Every year, Ella says she has the hardest time shopping for me. For one, she can’t drive—you know, lack of opposable thumbs and whatnot—so she’s limited to buying gifts for me over the Internet. Also, I generally tend to buy whatever I want for myself, so my loved ones really have to get creative to find something I don’t already own.

Which is why experiences or travel-themed gifts are always the perfect option—and also why Ella fell in love with Hole in Wall Box (which is sadly now defunct!) when she first learned about the concept. She even arranged for me to get my first box early—you know, so I could try it out and recommend it to my fellow peeps looking for a great gift for their loved ones this holiday season.

Here’s the thing: There are a dozen subscription box services out there, right? I’ve always been overwhelmed by the number of options at my disposal and, as such, I’ve never really dove headfirst into that pool of seemingly unlimited options. But I love everything I’ve heard—and tasted—so far regarding this new startup.

The concept behind Hole in Wall is that every two months, subscribers receive a different box that embodies the essence of a city, full of finds from independent artisans and mom-and-pop joints that the founders tracked down. As a fellow small business myself, my favorite part behind the whole mentality is the “support small businesses” mantra.

Hole in Wall founders, William and Jeremy, were college pals who were hooked on finding the creative pulse of a city and sharing their findings with their friends and family via care packages they would ship back home while on the road. But they didn’t want to stop with just their immediate circle; they wanted everybody to get the chance to sample cultures from around the world, too. Thus, Hole in Wall Box was born.

Consider it an armchair travel experience: You can taste other parts of the world—sometimes, quite literally—without ever leaving the comfort of your living room.

Jeremy and William’s hometown of San Diego was the first box, which was the one that I received, and let’s just say I wasted no time busting into the Maw ‘N Paw Kettlecorn and polishing it in a matter of moments; I slowed down, however, to share my True Gentlemen’s Jerky with Ella.

I’d say she was OK with this development.

While I haven’t eaten my way through the entire thing just yet—then again, I only received it on Wednesday; give me time—I loved the variety of everything in the box, particularly the addition of gluten-free items.

And for those of you not totally motivated by food like I am (I don’t understand you people in the slightest!), the boxes often comprise some non-food items like an Oats + Honey soap bar and this Bella Vie Candle, as well.

Each box came with a card of the items in it in case you want to support the company in the future, as well as the price point. The contents of my San Diego box totaled $44; given that each box costs just $35 (plus shipping), this is a good deal.

NOTE: Hole in Wall has temporarily shut down. I debated taking down this post, but we worked with the company on a consulting basis for six months, and I just LOVE what they do and am keeping my fingers crossed they start back up at some point.