Let’s all face facts — screen time is well and good, but parents are always on the lookout for new ways to entertain their kids while we’re spending time at home. Most of us adults are used to receiving our monthly dose of dopamine from our FabFitFun box, Ipsy Glam Bag, or Book of the Month subscriptions. And we sure as heck get our pups get a fresh supply of goodies in their BarkBox. But kids can also benefit from monthly subscription boxes — and don’t worry, there’s many more options out there than just toys and candy.
Subscription boxes for kids are as varied as their interests; whether the little one is psyched for science, crazy for crafts, is animated for animals, or is becoming a burgeoning little bookworm — there are so many ways to develop a child’s interest and curiosity. We’ve put together a list of 17 different types of subscription boxes that will encourage a child’s developing mind and keep them entertained. So they're not just watching every. last. episode. of Daniel Tiger.
KiwiCo
Designed for kids of ages, KiwiCo is a monthly box devoted to teaching kids about STEM. All parents need to do is enter their child’s age and KiwiCo will show them products specifically geared toward engaging with that age group. KiwiCo states that all of its products have been grounded in the science of early childhood development — and yes, the toys, games, and projects are all really fun!
KiwiCo, prices vary depending on membership
Psst: If purchasing an item on this list, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Raddish
Get prepared to throw down in the kitchen because with Raddish, mom, dad, and kids are all going to be getting their hands dirty. The Raddish monthly box is both a cooking club and culinary lesson as well as, the solution to the “What are we going to have for dinner tonight, Mom?” dilemma. Meant for kids ages 4 to 14+, the box is tailored so younger kids can make something under adult supervision, while older kids can start to develop their cooking skills on their own.
Raddish, $24 per month
Little Passports
Ready to see the world? Now more than ever, encouraging kids to stay curious about the world around them is so important. Which is part of the mission behind Little Passports. Every month, Little Passports picks one country and fills its box with age-appropriate crafts, reading materials, and other educational products to teach kids about life in other places. And yes, there are boxes for kids as young as 3!
Little Passports, monthly subscriptions start at $22.95 per month
The Comic Garage
Start a love of reading or encourage a young comic book fan to grow her collection. The Comic Garage is sure to get kids and teens to put their devices down for once. Subscribers can choose between Marvel or DC comics for their monthly box — or shhhh, they’ll even mix the two if kids can’t choose. Every month subscribers will get either 10 or 24 comics, depending on membership.
The Comic Garage, $24.95 per month
Lovevery
We all want our kids to find the right tools to grow and develop their brains and Lovevery has a monthly subscription box that can support these goals every step of the way. Parents can subscribe to the Lovevery starting from birth and receive a monthly Play Kit filled with toys designed by child development experts. Kits are best for kids ages 0 to 36 months.
Lovevery, $36 per month
Kidpik
Fashionistas — or, maybe just parents who want to save a trip to Target with the kids — can appreciate this clothes subscription box, which makes shopping for clothes easy and hassle-free. After filling out a simple style quiz online, Kidpik will pick out seven pieces of clothing that make up three coordinated outfits — including shoes. Parents have seven days to decide if they want to keep the outfits or return them at no charge.
Kidpik, average boxes cost about $95
Cratejoy
Sitting down and creating something with a little one is probably one of the most joyful things a parent can do. Plus, it’s one less afternoon where they’re sitting in front of the iPad. Cratejoy is a marketplace with subscription boxes for all age groups, but the boxes for kids come in a wide range of choices including Sensory Kits, a Kids Night In box, or even a monthly sticker club.
Cratejoy, prices vary
Sensory TheraPLAY Box
Every month, parents will receive five to six therapeutic toys that can help kids develop sensory motor skills or self-regulate. Every Sensory TheraPLAY Box is filled with toys carefully curated by a licensed occupational therapist and are meant to help calm or manage anxiety. Toys are also chosen with special care to cater to kids with autism or other sensory disorders — and are always fun.
Sensory TheraPLAY Box, $40.95
Just Like Me! Book Box
Letting kids see themselves in the books they read can be so meaningful, so every month the Just Like Me! Book Box choses two to three books starring characters of color to send to their doorstep. Boxes also include other educational tools and the books will advance in difficulty as kids grow up.
Just Like Me! Book Box, starting at $28 per month
GroovyLab
Another option to get kids interested in STEM, GroovyLab seeks to get kids as young as 4 curious about how things work. All “STEMists” will receive a Lab Notebook, where they'll read about the month’s topic, conduct their study, and record their findings. They can also access the “Beyond…in a Box” online portal where kids can go even deeper on that month's topic.
GroovyLab, $29.95 per month
Amazon Book Box
Who doesn’t love getting a package from Amazon? Well why not make it a regular treat with the Amazon Book Box. Every one, two, or three months, a carefully curated collection of two or four books (depending on age) will be show up on the doorstep. All of the books are chosen by Amazon Book Editors.
Amazon Book Box, $19.99 per month
L.O.L. Surprise! Box
The kids who can’t wait to open their L.O.L. Surprise dolls will LOVE this box. Available every quarter, each box contains six to eight goodies for kids to wear, use, or play with. All L.O.L. Surprise Box! products are custom-made for the box and are exclusive items that aren’t sold anywhere else.
L.O.L. Surprise! Box, $38 per quarter
Foot Cardigan
Crazy name, crazy good product. Foot Cardigan is the box for kids who are just a little bit obsessed with cool socks. For less than $12 per month, kids will get two pairs of bright, colorful socks every single month. From the perfect pair of Christmas socks to socks covered in hot dogs and ice cream — all of these socks are fun and funky.
Foot Cardigan, $11 per month
STRONG self(ie)
No, it’s not what it sounds like. This isn’t a box to help teens look perfect in their forward-facing camera. It’s a box designed to encourage girls to feel good about themselves using gifts that remind them of their worth. Boxes arrive every quarter and are filled with products that will keep the good vibes flowing.
STRONG self(ie), $64 per box
Foodstirs
Got a kid who loves to bake? Let him get better at making cupcake batter while cutting down on his junk food intake with the Foodstir subscription — which promises all of the baking fun with none of the junk. And if that's not convincing, did we mention that the company was founded by Sarah Michelle Gellar?
Foodstirs, $25.99 for one box
HoppiBox
A subscription box designed to keep the smallest member of the family happy while also keeping the little one engaged, the HoppiBox is a monthly box for babies and toddlers. As kids hit their developmental milestones, HoppiBOx will send out different toys to encourage their growth. The HoppiBox is best for kids ages 0 to 2 years.
HoppiBox, boxes start at $22 per month
Brick Loot
This is the box for a little builder who is always looking for her next big Lego project. Brick Loot boxes have a different theme every month and the company sends out a new Lego set, Lego accessories, custom Lego minifigures, kits by famous Lego designers, and Brick Loot exclusives for a low monthly fee. Let's create!
Brick Loot, $27.28 for one month
