The holidays are here, and if you’re shopping for book lovers, you know the struggle: how do you choose the perfect book when there are so many options? That’s where Story Boxes come in—thoughtfully curated collections that pair a fantastic book with cozy goodies, bookish treats, and everything needed for the ultimate reading experience.
Whether you’re shopping for the cozy mystery enthusiast, the romance reader who loves all the feels, or the fantasy fan who wants to escape to magical worlds, I’ve got you covered. Let’s match the readers on your list with their perfect Story Box!
For the Cozy Fantasy Lover
The Spellshop Deluxe Box
Perfect for: Readers who love gentle magic, found family, and protagonists who run adorable shops in fantasy worlds.
When librarian Kiela flees a revolution with her sentient spider plant Caz and a stolen collection of spellbooks, she opens a jam shop on her childhood island—using magic to create irresistible preserves. As the shop becomes beloved and her friendship with charming merhorse herder Larran deepens, Kiela must decide whether to keep hiding or embrace her magical life.
Inside: The book, a seasonal cherry-design mug, Kiela & Kaz’s Jam Shop sticky notes, official licensed bookmark, strawberry jam, Walker’s shortbread cookies, lavender earl grey tea, and exclusive licensed stickers.
Spice Level: 1 (sweet romance, kisses only)
Why it’s a great gift: The real strawberry jam and shortbread cookies bring the jam shop to life, while the exclusive licensed merchandise makes this box truly special. The mug is perfect for enjoying that earl grey tea during cozy reading sessions.
For the Mystery Maven
Thursday Murder Club Premium Box
Perfect for: Cozy mystery enthusiasts who appreciate British wit, clever older protagonists, and puzzles to solve.
Richard Osman’s #1 bestselling debut introduces four septuagenarians who meet weekly to discuss unsolved cold cases—until a real murder lands in their lap. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron must use their unique skills to catch a killer before it’s too late.
Inside: The book, miniature bookcase jigsaw puzzle, deluxe hand cream, English Breakfast tea, Loacker wafer cookies, premium stickers, and mystery-themed bookmark.
Spice Level: 0 (no romance focus)
Why it’s a great gift: The miniature jigsaw puzzle adds an extra layer of mystery-solving fun, and the proper English Breakfast tea sets the perfect British cozy vibe. This is a completely clean read—ideal for gifting across generations.
For the Holiday Spirit Seeker
Bright Lights, Big Christmas Premium Box
Perfect for: Holiday romance fans who love fish-out-of-water stories and found family.
Mary Kay Andrews (Santa’s favorite novelist!) brings us a Christmas tree farm girl who discovers love and belonging in Greenwich Village. Kerry Tolliver heads to Manhattan to help her brother sell trees and finds herself embraced by charming neighbors—including Patrick, a single dad who makes her question what home really means.
Inside: The book (pocket hardcover edition), bookish Christmas tote bag, Christmas cheer mini candle, vintage holiday hair claw, creamy hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, holiday bookmark, and festive stickers.
Spice Level: 1.5 (sweet to moderate romance)
Why it’s a great gift: The reusable tote bag extends the gift beyond the reading experience—it’s perfect for carrying books, groceries, or holiday shopping finds. The vintage hair claw adds a stylish, practical touch.
For the Contemporary Romance Reader
The Rom-Commers Story Box
Perfect for: Readers who love stories about stories—and believe rom-coms matter.
Katherine Center’s #1 New York Times bestseller follows Emma Wheeler, a screenwriter who gets the chance to rewrite a script for her writing idol, Charlie Yates. The problem? He’s written a terrible rom-com and doesn’t even believe in love. Emma will stand up for rom-coms, for love itself—even if she has to kiss him to prove her point.
Inside: The book, warm + cozy candle, citrus shower steamer, Buddha bowl popcorn, fruity drink mix, premium stickers, and glossy bookmark.
Spice Level: 2 (moderate romantic tension, fade-to-black)
Why it’s a great gift: The shower steamer adds a spa-like touch that makes this box feel extra indulgent. At the $39 price point, it’s budget-friendly while still feeling thoughtfully curated and special.
For the Gentle Fantasy Fan
Teller of Small Fortunes Story Box
Perfect for: Readers who crave wholesome fantasy road trips about friendship and choosing happiness.
Tao is a fortune teller who only tells small fortunes—she knows big fortunes come with big consequences. But when a reformed thief and ex-mercenary recruit her to help find a lost child, she discovers that the best fortunes come from the family you choose.
Inside: The book, oatmeal milk & honey soap, natural lip balm, winter bliss holiday tea, premium stickers, and a custom bookmark.
Spice Level: 0.5 (very sweet romance, emphasis on platonic love)
Why it’s a great gift: The handcrafted soap and natural lip balm give this box a pampering, self-care feel. Every item is designed to help your reader slow down and savor quiet moments—just like the book itself.
Running Short on Time? Meet Wrapped Reads: Your Last-Minute Holiday Lifesaver
It’s December, and if you’re realizing you need a few more gifts (or perfect stocking stuffers!), Wrapped Reads are your secret weapon.
What are Wrapped Reads? Individual books wrapped in a variety of fabulous wrapping paper with clue cards describing the genre, vibe, and Goodreads rating—without revealing the title. It’s like a literary blind date wrapped up and ready to gift! But here’s what makes them even better: each Wrapped Read comes with carefully curated extras to complete the reading experience.
Every Wrapped Read includes:
- The mystery book wrapped and ready to gift
- A bookmark to keep your place in style
- A stationery item like cute sticky notes or annotation stickers for marking favorite passages
- A cozy drink such as tea, hot cocoa, or a fruity drink mix for sipping while reading
- Pen and highlighter for the readers who love to annotate
- Bookish stickers to add charm to journals, water bottles, or planners
Why they’re perfect for last-minute shopping:
- Price range: $20-$32 depending on format
- Ready to gift: Already beautifully wrapped—no wrapping paper needed!
- Thoughtfully curated: Each book is hand-selected for quality, and the extras make it feel like a mini Story Box
- The surprise factor: That thrill of unwrapping a mystery book
Available genres include: Cozy Fantasy • Contemporary Fiction • Mystery & Cozy Mystery • Romance (0-2 spice level) • Historical Fiction • Holiday Romance • Young Adult • Middle Grade • Paranormal Mystery • Adventure
Each Wrapped Read includes detailed clues so your gift recipient knows what vibe they’re getting—without spoiling the surprise of which specific book it is!
How to Choose the Right Story Box
Still not sure which box to choose? Here are my quick tips:
Think about their reading personality: Do they want cozy comfort reads or emotional journeys? Mystery or romance? Holiday vibes or year-round escapes?
Match the spice level: I’ve included spice levels (0-2) for every box. Readers have different comfort levels with romance content, so this helps you gift confidently.
Consider the price tiers:
- Deluxe Boxes ($69): Maximum coziness with premium, themed items
- Premium Boxes ($49): Fantastic value with quality merchandise
- Story Boxes ($39): Perfect price point with thoughtful curation
- Wrapped Reads ($20-$32): Ideal stocking stuffers or add-ons
When in doubt, go cozy: The Thursday Murder Club and Teller of Small Fortunes boxes are universally loved—gentle enough for sensitive readers but engaging enough for everyone.
Ready to Shop?
Browse all available Story Boxes and Wrapped Reads at thestorygroveco.com/shop
Because the book lovers in your life deserve gifts as thoughtful as they are—and you deserve the ease of knowing you’ve chosen something they’ll truly love.
Happy reading (and gifting)! 📚
What reader type are you shopping for this holiday season? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help you find the perfect match!
