Summer is the season of sandy toes, spontaneous road trips, and a brilliant time to give a gift. Whether you're thanking a gracious host, celebrating a summer birthday, or sending a little love to your camper or college-bound kid, the hunt is on to find something thoughtful, fun, and melt-proof. Drum roll please…enter, the Once Upon a Book Club book box, a gift that doesn’t just sit pretty, but tells a story, too.

What Makes a Great Summer Gift?

Let’s be honest: not every gift makes it through summer unscathed. Chocolate melts, flowers wilt, and that trendy beach hat? It’s probably going to get squashed in transit. The best summer gifts are the ones that are light, meaningful, and easy to send, like a little surprise in their mailbox that says, “I saw this and thought of you.” A book box fits the bill perfectly. It lasts longer than a bouquet and carries the promise of a relaxing afternoon (or ten).

5 Reasons Book Boxes Make the Best Summer Gift

They’re Personal, Yet Easy to Give

The best gifts strike that magical balance: they feel like you’ve put in tons of effort... without actually requiring tons of effort. That’s exactly what a Once Upon a Book Club box delivers. You pick the age group—Adult, Young Adult, or Tween—and OUABC handles the rest. 

Each box is carefully curated to feel just right! We spend ages sourcing just the right book, and let’s not forget about our famous surprise gifts that bring the pages to life! If you’re looking for a single box with no long-term commitment, relax, we’ve got you covered. Our no-commitment monthly boxes are made for gifting spontaneity. Our Current Book Boxes require no subscription commitment and allow you to pick and choose which months you want to receive a box! 

Perfect for Beach Bags, Lake Houses, and Vacations

Books and summer go together like sunscreen and sand. Whether you’re reading under an umbrella on the beach, on a cabin porch in the mountains, or in a cozy nook during a staycation, a book box is the kind of gift that fits into any summer plan. 

Our whimsical packaging makes every box seem like it’s a special occasion, and unlike techy toys or games, there are no cords, downloads, or batteries required. Just open, read, unwrap, and enjoy. Instant vacation vibes. Yes, it is a sign to take some time out and relax!

They Turn Reading Into an Experience

This isn’t your typical book-of-the-month club. At Once Upon a Book Club, we’ve taken reading to the next level. Each box includes a fiction novel + 3-5 wrapped gifts to open when you reach the corresponding page. It is time to experience a new way to read!

As your recipient reads, they’ll come across a note that says, “Open your gift!”, and just like that, the story comes to life. It’s immersive, it’s interactive, and it adds an extra layer of magic to the reading experience. Whether you’re nine or ninety, that first page-numbered surprise never gets old. 

Suitable for All Ages and Occasions

The versatility of a book box is unmatched. Got a niece who just finished 6th grade? Try the Tween Book Subscription Box. A friend who devours rom-coms like popsicles? The Adult Box is calling her name. Want to spoil your teen who swears they “don’t like books” but secretly loves fantasy? Say hello to the Young Adult Box. From birthdays to camp send-offs, thank-you gifts to just-because surprises, there’s a box for every age, vibe, and occasion. Oh, and don’t forget the Birthday Box — it’s a celebration in a box! 

You’re Giving Something That Lasts

A great book stays with you. Long after the tan has faded and the beach towels are put away, a memorable story and the experience of discovering it through a book box lingers. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, whether it’s the joy of being surprised, the thrill of an unexpected plot twist, or the simple magic of getting lost in another world. According to the National Literacy Trust, reading emotionally engaging stories can enhance memory and build empathy, something every good gift should aim for.

Looking for some more information? Read our blog, Engaging Readers of All Ages: Finding Your Perfect Book Subscription.

Add a Personal Touch

Even though we handle the heavy lifting, there are still ways to add your signature flair. You can include a personalized greeting card to your order at checkout! Or send a digital gift card and leave the choice up to them! Bonus: all U.S. orders ship free! You can even pair your gift with a charming extra from our Boutique collection. We have fabulous, exclusive gifts that are guaranteed to bring joy to the booklover in your life!

One of our favorites is the reading journal from our Spring 2025 collection. As our team all has different ideas of what they like to keep track of while reading, a labor of love was poured into creating a book journal that the entire Once Upon a Book Club team deemed fit-for-a-bookworm! These journals are available in three stunning colorways, including Classic Coral, Periwinkle Prose, and Seafoam Stories.

Each journal features a sewn-in ribbon bookmark in a coordinating color, matching floral endpapers, 75 unique book review pages, index pages to list which books you've reviewed, fun prompts to help you craft your review (including major characters, favorite quotes, a spice rating, etc), and space to be creative with drawings, stickers, or even display your OUABC Collectible stickers! They’re flying off the shelves!

Wrap Up a Story, Not Just a Gift

So next time you’re browsing for the perfect summer surprise (for your best friend, your babysitter, your tween niece, or your book-loving mom), think beyond the usual candles and coffee mugs. 

A Once Upon a Book Club box offers something magical: a beautiful book, a bundle of surprises, and a memory just waiting to be made. Ready to gift something unforgettable? Shop our collection or grab one of our ready-to-ship boxes and give the gift of imagination.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out our blog, Book Subscription Boxes: The Gift That Keeps on Giving!

Sources

Clark, C., & Rumbold, K. (2006). Reading for pleasure: A research overview. National Literacy Trust. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED496343.pdf