While snail mail may be a thing of the past, there is still a palpable joy (followed by the adorable puttering of tiny footsteps) that fills a house when a package is delivered. And when that package is a subscription box full of surprises for your little one to unpack, play and learn from, the excitement is heightened. There are so many different ones for any kind of kid, from clothing boxes for the mini fashionista to science and art packs for the school nerd and food boxes for the aspiring chef. Then of course, there’s the best subscription box of all—one that’s full of playthings for your kid. Here, we've rounded up 22 of the best subscription boxes for kids that will make their eyes light up as soon as it arrives.
The 22 Best Subscription Boxes for Kids, Researched by Parents
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Published Nov 9, 2023
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Digital Art by Dasha Burobina
How We Chose the Best Subscription Boxes for Everyone
We chose our list of the best subscription boxes for kids based on a few factors. We polled PureWow editors and parents to find out which subscription boxes have that “it” factor, researched PureWow reader favorite subscriptions, and sifted through subscriber reviews. The result is a complete guide on the best subscription boxes for kids, from newborns to teens.
The Best Subscription Boxes for Kids at a Glance
1
Best Toy Subscription Box
Lovevery
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2
Best Subscription Box for Preschoolers
Kiwico Koala Crate
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3
Best Kids' Clothing Subscription Box
Stitch Fix Kids
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4
Best Subscription Box to Inspire Wanderlust
Little Passports
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5
Best Subscription Box for Little Kid Books
My First Reading Club
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Lovevery
Best Toy Subscription Box
1. Lovevery
What We Like
- toys geared towards child’s development
- toys made from sustainable and natural materials
What We Don’t Like
- expensive
Lovevery
This Happy Kid Awards winner delivers a curated mix of Montessori-based toys every two to three months that not only surprise and delight, but are also impeccably timed to your kid’s age and stage. Created by child development experts, each box comes with a selection of playthings and books, plus a handy guide for parents so you’re properly equipped to help your child learn and grow. Designed for newborns up to 48 months, previous toys have included a magic tissue box for a 5-month-old, a working sink for a 2-year-old and a microscope for a 4-year-old.
Fast Facts
- What you get: a selection of toys, books and activities every two to three months, made from sustainably sourced wood or 100 percent organic cotton
- Subscription frequency: every two to three months
- Recommended age range: 0 to 4
- Price: from $80 per kit
KiwiCo
Best Subscription Box for Preschoolers
What We Like
- developmentally appropriate
- can select monthly, 3-month, 6-month or 12-month subscription options
What We Don’t Like
- you can’t choose the products
KiwiCo
Get your tot spotting planes and squirming through the bushes in search of bugs with this monthly box from KiwiCo. Each one is designed for kids ages 3 to 4 and organized around a science-y theme like reptiles or rainbows, ideal for your scientist-in-training. (Psst: The brand also offers subscription boxes for babies, toddlers, teenagers and more, so the offerings can keep growing with your kid.)
Fast Facts
- What you get: creative materials for two or three activities, a parent’s guide to support learning and a magazine filled with stories and games
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: ages 3 to 4
- Price: from $19 per month
Stitch Fix
Best Kids' Clothing Subscription Box
What We Like
- lots of name brands kids love
- no subscription fees
What We Don’t Like
- styling fee is non-refundable even if you return all items
Stitch Fix
This popular clothing subscription box company for adults also comes in kid sizes and works in much the same way. Simply pay a $20 styling fee, answer questions about your kids' preferences and sizes and then wait for your box of 10 items of clothing from popular brands (like Under Armour, Adidas and Vans) to be delivered. You only pay for the items you keep and the styling fee can be applied to your total. Take 25 percent off if you keep all items.
Fast Facts
- What you get: 10 items hand-picked by Stitch Fix stylist in sizes 2T to 18
- Subscription frequency: request a new box whenever your kid starts to outgrow their wardrobe
- Recommended age range: 2 to 18
- Price: $20 styling fee per order, which is then credited to whatever you keep
Little Passports
Best Subscription Box to Inspire Wanderlust
What We Like
- teaches kids about geography and other cultures
- includes all arts and crafts materials
What We Don’t Like
- some reviewers say the box is overpriced for what's inside
Little Passports
Take your mini around the world with this travel subscription box filled with activities and games that vary each month to focus on a theme. Previous boxes have been centered around world music, oceans and countries. Kids will especially love toting their new treasures around in their very own suitcase or backpack.
Fast Facts
- What you get: boxes vary depending on the age group but will usually contain a map, an activity and stickers, plus a variety of travel-themed items (like luggage tags or collectible coins)
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 3 to 12
- Price: from $25 per month
Amazon
Best Subscription Box for Little Kid Books
What We Like
- encourages reading
- you can continue subscribing as your child grows
What We Don’t Like
- selections are only based on age, not interests or reading level
- surprise gifts are only for mom (not dad)
My First Reading Club
The idea behind this subscription box is simple—tell them the age of your child and they’ll pick the books. Each monthly delivery comes with three to four books, plus a free surprise for mom each month (like a beauty sample). There are five different age groups to choose from: newborn to 2 years old, 3 to 5 years old, 6 to 8 years old, 9 to 10 years old and 11 to 12 years old. We like this one specifically for the 3 to 5 age group, before subject interest and reading level become more prevalent.
Fast Facts
- What you get: three to four books, plus a small gift for mom
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 3 to 5
- Price: $18 for the first box; $23 for every box after that
Cratejoy
Best Teacher-Curated Subscription Box
6. MyEduCrate
What We Like
- teacher-curated
- lesson plans included
What We Don’t Like
- some reviewers report that the directions for certain activities can be hard to follow
EduCrate
An award-winning pick, this box is themed around seasonal learning topics with items hand selected by a team of teachers and parents. April’s package, for instance, was all about Earth Day and included experiments, a DIY terrarium and a book about bugs. Another box engaged kids' critical thinking skills in order to construct a ball shooter machine and aim for strategic strikes.
Fast Facts
- What you get: the number of items varies depending on the month’s theme, but each box includes a gripping read and hands-on activities, plus a monthly challenge (like sharing an image of your maze design) for the chance to win a prize
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 6 to 11
- Price: from $38 per box
Little Feminist
Best Subscription Box for Future Feminists
What We Like
- books feature diverse characters and important themes
- activities help the book come alive at home
What We Don’t Like
- nothing
Little Feminist
This curated selection of books touches on themes of women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusivity. Split into various age groups (0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 7 and 7 to 9), we love that there’s an option for children as small as 0 (in this case, board books with Black and Brown characters and a story about a nurse who just so happens to be a man), proving these are conversations to have at any age.
Fast Facts
- What you get: up to two books, one activity, a discussion card and a family letter explaining how and why the books were chosen
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 0 to 9
- Price: from $19 per month, plus shipping
Baketivity
Best Baking Subscription Box
8. Baketivity
What We Like
- includes all dry ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- you still have to buy some ingredients
Baketivity
For the kid with a sweet tooth (i.e., all of them), this baking subscription box is just the thing. Each month a kid-friendly recipe and pre-measured ingredients are delivered straight to your door, along with experiments and games, plus a cook-along video. Previous recipes have included cake pops, whoopie pies and soft pretzels. Your first box also includes a chef hat and apron, as well as a kitchen adventure board.
Fast Facts
- What you get: a step-by-step recipe, all your dry ingredients, a fun activity and lesson
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 4 to 14
- Price: from $29
KiwiCrate
Best Crafts Subscription Box
What We Like
- includes all arts and crafts materials
What We Don’t Like
- some projects can be time consuming and require overnight drying time
KiwiCrate
Calling all parents of artists: This monthly arts and crafts box has everything you need to complete a creative project from start to finish. Previous boxes have included tools to create colorful wax candles, a felt succulent garden and a black ink wash painting.
Fast Facts
- What you get: materials (like yarn and washi tape) for fun DIYs, step-by-step instructions and online video tutorials
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 9 to 16
- Price: starting at $19
Bitsbox
Best Subscription Box for Learning Coding
10. Bitsbox
What We Like
- apps work on phones, tablets and computers
- there are different levels of difficulty in each box
What We Don’t Like
- coding requires access to a computer and keyboard
Bitsbox
Designed for 6- to 12-year-olds, this computer science box lets them build a new app every month that runs on any computer, tablet or phone with a web browser. (But don’t worry, grown-ups don’t need to know anything about coding to help out.)
Fast Facts
- What you get: each box comes with coding projects for kids to choose from, ranging from easy to more advanced
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 6 to 12
- Price: from $25 per month
Cratejoy
Most Empowering Subscription Box for Girls
11. Girls Can!
What We Like
- spotlights female role models
- includes hands-on STEAM challenges
What We Don’t Like
- geared towards girls (ahem, boys can learn from these inspiring women too!)
Girls Can!
Empower young women with this badass box that features an inspirational woman each month (like Frida Kahlo or Bessie Coleman) for kids ages 5 to 10 to read about, then complete a few activities that relate to their lasting impact. Yup, that’s the kind of empowerment that leads to a long-lasting lesson.
Fast Facts
- What you get: a story and activity book, a science or art activity, and collectible items like stickers or buttons
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 5 to 10
- Price: $27 per month
Rockets of Awesome
Best Seasonal Clothing Subscription Box for Kids
What We Like
- you get to see a sneak peek of the box before it ships
- reviewers report that clothes are soft and comfy
What We Don’t Like
- a lot of the clothes have the brand name on them
Rockets of Awesome
Similar to other clothing subscription boxes, start by taking a quiz about your child’s style and size, then receive a personalized box filled with five to 12 pieces depending on the box size you choose. Rockets of Awesome designs and manufactures their clothes in-house, so you won't get any recognizable brands in your box. What sets this subscription apart, however, is that each box is designed with seasons in mind and you have a chance to see what's inside the box before it's sent.
Fast Facts
- What you get: five, eight or 12 unique pieces, depending on the box size you choose
- Subscription frequency: four times a year (every season)
- Recommended age range: 0 to 16
- Price: there's a $5 styling fee for each box, the cost of which is then credited towards any clothes that you keep
Spangler Science Club
Best Kids' Science Subscription Box
What We Like
- choose from one, five or ten experiments
- cool and interesting concepts in each box
What We Don’t Like
- parents have to assist
Spangler Science Club
Let scientist Steve Spangler kickstart your 5- to 12-year-old kid’s future STEM-based career with exciting new experiments each month. Ever wondered why a doorknob might shock you? Or how to make slime? Put on your goggles and get ready to find out.
Fast Facts
- What you get: choose from one, five or ten experiments per month
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 5 to 12
- Price: from $25 per month
Sock Panda
Best Sock Subscription Box
14. Sock Panda
What We Like
- socks are good quality
- for every pair you receive, the company donates socks to a kid in need
What We Don’t Like
- you’ll still probably lose them in the washing machine
Sock Panda
It’s one of life’s greatest mysteries: Where do all the socks go? Instead of hunting behind the dryer every Sunday, enlist Sock Panda to send kids (there's a box for kids ages 3 to 5, 5 to 7 and 8 to 11) two new pairs a month. For every pair you receive, the company donates socks to a kid in need.
Fast Facts
- What you get: two pairs of socks plus a mystery prize
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 3 to 11
- Price: $15 per month
KidPik
Runner Up Best Kids' Clothing Subscription Box
15. Kidpik
What We Like
- no membership, styling or return fees
- you get accessories and shoes as well as clothes
What We Don’t Like
- clothes range in quality
KidPik
Get picky kids excited to get dressed each day by signing up for this personalized shopping box—with zero membership, styling or return fees—that sends three to ten coordinated outfits (choose from eight to 15 individual pieces) tailored to your kid’s age and gender. Let your mini pick their faves and return the rest for free (or save up to 40 percent if they love everything in the box). Receive a box every four, six or 12 weeks.
Fast Facts
- What you get: eight items of clothing based on your child’s preferences, from sizes 12M to 16; shoes are available in sizes 7 toddler to 6 youth
- Subscription frequency: choose from every four, six or 12 weeks
- Recommended age range: ages 1 to 16
- Price: prices vary, but the average cost is $18 per item
Cratejoy
Best Subscription Box for Baby and Toddler Books
16. Reading Bug Box
What We Like
- each box supports a small, independent business
- curated selection of books based on age and interest
What We Don’t Like
- some reviewers say that shipping can take a while
Reading Bug Box
This monthly box is personalized with board books that match your child’s age. And it’s a purchase you can feel good about— each read is carefully selected by the booksellers at the award-winning Reading Bug Bookstore in California, an independent, family-owned business.
Fast Facts
- What you get: three board books each month based on your child’s age and interests
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: ages 0 to 30 months
- Price: from $19 per box
Amazon
Best Green Subscription Box for Kids
17. Green Kid Crafts
What We Like
- uses natural and recycled materials
- encourages STEAM learning
What We Don’t Like
- some reviewers say the boxes are overpriced
Green Kid
The company behind this collection of science and nature activities practices what they preach—each box is carbon neutral and one tree is planted for each one ordered. Each month, a selection of experiments and art projects are mailed to your house along with easy-to-follow instructions. Young scientists will love making glow-in-the-dark slime, creating a model respiratory system and more.
Fast Facts
- What you get: up to five educator-designed STEAM projects centered around a theme (like volcanoes or amphibians), hands-on activities and a 12-page magazine
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 2 to 10+
- Price: $35 per box ($18 for your first box)
Creation Crate
Best Engineering Subscription Box
18. Creation Crate
What We Like
- cool science projects for older kids
What We Don’t Like
- only the electronics box is available as a subscription box
Creation Crate
Box themes include electronics, chemistry and engineering (although only the electronics box is shipped monthly; the other two STEM boxes are available as single purchases). The electronics box includes activities like building a mood lamp and a rover bot, while the chemistry box features metal burning and the engineering box allows kids to build a mechanical leg controlled by a glove.
Fast Facts
- What you get: a hands-on STEM-based project with bonus gifts depending on the box you sign up for
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 10+
- Price: from $40 per month
Cratejoy
Best Subscription Box for Aspiring Artists
19. Guide Dots
What We Like
- great for artists who get easily frustrated
What We Don’t Like
- less creative than some other craft boxes
Guide Dots
Your kid loves painting but has the tendency to go all Van Gogh on her own piece of art. Keep those creative tantrums to a minimum with these strategically-placed dots and online instruction to help your budding artist develop her skill set at her own pace and produce a frame-worthy masterpiece at the end.
Fast Facts
- What you get: the starter kit includes a light tablet, nine markers, six drawing rolls, a box of chalk pastels, a kneadable eraser and two elastic bands. Following boxes feature more art supplies such as watercolors and paint brushes.
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: ages 4 to 10
- Price: from $35 per month
Amazon
Best Subscription Box for Foodies
20. Raddish
What We Like
- encourages a love of cooking
- you can customize the recipes based on dietary restrictions
What We Don’t Like
- you have to shop for all the ingredients
Raddish
No chicken fingers here—these recipes are intended for the whole family to enjoy and the talking points included in each box make for a lively dinner time discussion (“If you could have dinner in another country, where would you go?”). Each kit features a new culinary theme, three recipes on that theme (think: Nordic cinnamon buns, Swedish meatballs and Scandinavian smorgasbord), three culinary skill cards (i.e., “how to use tongs”), a creative kitchen project (like how to build a solar oven) and various collectibles (like measuring cups).
Fast Facts
- What you get: three recipes, three culinary skill cards, a creative kitchen project and various kitchen tools
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 4 to 14
- Price: from $28 per month ($21 for your first box)
Think Outside
Best Subscription Box for Nature Lovers
21. Think Outside
What We Like
- encourages kids to get outside
- teachers valuable survival skills
What We Don’t Like
- expensive
Think Outside
Each box comes with a theme based on an outdoor activity (think star gazing and shelter building) and the items are designed to work in tandem. For example, the intro box comes with the basics for first aid, wildlife information, knot tying, navigation, weather protection and much more. The following boxes are seasonally and activity themed.
Fast Facts
- What you get: gear and learning materials for life and adventure in the great outdoors
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 7+
- Price: from $42 per month
Sensory Theraplay Box
Best Kids' Subscription Box for Sensory Play
What We Like
- created by an occupational therapist
- great for kids with sensory issues
What We Don’t Like
- expensive
Sensory Theraplay Box
These boxes are curated by a pediatric occupational therapist for kids with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, neurological impairments and emotional disturbances. Previous toys have included putty, light-up toys, drawing utensils, aromatherapy dough and fidget spinners. It’s the easiest way to engage your child in fun sensory play while promoting their development.
Fast Facts
- What you get: five to seven surprise sensory toys and items
- Subscription frequency: monthly
- Recommended age range: 5 to 9
- Price: from $41 per month
What to Consider When Shopping for a Subscription Box for Kids
When looking at subscription boxes for a child, be sure to consider their age and interests. A toddler, for example, will likely enjoy a toy-themed box more than a science-themed one. Similarly, if you have a little bookworm at home, then a reading subscription box could be the perfect gift, whereas your gaming-obsessed tween might be more into a coding subscription package. In addition to age and interests, you'll want to take price and shipping frequency into account—what's your budget? And how often would you like to receive a new package on your doorstep? Looking at these four factors—age, interests, budget and frequency—will help you find the best subscription box for your kid.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
