Subscription boxes... I had never heard of this great gift idea until my friend Amy introduced me to the concept. Similar to a magazine subscription, you or a friend receive a box full of goodies shipped to your door each month. In America you can get a huge variety of subscription boxes, from men's clothes and selections of meat, to Japanese sweets and 'nerdy' collectibles. However, in the UK we are much more limited. But one we do have is Birchbox.

Birchbox send out a selection box of beauty and lifestyle products to try every month. Then, if you like any of the products they send, you can simply go online at birchbox.co.uk and buy the bigger versions. Each month you will recieve 5 luxury samples, carefully selected and tailored to suit your beauty profile - which you fill in when you sign up.

This is perfect for a mum, sister or girlfriend who you want to spent a bit of extra money on but you're not too sure what to get. You can subscribe for yourself or for a gift for 3 months for the price of £32.95, 6 months for the price of £52.95 and 12 months for the price of £92.95. And if you order a 6-12 month subscription before the 15th December, they will also receive a limited edition Christmas box worth over £60, a free bracelet worth £12 and their first box will arrive to their door in time for Christmas! Just remember to let them know that something special is arriving for them.

And if you are sill unsure, you can go on their website and look at all of the previous months boxes to see what types of products you might receive.