We’re sure you won’t be surprised to know that social media platforms are overtaking traditional forms of entertainment and advertising.¹ And that is definitely true when it comes to TikTok and unboxings! If you’ve ever fallen down the BookTok rabbit hole at 1 a.m., you know what we’re talking about. It's the soft lighting, the cozy sweater sleeves, and the slow opening of a book-shaped box.

Then comes the gasp and the dramatic, hands-over-mouth reveal of a beautiful book, a signed bookplate, or a collectible edition that looks like a work of art. It’s so addictive, and it’s no wonder book subscription boxes have become the stars of the “must-have” universe. We all love a great unboxing, and book boxes are the ultimate!

And while plenty of boxes look great on camera, we know ours adds that extra shareable moment with our exciting surprise gifts because every gift is tied directly to the story. We think the difference is that with our YA Book Subscription Boxes, these are an experience TikTok readers don’t just film but actually finish!

If you’ve been wondering why influencers keep recommending these boxes, sit back and relax because there is more to it than just aesthetics.

BookTok Influencers on Unboxings

BookTok loves anything that makes reading feel magical, and few things deliver that magic like a beautifully curated book box. Creators can’t stop talking about the anticipation, the mystery of what’s inside, the exclusive editions, the collectible bookmarks, and all of those extras.

Our YA boxes are every creator and influencer’s dream. Each of our surprise gifts has been carefully chosen to match the right moment in the story, turning an ordinary reading session into an extraordinary experience. 

Young adults (and plenty of adults) love the thrill of unboxing and the fun of discovering how each gift connects to that moment, making reading feel active, social, and exciting. Plus, each one of our gifts is beautifully wrapped and definitely picture-worthy!

The Real Reason TikTok Book Influencers Recommend Book Subscription Boxes

YA Book Subscription Box Recommended by TikTok

If you’ve ever watched an influencer create a cozy reading nook, film an unboxing haul, or set up a dreamy bookshelf “shelfie,” you’ve probably seen an OUABC unboxing pop up in the feed. The  #onceuponabookclub hashtag is basically a love letter to all of those dramatic reactions, adorable wrapping, and book-inspired gifts. 

But influencers don’t just recommend these boxes just because they look cute (even though they absolutely do). They recommend them because the reading experience is genuinely unique. Each wrapped gift is labeled with a corresponding page number, so the reader only opens it after reaching that point in the story. It keeps teens hooked, page after page, because who doesn’t want to reach a gift moment? For bookish inspiration, follow @OnceUponABookClubBox and see the magic in action.

Are Book Subscription Boxes Worth It for Teens?

The short answer is a resounding yes! And this is especially applicable to all of you who have a reluctant reader or a teen who loves surprises. The wonderful thing about our book boxes is that they create excitement before the reading even starts. 

We like to think of them as a monthly bookish celebration, and that anticipation is bound to keep teens motivated. Studies show that teens are more engaged when reading feels interactive, personalized, and connected to their interests. It’s the combination of story, community, and hands-on engagement that helps turn reading into a habit rather than a chore. 

Teens love sharing. They share everything, and they love talking about their latest find with friends, sharing their unboxing videos, and guessing what the gifts might be. Suddenly, reading isn’t a solo activity; it’s something to share and celebrate. 

Book Box vs. Buying Single Books

Buying a single book is great, don’t get me wrong, but when the story ends, the experience ends. A book box, on the other hand, is like an onion; there are so many layers. 

• The anticipation as you wait patiently for your delivery 

• The whimsical bookish packaging begging to be opened

• A new, exciting novel waiting to take you somewhere magical

• New authors and genres to discover

It is a whole experience wrapped inside a box. Who knew a box could be so exciting? Don’t wait, check out our ready-to-ship options!

Best YA Book Box for Beginners

If you or your teen is dipping a toe into the world of book boxes, OUABC’s YA subscription is a fantastic place to start. It strikes the perfect balance of excitement, fantasy, romance, and adventure, all the genres teens adore. And it’s beginner-friendly because you don’t need to know every trending title to enjoy it!

Each month, you will receive a handpicked read and surprise gifts that fit the YA vibe without being repetitive or predictable. And for those of you just starting off, reading journals have become so popular!. Young adults love sharing their views, documenting their reactions, and if you’re going to journal, you definitely want to do it in style.

Check out our selection of reading journals like the Periwinkle Prose, the Classic Coral, or the Seafoam Stories. Psst—these make fabulous gifts for the booklover in your life, you included!

Book Box Unboxing Ideas for TikTok

We know everyone is always on the lookout for ways to create fun videos. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

• Unbox your YA box with a soft-glow lamp and cozy blanket. 

• Film your reaction when you open a wrapped gift mid-chapter—it’s pure gold. 

• Try a blind unwrapping, where you try to guess the gift.

• Record a before-and-after “shelfie,” showing how your latest favorite read and surprise gifts look on your bookshelf. 

Don’t forget to pair your video with trending audio or a BookTok sound for extra flair. And of course, tag #OUABCUnboxing or #BookTokReads to join the fun.

Why Book Boxes Keep Teens Reading

One of the sweetest benefits of a YA book box is how naturally it encourages consistent reading. Teens love goals, challenges, and rewards, and our page-numbered gifts give them exactly that. Lots of our subscribers have formed mini buddy-reads with friends or family, turning the reading experience into a monthly ritual. 

Whether they’re racing to the next gift moment or discussing plot twists with friends, our YA book boxes help teens stay engaged because the story becomes an interactive event. Why not start your own mini reading challenge and watch the excitement bloom?

How OUABC Leads the BookTok Trend

We think our Once Upon a Book Club YA Box is the ultimate immersive book box, and in our view, nothing else quite compares. It's a book box packed with a great story, beautifully wrapped surprise gifts, and lots of extras! Everything comes together to create a YA reading experience that feels personal, special, and 100% shareable. Teens adore it. Influencers love it. And parents appreciate that it encourages one of the best hobbies ever—real reading time. 

A Story Worth Sharing

At the end of the day, BookTok’s love for YA book subscription boxes isn’t just about viral videos or pretty packaging. It’s about connection. Teens feel part of something, part of a story, part of a community, part of a moment worth sharing. 

OUABC’s YA boxes make reading feel cinematic in the best possible way. So if you’re ready to unbox your next unforgettable read, this is your moment. Subscribe today and discover why BookTok can’t stop talking about YA Book Boxes! And don’t forget to tag us, we don’t want to miss any of the excitement!

If you enjoyed this blog, we think you’ll love this: BookTok, Teen Readers, and the Rise of TikTok Literacies.