This Historic Recipe Subscription Is the Perfect Gift for Cooks Who Have Everything

In our humble opinion here at Taste of Home, gift of the month clubs make some of the best holiday presents. Nothing is more well-received than a new gift every month—especially if it’s a food club. But what about foodies who already have cupboards stocked with cookware and pantries full of flavorful ingredients? If you have a home-cooking bestie or a mom fascinated with finding just the right chocolate chip cookie recipe, a Recipes by Mail subscription is a surprising gift that keeps on giving.

As an eager learner and history lover, I had to try it out. After a few months, I can confirm that it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself. Here’s everything you need to know about this surprising present.

What is a Recipes by Mail subscription?

A Recipes by Mail subscription is the ultimate gift for foodies who already have everything. The service sends a reprint of a handwritten recipe from historical figures like George Washington, Emily Dickinson and Rosa Parks each month. These arrive alongside a transcribed copy of the recipe, ensuring each step is easy to read. It’s the perfect marriage of history and food, making it a fun gift for anyone interested in historical cooking.

Each recipe is vegetarian, making it perfect for nearly every home cook to enjoy. Context pages containing the author’s history and the story behind the recipe accompany each shipment, and the reprints themselves arrive on premium thick paper. Pair this gift with a recipe book folder or a frame, and each recipe becomes a beloved keepsake.

How We Tested It

When I heard about a Recipes by Mail subscription—especially as a history lover and food subscription box fan—I just had to subscribe. After all, how else will I learn Emily Dickinson’s black cake recipe (and in her very own handwriting, to boot)? My first document containing the aforementioned black cake recipe arrived a week after placing the order. After the first month, recipients receive subsequent Recipes by Mail subscription envelopes on the 15th of each month. The number of deliveries depends on whether you opt for a six- or 12-month gift subscription.

When my envelope arrived, I was impressed with the reproduction print’s quality—it felt like I was holding a piece of history! Given Emily Dickinson’s gorgeous, exaggerated handwriting, I was grateful that they included a recipe transcription. This came printed on the back of a document detailing an explanation of the recipe’s history as related to Emily, clarifications on measurements and a few other details about where the recipe originated.

Overall, I’m extremely impressed with the service—especially as someone who loves reading about my favorite historical figures. There’s just something so personal about a handwritten recipe, and learning the context behind it adds a lot of extra flavor to the experience.

Where to Buy Recipes by Mail

Snag your loved ones (or yourself) a subscription to this history-rich service on the Uncommon Goods website. We all have a relative who’s impossible to shop for, and a Recipes by Mail subscription takes the guesswork out of gifting.