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Jenni Gritters Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
Maya Polton Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
Subscription boxes are specialized, pre-packaged activities that can cater to your child’s age and individual preferences while at the same time alleviating the mental load for caregivers. They make life more fun by periodically providing kids with a fresh activity that requires minimal planning. The market for unique subscription boxes has blossomed, so there are options for every age, from babies to teens. The best subscription boxes for kids overall are from KiwiCo, for their wide range of ages and topics, along with Little Passports, for the focus on STEM, culture and interactive learning.
According to early childhood therapist Jodi Huffman, play helps children develop cognitive skills, language, social-emotional intelligence, and fine and gross motor skills. “From a very young age, play stimulates brain development by helping children make sense of the world around them,” she says. Huffman suggests that parents “look for play kits that promote open-ended play.” Child and school psychologist Mary McGaughan, Psy. D. says, “If your child demonstrates specific areas of interests or strength, a subscription box is a great way to reinforce and nurture areas of interest and strength while also offering new experiences and activities to guide and expand on interests and skills.” We love that there are subscription boxes on dozens of topics, from art and STEM to math and cooking—all in one neat package. Read on for the best subscription boxes for kids.
- Best Subscription Boxes For Kids Overall: KiwiCo, Little Passports
- Best Cooking Subscription Boxes For Kids: Raddish Kids, Kidstir
- Best Subscription Box For Babies And Toddlers: Lovevery
- Best STEM Subscription Boxes For Kids: Creation Crate, Messy Play Kit, CrunchLabs Buildbox
- Best Craft Subscription Box For Kids: We Craft
- Best Subscription Box For Teens: KiwiCo Studio (Ages 14 To 18+)
- Best Beauty Subscription Box For Teens: Ipsy
- Best Book Subscription Boxes: Bookroo, Curio
- Best Subscription Box For The Whole Family: Universal Yums
Best Subscription Boxes For Kids Overall
A Box For Every Kid
KiwiCo Kiwi Crate
Theme: STEM, maker, crafts, cooking, baby | Ages: 0 and up | Subscription period: Monthly, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month
Pros:
- Kits available for ages 0 to 18
- Introduces kids to a wide range of educational topics in a fun way
- Many options in terms of subscription cadence
- High quality
Cons:
- Options can be overwhelming
KiwiCo makes some of the most popular activity subscription boxes for kids, with everything from toy kits for babies and tots to maker crates for teens. We’ve highlighted the KiwiCo Kiwi Crate here, because it sits squarely in the middle of the brand’s offerings. It’s a monthly STEAM subscription for kids ages 5 to 8. Each kit is bursting with fun things to do, games and toys to make or experiments to test out.
There are subscriptions for doodlers, for aspiring chefs and kids who just really want to build stuff. In short, there’s something for just about every kid at KiwiCo, making it one of our top all-around picks. The monthly box price gets as low as $18.50 per month for a yearlong subscription to some of its subscription lines.
Teach Kids About The World Around Them
Little Passports Subscription Boxes
Theme: Animal and nature-based exploration | Age: 3 and up | Subscription period: Monthly, 6-month, 12-month
Pros:
- Many age and interest options
- Affordable
- Highly educational
Cons:
- Kits can include many small pieces and parts
Little Passports offers several types of subscription boxes for kids, grouped by age and interest. There are science kits, cultural travel explorations and plenty of games and crafts. Select the right one based on your child’s age and interests. “These activities encourage my son’s natural curiosity and excitement about the world around him,” one reviewer writes. At roughly $20 to $30 per month, it’s not the cheapest box on this list, but it’s fairly budget-friendly. While it might not have many options for kids under 3, the range of topic options can keep any preschooler happy.
Best Cooking Subscription Boxes For Kids
Monthly Learning Programs For Little Chefs
Raddish Kids Subscription Boxes
Theme: Cooking | Ages: 4 to 14 | Subscription period: Monthly, 6-month, 12-month
Pros:
- Options for cooking, baking and global eats
- Cooking and global eats clubs can be made vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free
- Sibling bundles are available
Cons:
- Some additional ingredients need to be purchased (a shopping list is provided ahead of time)
- Baking club cannot accommodate dietary restrictions
Think of this as Hello Fresh for kids. Raddish Kids has three options for its cooking subscription box for kids: a cooking club, a baking club and a global eats club. This programming exposes kids to different types of foods they might not otherwise see until later in life (if at all), while also introducing them to kitchen tools and tricks. Younger kids may need some cooking assistance, but the helpful guide always says when adult help is recommended.
Co-author Maya Polton’s kids received these boxes and enjoyed them a lot. “I that the kits don’t come with fresh food, so while shopping is required, it also allows you to cook at a time that’s right for you,” she says.
Cooking Boxes That Build A Cookbook Over Time
Kidstir
Theme: Cooking | Ages: 4 to 14 | Subscription period: Monthly, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month
Pros:
- Seasonal themes
- Companion app
- Recipes can be modified to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs
Cons:
- No food included
Kidstir’s monthly boxes are all centered around a theme, which creates an educational food experience for kids. Each box contains three tasty recipes, a high-quality kitchen tool that’s essential for that month’s recipes, Foodie Fun magazine, stickers and a shopping list. The first kit arrives with an apron and recipe binder that all the future recipes can be neatly stored in. The boxes are less than $20 a month if you opt for the yearlong subscription and there’s a tie-in with MasterChef Junior. We love that the binder allows kids to build their very own cookbook over time.
Best Subscription Box For Babies And Toddlers
A Montessori-Style Subscription Box
Lovevery Play Kits
Theme: Montessori-style learning for babies and toddlers | Ages: 0 to 4 | Subscription period: Every 2 months for babies under 1, every 3 months for toddlers 1 to 4
Pros:
- Kits include a comprehensive play guide for parents
- High-quality toys
- Toys are designed to meet child’s developmental stage
Cons:
- Pricey
For parents who subscribe to the Montessori approach of early education, this box is a definite go-to. Many new moms at Forbes Vetted love it as easy way to diversify baby’s playthings. “The kits have helped me see how much my 2-year-old loves water play, for instance,” writes Forbes Vetted contributor Cassie Shortsleeve in her Lovevery review.
Each box also comes with a 30-day warranty from the company, with a commitment to replace any toys lost in the first 30 days of play. This quality approach comes with a higher-quality price tag, though; your total cost in a year is double that of some of the subscription boxes on this list.
Best STEM Subscription Boxes For Kids
Electronics And Engineering For Tweens And Up
Creation Crate
Theme: STEM | Ages: 10 and up | Subscription period: Monthly, 3-month
Pros:
- Option to bundle and get multiple kits at once
- Encourages critical thinking
- Video and written instruction options
Cons:
- Monthly or every three months are the only subscription options
- Not for kids under age 10
A subscription box geared toward older kids, the Creation Crate focuses on more technical STEM topics like electrical and chemical engineering with an emphasis on being challenging while remaining doable for kids of this age. Each subscription includes online content for additional educational opportunities. One parent writes that they opted into the Creation Crate as a chance for some quality time with their child: “We are both learning and having fun with this. I highly recommend this to parents and kids who are interested in electronics.” Adult supervision is suggested for this subscription.
Teach STEM Even Earlier
Messy Play Kit
Theme: STEM | Ages: 3 to 8 | Subscription period: Billed monthly until you cancel
Pros:
- Flexible subscription
- Encourages sensory play
- Messes are generally easy to clean up
Cons:
- As advertised, some activities can be messy
Kids as young as three can learn STEM with this kit, which includes three to five monthly activities on varying themes and topics. Every box almost guarantees a month’s worth of engaging entertainment. As the name implies, some of the activities could be a bit messy, but rest assured, everything is nontoxic and kid-friendly. If you’re on the fence, the Messy Play Kit shares lots oftips, tricks and benefits to sensory play, and just reading through the site is reassuring and beneficial. Polton also likes that this monthly subscription runs until you cancel it, so it’s easy to manage.
These Kits Teach Kids To Build Their Own Toys
Build Box Subscription By Mark Rober
Theme: STEM | Ages: 8 to 12+ | Subscription period: Monthly, quarterly, annually
Pros:
- Created for older kids
- Kids can continue to play with the project after it’s built
Cons:
- A device is required to watch the video, but the video is not essential for the build
Think like an engineer with this monthly subscription box that has kids building their own toys. Designed by Mark Rober, a YouTuber, educator, inventor and engineer, kids may love the celeb tie-in, but these boxes are legit. Each month your box includes a build-it yourself toy, educational videos from Mark Rober and a chance to win a trip to Mark’s CrunchLab. Parents praise these boxes and share that the toys are well-crafted and long-lasting. It’s not just one and done—kids can build a fun toy and then play with it afterward.
Best Craft Subscription Box For Kids
Creative Art Projects Galore For The Younger Set
We Craft DIY Kids Crafts Kit
Theme: Crafts | Ages: 3 to 9 | Subscription period: Monthly, 3-month, 6-month
Pros:
- All materials are for two crafters
- Kids can follow video tutorials or use written directions illustrated with photos
Cons:
- No yearly option
- Lots of small parts
For the kid who loves to build and create, each We Craft box has a theme, a story and all the materials required (with photo instructions) for two or three different craft projects. The box gives parents something to pull out on a rainy day. As a mom to multiple kids, Polton appreciates that there are enough supplies for two kids to create each project or if one kid is crafting, the leftover materials can be used on other, unrelated projects. Most of these craft projects don’t require any help from grown-ups and include engaging directions plus fun seasonal stories.
If you’re looking for more ways to keep crafty kids busy, consider our list of the best art supplies for kids.
Best Subscription Box For Teens
Inspire Your Teen's Creativity
KiwiCo Studio For Ages 14 To 18+
Theme: Art/design | Ages: 14 and up | Subscription period: Monthly
Pros:
- Introduces teens to new art and design concepts every month
- You can pause your subscription when needed
- Kits include all the neccessary supplies and tools
Cons:
- Only monthly boxes offered
With one big hands-on art project per month (and all the needed materials and video instructions included), this KiwiCo subscription box is intended for an older crowd of kids, although there is also an option for 9- to 14-year-olds. The kits include everything teens need to complete projects like marbled paper, cuddly yarn crafts or making their own decorative light. The subscription also includes step by step instructional videos, plus other digital content for kids who want to explore the themes in a particular kit more.
Best Beauty Subscription Box For Teens
Lean Into Beauty As Art With This Monthly Delivery
Ipsy Beauty Boxes
Theme: Beauty | Ages: 13 and up | Subscription period: Monthly
Pros:
- A quiz helps customize the products
- Lets teens try a range of products and brands
- Teens can choose what products they want each month
Cons:
- Cannot receive a box without taking the quiz
- Offers some anti-aging products that aren’t ideal for teens
Choose from a long list of beauty products for skin, hair and makeup with your Glam Bag subscription. The box gives you a choice of one product for your bag per month, and the rest come as a surprise. Ipsy uses a “beauty quiz” and an algorithm to fine-tune what you get in each box. This keeps things exciting and new without chancing duplicate items.
If you have a beauty lover in your life, or a teen starting to explore their look, this fun monthly delivery might help inspire creativity. “I would have never thought to buy some of the products that came in the Ipsy box for my teenage niece,” says one Forbes Vetted editor. “But she was thrilled by everything.”
Best Book Subscription Box
Monthly Reading For All Ages
Bookroo Subscription
Theme: Books | Ages: 0 to 12 | Subscription period: Monthly, 3-month, 6-month, yearly
Pros:
- Four options for different age groups
- Gets kids excited about books
- Discount for multiple subscriptions
Cons:
- Cannot select books that are included
Grow your child’s library in a thoughtful and curated manner with Bookroo’s subscription boxes. We love that there are options including the Board Book Club for the youngest set, Picture Book Club, Junior Chapter Book Club and Middle Grade Book Club for tweens 9 to 12 years old. Depending on the age and stage, the number of books varies, but all boxes have access to an exclusive digital platform with author and illustrator behind-the-scenes, quizzes and more.
Subscription Book Boxes For Bilingual Kids
Curated Books In Spanish, French And Chinese
Theme: Bilingual kids books | Ages: 0 to 4+ | Subscription period: 3-month
Pros:
- Helps introduce kids to reading in a second language
- Books are high-quality
- Picture books have elevated and appealing illustrations
Cons:
- Limited age range
- Only four languages
Raising bilingual kids provides them with an amazing superpower, but it can be challenging to find the right books to read with them. Thanks to Curio, there are now subscription boxes for learners in Spanish, French and Chinese (both traditional and simplified). With two age ranges, the Bud Box is best for kids up to 3 years old and the Sprout Box is for kids 4 years and up. Delivered every three months, the boxes contain three books along with learning resources like audio recordings, reading guides and word glossaries in each of the four languages available.
Best For The Whole Family
Snacks From Around The World
Universal Yums
Theme: Snacks | Ages: All Ages | Subscription period:Monthly
Pros:
- Three size options
- Helps kids learn about flavors and cultures from around the world
- Some items can be purchased individually
Cons:
- Tricky for families with food allergies
Taste your way around the world with Universal Yums epic snack boxes. The concept is simple—you’ll receive a box with snacks from a different country every month. Along with the tasty treats, you’ll get a handy guide with facts, trivia, photos and more about that country and the food you’ve received. “My foodie family loved receiving Universal Yums; each month it was a fun and educational taste test,” says Polton. There’s lots of flexibility with the box size and flavor profiles, but if you’re a family with many food allergies, this is probably one to skip.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted has deep experience covering, reviewing and testing baby and kids gear, as well as toys, books and gifts for kids. As parents, we aim to recommend gear and toys that make life with kids more manageable and more fun.
- Coauthors and moms Jenni Gritters and Maya Polton are experienced journalists and product reviewers. They have both reported extensively on parenting topics and kids gear.
- This story was edited by Margaret Badore, the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor, and also a mom.
- Jodi Huffman, an early childhood therapist, shared her insights about the benefits of play and how to choose a good subscription box for kids.
- Child and school psychologist Mary McGaughan, Psy. D. provided expert insights into subscription boxes for kids.
- This story is frequently reviewed accuracy. Polton most recently updated it in October 2024 to include advice on what to consider when shopping for a subscription box for kids. We also made changes to give readers more transparency into how we make our picks and removed a subscription that’s no longer available.
How We Chose The Best Subscription Boxes For Kids
To find the best subscription boxes for kids, we relied on our own expertise as parenting journalists as well as parents. We also consulted experts and read online reviews for consumer insights.
- We took our own firsthand experience and feedback from other parents into account. We looked at over 40 options and narrowed the list down to the boxes listed here. We also polled other parents to learn about their experience and recommendations for subscription boxes for kids.
- Many of these kits were tried by the authors as well as Rose Gordon Sala (a mom to three), a Forbes Vetted deputy editor who oversees the baby and kids gear section.
- As Huffman recommended, we prioritized kits that allow for open play. Any kit that helps your child operate independently, build new skills and express their creativity is a win.
- We also leaned on advice from McGaughan to help narrow down our selection.
- We chose to include boxes that offer flexibility. We prefer options that allow you to purchase single kits, a full year of subscriptions and ideally some kind of range in between.
- We only included subscription boxes that online reviewers highly rate.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Subscription Boxes For Kids
There are so many entertaining and educational subscription boxes for kids available, that it helps to keep some factors in mind as you make your selection.
Subscription Timing
The best subscription boxes for kids offer flexibility. We like that the ones on our list provide many options ranging from a one-month purchase to a full-year subscription, with options in between. McGaughan agrees: “Given a child’s interests may wax or wane, it may be best to opt for subscriptions that offer the option to cancel or renew each month or perhaps at least every three to six months.” Some kids may love the idea of a package arriving every month, while for younger kids, a quarterly arrival is just fine.
Age
Our list of best subscription boxes for kids has recommendations for several specific ages or stages. Beyond our suggestions, read the subscription descriptions closely, especially if your kiddo is on the cusp of any age. If the activity is too easy, the box’s project or activity might be completed too quickly and not hold your child’s attention for very long. If it’s too hard, your child may struggle or require more adult support.
Parental Involvement
Check the notes of each subscription box and consider your availability and your child’s age to gauge how much parental involvement is required. Some activities, like cooking, may need more hands-on help from a grown-up than others. That’s less ideal if you want an activity that kids can do independently.
However, if you’re seeking a fun activity for kids and their adults to do together, a more challenging subscription box’s focus and clear goals can be a good option and serve as a special bonding time for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Subscription Boxes For Kids Ever Worth It?
Yes, we think so. Subscription boxes are convenient, provide novelty and give you direction for developmentally appropriate activities and toys for the children in your life. They also make nice gifts.
“A lot of play kits are created based on the age of the child which can be an awesome way to get developmentally appropriate toys,” Huffman says. “I think quality over quantity is also important. Having too many toys can be really overwhelming for young children so less is more in terms of the amount of items in play kits.”
Also, most boxes are cheaper than buying those individual items outright.
Which Subscription Is Best For Kids?
Our picks for the best subscription boxes for kids overall are KiwiCo and Little Passports. But choose a kit for your child based on how old they are, what they’re interested in and their temperament. Check the age ranges on the subscription boxes in this list and consider what might be most fun and educational for your kid or if there’s one that might work well for siblings to share.
What Are The Best Subscription Boxes For Boys? For Girls?
It’s easy to lean toward a STEM-focused box (like Creation Crate) for the boys and a craft box (like We Craft) for the girls. But this type of thinking can be overly gendered and narrow.
The best subscription box for any child depends on what that child likes and how old they are. Ask your child what they’d like to do, and they’ll probably give you the answer you’re after. If the item is a gift and you want to keep it a surprise, you can consider asking their parents or other caregivers about what the child is interested in.
Jenni Gritters
Maya Polton
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