Mantry

What's in the box: Six full-size products from small American food makers, such as sauces, jerky, sweets and pantry items, with product stories and recipes.

Mantry is a long-running food subscription aimed mainly at men. Each crate holds six full-size products from small American food makers, packed in a handmade wooden crate. The company says it has been curating for 12 years and has tasted more than 12,000 products. Its picks lean toward what you might find at a good specialty grocer, such as BBQ sauce, bison jerky, bourbon brittle, small-batch maple and single-origin chocolate. On the subscription plan, crates ship every two months, or you can send a single crate as a one-time gift. Mantry says there is no commitment, shipping is free, and boxes arrive in two to six days. Each crate includes product stories and recipes, and the site also has a recipe section and a cooking school. The wooden crate is a big part of the appeal and makes this feel like a proper present rather than a cardboard mailer. On the downside, the marketing is heavily gift focused and aimed at men, which may not suit every recipient. Pricing is also not shown up front. Mantry chooses the contents, so the crate works best for someone who enjoys surprises and trying new brands. Overall, it is a solid, well-established choice for gifting to a food lover.