15+ Best Creative Gift Ideas You Don't See Often

Posted by Timothy Paradis

Finding a gift is hard, finding a creative and unique gift is nearly impossible...until now. Let me introduce you to Cratejoy, home of 2,000 unique, small-business crafted gift sets and subscription boxes. No matter their interests, Cratejoy has a great gift box that’s sure to fit any lifestyle. From houseplants and mod design to clever candles and classic cocktails, there are so many cool subscriptions out there that are totally creative and one-of-a-kind. 

Think Outside the Box With a Creative Gift

When gifting someone a creative present, its all about focusing on their interests, encouraging new interests, or going balls to the wall and picking out something entirely outrageous (I'm looking at you DIY Miniature Houses Self-Love Project Box. Who knew it could be so therapeutic and fun to build miniature houses?!). 

Whether they love to receive creative gifts or enjoy creating with their gift, Cratejoy has you covered with hundreds of crafting and art subscription boxes. 

Let them try something new and exciting with a snack, tea, or coffee subscription box. Boxes such as The Tinned Fish Club inspire creativity and foster new experiences with every monthly delivery. With the Tinned Fish Club they'll receive a variety of tinned fish containers as well as condiments in every box. Not a fish lover? We've got other suggestions just below.  

Packed with intrigue and plenty of fun, whether you're looking for an amazing birthday gift, a lovey-dovey Valentine's Day gift, or a care package for your favorite college student, we've got gift subscriptions to cover all the bases. Use this creative gift guide to add a little flair to your gift-giving with some our most creative gift ideas for men and women alike.

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!

"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.

Everything Box

Everything Box

From $80.00 per box
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The mixology box from the American Cocktail Club makes hosting even easier, sending all that's needed to create 4 servings of a unique, great-tasting craft cocktail every month! The perfect gift for a small dinner party or get-together, hostesses can receive the Everything But the Booze Box for all mixers and ingredients, or the Everything Box for, well, everything they need, including featured spirits.

Shipping: Order your box before the 20th of the month to receive this month's box. Orders taken after the 20th will be pushed back to the next months box. We ship during the 3rd week of the month! All shipments must have an adult over the age of 21 sign for the delivery. Make sure to have the best address for delivery during business hours on file.

"We were gifted a 3 month subscription and the first package arrived last week. My husband, at first, was skeptical. That changed when told him the cocktail was a bourbon one. There was ample syrup and rim dip for more than four drinks, and given we’re lightweights, we extended the four portions of bourbon to eight delicious drinks. We shared with friends, which added to the enjoyment. Anxious for next month’s delivery!" -G.

Sleuth Kings Master Detective: Monster Madness

Sleuth Kings Master Detective: Monster Madness

From $29.95 per box
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This birthday, forego the gift cards and opt for a fun monthly subscription that's all about solving a mysterious case. Great for self-proclaimed armchair detectives, Sleuth Kings puts them on the force, giving them a chance to work through a case file alongside the lead detective. They'll dive into the evidence, solve puzzles and ciphers while slowly unraveling what really happened and successfully solving each case.

Shipping: Subscription deadlines are the last day of the month. Case files ship by the 4th of each month! FREE US shipping for Master Detective cases! Subscriptions span 4 cases. Your subscription will automatically end after 4 months. If you subscribe between July 1 - 31, your first case will ship on August 4th.

"My husband and I wanted an activity to do with our fourteen year old son. He loved and we loved it!! It was so much fun figure it out the clues and email the detective. The clues were challenging but not to the point of frustration. It took us two days to solve and we are excitedly waiting for our next case!" - Kim W.

Culture Carton Standard

Culture Carton Standard

From $45.00 per box
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Shipping: Please order by Dec 21st to get your first box by 12/25/21. Future boxes will ship by the 18th of every month. Email us if you request a package sent right away.

Chocolate and Book Box

Chocolate and Book Box

From $18.67 per box
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If you’re a busy book lover who likes to stay up-to-date and unwind, Chocolate and Book delivers you one new book, chocolate, and a cozy drink. Choose from 5 book genres (YA, Chicklit, Romance, Thriller, Sci-Fi/Fantasy) or surprise yourself!

Shipping: Order by 14th of each month for your shipment to be sent out between the 17th-20th of that month. For countries that require it, we complete custom’s declaration form, but you may be required to pay a custom's fee if your country officials decide to charge you one.

“This is such a great box! I ordered the 3 mo. subscription (but I'll be extending it!!!) for my mom, and she was really pleased! The box came with a book, three packages of hot chocolate, a package of biscuits, a gourmet chocolate bar, and a bookmark.” – Holly O.

FEBRUARY Dog Mom Box

FEBRUARY Dog Mom Box

From $39.99 per box
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Fur babies and their moms are getting the royal treatment with the monthly Dog Mom Box. A great way to treat them both, each curated box brings a mix of high-quality treats, wearables, and durable toys for her favorite four-legged friend, along with some eclectic gift items for the doting dog mom, including witty apparel and dog-mom swag like paw print-shaped bath bombs.

Shipping: All orders placed within the calendar month will ship on the 4th of the following month. THANK YOU!

"Amazing gift that will leave anyone smiling. Products are high quality and very affordable" - Gabriel

The Fuse

The Fuse

From $16.00 per box
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Bombs and Bubbles make a great gift for those who love taking a warm bubble bath. With five subscriptions to choose from, go full size bath bombs or opt for a DIY ready-to-paint bath bomb set.

Shipping: Yay, You've Ordered! All orders placed before the 5th of the month will be shipped out on 10th. Any order placed on or after the 6th of the month, ships the following month. The monthly renewals are done on the 24th of each month.

“Loved this subscription box! The bath bombs were always so cute & fun! They were by far, the best bath bombs I ever had!” – Amy A.

IndieStitch

IndieStitch

From $79.99 per box
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Every IndieStitch box features a digital garment pattern (along with printed pattern pieces), fabric, notions, and other add-ins, giving them the opportunity to complete a monthly DIY project while developing their skills and expanding their wardrobe! Tutorial videos will take them step-by-step through the process of sewing a garment while showcasing the playful designs of indie pattern makers.

Shipping: FREE shipping within the United States. $10 shipping to Canada. $25 shipping worldwide.

"I just wanted to try this box out since I'm a beginner at sewing but after my first project, I was hooked!! The sew-a-long videos have really taught me some great things that I would have never been brave enough to try on my own. I've found so many patterns that I love, and love it that everything I need for that project comes in the box, including some fun extras! I also love the FaceBook page, it feels like I'm part of a club." - Dachelle P.

Bath Bevy Subscription - Monthly

Bath Bevy Subscription - Monthly

From $39.56 per box
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Help them reduce stress and relax with a calming, luxurious bath experience from Bath Bevy. This thoughtfully curated subscription offers handmade bath and body products like bath bombs, soaps, scrubs, bath salts, bubble bath and more. Don’t have a tub? Bath Bevy now has a “tubless” option with shower steamers, lotions, body wash, whipped soaps and more.

Shipping: Subscribe now for the April Space Explorer box - shipping via USPS Priority Mail. Following boxes ship the first week of the month.

"I have been subscribed to this box for 5 months and I love it every month! Everything smells amazing and none of the products bother my skin. I have eczema and can’t use most store bought scented products. I love the themes every month and everything is super cute!" - Lauren E.

Tinned Fish Club

Tinned Fish Club

From $29.99 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!

“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.

All Natural Luxury Kohakutou Crystal Candy Treasure Box

All Natural Luxury Kohakutou Crystal Candy Treasure Box

From $29.00 per box
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Shipping: Kohakutou takes about 5-7 days to develop a crunchy crystal shell, so orders will be shipped 5-7 days after being placed. Beautifully packed in individual bags inside a cute box and ready for a gift or treat!

3-Pack Real Honey

3-Pack Real Honey

From $17.95 per box
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Shipping: Subscriptions will ship by the 4th of every month. Please order regular subscriptions by the last day of the month to get the current box. A flat $7.00 monthly shipping fee will be added to the honey subscription,

Classic Licorice Lovers Box

Classic Licorice Lovers Box

From $40.00 per box
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Specializing in hard-to-find sweets and international snacks, Postsweet offers 3 candy boxes: Childhood Favorites with candy from all over the U.S., Licorice Lovers, and International Explorers for those who want to taste sweets from around the globe from Germany to Belgium. Featuring a handpicked assortment of goodies, get a taste of the sweet life with toffee from the United Kingdom, Turkish Delight from Turkey or creamy fudge from Poland.

Shipping: We ship mid month

"Definitely worth a shot and see if you like their selection!" – Kevin B.

ITADAKIBOX Asian Ramen Variety Snack Box

ITADAKIBOX Asian Ramen Variety Snack Box

From $25.00 per box
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Shipping: You can expect you order to be shipped out the 2nd week of every month. anytime after that please allow up to 5 to 7 days

My Thrill Club

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 they need. Every monthly box sends 2 hardcover books, plus a bonus ebook, in the category of their choosing. They'll want to turn the lights on, lock the doors and try not to let the nightmares creep in as they read harrowing stories written by some of the best horror authors.

Shipping: Subsequent boxes will be shipped the first week of each month

"Fun surprise box with books by some favorite authors. Really enjoy these boxes." - Cheryl R.

Smartass & Sass *BIG BOX* Subscription

Smartass & Sass *BIG BOX* Subscription

From $50.95 per box
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Shipping: Your first box ships on the 18th of the month. Orders placed after the 13th of the month will ship the following month (e.g. order on November 21, subscription ships December 18) | You will receive a shipping notification and tracking number when your goods have shipped.

Didn't find the right creative gift idea? Check out the Gift Shop for even more gift ideas!