Ripping open gifts on Christmas morning is something special, but what about letting the festivities continue year long by giving a subscription? No matter what the person you are buying for is into, there's a subscription for them.
From the best streaming services - literally, wherever they can watch Ted Lasso - to coffee that's world-class, it's all here for your gifting pleasure.
Physical subscriptions
My Food Bag 6-week Fresh Start
If you have a loved one venturing into flatting life for the first time, or maybe someone who has just purchased a new home, why not lock in six weeks of free meals on you? My Food Bags Fresh Start is a great option as it comes with six weeks of healthy meals. Their step-by-step instructions can also help teach a budding chef how to cook more than just spag bol.
NZ Brewery Tour monthly subscription box
Sign the beer lover in your life up for a beer subscription and once a month they will get the joy of 12 new beers showing up on their door and a chance to "tour" the breweries of New Zealand. You can choose your length of time, gifting one month, three months or even 12 months of Kiwi beer joy.
Flower delivery
Our florists had a real battle on their hands this year, as although flowers are beautiful they weren't essential. So gifting a flower subscription is a lovely way to support local and also brighten your loved one's day all year long. In Auckland the Flower Project, and Box of Blooms are some of the great options, while in Wellington Juliette Florist is a local favourite. And in Christchurch, Flowers in a Box is a great option.
Prices vary:
The Flower Project.
Juliette Florist.
Flowers in a Box.
Box and Blooms.
Mt Atkinson Coffee subscription
Want to treat a coffee lover? This 200g coffee subscription gift from West Auckland's Mt Atkinson is the perfect option. Pick the blend and how frequently you want it to show up on their doorstep. Pair it with a Thea Ceramics tumbler and you'll be the best gift-giver that ever was.
$27 for two months, $40 for three months and $79 for six months. Including shipping.
East Imperial Tonic subscription
Got a gin fan in your life? If you do, then chances are they can't stand inferior tonic. This gift ensures they never have to endure whatever tonic the local dairy has on offer, and can instead enjoy grapefruit, yuzu, or old-world tonic delivered to their door.
Subscriptions start at $39 at East Imperial.
Digital subscriptions
When it comes to giving a streaming subscription, you have two options; a generalist service that serves up a little bit of everything or a specialist service that hones in on a specific genre, subject or topic with obsessive detail.
Here's some of the best in both categories to get you started picking out the perfect viewing present.
Digital
NZ Herald Premium
Those looking for New Zealand's premium journalism, in-depth analysis, content from top international publishers as well as puzzles and crosswords, look no further. Herald Premium is perfect for the news junkie in your life who wants 24/7 access to the best of the best of Kiwi journalism.
Masterclass
Better yourself (or a loved one) in every way with a gift sub to Masterclass. There's over 100 video classes by the world's best walking you through their processes, sharing their secrets and coaching you in their specialist subject. With topics including cooking, acting, writing, self-improvement, business and sports and mentors like Ringo Starr, Anna Wintour, Neil Gaiman, Natalie Portman and Annie Leibovitz you'll have a new you to go with the rapidly approaching new year in no time.
$25 per month.
Netflix
As Netflix wants to be everything to everyone a gift sub to the streaming giant is a safe bet. Each month they add a whole heap of their own original content across all genres covering movies, shows and kids as well as buying in new content from studios and networks. Although not all of it is worth watching, the sheer volume means they often strike gold - recent hits include Squid Game, Stranger Things and Uncut Gems.
The Standard plan is $18.49 per month.
Neon
There's a lot to like about Sky's streaming service. They offer a great and varied selection of new big movies fresh from the cinema and tend to have many of the top buzz shows as well, like Succession, Love Island and Yellowjackets. With a selection that covers it all from highbrow art flicks right through to proudly lowbrow reality guff - and everything in between- you're pretty much guaranteed to always find something worth watching.
$15.99 per month.
Disney +
This could almost be filed under specialist but the recent launch of the Star hub has allowed adult content to flourish alongside Mickey and all the Disney princesses. As well as the treasure trove of the Disney archive, new shows and movies from Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars are continually added, including ScarJo's Black Widow, Steve Martin's acclaimed mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building and the upcoming Boba Fett series starring Temuera Morrison.
$12.99 per month.
Apple TV+
Taking its cues from its range of computers and cellular phones Apple TV+ is shooting to be the premium destination for streaming. They don't pump out as much content as their competitors but you could hardly call them slouches with a steady stream of big-name projects coming out each month. Notable recent releases include Tom Hanks' sci-fi flick Finch, Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd's dramedy The Shrink Next Door, Jennifer Aniston's dramedy The Morning Show and, of course, the sunshine that is Ted Lasso.
Apple TV+ is NZ$8.99 per month with a free 7-day trial.
Specialist
DocPlay
Sick of having your mind turned to mush by big dumb blockbusters? Then a sub to this well established documentary service is the way to go. With an absolutely huge catalogue you'll find docos on damn near every subject you can think of.
$7.99 per month.
Acorn TV
If you like milky tea, mushy peas and bad weather then you'll feel right at home with Acorn TV, the streaming service that specialises in showcasing the best of British television and movies. Subsequently you'll find all those juicy murder mysteries and police procedurals the Brits excel at, as well as a fair few shows starring good old Martin Clunes.
$7.99 per month.
Shudder
Shudder is the one stop shop for blood, gore, frights, scares, spooks, chills, thrills, kills and grim violent death. Yes, this streaming service that specialises in horror in all its aspects is not for the fainthearted. But with a vast catalogue that includes Shudder's own original content as well as new genre hits and older classics a gift sub will be sure to warm the cold black heart of all true horror enthusiasts.
