I'm not a huge fan of the subscription model, where you're forced to spend money on things you might not want on a monthly basis. But, I do think that companies that offer subscription services are great curators. Companies like OliveBox and Imperial Tea Court offer one-off purchases, so that you can gift the stationary or tea aficionado with a grab-bag assortment of goodies. Or, if you want your gift to last a little longer, some companies like Zingerman's offer short subscription options so your recipient can enjoy artisan vinegar for half a year or sample cheese on a quarterly basis.
