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Shopping for kids can be a struggle, especially when you’re trying to be creative and avoid the toy aisle for birthdays and other special occasions. But what if they could get something new and fun every month? That’s where a subscription box or service comes in. From celebrating women who’ve helped change our world to learning their way around the kitchen and exploring new worlds, scroll down to see our favorite subscription services for kids for any time of year.
Alltruists
Alltruists' subscription box isn't just an activity, it's a carefully curated program of at-home volunteer and giving projects. Using creativity and play, each eco-friendly box helps kids understand social and environmental topics and comes with conversation guides for parents, a donation experience, projects and empathy-building activities. Boxes include important topics like homelessness, clean water, bees and hunger.
Cost: $55+ per month
I'm the Chef, Too
We love this kit because it combines science with cooking! Each adventure kit is filled with a recipe, pre-measured dry ingredients and 2-3 STEAM-based projects that are all theme related. Uncover a new adventure and learning experience every time! In the Galaxy Donuts kit, you'll learn about the constellations and how to calculate the weight of planets.
Cost: $38.95
The Play Kits for Toddlers by Lovevery
Lovevery’s new Toddler Play Kits are an expansion of its highly praised subscription box service. Previously available for infants ages 0-12 months, Toddler Play Kits are designed for a child's second year of life. Expertly designed to foster brain development and help advance cognitive development, each Toddler Play Kit includes science-backed, sustainably produced play products and activities toddlers want and require for brain development, at exactly the right time. For parents, the Play Kits include need-to-know guidance in the form of The Play Guides—mini books that walk parents through the "how tos” of making the most of play time with their children, backed by all the research parents often don’t have the time to read. Unlike Baby Play Kits, which are shipped every other month, Toddler Play Kits ship every three months with fuller boxes.
Cost: Starting at $36 per month.
YearCheer
Deliver some holiday cheer with a gift box from YearCheer! This fun subscription box offers holiday decorations and more that come right to your door. Targeted for kids ages 4-10, YearCheer's Halloween box came packed with fun like a haunted village to build and set up on your table, spider garland, spooky sounds noisemaker and more. There was even a ghost-shaped cookie cutter and instructions on how to create a boo box for your friends. Tying it all together was a favorite Halloween book, Room on the Broom. Available in single-month and longer subscriptions as well as non-recurring giftable options.
Cost: $54.95/month
Cdrop Subscription Box
If your tween is obsessed with everything Claire's, this is the gift for them. Choose a one-time or monthly subscription and they'll get surprise glam delivered right to their door.
Cost: $32/month
We Craft Box
We Craft Box is an award-winning monthly kids craft kit for kids ages 3-9. With a themed story, 4-5 coordinating crafts, easy-to-follow photo directions, and all materials sent right to your door, the box can be shared between two children. You'll especially love the themed holiday boxes!
Cost: $34.99/month
Early Moments Book Subscription
Get your three favorite Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends books for just $3, delivered right to your door. From The Cat in the Hat to P.D. Eastman's classic Are You My Mother? Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends offers sturdy, hardcover books they'll read again and again. Start out by building your welcome package of the first three books. After that, you'll get three books shipped to your door, each month. You’re in control: you can pause, skip, change shipping frequency or cancel anytime. You can even preview your three books online and add or replace books before they ship!
MEL Kids
We love this subscription box for kids ages 5-9 and know you will too! You'll get a new science kit every month to learn about scientific topics like pressure, immiscible liquids, strength and jet propulsion. Download the AR app to get even more in-depth info on your project. Cancel your subscription at any time.
Cost: $34.90
Just Right Reader
Want your kiddos to experience the ultimate joy of reading? The Just Right Reader subscription box combines entertainment and education in the perfect way. Kids will receive books specifically selected for them alongside items like superhero outfits, funny glasses, necklaces, laser reading pointers, reading finger buddies, stamps, stickers and more to get them amped up to read.
Cost: Starting at $30/mo
Rowan
Little fashionistas will love Rowan's earring subscription box. Every month, littles will get a pair of nickel-free, hypoallergenic earrings designed in Brooklyn, NY with your choice of Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver. In addition, every month your box comes with a thought-provoking mindfulness card to inspire conversation and a surprise accessory. You can also choose to upgrade your first box and snag a signature Rowan accessories bundle which includes an acrylic earring stand, satin travel pouch, journal, pen and a surprise extra pair of earrings while supplies last.
Cost: Starting at $25/mo
Play On! from Bay Area Children's Theater Company
The brainchild of Bay Area Children's Theater Company, Play On! is an audio musical adventure kit for kids. There are two different boxes: Discover (0-5) and Adventure (5-10), and the boxes make it easier for BACT to share their award-winning programming with kids all over the U.S. during COVID and beyond. Every month, kids get everything they need to bring the magic of theater to their own homes; the most unique aspect is the audio elements that can be unlocked once the box arrives. Kids can use the materials to perform again and again. Opt for a single kit or a monthly subscription.
Cost: $40 for a single box, $120 for a year's subscription.
Bubbles & Joy
For the kiddos who love to lounge in the tub, this monthly subscription is a great gift idea. Each box contains goodies like waterproof books, bath bombs, activities, bath crayons and more. It's basically a bath party in a box!
Cost: $39
Atlas Book Club
What started as a family book club focused on literature about or from African countries has grown into a monthly book box that focuses on globally diverse books and learning materials for kids. Founder Bunmi Emenanjo says "Studies have shown that kids who are exposed to diverse cultures cultivate a global awareness that makes them more empathetic and compassionate. I firmly believe that such exposure leads them to not just accept cultures different from their own, but to celebrate them!"
There are four levels for different readers ranging from picture books to young adult novels. In addition to the books, subscribers will also get fact cards, a postcard, a culturally relevant souvenir and more. You can even purchase some of the previous month's boxes if they are available.
Cost: $40 for one month
InKidZ
After she saw how travel (especially international) helps parents to empower their kids with cultural awareness, founder Dr. Zabina Bhasin—child psychiatrist and mom of two—came up with the idea for InKidZ. Focused on countries like Turkey, Guatemala or Australia, each box has been carefully curated by Bhasin and a few parent ambassadors (thing puzzles, jewelry, activity sheets, stickers, crayons and more), and each one strives to educate kids about various global cultures in a thought-provoking way. The “In the Know” cards are especially fun. Similar to trivia cards, they’re great for the car or family dinners. Topics range from how to speak in Turkish to knowing milestones made by iconic Black Americans.
Cost: Choose between bi-monthly ($49 for one kid, $59 for siblings) or annual ($270 for one kid, $300 for siblings, six boxes a year).
A Kids Book About Box
Founded by a Black CEO and father of six who sought to create nonfiction books covering topics that his kids were ready to discuss, A Kids Book About Box includes best-selling and popular titles like A Kids Book About Gratitude, A Kids Book About Racism, A Kids Book About Empathy, and A Kids Book About Belonging. Other books touch on subjects like bullying, creativity, disabilities, voting and more. Even better, A Kids Book About celebrates diverse authors who write stories influenced by their own experiences, which gives readers access to all kinds of voices.
Cost: Starting at $20/book, and monthly subscriptions start at $17
Baketivity
Baketivity boxes are sure to put a smile on your little baker's face! Each themed box comes with pre-measured ingredients, kid-friendly instructions, colorful lessons and games to play while your treats bake and a shopping list if you need to add anything extra. All the included ingredients are vacuum-packed fresh, and when you sign up for a subscription, your kiddo will get a Baketivity hat and apron! The newest kit is the limited-edition Positivity Cookie Kit Project, which aims to encourage conversations about diversity and equality, and there are tons of other baking kits, like whoopie pies, pull-apart cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, cookies, cake pops and bagels. You can buy a one-time kit or subscribe to receive one on a monthly basis.
Sago Mini Box
From the creative genius of Sago Mini comes the new Sago Mini Box subscription, a kit that creates hands-on experiences for kids ages 3-5. Every month, subscribers will receive a new box that encourages open-ended play and make and play activities that are easy to assemble. In addition to the box and three themed activities, kids will receive a letter from a Sago Mini character! Sago keeps sustainability at the forefront, with all paper materials constructed from recycled content or sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC Certified).
Cost: $19 per month, or $15 per month when you subscribe annually
GIRLS CAN! CRATE
GIRLS CAN! CRATE is a new subscription box that celebrates the lives of women who've changed our world. From Bessie Coleman and Dr. Irene Uchida to Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Madam CJ Walker and Dorothea Lange, GIRLS CAN! CRATE celebrates the lives and stories of diverse women across race, profession and the world so that every girl who picks up a crate will see something of herself reflected in her GIRLS CAN! experience. Choose between two monthly offerings: the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE which includes a 20-page activity book, two or three STEAM activities, a collectible button, tote bag and tips for grown-ups related to the month's featured lady's trait; or the mini-mailer which is a smaller version of the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE. All aspects of the GIRLS CAN! experience, from start to finish, are curated by its all-female owned and operated company.
Cost: Crate subscriptions start at $35 per month. Mini-mailers start at $18.50 per month.
Little Global Citizens
Little Global Citizens is a subscription box that looks to take children (ages 4-10) on a new adventure around the world every other month, focusing on the culture and the people of a new country. Each box brings to life a new country through carefully curated books, cultural activities in the form of games, puzzles and quizzes, interactive crafts, language and recipes for a themed dinner party night. The brand uses their Montessori Educator to curate each box. The founder of LGC, Akeelah Kuraishi, says that the ultimate mission of Little Global Citizen is to foster open-mindedness, compassion and global awareness.
Cost: $40 for a bi-monthly subscription; $50 if you want to add an additional set of craft and activity materials for a sibling.
America’s Test Kitchen Kids Young Chefs Club
Kids who love cooking and STEM learning will love this new subscription box from America’s Test Kitchen Kids. The Young Chefs’ Club box is jam-packed with kid-tested, kid-approved recipes, science experiments, creative items (think: DIY board games, tortilla warmers, special sprinkles) and more. Designed to inspire a new generation of empowered cooks, engaged eaters and curious experimenters, each box contains recipes that have been tested by over 5,000 kids in the US and received at least an 80% approval rating. Each month, kids will receive a box based on a theme, ranging from specific ingredients such as cheese or bread, to cooking techniques like cake decorating, to scientific subjects centered around texture or molecular gastronomy. The projects range from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the child's age and ability, and grocery lists are emailed before the boxes arrive. The Young Chefs Club is designed for kids ages 5 & up.
Good to know: Members get access to America’s Test Kitchen Kids' extensive digital library of recipes, experiments, videos, fun food trivia and more.
Cost: Starting at $20 per month for a 12-month subscription.
KiwiCo Panda Crate
KiwiCo, a parent fave for STEM, STEAM, science and art subscription kits for kids, recently launched its Panda Crate line designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Made in partnership with researchers at Seattle Children’s Hospital, KiwiCo ensures that all the products and information delivered in its crates are perfectly suited for a child’s developing brain. Plus, a portion of every Panda Crate purchase is donated toward child development research. Designed to grow with baby's development, the Panda Line crates are broken up into five separate age bands–delivering an age and stage-appropriate crate every other month as baby grows over two years. Each crate in the subscription line is billed and delivered every three months, and you can easily adjust the timing or cancel anytime.
Cost: Starts at $15.50 per month for two year’s worth of Panda Crates (12 shipments).
Monti Kids
Based on the world-renowned 0-3 Montessori curriculum, Monti Kids provides the only at-home Montessori toy program for babies and toddlers ranging in age from birth to 36 months. The subscription-based program was founded with the mission of helping parents support their babies during the most critical years of development. With a Monti Kids subscription, Montessori toy curriculum is delivered every three months with exactly the right learning materials needed at each developmental stage. Each Monti Kids box also includes guides for parents which consist of short videos and articles on how to introduce and use the materials with their baby–also great for caregivers and grandparents! Choose from eight different levels.
Good to know: Before your toys arrive, you’ll have access to the Monti Kids Learning Center, packed with instructional videos, research and tips.
Cost: $297 approximately every three months.
Cook + Play from Raddish
You know and love Raddish because it takes the guesswork and stress out of teaching kids to cook. It also provides a bonding, interactive and tasty adventure for families to share. Each month features a new exciting theme, from "Edible Experiments" to "Ticket to Japan." Kits include a set of three laminated and illustrated recipe cards with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to develop safe and smart kitchen techniques. Kids also receive a kitchen tool, craft, experiment or foodie game, monthly collectibles in the form of Table Talk conversation starter cards and a colorful apron patch. And now, your preschooler can get in on the action, with the Cook + Play Kit. Kids can mix, mash and stir as they whip up 123 Blueberry Muffins, ABC Chips and Guac and Rainbow Pasta Salad while learning the alphabet, counting, colors, measuring and even setting the table.
Good to know: Raddish includes a digital and printed grocery checklist, but does not include the actual food. Raddish also has an expansive library of free content from bonus recipes to activities and playlists and offers dietary modifications for all recipes.
Cost: $24 per month
Izzy & Liv Brown Sugar Box for Little Girls & Tween Girls
Lifestyle brand Izzy & Liv recently launched a version of their Brown Sugar Box for kids and teens. Both the Kids Box (for ages 4-8) and Tweens Box (for ages 9-14) are similar to the adult boxes where even though the items will be a mystery until opened, everything included will equal a retail value of at least $100. The boxes are designed with African American girls in mind, with culturally inspired items featured in every box. You'll get at least one Izzy & Liv shirt and other sweet things made with the brown sugar girl in mind. Little girls might get school supplies, hair accessories and books, while tweens can expect to get beauty products, lunch totes and even pillow covers.
Cost: If you sign up now, you'll lock in a special $45 (plus shipping) quarterly rate. It'll go to $55 (plus shipping) soon.
Mail Order Mysteries
Mail Order Mysteries are a tech-free creative experience that unfolds through a series of six weekly installments. The letters are personalized to kids from the characters in the stories. There are spies, pirates, knights, librarians, detectives, dragons and trolls, and when these characters ask for help with a top-secret mission, the kids become key characters themselves. One of their latest mysterious launches is the Case of the Missing Bigfoot, perfect for ages 9 & up, and is a classic whodunit set in an old mansion before a big dinner is about to begin. The lights go out, and when they come back on, the safe is open and empty. Uh oh. This box comes with everything to help solve the crime, including crime scene photos, suspect cards, notebooks, suspect board, interview transcripts and more.
Cost: $87 for a six-week subscription containing five letter mail envelopes and a final package.
Stitch Fix Kids
Style knows no age, so why not encourage their love of fashion with Stitch Fix’s personal styling service for kids? Stitch Fix has recently been reinventing the shopping experience for adults as well as expanding. They now offer sizes 2T-14 for kids! Parents can easily manage their kids' profile, and they can work together to create a style profile and set up their delivery. Each Stitch Fix Kid box contains 8-12 pieces of clothing, shoes or accessories, which range in price from $10-$35. A stylist handpicks items based on the style profile. The best part? There’s no pressure to keep anything, and no subscription is required. Simply order Fixes when you like or schedule automatic deliveries. Easy-peasy!
Cost: $20 styling fee that is later applied toward anything purchased.
KyndKits
Kids have busy lives these days between school, sports, play dates and activities, but one important lesson they all need to learn is that kindness is key. KyndKits are a way to pair volunteering with the convenience of home delivery. KyndKits is a subscription box filled with new, customizable volunteer activities and acts of kindness delivered to your child’s door each month. These opportunities can range from making cards for Veterans to building care kits for the homeless. The projects support a variety of causes and include everything needed for a meaningful volunteer experience. KyndKit subscriptions are handled online, making sign up and subscription management easy. Packages range from single, one-person kits to large-group kits.
Cost: $19 for one project per month. Up to four KyndKits projects can be ordered per month.
Toy Library
So many toys, so little time. Imagine being able to borrow and return new toys, just like books at the library. Well, that’s what mom Christie Jacobs thought when she’d had enough with her kids playing on the iPads too much. With limited space, she didn’t want to keep buying new toys. Instead, she created ToyLibrary, a service that provides unlimited access to over 500 educational toys. "ToyLibrary lets you borrow and play with the newest toys, curated and selected by child development experts so parents always get the best toy for their child,” Jacobs said. "Parents enjoy an uncluttered house, great value and the convenience of free shipping straight to their door." Kids can play with the toys for a month, three months or 12 months, and then just return them in the pre-paid mailer.
Cost: $30 a month for two toys; $20 a month for six toys for three months; $12.50 a month for 24 toys for 12 months.
Little Feminist Book Club
Little Feminist book club, which aims to teach kids about gender equality diversity and empathy, now has three age ranges (0-3, 3-7 and 7-9) for their popular book subscription service. Every month, one or two books are carefully hand-selected by a team of educators, librarians and parents, who then create discussion questions and a DIY activity to accompany them.
Cost: Starting at $23 per month.
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