach new crafting techniques while making one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

Shipping: New orders will ship within five business days! If you need a gift printout before we ship, just message us! Then, will ship around the 25th of each month. If you need a kit by a certain date (i.e. birthday), just message us after you order and we will get that set up for you! You can order now even if you want it to start in the future.

Customer Review

"I received the engraving kit and I love it! I practiced on an old glass weigh scale to get the hang of engraving. I then started the glass coasters using pictures off google. I am sooo happy with how they turned out! It’s very relaxing and is a great stress reliever. I have a few people now wanting me to make them sets of coasters :)" - Megan T.

Sacred Space Crate

Sacred Space Crate

From $50.00 per box
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Shipping: Boxes will be shipped before the 10th of every month. Orders placed during the Month will receive their 1st box the following Month. .

Mystery Gift Box | Wicked Good

Mystery Gift Box | Wicked Good

From $29.95 per box
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Shipping: New Subscribers: your first box is shipped within 1-3 business days of ordering. Subsequent boxes ship the 10-15th of each month. ❤ Fast & Free Shipping to US destinations! We ship worldwide. #SmellWickedGood Thank you for your support. #SmellWickedGood

Yarn Shop Mystery Box

Yarn Shop Mystery Box

From $32.91 per box
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Shipping: We ship on the first Saturday of every month.

Club Cado

Club Cado

From $40.00 per box
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Shipping: Shipped with care via USPS or UPS. Boxes weigh ~5 lbs and include 4–8 avocados, each variety wrapped in colored tissue. Please allow 1–3 business days for handling before transit. Not available for Hawaii.

Box of Maine Subscription

Box of Maine Subscription

From $41.66 per box
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While famous for fresh-caught lobster, the Box of Maine subscription shows off some of the other culinary delights that hail from this seaside state. Get name-brand products like Humpty Dumpty snacks, Moxie sodas, and Marshmallow Fluff. Enjoy tasting fresh blueberry jams, real deal maple syrup, whoopie pies, coffees, teas and plenty more. With 7-10 handpicked items, the box is packed to delight!

Shipping: Estimated transit time is 2-6 business days. Ships in a branded Box of Maine. Invoice will not be included in box.

Customer Review

"Love this box. Everything has been delicious. Good mix of items & good quality too. Definitely a winner!" - Connie M.

Monthly Barbella Box

Monthly Barbella Box

From $54.99 per box
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CrossFit has become a lifestyle that makes physical fitness a priority. Commit to healthy living with Barbella Box, a fitness subscription that's packed with handpicked products from well-known suppliers and those that are new on the scene. From supplements and protein blends to apparel and workout gear, this curated box is made by women, for women, to bring an extra dose of motivation.

Shipping: If you purchase your first box BETWEEN 1st-16th of the month, you will receive your first box between the 22nd-30th or 31st. If you purchase AFTER the 16th, you will receive your first box the following month between the 22nd 30th or 31st.

Customer Review

“LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE I can't even say it enough! It's like Christmas every 20th... I am always SO excited to see what's coming. I have never been disappointed in the almost 2 years that I have been a member!” – Kiersten Y.

CHIC & UNIQUE

CHIC & UNIQUE

From $27.00 per box
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Shipping: 💜We ship in purple decorative Fun Pack mailers. Need your Fun Pack earlier? Contact us below. Only ships within United States.💜

Still looking for that perfect gift? Take a look at more gift ideas below!