INFINITY BEVERAGES, Eau Claire (Photo: Andrea Paulseth)

Subscription services are all the rage, with national companies providing everything from movies and music to munchies and makeup for a monthly charge. But if you look a little closer to home, you’ll find the trend budding in the Chippewa Valley, too, offering a local option for subscription services and surprises. Whether you’re in the market for a cool gift for a loved one or looking to treat yo’ self, this list might alert you to some fun choices.

1. Dotters Books

This independently woman-owned bookstore opened in 2017 to promote intersectional authorship and provide great reads to the Valley. They offer a monthly subscription box stuffed with fun goodies for book lovers. Each box contains their monthly Book Club Pick, a personalized list of recommended literature, a shop discount, and a locally designed artistic bookmark. Visit Dottersbooks.com.

2. Ivy Creatives

Local entrepreneurs and artists can get to work in professional style at Ivy Creatives, a subscription-based co-working space established early in 2019. Subscriptions range in price and access, with options for private desks, offices, recording studio access, and more. Members can also enjoy complimentary espressos from the in-office machine to keep their motivation up. Learn more at facebook.com/ivycreatives.

HIVE & HOLLOW, Menomonie (Photo: Timothy Mather)

3. Hive & Hollow

Located in Menomonie, Hive & Hollow is a sustainable floral shop that sources products from as close to home as possible. Arrangements make use of foraged feathers and the occasional mushroom for unique, natural decor. They offer a monthly subscription wherein members can receive a fresh bouquet or arrangement delivered to their home – on a special day if requested. Visit hiveandhollow.earth to find out more.

4. Infinity Beverages

If you’re a lover of wine and spirits, there’s a local subscription service for you in Infinity Beverages’ Wine Club. Sign up for a year and get a discount on six- and 12-bottle quarterly deliveries. The Eau Claire-based winery and distillery will select labels based on the season and on recent releases, with flavors ranging from traditional to experimental. A free gift is included with each delivery, and members get an annual discount purchase at the tasting lounge. Discover more by visiting infinitybeverages.com.

5. CSAs

Support local farmers by signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share. Several area farms offer these subscription-like programs, where you pay a lump sum (or in a few installments) for weekly bundles of fresh-grown vegetables, fruits, dairy, and even meat. Every farm offers their own selection of seasonal harvest throughout the summer at their own price. Some even offer a work-share program where you can save on the CSA in exchange for a few hours of farm work – a great way to get in touch with your food. Find a list of local CSAs on volumeone.org here.