Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

Armchair Travel: See the World via Hole in Wall Box

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”20872686″]

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.
Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Every year, Ella says she has the hardest time shopping for me. For one, she can't drive, so she's limited to buying gifts for me over the Internet. Also, I tend to buy whatever I want for myself, so my loved ones really have to get creative, finding something I don't already own. Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life 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 when she first learned about the concept. TKTK How it works. I immediately ripped apart the Maw and Paw's caramel kettle corn and devoured it in a matter of moments; I shared my beef jerky with Ella. Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life Giving away one year-long subscription TKTK. Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life
Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Every year, Ella says she has the hardest time shopping for me. For one, she can't drive, so she's limited to buying gifts for me over the Internet. Also, I tend to buy whatever I want for myself, so my loved ones really have to get creative, finding something I don't already own. Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life 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 when she first learned about the concept. TKTK How it works. I immediately ripped apart the Maw and Paw's caramel kettle corn and devoured it in a matter of moments; I shared my beef jerky with Ella. Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life Giving away one year-long subscription TKTK. Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

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.

Hole in Wall: the perfect subscription box gift for the traveler in your life

COMMENTS
  • December 21, 2015

    Thanks for a wicked comp! My go-to way of finding hole-in-the-wall places in a new city is by checking out my favourite travel blogs 🙂

    • January 14, 2016

      Any favorite travel blogs I need to add to my reader?

  • December 21, 2015
    Leslie C

    I love checking blogs and Pinterest for the cities I want to travel to.

  • December 21, 2015
    Lindsay Murphy

    Travel blogs, Google reviews, Facebook friend recommendations! Such a fun box. I hadn’t heard of this one

    • January 14, 2016

      Yeah, it’s a cool one! I went ahead and subscribed for the next box after my trip to Seattle last month because now I have a renewed obsession with the PNW 😉

  • December 21, 2015
    Jillian

    I check local blogs and travel sites.

  • December 21, 2015
    Amie

    I look up blogs and ask friends!

  • December 21, 2015

    Love these photos! I think Couchsurfing is a great way, but since I no longer do that blogs are my go to source.

    • January 14, 2016

      Funny, we met on Couchsurfing and I also no longer use it! Airbnb (and fancy resorts) sort of took its place when I grew up(/left NYC and had more disposable income to spend).

  • December 21, 2015
    Amanda

    I LOVE this idea. I will definitely be sending these out to people in the future. –

    • January 14, 2016

      Right? I sent a couple for Christmas presents! I’ve long been a fan of sending subscription boxes, whatever they may contain, to friends/family as gifts. It’s way more fun and something they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves!

  • December 21, 2015
    Andrea

    Blogs I trust (like yours!), TripAdvisor for a general consensus and friends and family!

  • December 21, 2015

    Honestly, I usually just stumble upon hole-in-the-wall places and leave these things to chance! …or the help of a local friend.

    • January 14, 2016

      My philosophy exactly! I’m a fan of random chance and also the Yelp Nearby function 😉

  • December 21, 2015

    Yum! I love this idea!

  • December 21, 2015
    Alanna

    I love meeting up with and sometimes staying with couchsurfers when I travel. It always adds a local element to my trips that I never would have gotten otherwise.

    • January 14, 2016

      I used Couchsurfing for years (all through my 20s) in Europe and the US. I don’t use it anymore, but I’m glad to know it’s still alive and thriving! I made so many great friends through that method of travel.

  • December 21, 2015
    Payal

    I love the concept of this subscription box. Happy Holidays!

  • December 21, 2015
    Tracie Cooper

    I just ask the locals! I talk to everyone, LOL!

  • December 21, 2015

    I’m all about blogs to find recommendations, in fact sending your nashville tips to a friend going there for the first time!

    • January 14, 2016

      Thanks, Alexa! I hope she finds them helpful (and eats all the hot chicken and drinks all the bourbon 😉 ).

  • December 21, 2015
    Kayley

    I like to read local blogs and sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor.

  • December 21, 2015
    carol clark

    i also read blogs myself to find tips

  • December 21, 2015
    Lian

    Sounds like a great armchair-traveling experience.

  • December 21, 2015
    Denise M

    Definitely ask the locals, like the waiters or cleaning people (not the concierge). Do research ahead of time as well. I love hole in the wall food places that so i look to see whats been on like Food Paradise or Diners DriveIns and Dives

    • January 14, 2016

      That’s a great tip, Denise! I’ve never thought about waiters or cleaning staff.

  • December 21, 2015
    Kristin Jones

    This is great, I love that Hole in the Wall boxes support local businesses and give you the opportunity to try things you may never come across on your own!

  • December 21, 2015

    That Ella has such good taste!!

    xox

    • January 14, 2016

      You know her; she’s kind of a subscription box snob 😉

  • December 21, 2015
    Susan H.

    I usually try TripAdvisor or Yelp.

  • December 21, 2015
    dari

    Typical, but through yelp.

  • December 21, 2015
    Briel K.

    Darn, I missed the San Diego one! 🙂 I typically find places through Yelp and family and friends.

  • December 21, 2015
    zoe m

    we like to take advice from friends or i read city guides written by bloggers from the place i’m traveling to!

  • December 21, 2015
    Karrie

    On blogs for sure!

  • December 21, 2015
    Rachael Sue

    Getting lost. Seriously every city I go to, I ‘let myself’ get lost and somehow stumble upon the most amazing hole-in-the-walls.

    • January 14, 2016

      Yeah, girl! My favorite way to travel, too =)

  • December 21, 2015
    Steph

    I follow the crowds

  • December 22, 2015
    Leigh Hendry

    Ask the front desk person OR my favorite traveling blogger, of course.

    • January 14, 2016

      Well, of course; that’s just a given 😉

  • December 22, 2015
    Susan

    Love to follow travel blogs, local restaurants & shops to get new ideas! The Hole in Wall boxes make such a unique Christmas gift.

  • December 22, 2015
    Amy

    I usually try to find an up and coming neighborhood and start wandering around there. Blogs are obviously another amazing resource!

  • December 22, 2015
    Lauren Triebert

    go for a walk… ask the locals!

  • December 22, 2015
    kathleenicanrah

    Just moved to Seattle, so excited about that next box!

    • January 14, 2016

      Me, too! I just spent a few days in your new city and a) it was lovely and b) I wound up ordering the next box because I had such a fun time in Seattle =)

  • December 22, 2015
    Katie

    Friends who live locally or travel frequently for their jobs.

  • December 22, 2015
    Shauna Qualls

    We usually just ask or drive around to find hole in the wall places! 🙂

  • December 23, 2015
    Throuthehaze

    I check out blogs and yelp.

    • January 14, 2016

      Yelp is my go-to, as well! Love their Nearby function on the app.

  • December 23, 2015
    Amanda

    What a cool subscription box!!!

  • December 23, 2015

    I usually ask someone who has been before or use Yelp!

  • December 23, 2015
    Julie

    My husband and I try to get a list of local must-try spots before we go. Then it’s like a scavenger hunt. We ask waitresses, bartenders, and locals at each spot what they would add to our list. It’s so much fun!

  • December 23, 2015
    Merrilee

    So fun!! I can’t wait to try this! Perfect for the office too.

  • December 23, 2015

    I have found that a great way to find hole-in-the-wall places during travels are to use a combination of Pinterest and blog posts, as well as good old-fashioned word-of-mouth with friends and loved ones!

  • December 23, 2015
    Kayla Terrell

    This would be so awesome to receive!

  • December 23, 2015
    Hannah

    What a fun and unique idea! I’ve always wanted to go to Maine, a box from there would be cool!

  • December 23, 2015
    Sue

    This sounds interesting and something I’d be willing to try.

  • December 23, 2015
    Jessica

    We usually check TripAdvisor first, then ask the locals for the best coffee shops, restaurants, shops. They always know the best secret places!

  • December 23, 2015
    Erin Collier

    What an awesome thing! We always do online research, and ask friends before traveling somewhere.

  • December 23, 2015
    Casey N.

    Love this + hearing about hole-in-the-wall places is great!

  • December 23, 2015
    Bethany

    I always check out Yelp when I travel, and I ask the recommendations of EVERYONE I meet! From the hotel staff, to convenience store cashiers, to anyone who looks friendly in a store or restaurant! They give good advice!

  • December 23, 2015
    Phoebe

    I lived in San Diego for 15 years! Now living in Italy and not sure if Hole in the Wall ships internationally but it would make a nice gift anyway. A great way to find yummy spots abroud is TripAdvisor believe it or not! And the best is asking friends and locals. xo

  • December 23, 2015
    Kendall Heyen

    Wishing I hadn’t already gotten my mom a Christmas gift! What a neat idea! I will have to get for her birthday!

  • December 23, 2015
    Jeni Yantis

    What a great way to get a taste of new cities! Love the idea!

  • December 23, 2015
    Whitney Winston

    I always find somebody local and ask them where they would recommend people to go if they want to experience the real city. I’ve travelled the world and its never let me down.

  • December 23, 2015
    Jen

    I love the idea of tasting what other cities have to offer and supporting small businesses. Thanks for this informatiom!

    • December 23, 2015
      Jen

      I ask the locals and read up on the city before traveling.

  • December 23, 2015
    Malorie Carr Sandoval

    Honestly, just driving around until I find a small hole in the wall is my favorite way to find new places. It’s a kind of a hit or miss scenario, but what isn’t? When you find that hole in the wall gem, nothing beats it.

  • December 23, 2015
    Elena Gilroy

    I would love to see an Annapolis, Baltimore, or Washington DC box

  • December 23, 2015
    Lizzy

    When my husband and I travel, we ask friends and locals for suggestions of where to go, although our best finds have always been on accident!

  • December 23, 2015
    Shelby

    What a fun gift! I always try to reach out to social media and get opinions…if several people mention the same place, it goes on the list

  • December 23, 2015
    Erin

    What a great concept! I definitely have the travel bug right now so being able to try treats from different cities is right up my alley! Fashion by Mayhem sent me to your blog and I’m loving it already! What a sweet pup you have too!

    • December 23, 2015

      Thank you so much, Erin! Happy to have you here. I met Angie four years ago via Facebook, and she and Mayhem have become two of my very best pals in that time. And Ella (my pup) and Moxie are finally going to meet after the holidays—can’t wait 😉

  • December 23, 2015
    Amy S

    I ask locals or use google or Yelp!

  • December 23, 2015

    I like making new local friends!!

  • December 23, 2015
    Britt

    Awesome giveaway. And what a great idea!

  • December 23, 2015
    Marty

    I love popping into little shops and wandering through new cities. You get the best advice from the locals!

  • December 23, 2015
    Megan

    Such a cool idea! When I travel I like asking for suggestions from friends through Facebook.

  • December 23, 2015
    Lacy Perkins

    This is such a cool gift idea! My husband and I usually just drive around to see what looks interesting, or we ask the locals what they recommend. 🙂

  • December 23, 2015
    Amanda Faith Cannon

    My favorite way to find cool places in new cities is to wander around and get a little lost. I love going into small shops and starting conversations with the owners and other customers. That always tends to point me in the direction of my next stop!

  • December 23, 2015

    I love crowdsourcing and referring to blogs like yours for hidden gems wherever I’m going!

  • December 23, 2015
    Lauren

    I usually check travel sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp and also blogs before we go somewhere and then once we are there we ask the hotel staff, waiters or anyone we figure out is a local where they recommend.

  • December 23, 2015
    andreaT

    To find great places when I travel, I actually check out instagram. Folks tag the best stuff and places!

  • December 23, 2015
    Tia

    This looks so yummy!

  • December 23, 2015
    Sharon Whelan

    Great gift idea!

  • December 23, 2015
    Kristy CARBAJAL

    Love this concept now following on Instagram…have never signed up for a box service but this seems right up my alley!

  • December 23, 2015
    Courtney Hazlett

    This box subscription sounds really great! I find great local places via google and word of mouth

  • December 23, 2015
    Sharon

    Ask the locals where the best spots are!

  • December 23, 2015
    Amy

    I love getting to try different local foods from around the world. What a great idea!

  • December 23, 2015
    H

    I read blogs or ask locals for advice!

  • December 23, 2015
    TanyA

    Love this idea! I love going to new cities and just wandering around. Always find awesome hole in the wall places!

  • December 23, 2015
    Katie

    This is such a cute idea!

  • December 23, 2015
    Katie waters

    What an awesome way to support small businesses from all over the country. Can’t wait to try it!

  • December 23, 2015
    Heather

    This looks awesome!

  • December 23, 2015
    Audrey Arthaud

    I like talking to locals or people who have traveled there before. If that fails, I like to just walk around and stop in wherever looks good!

  • December 23, 2015
    Becca

    I like to browse Yelp to see what the locals, other travelers, and professional bloggers have to say!

  • December 23, 2015
    Holly

    How fun! I would love to win!

  • December 23, 2015
    Janice Hong

    What an awesome gift idea! I’d love something from New Orleans

  • December 23, 2015
    Lindsay

    Love this idea! I move around a lot, so this would be a nice way to relive all the cities I’ve been to.

  • December 23, 2015
    Rhenn

    I use Instagram, Pinterest, and other travelers opinions on where I want to travel next.

  • December 23, 2015
    Hannah

    We always walk through neighborhoods or places off the main drag when we travel. We’ve found some great places that way!

  • December 23, 2015
    Mikala

    What an awesome idea!!! And it’s so awesome you’re giving away subscriptions. I’ve never thought about care packages like this before! ♡♡♡

  • December 23, 2015
    Diane

    Oh man, Seattle is our FAVORITE city!

  • December 23, 2015

    My favorite way to find local hangouts is by looking at blogs…of course! 😉

  • December 23, 2015
    Sarah Mendez

    What an awesome subscription! I’d love to try it!

  • December 23, 2015
    Courtney

    This is such a neat gift!

  • December 23, 2015
    Rachel

    After living in Chicago for 7 years, I learned the best way to find the best hole in the walls is to just walk around and ask the “out and about” locals. If you ask concierge or websites, you are more likely to get the standard issue hot spots, but locals usually know the best hidden away gems.

  • December 23, 2015
    Alia Schrader

    What a sweet idea! Crossing my fingers I win!!
    When traveling I like to ask locals for their recommendations… Always find the best spots that way… And make new friends!!!
    Thanks for doing this.
    Happy Holidays!
    Alia

  • December 23, 2015
    Allie

    I love tripadvisor and for places to eat, Diners drive ins and dives website!!

  • December 23, 2015
    Charly B

    What a cool idea!

  • December 23, 2015
    Bethany

    this looks awsome!! i love the idea of getting different things from different cities!

  • December 23, 2015
    Kim Butler

    I usually ask locals for good places. They usually know the hole in the wall places. Or I reach out to friends who have been there or live there. If not, I’ll go online and check various travel blogs

  • December 23, 2015
    Veronique Levine

    Hello! For some reason I couldn’t leave a comment in the Rafflecopter. Anyhoo, when traveling I love to ask the locals about the favorites of the area. Always find the places I wouldn’t usually find in a travel guide. What an amazing idea to get the zest of different cities at your doorstep!

  • December 23, 2015

    Social media is always a great way. Another way would be to go into a local grocery story and talk to the workers there, they are full of all kinds of information?.

  • December 23, 2015
    Julie Johnson

    I’ve found the best way to “get local” is to connect with members from my church. I did this in Fiji and had a wonderful time exploring the real, everyday adventures Fiji had to offer. We dumped our luggage at a member’s home and traveled for several days hiking, by buses (packed with exciting people and animals), taxi & taxi bus. We ate at local bazaars, fruit stands, fish markets, & snorkeled on outer islands with new found friends, all at no extra expense. When our time was up we went back to the city gathered our things, spent a night in a nice hotel & boarded our plane with a lifetime of great memories. That was a fun jaunt into the past! Locals. Locals are the way to go!

  • December 23, 2015
    SunSalutations

    Talking to locals! Reading instagram! Thrillist! Eater.com! But most of all — talking to locals!

  • December 23, 2015
    Sallie

    This is such a great idea. I always have such a FOMO when I travel, so I spend eons researching destinations. Luckily, I don’t have a problem striking up conversations with locals to find what is a cant-miss!

  • December 23, 2015
    Brandi

    I live on LI but would love to try a NYC box. Actually any city would be great , I can pretend to be away even if just sitting on my couch

  • December 23, 2015
    Sara

    Travel blogs and the locals are the way to go.

  • December 23, 2015
    Kristi

    This is such a smart idea for a business. I hope they do really well!

  • December 23, 2015
    Paige

    I like to walk around cities and find small little places to eat. For example, walking around Cheyenne, WY and stumbled on a little hole in the wall that was amazing!

  • December 23, 2015
    Gisel

    I like to look up the places on Pinterest, ask natives, or just be adventurous!

  • December 23, 2015
    Lisa

    I always look through websites, reviews, and travel/city blogs for neat places to visit while traveling

  • December 23, 2015
    Coti

    Such a clever an innovative subscription service!

  • December 23, 2015
    Lyndsey

    This looks and sounds delicious!

  • December 23, 2015
    Amy Thompson

    Some of the most fun and most delicious places to eat are small hole in the wall stops. They look even crush from the outside bit watch out! I had BBQ at two places like that a couple of weeks ago. At one place they remember me by name regardless of how long it is between visits.

  • December 23, 2015

    Going to a coffee shop and asking the employees and going to the local market and asking the locals. By the way, I love the way you arranged these photos! So cute and Christmasy.

  • December 23, 2015
    Suzie Q

    What a fun idea! Wish I could go to each city and help pick the items out!! ?❤️

  • December 23, 2015
    Emily

    This is such a fun idea! For finding the best places in a new city when traveling I tend to leave the details to a few of my friends who know people in all places and know where the best places are – then I just tag along!

  • December 23, 2015
    Rachel

    What a great concept and. Great giveaway. I currently live in Texas but I’m from Seattle; it would be interesting to see how they represent my home state!

  • December 23, 2015
    Nikki Simmons

    This sounds like a great service. I love to travel and shop local. I always bring back local treats for my family from the places I visit. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • December 23, 2015
    Heather Hoppe

    I just walk around the city and see what I can find!

  • December 23, 2015

    I love to use travel apps or just “google” to find hidden gems! My favorite was I found a fortune cookie factory I was able to visit in a back alley in Chinatown, San Fran.

  • December 23, 2015
    christina

    Don’t be afraid to just wander. you usually find something awesome.

  • December 23, 2015
    Chrissy Granados

    I love using Yelp to find great little hidden gems when I’m traveling!

  • December 23, 2015
    Leah

    I love this! I love unique, locally owned foods! I think this is the coolest box-order you can find! 🙂

  • December 23, 2015
    Lesa

    My girlfriend is a travel agent so she keeps me up to date on the amazing places described as a hole in the wall.

  • December 23, 2015
    Grace

    Great idea for a subscription!

  • December 23, 2015
    sandra m

    I ask friends on social media for recommendations. I also talk to the locals once i am at my destination. Great concept, definitely checking out Hole in the wall .

  • December 23, 2015
    Cindy Lee

    Definitely by asking locals- a great way to make some new friends and find some good places!

  • December 23, 2015
    Bev

    I love this hole in the wall concept for a subscription gift! My favorite way to find hole in the wall places while I’m traveling is definitely to ask the locals – and if I’m international in a location where English is not the primary language, I try to find places that don’t have English translations since this most likely means they are catering to tourist rather than locals.

  • December 23, 2015

    Soooo many subscription boxes out there – but this does look like a fun one! I wonder what’s in the Seattle box?!

  • December 23, 2015

    I love to wander around the neighborhoods and off the main tourist roads. When taking a driving holiday, truck stops are incredibly interesting, too. Don’t be in such a hurry to get from one place to another and get off the freeways! Happy Holidays!

  • December 23, 2015
    Rebecca Prince

    Merry Christmas!

  • December 23, 2015
    Lauren

    Love this idea!! So unique. Would love to see some small cities too as the company grows!

  • December 24, 2015
    Jessica Young

    The way I find hole in the wall places is by word of mouth, and yelp!

  • December 24, 2015
    Floripe valdez

    I ask the locals or Google it. I couldn’t comment in the giveaway comment section so I did it here. velvetsky77

  • December 24, 2015
    Sarah

    I like to find unique places by just stumbling upon them as I explore neighborhoods!

  • December 24, 2015
    Sarah

    I like to find unique places by just stumbling upon them as I explore neighborhoods when traveling!

  • December 25, 2015

    I walk and walk and try to stumble upon cool places.

  • December 26, 2015

    Great idea. Saves my day yesterday. LOL! Thanks for the share.

  • December 26, 2015
    Alyssa P

    I love this idea! It would make a great gift. It’s such a fun way to discover new brands and products.

  • December 26, 2015
    Kelly D

    I like to talk to the locals.

  • December 26, 2015
    Holly

    For restaurants, we usually check Yelp, but sometimes just cruising or walking around yields local treasures.

  • December 27, 2015
    Kathy Eyre

    I either ask the bartender or surf the web before I go

Leave a Comment