Many months of merry: The wide range of subscription gifts

Suffering from a pre-holiday "what to give" headache? The prescription may be a subscription.

Subscription gifts, one of the hottest retail trends, literally keep on giving: New installments arrive over the course of weeks or months.

While the idea isn't new, the breadth and variety of what you can subscribe to is. "They're a great improvement on the gift card," said Neale Martin, a consumer expert and CEO at Sublime Behavior Marketing in Marietta, Georgia; like gift cards, subscription gifts are easy to buy, especially last-minute, at a variety of prices, but they also can be highly customized.

"The idea of giving a present that will be bringing smiles for months creates a very powerful reinforcement," he said.

Liz Cadman founded a website, MySubscriptionAddiction.com, devoted to boxes containing a mix of items each month. That improves the odds your recipients will like what you gave them, she said: "Boxes give you variety. Most include five-plus items, so you know someone's going to like at least a few of them."

This photo provided by Bespoke Post shows an array of wintry snacks and drinks with a bit of a "guy" vibe that distinguishes the Butcher subscription box. (Theresa Hensley/Bespoke Post via AP)

Among the online offerings:

Decoterie sends a curated box of limited-edition home accessories and textiles -- coasters, thank-you notes and a personalized ceramic bowl were among items in this summer's box.

Burke Decor's subscriptions include a mix of home, spa and travel accessories.

Set your style parameters at Linen Crate and get a monthly box of tablecloths, placemats, towels or rugs, as well as coordinating items such as platters and spa accessories.

The edible subscription universe is vast and varied. Chocolate of the Month, Bacon of the Month, Spice to Meet You, Candy Japan and Original Craft Beer Club are services that might appeal to foodies.

This photo provided by Bespoke Post shows the Frontier Box. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, the Frontier Box is one of Bespoke Post's most popular subscription gifts. The box includes high craft items like a Kaweco Black Sport Fountain Pen, a Machine Era Co. bottle opener, and an Opinel No. 8 pocket knife -- the same one Pablo Picasso used to carve sculptures. (Theresa Hensley/Bespoke Post via AP)

There are all kinds of beauty, fashion and wellness subscriptions.Many ask you to describe your personal style and makeup parameters; the companies take it from there.

At Quarterly, prominent people such as Nina Garcia, creative director of Elle Decor, and science icon Bill Nye create their own boxes and include a personal note outlining why they chose what they did.