Best Subscription Boxes for Kids

Green Kid Crafts

Subscription boxes are a great way to keep kids entertained and solve the “I’m bored!” complaint. The boxes deliver fun activities right to your door, based on your children’s interests and ages. Best of all, most companies can deliver a box in less than 10 days for a “we can afford it” price.

For STEAM Kids

Steve Spangler Science Club

Parents and kids know STEM scientist Steve Spangler from his “DIY Sci” television series – his science club kits are just as entertaining. Each contains materials for up to 5 activities, experiments and design challenges. Step-by-step instruction cards help kids learn the science behind each experiment. STEM Lab Deluxe boxes contain materials for up to 10 activities.
Ages: 5-12
Price: $24.99-$29.99/month

Kiwi Crate

Instill a love of STEAM with this highly-rated subscription service. Each Kiwi kit has the materials to make a kid-tested project focused on science, art or engineering, instruction booklet with more ideas for tinkering, a magazine and online tutorials with tips and tricks. Kiwi has boxes in seven additional themes for kids of all ages. You can also purchase individual projects on their website.
Ages: 5-8 (Kiwi Crate, other crates range from newborn-16 years)
Price: $16.95-$19.95/month

Green Kid Crafts

These hands-on science and art kits feature a theme, such as Electricity, Ocean Science or Music, and contain instructions and materials for 4-8 STEAM projects. Also included is a 12-page booklet with more hands-on activities, parent resources and puzzles.
Ages: 2-4 (Junior Discovery), 5-10 (Discovery)
Price: $24.95-$29.95/month

Raddish

For Foodies

ATK Kids Young Chef’s Club

Learn the fundamentals of cooking and science (while having fun!) with these themed boxes from America’s Test Kitchen. Each contains a selection of kid-tested recipes, hands-on activities and experiments. Themes include specific ingredients, cooking techniques, types of food and food science.
Ages: 5 and older
Price: $19.99-$24.99/month

kidstir

Monthly kidster kits are a great gift for the budding chef! Each box has three step-by-step recipes that focus on seasonal ingredients or special-occasion themes. Also included are cooking tools and accessories, plus games, online access to more recipes and parent resources. Monthly themes include “Hello Breakfast!,” “Bake Me Happy” and “Spooky Celebration.”
Ages: 5-12
Price: $19.99-$23.99/month

Raddish

A cooking class in a box – Raddish kits include three themed recipes, culinary skill cards, a kid-friendly kitchen tool and collectibles. The spring kit includes recipes for party toasts, chicken lettuce wraps and carrot cake cookies. Online resources include more recipes, activities and instructions for dietary restrictions.
Ages: 4-14
Price: $20-$24/month

Little Passports

For World Explorers

Little Passports

Little Passports is a fun way for kids to learn about world cultures and geography. Choose from World Edition, with a focus on one country each month through souvenirs, coins, activity sheets and photos, or USA Edition, which features two states each month and includes an activity journal, stickers and access to online resources. “First time” box deliveries have extras such as wall-sized maps, guides, passport and a mini suitcase.
Ages: 6-10 (World Edition), 7-12 (USA Edition)
Price: $16.95-$27.95/month

Highlights Top Secret Adventures

This worldwide detective game lets kids explore, capture a villain and solve a mystery every month. Each kit highlights the people, culture, history, terrain and geography of a particular country, with activities, games, puzzles and photographs. Also included are villain cards, guidebook and mission assignment letter.
Ages: 7 and older
Price: $15.95/month, plus shipping

Little Global Citizens

Take your child on a journey though the countries of the world – all from home. Each bi-monthly box includes a children’s guide, crafts and cultural activities, puzzles and quizzes. Also included are recipes and a story book that highlights a cultural element from the country.
Ages: 4-10
Price: $39.95/month ($49.95 for a sibling box)

Literati Book Club

For Book Lovers

Literati Book Club

Literati is a great way to explore what’s new in children’s books. There are subscription options for kids of all age ranges; each month you’ll receive five unique books, along with a frameable art print and personalized bookplate stickers. Choose any of the books you’d like to keep and return the rest with the prepaid label.
Ages: newborn-12
Price: $9.95/month, plus the cost of the books you keep

Kids Reveal

Kids Reveal has three clubs based on age: Giraffe (1-3), Monkey (3-6) and Fox (6-9). Monthly boxes contain 3-4 books, including picture or story books, chapter books, and activity books. Parents have the option of personalizing selections based on a child’s interests and gender. The books are included in the subscription price.
Ages: 1-9
Price: $18.95/month

Reading Bug

This California-based independent bookstore offers subscription boxes for children up to age 13. A staff member will choose the books based on your child’s personal interest and reading level. Boxes include gifts and extras that match the theme of the books, plus a note with reading tips and activities.
Ages: Newborn-13
Price: $18-$27/month, plus shipping