Photo: F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne CardenasWhat delivers a thrill quite like the one that comes with a mystery gift in the mail? Subscription boxes containing everything from cosmetics to dog toys to menswear capitalize on that frisson of surprise and discovery—plus the obvious convenience of trying something new without leaving the house. These packages facilitate armchair travel via snacks, sweets and quick-assembly meals from around the world, often accompanied by stories and recipes. Founder Guido Pedrelli, a native of Emilia Romagna, moved to San Francisco five years ago with his American wife. Mr. Pedrelli hired an Italian food blogger to collect the recipes and grandmother bios that arrive with each regionally themed box.

Source: Wall Street Journal September 09, 2016 22:30 UTC