How to Get the Most Out of Your Book Subscription Box

A colorful display of Once Upon a Book Club boxes with themed gifts, books, and "Open Your Gift" stickers.

Your book subscription box isn’t just a package—it’s a portal to new worlds. But how do you unlock its full potential? Let’s turn an “unboxing” into an unforgettable journey.

Our book subscription boxes are carefully curated, filled with exciting handpicked books and even themed goodies. Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we feature a newly released novel each month, plus our world-famous surprise gifts that are tied to specific pages and always bring the story to life in the most unexpected ways. 

So, let’s explore how to elevate your reading experience, engage with a vibrant community, and truly get the most out of your book subscription!

An open Once Upon a Book Club box featuring The Memory Dress by Jade Beer and wrapped surprise gifts.

1. Unbox with Intention

From Packaging to Purpose

Create a Ritual:

Unboxing is such a special time, and it’s all about creating that special moment just for you! We always recommend dedicating time to do your unboxing in a cozy space. Light a candle, grab a cup of tea, or play some soft background music to enhance the ambiance. 

Make it an event—snap photos, record an unboxing video, or go live on social media to share the excitement (and maybe even get featured by your subscription service!). Sharing is caring, and we always love the interactions with our subscribers!

Explore Every Layer:

Don’t just grab the book and go—savor the experience. We curate experiences with you in mind, which is why we make sure everything from our whimsical packaging to the last surprise gift speaks to our shared love of everything bookish! Make sure you read through any included notes or discussion prompts. Our book club kit is full of information and activities to pair with your reading experience! 

For Once Upon a Book Club subscribers, we know it’s tempting, but our exclusive and beautifully designed items are only to be opened when you reach the corresponding page number!

A person relaxing in a bubble bath, holding a book in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other.

2. Dive into the Reading Experience

Turn Pages into Adventures

Follow a Reading Schedule:

If your subscription includes a suggested timeline, try following it to keep up with discussions. Otherwise, set your own pace—perhaps three chapters a day or a cozy weekend binge session!

Enhance with Themed Activities:

  • If you're reading a mystery set in Italy, make some pasta to match the setting. A romance in Paris? It may just be time to indulge in some Coq au Vin or Boeuf Bourguignon for dinner.

  • Create or find a playlist inspired by the book’s themes or time period, and listen while reading.

  • Journal about your thoughts, favorite quotes, or predictions for what might happen next.

  • Open gifts as you reach the marked pages in Once Upon a Book Club’s boxes—it’s like stepping into the story alongside the characters.

A person scrolling through social media on their smartphone while working on a laptop at a clean, minimalist desk.

3. Engage with the Community

Connect, Share, and Grow

Join Online Discussions:

Many book boxes have Facebook groups, Discord channels, or Instagram chats where readers connect and discuss their latest reads. We are so proud of our Facebook Community, it’s where lasting friendships are made over the love of books.

Don’t forget to use discussion questions or prompts included in the box. They are great conversation starters and a wonderful way to connect with your fellow subscribers.

Leverage Social Media:

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives and is such a wonderful way to spread the literary joy! Post your unboxing photos and reading progress using branded hashtags like #OnceUponABookClub. We love seeing what our fellow bookworms have been up to!

Why not review the book on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and tag the author—you never know when they might respond!

A set of book-themed art prints with quotes and illustrations, including bookshelves, cozy reading spots, and bookish phrases.

4. Maximize Supplementary Items

Beyond the Book

Incorporate Merchandise into Daily Life:

Who doesn’t love infusing their bookish love into every aspect of their daily lives? We love displaying art prints, using themed stationery for journaling, or wearing accessories inspired by our books. If this sounds like you, you will definitely want to check out the OUABC boutique, as well as our incredible collection of past bookish products!

Do you have a “magic necklace” from a fantasy box? Rock it at your next book club meeting!

Repurpose Packaging:

We love re-purposing packaging, and my Mom is known for coming up with brilliant ways to do just that. Make sure you read our blog featuring her fabulous ideas

  • You can easily turn your subscription box into storage for bookish treasures.

  • Get crafty—use the box for DIY projects like fairy-lit bookshelves or decorative organizers.

A Once Upon a Book Club Math & Fastballs book box with wrapped surprise gifts featuring baseball and milk carton designs.

5. How to Get the Most Out of Your OUABC Book Box Subscription

Beyond the book box

Bringing the Pages to Life:

  • Each Once Upon a Book Club box is carefully curated to transform your reading experience. Unlike standard book subscriptions, we believe in interactive reading—that’s why every book comes with 3 to 5 wrapped gifts labeled with corresponding page numbers.

  • As you turn the pages, you’ll be prompted to open these gifts at key moments in the story, creating a fully immersive reading adventure.

  • Our Book Club Kit contains discussion questions, extra insights, and fun activities to deepen your engagement with each book.

  • Some of our select boxes even include bookplates signed by the author—an extra special treat for collectors and book lovers!

Stay in the Loop with Monthly Hints

  • Half the fun of being a subscriber is guessing which book will be featured next! Keep an eye on our monthly hints across social media and our website to join in the excitement.

  • Share your guesses with fellow subscribers and discuss potential themes based on the clues given.

  • Be the first to know about limited-edition boxes, exclusive pre-orders, and subscriber perks by staying connected with our community updates.

A Once Upon a Book Club subscription is not just about receiving books—it’s about experiencing them in an entirely new way!

Conclusion

Your book subscription box is more than just a delivery—it’s an experience waiting to unfold. With a little intention and creativity, you can transform each box into a literary adventure that goes beyond the pages.

Ready to turn your book box into a lifelong reading companion? Explore Once Upon a Book Club’s immersive subscriptions—where every gift, discussion, and page turn is designed to spark joy. Share your journey with #UnboxTheStory and join a community that reads, dreams, and discovers together!

The magic of a book box isn’t just in its contents—it’s in how you weave them into your story. Happy reading!


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