Best Subscriptions for Autistic Kids

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 highly requested by kids and caregivers.

The Sensory Theraplay subscription box is expertly curated specifically for autistic kids by an occupational therapist. Featured items engage multiple senses to help kids develop motor skills, self-regulate, focus, and calm anxiety. Each box offers high-quality fidget toys and games without a sky-rocketing price range. This is why it’s our pick for the best overall option for neurodivergent kids. 

We appreciate that each monthly box comes with five to six occupational therapist-approved sensory toys. The included pamphlet explains each item’s use, eliminating confusion for caregivers. Kids of most ages will benefit from offerings in the standard subscription, but we love that special plans are also available for teens and adults. Although shoppers can’t customize orders, they can buy single boxes without a subscription to get an idea of how the subscriptions will work for their children.

The month-to-month plan automatically renews each month and is billed on the 15th. Refunds are available for orders that haven’t already shipped, and it’s easy to cancel subscriptions by logging into your account or emailing customer service.

• $42 for month to month
• $124.50 for 3 months or $41.50 per box
• $238 for 6 months or $39.70 per box
• $462 for 12 months or $38.50 per box
  

An interdisciplinary team of early childhood and developmental experts has carefully curated Lovevery subscription boxes to offer toys and experiences that match kids’ developmental needs. Kids will receive playsets that support specific skills while caregivers gain access to experts, learning, and community.

Environmentally sustainable, Montessori-inspired toys and play sets from Loverly are delivered on a bimonthly or quarterly schedule. Kids will receive sensory toys that strengthen emerging skills with research-backed playtime that supports specific developmental stages. Shoppers know exactly what’s coming with each delivery before purchasing, and various add-ons are available.

We love that this company has not only cultivated playtime but has developed a strong sense of community and support for caregivers, including expert-led classes and their one-on-one Disability Support Service.

The subscription options extend to four different age groups: 0-12 months old, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, and 3-year-olds. Prices are the same across all four age groups.

• Bimonthly subscriptions cost $80 or $40 per box
• Quarterly subscriptions are $120 or $30 per box

Shipping is free to the lower 48 states and Canada.

Instead of focusing on academic topics, ParentingEQ offers young people activities for social-emotional learning with themed boxes that help them practice emotional regulation and social skills.

Caregivers know exactly what’s coming in each ParentingEQ box since each month’s activities are clearly outlined and photographed on the website. Caregivers will receive activities that promote social-emotional learning–including books, sensory toys, games, charts, and activities that will encourage discussion, reflection, and mindfulness. The boxes include sensory experiences that get overlooked by other companies, such as activities that include sound and movement to immerse families while they learn. These activities aim to improve self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills.

We love that each box teaches new concepts to young people and reinforces these skills for older kids and caregivers, bringing the whole family together. Two plans have been developed for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 11. Each delivery includes a thorough guide to help caregivers work with their young people to build a strong understanding of sensory needs and skills.

One-time purchases are available. Select single boxes that focus on a specific topic or choose from two bundles with games and discussion starters that are available for a one-time purchase. The bundles are geared towards educators or counselors but could be used in the home instead.

Subscriptions are available for ages 4 through 7 or 8 and up. You can pause or cancel subscriptions before the upcoming billing cycle, and the subscription will automatically end after 12 months (six deliveries). Shipping is not included.

• $49.95 for month to month
• $165 for 6 months (though this is for only three boxes shipped bi-monthly or $55 per month, so we do not see this as being cost-effective)
• $335 for 12 months (though this is for only six boxes shipped bi-monthly or $55.84 per month, so we do not see this as being cost-effective)
• One-time purchase for past boxes available for $54.95

Big Play's “full experience” kit includes multiple crafts, toys, and tools that are researched and curated by a pediatric occupational therapist. The condensed, budget-friendly box option doesn’t sacrifice quality for savings.

Big Play in a Box provides affordable opportunities for sensory exploration, including single-box kits as low as $15. The site also often has frequent sales. The company offers subscribers two subscription plans that each come with high-quality books and toys that align with a theme, immersing kids in each topic. The more expensive tier offers additional activities. You get a preview of what’s included each month, so you’ll know what you’re paying for, but customizations are not available.

The company’s boxes have more variety than others we reviewed. Each box comes with materials and step-by-step instructions for multiple crafts and sensory experiences as well as expert tips from an occupational therapist on increasing difficulty or deflecting boredom to improve engagement. Families who subscribe to the full experience receive a kitchen activity that aims to build connection and communication. 

Subscriptions cost $55/month for the full experience or $25/month for a condensed version. You can also add siblings for just $3–$5 per kit. Shipping is a $6 flat fee.

Busy Box's specially-marked “toddler-friendly” boxes include bigger toys to introduce shapes and textures without choking hazards.

Busy Box Child considers age and developmental stages, offering kits that work well for kids under 5. The company offers toys that are appropriate for young people who explore with their mouths and larger items that promote fine motor development without requiring mastery. Families can also add versatile, low-cost accessories, like colorful rice, inflatable trays, and learning tools–such as alphabet and number kits that are great for preschoolers.

We appreciate that Busy Box Child kits come with containers for easy storage and travel. Families can order options that align with a special interest for sensory play on the go. Mini options encourage activities neurodivergent kids tend to enjoy–like sorting and counting.

Busy Box Child asks subscribers to pick the boxes they’d like to receive along with some customizable options, like whether to include sand or non-toxic, homemade play dough. Shoppers are prompted to note selections during checkout, but this isn’t a straightforward process, so caregivers may have to email or engage in live chat with customer service to ensure they get what they want. Fortunately, the curator is quick to respond. During some months, the company sends holiday-themed boxes if an alternative preference isn’t specified. Unlike other companies, returns are welcome within 14 days.

The Busy Box Child subscription costs $37/month regardless of how many months you subscribe for. You have the option to add siblings for an additional fee. Shipping charges are based on USPS and UPS box size and weight charges.

Box of Sensory Toys includes high-quality fidgets, balls, putties, aromatic items, and other toys that improve sensory processing as well as gross and fine motor skills. These traditional sensory tools can also aid self-regulation, anxiety, and focus.

Even though the contents of each monthly delivery will be a surprise, Box of Sensory Toys is reliable and straightforward. Each subscription plan provides a monthly or quarterly box of high-quality toys that engage or regulate the senses.

While other companies curate a highly specific experience through the use of themes or kits, these sensory toys can be used in a more flexible way to help kids stay calm, focused, and relieved in a variety of settings. Items are often small enough to fit in a pocket, backpack, or purse, making them just right for tweens who want to be discreet or bring their favorite toys out and about.

Caregivers can select a plan for a specific age group, allowing them to choose an option that aligns with the emotional and developmental stages of their kids. We love that the assortment of options included in each plan is likely to please kids of different developmental stages and interests, even if a family doesn’t purchase the most expensive subscription.

The price for this subscription varies depending on which one of the four sensory boxes you choose:

• Fidget Toys Box: $26.99/month
• VIP Box of Sensory Toys: $45.95/month
• Teen Sensory Box: $75.95/quarter
• School Sensory Box: $75.95/quarter

Shipping is included in the price of all four options.

CalmBox is a therapist-curated subscription box full of stress-relieving gifts perfect for teens who want more sophisticated or calming options for sensory regulation, such as a quiet bath or soothing cup of tea.

Teens who subscribe to Calmbox will feel pampered and refreshed. Various companies offer self-care subscriptions marketed to adults that could work well for sophisticated teens, but we like CalmBox because their curators carefully craft opportunities for an immersive sensory experience. Items are also presented as gender-neutral, so teens and caregivers don’t need to worry about stereotyped marketing or products.

Each box offers five to seven items that promote peaceful feelings, like candles, organic snacks, special drinks, aromatherapy, skincare, curated playlists, guided meditations, and inspiring cards. Compared to the activity books offered to teens by other companies, Calmbox’s books and journals are whimsical without feeling childish.

Each box is $40 a month and shipping is included. If gifting a subscription, you have the option to prepay for three, six, or 12 months, which can save you up to $6 per box.

• $40 per box for month to month
• $35 per box for 6 months ($34 per box if you’re gifting the subscription)
• $32 per box for 12 months

KitArtLit craft projects are open-ended and process-based, eliminating the pressure of expected outcomes. This approach increases confidence and minimizes the impact of perfectionism.

Each monthly KidArtLit box delivers a high-quality hardback picture book that families won’t likely already own, since curators select new releases and international titles. The creators combine storytime with artful sensory exploration by including projects inspired by the books, helping kids make connections between the story and their own world. Emphasis is placed on color, pattern, texture, or innovative use of tools, resulting in beautiful creations that are more sophisticated than typical storytime crafts.

While the Spark Kit includes one art project, the Deluxe includes two. Each kit provides enough materials for two participants to complete each activity at no additional cost, making parallel play easier. Because there is no right or wrong way to pursue open-ended projects, participants of varying ages and neurotypes can engage with the materials with different goals; some might work towards a finished product while others will enjoy the sensory experience.

Both plans include in-box bonuses, such as book-themed playlists and suggested activities for additional exploration, which enhances sensory immersion and play. Past boxes are available for a one-time purchase. 

• Spark Kits: $49.99/month; $143.97/3 months; $269.94/6 months; no annual plan
• Deluxe Kits: $65.99/month; $188 for 3 months; $719.88 annual

Shipping is an extra $4.99 in the U.S.; $14.99 to Canada; and $19.99 to other countries.

Beautiful Discovery subscription boxes appeal to kids who appreciate nature, patterns, and deep dives into new concepts.

Because most STEM subscription boxes deliver science experiments and engineering kits, Beautiful Discovery’s immersive approach is unique. The company promises that its boxes are more like a walk in the woods or a visit to a museum, making them more accessible to all ages and neurotypes when support is offered. We appreciate that each box engages the senses in unexpected ways, like connecting math and science concepts to music, art, texture, movement, and other sensory experiences.

Boxes include easy games, drag-and-drop block code, stories, art activities, and in-depth lessons that offer kids a variety of options for engaging with the topics in ways that feel most exciting to them. Shoppers can preview lessons to learn exactly what each box will explore.

Subscribers who prepay for three, six, or 12 months receive a discount and gain access to additional online content. Shipping is always included.

• Month to month: $35 per box
• 3 Months: $99 or $33 per box
• 6 months: $180 or $30 per box
• 12 Months: $348 or $29 per box