Best Subscription Boxes for Kids

KiwiCo is our top pick, offering a variety of toys, experiments, and activities

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If you want to enrich your child's education in a fun and exciting way, a monthly subscription box may be just what you need. The best subscription boxes for kids combine hands-on learning with fun activities that pique your child's interest. They also might help you minimize tech time in an understated they-will-never-know-your-evil-plan kind of way.

There are so many subscription boxes available today to help foster a child's natural talents and interests. Whether your child loves art, LEGO, science, the outdoors, or books, there's a subscription box out there for them. You can even get subscription boxes that cater to special needs, which are carefully curated by occupational therapists to help children enjoy safe sensory play. Read on for our list of the best subscription boxes for kids based on factors like quality, price, shipping frequency, top reviews, and age-appropriate curation.

Best Subscription Boxes for Kids of 2023

Best Overall : KiwiCo


Kiwico

Kiwico

Key Specs
  • Cost: About $24 to $30 per month
  • Delivery frequency: Every 2 months for babies, monthly for older kids
  • Number of Plans: 9 crates available
Why We Chose It

KiwiCo tops our list thanks to its vast offering of thoughtful, age-appropriate themed plans. From plush toys to rad experiments, kids of all ages will happily set screens aside for these monthly crates.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Focused on science, creativity, and more

  • Caters to a wide range of ages

  • Individual crates available

  • Free shipping

Cons
  • Lots of packaging

  • Be prepared for lots of projects lying around

  • Can get expensive

Overview

KiwiCo has consistently been featured in many of our subscription roundups due to its many top-notch subscription options that cater to children of all ages. Every month (bimonthly for baby subscriptions), KiwiCo ships high-quality, fun, engaging, age-appropriate toys and activities to your doorstep. Each themed box is filled with plush toys, exciting activities, and cool experiments kids will love.

Past boxes focused on geography, engineering, art, science experiments, travel, and nature. Choose between the Panda Crate (0-24 months), Koala Crate (ages 2-4), Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8), Atlas Crate (ages 6-11), Yummy Crate, (ages 6-14), Tinker Crate (ages 9-14), Doodle Crate (ages 9-16), Eureka Crate (ages 12+), and Maker Crate (ages 14+).

Crates start at $24 per month with free shipping in the U.S.; international shipping is available as well though it is not free. Discounts are available for three-, six-, or 12-month commitments.

Best Budget : Little Passports


Key Specs
  • Cost: About $20 to $25 per month
  • Delivery frequency: Monthly
  • Number of plans: 8
Why We Chose It

Little Passports' budget-friendly subscription boxes allow you to show your kiddos the world without having to pack your bags.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Focuses on travel, culture, and/or science

  • Suitable for kids ages 3 to 12

  • Non-subscription items available

  • Free shipping

Cons
  • No refunds

  • Science kits may require help from parents

  • Some parents say the first box is better than the follow-ups

Overview

Let kids explore the world without the hefty price of airfare. A Little Passports subscription is a fun and affordable way to take them on virtual adventures and expose them to global cultures. 

From the Early Explorers plan for kids ages 3 to 5 to plans for older kids, there are options for everyone. Upon sign-up, you receive an introductory package; the monthly boxes that follow include everything from books to experiments and more.

You can choose to pay for one month at a time or sign up for a 6- or 12-month subscription to save. Most packages offer free shipping, and parents say these boxes are a great overall value.

Best for Babies : Lovevery Play Kits


Lovevery Play Kits

Lovevery Play Kits

Key Specs
  • Cost: About $80 to $120 per kit
  • Delivery frequency: Every 2 to 3 months
  • Number of plans available: 4
Why We Chose It

Each Lovevery play kit is dedicated to your baby’s development. The toys are well made, thoughtful, minimalist, and just right for every new stage your baby reaches.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Sustainable, organic, non-toxic toys

  • Tailored to child’s age and development stage

  • Based on Montessori principles

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Only ships to U.S. and Canada

Overview

Lovevery’s Play Kit subscription offers open-ended toys that encourage skills fitting for your baby’s age and developmental stage. The toys are based on the Montessori theory of child development, so they foster independence, exploration, and practical life skills.

All toys are made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, non-toxic paint, and baby-safe plastics. The subscription includes expert advice and activity ideas to help you facilitate your child’s learning and development. 

Play kits start at infancy and continue to serve children through age 3. For babies up to 12 months old, boxes are delivered every two months for about $80 per box. After that, boxes are delivered every three months for roughly $120 per play kit. There’s no commitment and you can cancel at any time.

Best for Kids With Autism : Sensory Theraplay Box


Sensory Theraplay Box

Sensory Theraplay Box

Key Specs
  • Cost: $42 per month for kids and $79 per quarter for teens, plus shipping
  • Delivery Frequency: Monthly or quarterly
  • Number of Plan Options: 2
Why We Chose It

Curated by an occupational therapist, these sensory boxes are filled with a wide variety of sensory toys and tools that have been successful in therapy sessions as well as frequently requested by kids and caregivers. A pamphlet helps caregivers understand how each specific item will support growth and development.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Many items suitable for all ages and multiple settings

  • Has a product line curated for teens and adults

  • Single-box purchases available

Cons
  • No free shipping

  • Boxes lack a cohesive theme

Overview

Sensory Theraplay was founded specifically for autistic kids. Each subscription box provides activities and sensory toys designed to stimulate multiple senses to reduce anxiety and help kids develop motor skills, self-regulate, and improve focus. Each box includes five to seven occupational therapist-approved sensory toys, including high-quality fidget toys, games, and activities. 

For the parents and caregivers, the monthly package includes a pamphlet that explains how to use each item and how it benefits the child. While children beginning around five years old will love these boxes, Sensory Theraplay also offers subscription plans for teens and adults. Although it's not possible to customize orders, you can buy single boxes without a subscription first to ensure the items fit the child's needs and abilities.

Boxes are delivered monthly and cost $42 plus shipping, while the teen and adult boxes are delivered quarterly for $79 plus shipping. This is definitely on the pricier side, but with five to seven high-quality, well-sourced items included in each box, the cost is well justified.

Best for LEGO : Brick Loot


Brick Loot

Brick Loot

Key Specs
  • Cost: About $33 per month
  • Delivery Frequency: Monthly
  • Number of Plans: 1
Why We Chose It

LEGO lovers will go wild over the Brick Loot subscription, and not just for the fun and specially designed projects. Each monthly delivery also contains LEGO swag like hats, pencil cases, and candy molds.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • New building kit every month plus accessories

  • Can save on the monthly cost with bundles

  • Unique and exclusive builds included

Cons
  • Includes some off-brand LEGO-compatible building kits

  • No free shipping

Overview

Brick Loot was created in 2013 by then 9-year-old Parker Krex, who loved LEGO and subscription boxes and wanted to merge the two together. Three cheers for Parker because children (and adults) across the country can now enjoy a new Brick Loot box every month.

Every Brick Loot shipment contains LEGO or LEGO-compatible building kits, some even created by popular LEGO designers. The monthly box also comes with some cool LEGO swag like LED brick lights, hats, candy molds, pencil cases, and mini-figures.

A 12-month subscription costs about $27 per month. If you opt to order month-to-month, you'll pay about $33 per box. Three- and six-month subscriptions are also available. Shipping starts at a rate of $6 per box.

Best for STEM : Groovy Lab in a Box


Groovy Lab in a Box

Groovy Lab in a Box

Key Specs
  • Cost: Starts at $30/month, with free shipping in the U.S. 
  • Delivery Frequency: Monthly or bimonthly
  • Number of Plans: 2
Why We Chose It

Groovy Lab in a Box delivers some of the coolest STEM projects we've ever seen. Each box taps into a child’s natural ability to solve problems, explore ideas, learn about science, and how things work from an engineering perspective.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Includes all supplies and materials

  • Comes with access to an online learning center

  • Features engineering-specific design challenges

  • Only for ages 4 and up

  • Need to cancel five days before your renewal date to avoid being charged

Overview

Groovy Lab in a Box delivers hands-on STEM activities even parents will enjoy (and maybe even learn from too). Each box comes with the supplies needed to complete the fun activities and super cool experiments. There's also an official lab notebook to record hypotheses and experiment notes.

Both caregivers and children can keep the fun going on the members-only area of the Groovy Lab website. There are more challenges, fun activities, and learning opportunities to keep kids busy in between deliveries.

Groovy Lab offers two subscription plans: the Young Creator Series designed for ages 4 to 7 years old and the STEMist series designed for ages 8 and up.  

Best Puzzle Subscription : Buffalo Games & Puzzles


Buffalo Games

 Buffalo Games

Key Specs
  • Cost: Starts at $53 for a 6-month subscription
  • Frequency of shipping: Monthly
  • Number of plans: 3
Why We Chose It

Buffalo Games & Puzzles allows the entire family to get in on the fun, thanks to the highly customizable nature of the subscription service.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • You choose the puzzles you do

  • Eco-friendly puzzles

Cons
  • Minimum six-month subscription commitment

  • Return policy is case-by-case

Overview

Buffalo Games has been providing fun and unique puzzles to jigsaw lovers since the late 1980s. Besides offering hundreds of puzzles to choose from, the company caters to both beginners and advanced puzzle people thanks to its highly customizable subscriptions.

There are three different Buffalo Games subscription plans: 300- to 500-piece puzzles, 750- to 1,000-piece puzzles, and 2,000-piece puzzles. We recommend newbies start off with the first option and work their way up from there. It's also important to note as the number of pieces to a puzzle increases, the size of the individual pieces decreases, so take that into consideration when ordering for young children.

Unlike most other subscription services, you have to commit to either a six- or 12-month plan upfront. The least expensive option is six months of 300- to 500-piece puzzles. The 2,000-piece six-month subscription costs about $96. That said, the puzzles end up running between $13 and $16 each, which is not bad considering the quality and cost of similar puzzles when bought off the shelf in a store. Plus, shipping is included.

Best for Outdoor Kids : Think Outside


THiNK OUTSiDE

THiNK OUTSiDE

Key Specs
  • Pricing: About $30-$45 per month
  • Delivery Frequency: Monthly
  • Number of Plan Options: 2
Why We Chose It

If you have an outdoors-y kiddo, or are desperate to get your kids to ditch the tech-time madness, look no further than the Think Outside subscription. This monthly box will entice the kids to put down the controller and learn to love nature and all of its mysteries and beauty.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Each box contains useful, well-made explorations gear

  • Free shipping 

  • New themes to explore monthly

Cons
  • Better for kids ages 7 and up

  • Adults will need to oversee some experiments

Overview

The Think Outside monthly delivery box encourages kids to go outdoors and explore the wonderful world around them. The first delivery comes with a high-quality waterproof backpack to hold the gear that comes in each month's box. The welcome box also contains a poster showing the future monthly themes with a checklist, so little explorers can keep track of all they have learned.

Since every month is focused on a different theme, kids will continue to build on the skills and concepts they have learned and most of all, they will never get bored with nature. Past themes have included stargazing, using navigation tools, shelter-building, and even nutrition.

There are three different subscription plans available starting at about $45 a month. Discounts are available for quarterly, semi-annual, and annual commitments. There is also a Junior Program subscription for kids ages four to seven that starts at about $30 a month.

Best for Book Lovers : Literati Kids


Literati Kids

Literati Kids

Key Specs
  • Cost: About $10 per month, plus what you buy
  • Delivery frequency: Monthly
  • Number of available plans: 4
Why We Chose It

Literati Kids is best for book lovers because it’s a try before you buy experience—for books! Your little one (with your help) will get a week to decide which books to keep.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Beautiful, unique books

  • Prepaid shipping label for returns

  • For newborns up to age 14

Cons
  • Books cannot be returned late

  • Little control over what is sent

Overview

Literati Kids is one of the most unique book subscriptions out there. Each month, you’ll receive five handpicked books, tailored to the tastes and goals you've selected in your profile. Take a week to choose which books you want to buy, then send the rest back. If you keep all five, you’ll get a 5% discount. It’s as easy as that.

You can use your account to share reviews of the books you receive, and these will inform future deliveries. The information in your profile will help the company select books to help your child reach educational milestones based on their age, interests, and reading level. 

Literati Kids is suitable for newborns to teens. The boxes ship monthly, but you can customize your schedule within your account.

Best for Cooking : Eat2Explore


Eat2Explore

Eat2Explore

Key Specs
  • Cost: $30 to $35 per month
  • Delivery frequency: Monthly
  • Number of available plans: 3
Why We Chose It

Eat2explore teaches so much more than fun in the kitchen. Kids will be introduced to foods from different countries each month and complete activities and lessons on the country as well.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Three recipes, a cooking tool, and collectibles in each box

  • Additional learning activities and reading materials included

  • For kids 5+

Cons
  • Most ingredients not included

Overview

Eat2explore goes above and beyond by introducing your family to the cuisine of a different country each month, with activities and lessons on the theme country as well.

Each month, you'll receive three recipes from the country of the month, plus educational activity sheets, a shopping list, and essential mixes of spices, sauces, and/or grains that may be difficult to find at your local grocery store (you'll need to buy the rest of the ingredients yourself). Subscribers also get a kid-friendly cooking tool, collectibles like stickers and flag pins, and country explorer brochures that discuss the nation’s food traditions.

Eat2explore also offers gifts and one-time boxes. Subscriptions are available for month-to-month payment of about $35 per month, a 3-month prepaid subscription of roughly $33 per month, a 6-month subscription of about $3 per month, or a 12-month subscription of approximately $30 per month. Plus, if you refer a friend, you’re eligible for a discount of $10. 

The eat2explore team recommends its products for kids aged 5 and up.

Best for Artists : Kids’ Art Box


Kids’ Art Box

Kids’ Art Box

Key Specs
  • Cost: Approximately $38 per month
  • Delivery frequency: Monthly
  • Number of plans available: 2
Why We Chose It

Kids’ Art Box offers unique art projects curated for your child’s age. One of the subscription items focuses on involving mom and dad, so the projects will encourage shared quality time and bonding as well.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • For ages 3 to 18

  • Free shipping

  • Subscriptions for different age groups

Cons
  • No refunds once box has shipped

  • Prepaid subscriptions not refundable

Overview

Kids’ Art Box offers all the supplies needed for four to five new, unique art projects every month, plus additional activities that vary by subscription. The projects will keep kids busy and creating, without parents having to come up with the ideas or materials for new projects continuously.

The company offers two different subscription boxes: 

  • Create Together Art Box: For ages 3 to 7, this box comes with three art projects, one science project, and one visual recipe or origami tutorial each month. It’s meant for kids and parents to work on together.
  • My Artist Box: This box is made for kids ages 6 to 18+, and is intended to be done largely independently. The monthly subscription comes with three art activities inspired by the artist of the month and one diorama. 

Each monthly box has a theme. Kids will make crafts like a finger-painted family tree, do activities like nature journaling, and try new recipes such as making and baking “pizza people.”

Boxes cost around $38 per month, with discounts available for longer subscriptions, and shipping is always free.

Best for Stickers : Pipsticks Kid’s Club


Pipsticks Kid’s Club

Pipsticks Kid’s Club

Key Specs
  • Cost: Around $11-$18 per box
  • Delivery frequency: Monthly
  • Number of plans available: 2
Why We Chose It

Pipsticks Kid’s Club is the best sticker collection for kids because of the sheer variety each pack comes with, as well as its child-friendly designs.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Kid-friendly stickers

  • For ages 3+

  • Free shipping

Cons
  • Only a monthly subscription option

  • May take up to four weeks for international delivery

Overview

The Pipsticks Kid's Club offers kid-friendly stickers that are easy for even little fingers to grasp. The stickers are suitable for ages 3 and up. Sticker themes in each monthly pack are designed to encourage creativity. 

Each sticker pack comes with 15 sheets of stickers, including a collectible giant puffy sticker, scratch n’ sniff stickers, and interactive sticker projects. Your mini sticker lover will also get an activity book, a holographic sticker storage pouch, and a coloring postcard each month.

The subscription costs about $18 per box and arrives monthly. There is also a petite pack for only $11 per box as well as subscription boxes for teens and adults

Best for Clothes : KidPik


KidPik

KidPik

Key Specs
  • Pricing: Pay for what you buy; free shipping
  • Delivery Frequency: Every 4, 6, or 12 weeks
  • Number of Plans: 1
Why We Chose It

KidPik is affordable and flexible, and there are no fees for styling, shipping, or returns.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free styling, returns, and shipping

  • Boxes include clothing and shoes

  • Pay only for what you keep

Cons
  • Exchanges cannot be made for different styles

  • New subscriptions can take up to two weeks to be styled and shipped

Overview

Kidpik is a kids' clothing subscription that helps you keep your child's wardrobe fresh without frequent trips to the mall. Subscribers pay for what they keep and won’t have to pay styling fees, shipping fees, or returns. You can pick the frequency of delivery, which allows a great amount of control. 

You'll begin by taking an online quiz so that the company can send you clothing that suits your child’s style. The subscription carries sizes 12 M through 16 and shoes in sizes 7 toddlers to 6 youth.

Each box includes three coordinated outfits (seven pieces, including shoes) and a pre-paid return envelope.

Users have seven days to try on the clothes and decide what to keep or return. And if you keep the whole box, you’ll receive a 30% discount on the purchase. The entire box averages around $112 once the discount is applied, with each piece costing about $16. However, if you don’t keep the whole box, each piece is an average of $22.

Final Verdict

KiwiCo has a wide range of age-appropriate subscription plans providing fun, educational, and high-quality toys and activities every month that are a great value for the money. Each box teaches different concepts using several types of activities, from reading material to games and crafts, engaging children in various ways.

If you are looking for a subscription that is fun for the entire family, consider Buffalo Games and Puzzles. You can start with a 300- to 500-piece puzzle subscription, and as your family's puzzle skills progress, you can move up to 1,000- and 2,000-piece puzzles.

Compare the Best Kids’ Subscription Boxes

Company Price Ages Number of Plans Delivery Frequency
Best Overall KiwiCo $24 to $30 per month Newborn to 14+ 9 Every 2 months for babies, monthly for older kids
Best for Budget Little Passports $20 to $25 per month 3 to 12 8 Monthly
Best for Babies Lovevery Play Kits $80 to $120 per play kit Newborn to 3 4 Every 2 to 3 months
Best for Kids With Autism Sensory Theraplay Box $42 per month for kids, $79 per quarter for teens, plus shipping 4 to 13+ 2 Monthly or quarterly
Best for LEGO Brick Loot $33 per month 6+ 1 Monthly
Best for STEM Groovy Lab in a Box Starts at $30 per month 4+ 2 Monthly or bimonthly
Best Puzzle Subscription Buffalo Games and Puzzles Starts at $53 for 6 months 4+ 3 Monthly
Best for Outdoor Kids Think Outside Starts at $30 per month 7+ 2 Monthly
Best for Book Lovers Literati Kids About $10/month, plus what you buy Newborns up to age 14 4 Monthly
Best for Cooking Eat2Explore $30 to $35 per month plus shipping 5+ 3 Monthly
Best for Artists Kids’ Art Box $38 per month 3 to 12 2 Monthly
Best for Stickers Pipsticks Kid’s Club $11-18 per month 3+ 2 Monthly
Best for Clothes KidPik Pay for what you buy; free shipping Sizes 12 M to 16 1 Every 4, 6, or 12 weeks

Guide to Choosing a Subscription Box for Kids

If you're shopping around for a subscription box for kids, there are multiple factors to consider that'll help you choose the best option for your child.

  • Price: Subscription boxes for kids can cost anywhere from about $15 to upwards of $100 per box. Depending on how often you plan on purchasing a box, or how often the company sends a new one, consider the price per box in your decision.
  • Return policy and customer service: Should you need to return a box or have questions regarding a shipment, read the customer reviews to learn more about the quality and details of each company's customer service and return policies.
  • Delivery frequency: Most boxes deliver on a monthly basis, though some also provide bimonthly or quarterly shipments. Consider how often you'd like new activities for your kids when choosing the box.
  • Box theme: Whether your child is a voracious reader or has a passion for STEM, there's a subscription box service to match their interests.
  • Personalization options: While many boxes deliver pre-selected activities or learning games, some do offer a personalization service prior to shipment. For example, some boxes ask you to complete an online quiz or assessment that helps the curators then assemble the ideal box for your child. Other boxes allow you to select the items in the box directly or provide return shipping for any items you don't wish to keep.
  • Quality of items: Depending on the box price, type of activity, and products included, consider the item quality when shopping for a subscription. Some boxes will feature single-use or disposable items, while others may be more suitable for long-term play.
  • Age-appropriate boxes: Many box subscriptions are divided into ages (or age groups) to ensure items are safe and appropriate for children. When ordering, make sure the box you select is age-appropriate for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is Included in a Kids' Subscription Box?

    Subscription boxes for kids feature a wide range of items, depending on the theme and age group it’s intended for. Science and art kits include materials and directions for hands-on projects, while cooking kits include kitchen tools, recipes, and grocery shopping lists. Boxes may also include toys, activities, books, and more to help kids explore and learn more about science, technology, geography, engineering, art, and math. 

  • Are Kids' Subscription Boxes Worth It?

    Most kids' subscription boxes deliver a full play or learning activity, taking over the planning, shopping, and assembly duties from the parent or guardian. For the ease of use and the regular shipment of new activities, kids' subscription boxes may be a worthwhile purchase.

  • Can Siblings Share a Kids' Subscription Box?

    Most kids' subscription boxes are designed or packaged for a single child, but some companies provide sibling add-ons that you can purchase. This way, siblings of similar ages can share the same subscription box activity.

Methodology

We considered 40 kids’ subscription boxes when creating this list and narrowed the list down by basic themes and items we believed kids would be most interested in. We opted to select boxes that serve a variety of ages, from newborns to teens. 

We scoured dozens of reviews of subscription boxes for those that include the most quality items and thoughtful activities at a variety of price ranges.

Best Subscription Boxes for Kids

Verywell Family / Design by Amelia Manley