Hoppípolla

What's in the box: Each quarterly box holds one or more independent publications, a special product, a collectible postcard and an illustrated item in a specially designed box.

Hoppípolla is a long-running Italian surprise box built around independent culture. Every three months it sends one or more publications, a special product, a collectible postcard and an illustrated item, all packed in a box with its own graphic design. The current edition is number 72, which shows the service has been running for years. It focuses on small, independent creative projects, so it is about discovery rather than getting a book you already wanted. The site is entirely in Italian and the publications are likely to be Italian too, so it suits readers who are comfortable in the language. Pricing is simple. A single box costs €35 with shipping in Italy included, and you can prepay for two or four boxes at the same rate per box, which works well as a gift. You can pay by card, PayPal or bank transfer, either all at once or every three months. Each box ships on a fixed date, so you order before a deadline instead of receiving it whenever you like. The site does not clearly state costs for shipping outside Italy. If you like surprises and Italian indie publishing, it is a charming choice. If you want to pick your own titles, look elsewhere.