Best Toy Subscription Services of 2022

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Your child’s brain is in a nonstop cycle of growing, learning, and changing, so it makes sense that they have such a high demand for new toys to challenge their developing minds. However, even the most consumer-savvy parent may struggle to find toys and activities their child hasn’t outgrown, become bored with, or just plain outsmarted.

Toy subscription services are so useful because they take all the guesswork out of which toys will engage your child while making it super convenient to keep your house well-stocked with a rotating influx of fun and engaging activities. We think anything that makes parenting easier is a winner, and toy subscription boxes definitely simplify playtime.

The best toy subscription services offer a mix of affordability, variety, and creativity, engaging your child long enough for you to take a shower and drink some coffee! Here we've rounded up the best toy subscription services so you can check “find new toys” off your to-do list for the month.

Best Toy Subscription Services of 2022

Best Overall: KiwiCo
Best for Renting: Green Piñata
Best for STEM: MEL Kids
Best for Babies: Lovevery
Best for Toddlers: Sago Mini Box
Best for Collectors: Toy Box Monthly
Best for the Whole Family: UnboxBoardom
Best for Puzzles: Buffalo Games’ Monthly Subscription
Best for LEGO: Brick Loot
Best for Autistic Kids: Sensory Theraplay Box

Best Overall : KiwiCo

Key Specs

Pricing: Starts at about $18.50 per box; free shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 4
Ages: 0-16+

Why We Chose It

Rockets, kites, volcanos, arcade games: You name it—you can build it (and then play with it) with an affordable and ultra kid-friendly KiwiCo subscription.

Pros

Budget-friendly monthly shipments
Easy-to-follow directions for kids
Teaches STEM, geography, art, cooking, and more
Specific subscription lines for different age groups

Cons

Nothing can be played with right out the box
Kids who can’t read yet will need assistance
Crates aimed at young children require some assembly by parents

Every subscription line in the KiwiCo brand is a winner in our book, thanks to the smart and kid-friendly way these subscriptions are put together. With nine different “crates” to choose from, each aimed at different age groups and, for older kids, different interests, KiwiCo is a subscription you’ll want for your kid’s entire childhood. Each one comes with at least one activity that kids will love to play with or work on. Plus, for the crates aimed at older children, each one will come with an activity that kids can (for the most part) assemble and play with on their own.

For young children, KiwiCo offers the Panda crate (for ages 0-24 months), the Koala crate (ages 2-4), and the Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8). These crates follow childhood development milestones and encourage kids to learn new skills. The Kiwi Crate even starts teaching them some STEM principles as it encourages them to build a toy themselves.

For ages 6 and up, KiwiCo offers several themed subscription kits. For example, if your child loves geography, travel, and learning about the world, consider the Atlas Crate. This one will have them build their very own spinning globe and learn about different continents and places. Or if your child loves hanging out with you in the kitchen, you can opt for the Yummy crate, which helps teach them how to make their own meals. The Doodle crate, meanwhile, is aimed specifically at little artists who can’t get enough of crafting (saving you trips to Michael’s). The Tinker, Maker, and Eureka crates, meanwhile, are aimed at older kids who are into STEM and creating things on their own.

Regardless of which subscription you start with, KiwiCo integrates learning and playtime into all its crates. Prices start at $18.50 per box for the plans aimed at younger children and go as high as $32.95 for the more advanced crates. There are also prepaid plans available to save you money over time.

Best for Renting : Green Piñata

Key Specs

Pricing: $30 per month; free shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 1
Ages: 6 months - 5 years

Why We Chose It

No more waiting around for a subscription to arrive only to find your child isn’t interested in that month’s selection. With this service, you pick the toys you want and either keep them or send them back when you’re done.

Pros

Totally customizable—only receive what you want
Choose between paying to keep toys or sending them back
Toys catalog spans a wide range of ages

Cons

Choosing to keep a toy means paying extra for it
If you don’t consistently rotate toys, you may not get your money’s worth

Nobody likes buying a toy only to watch their child play with it for five minutes and then never pick it up again. With Green Piñata, you’ll never have to risk finding a brand-new purchase in your child’s toy wasteland again: This rental service lets you choose the toys for them to try out at home and decide what to do after they've played with them.

Similar to borrowing books from the library, as a Green Piñata subscriber you can choose from a catalog of toys appropriate for ages 6 months to 5 years, receive four of them shipped to your door, and use them for as long as you want (there’s no time limit on sending the toys back). You can either then send all the toys back for a new shipment and/or purchase the ones you want to keep for 10% off the manufacturer’s list price.

Green Piñata says all of the toys in its catalog are meant to be both educational and stimulating, so you’re not likely to get any toys that just make noise for no reason. For about $30 per month, you can request, play with, and exchange toys on your own customizable schedule, guaranteeing that any toys you buy are ones you already know your child loves.

Best for STEM : MEL Kids

Key Specs

Pricing: About $30 per month; free shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 5
Ages: 4-16+

Why We Chose It

Science isn’t boring when you can use it to create liquid sand, cannons, robotic hands, and electric boats. MEL Science will stimulate your kids.

Pros

Wide range of ages
Can be used for homeschooling
Helps make STEM less daunting

Cons

Kids who can’t read yet will need assistance
Not all boxes include each needed item

Unless your child is a Bill Nye the Science Guy in training, STEM activities can feel daunting: Chemistry, physics, math, and engineering are involved, which can be fun topics for kids to explore and expand upon.

That will change with the MEL Science subscription, which uses science experiments to make your child into a full-on "science kid." Using kid-friendly toys like boats, cannons, and rockets, your child will learn about hydraulics, electricity, projectiles, optical illusions, and more. The concept is similar to Kiwi Crate, but the activities are a little more science-focused and challenging.

MEL Science is delivered monthly for about $30, with prepaid plan options available. Their projects are all tested for safety, and none of them include explosives—they’re meant to be used by kids, not adults, so in theory, your child should be able to explore all on their own.

Best for Babies : Lovevery

Key Specs

Pricing: About $80 to $120, free shipping
Delivery: Every 2 or 3 months
Number of Plans: 1
Ages: 0-4 years

Why We Chose It

Designed to match up with your child’s micro-stages of development, you can’t beat Lovevery’s carefully curated boxes for each age and stage.

Pros

High-quality, durable natural and organic toys
Created by child development experts
Themes based on common stages, like exploring and inquiring

Cons

More costly than some other options
Only ships every three months
No customization

The creators of Lovevery know exactly what your baby, toddler, or preschooler needs at their current stage of life. They’ve founded their subscription service with the help of child development experts, ensuring your child will get the perfect toys for the specific stage they’re going through.

With subscriptions for babies under 12 months and kids ages one, two, and three, Lovevery’s Play Kits target the skills your child is learning based on a breakdown of micro-stages of development. So whether your baby is learning that some things are hard and some or soft, your toddler is boosting language skills, or your preschooler is turning into quite the storyteller, there's a Lovevery box for you.

We love this subscription for babies, though, because the toys in each kit are made with natural wooden and organic cotton materials, making them safe and long-lasting. (And just because your child loves a toy as a baby doesn’t mean they won’t still want to play with it when they’re a toddler.)

Your baby will also get plenty of time to experiment and engage with their new toys; Lovevery ships every two or three months, depending on your child’s age, but your monthly cost will breakdown to $30 or $40.

Best for Toddlers : Sago Mini Box

Key Specs

Pricing: $19 per month; plus $4 shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 2
Ages: 3-5 years

Why We Chose It

Whether your child is a fan of the Sago Mini apps or not, they’ll love getting three opportunities for exploratory and role-playing learning featuring the Sago Mini friends.

Pros

At least three activities included in each box
Games, crafts, and role-playing opportunities
The shipping box can be used in play, reducing waste

Cons

Shipping not included

Toddlers love to put themselves in other people’s shoes, which makes the Sago Mini Box so much fun for kids in the 3 to 5 age group. With monthly themes like farmer’s market, airplane, and pet shop, your child will be sent a new role-playing activity involving their new Sago Mini friends encouraging them to explore the world outside their home.

That’s not all you get in the Sago Mini Box, though: There are also crafts, games, and learning prompts, making it the perfect combination of activities for busy little hands and minds. You'll receive three separate but related activities in each box.

We also like how the Sago Mini Box keeps waste reduction in mind; all of their products are made with recyclable materials, and you can turn even the shipping box itself into a prop for that month’s activities (like an airport or drama stage). At $19 per month, this box is an affordable mix of stuff your toddler will love; just keep in mind that you have to pay $4 shipping for each delivery.

Best for Collectors : Toy Box Monthly

Key Specs

Pricing: About $30 per month; free shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 3
Ages: 4-8 years

Why We Chose It

Some subscriptions should just be for fun, and Toy Box Monthly has fun in spades. Whatever characters your child loves, they’ll never run out of toys to add to their collection.

Pros

Licensed merchandise for an affordable cost
Boxes available in boy, girl, and both genders
Delivered monthly for kids who just can’t collect enough of their favorite toys

Cons

No novelty or hard-to-find items; could be bought in stores
Many toys are plastic

Be honest: Your kid’s bedroom is basically one large display for all of their precious trinkets and toys. There’s something about being a child that comes with a strong desire to collect things—and Toy Box Monthly is one of the best ways to keep them happy with a steady influx of collector-worthy toys.

Focused on the characters kids know and love, Toy Box Monthly sends four to six new toys to your child every month designed to fit right in with their existing collections. You can choose themed boxes like Marvel superheroes, LEGO, and Star Wars, Disney, and My Little Pony. But we love that there’s also a mixed option, so if your child’s interests are far-reaching or you have siblings sharing a subscription, you’ll get a combination of themed toys.

The toys here teach kids teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving skills, among others. Plus, at about $30 per month, it's a cost-effective way to grow your little one's toy collection.

Best for the Whole Family : UnboxBoardom

Key Specs

Pricing: Starts at about $31 per month when you pre-pay; free shipping with prepaid plans (or $5 per box)
Delivery: Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly
Number of Plans: 3
Ages: All (depends on the game)

Why We Chose It

Get your entire family off their individual screens and around the kitchen table for game night with this tried-and-true subscription to the best board games around.

Pros

Can choose how often to receive a shipment
Can select your own games or let UnboxBoardom surprise you
Overly difficult, boring, or frustrating games are weeded out of the catalog

Cons

Could buy the games cheaper elsewhere
Additional shipping required with pay-as-you-go plan

On the surface, this subscription doesn’t seem like it offers much—a board game once every month or three. But you’re paying for the expertise of some serious board game fanatics who are not only keeping their fingers on the pulse of what’s new and exciting in the board game world but are filtering out all the stuff that isn’t.

If you’ve ever wasted a family game night on a board game that was too hard to figure out, too long to finish, or too uninteresting to even continue, those days are over with a subscription to UnboxBoardom. Choose from three plans—monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly—and decide whether you want to pick the new game yourself or let the experts at UnboxBoardom choose for you.

Many of the company's games are relatively new, meaning they’re not easy to find in stores, but all of them are worth about $35, so you can rest assured that your subscription fee is matched with the value of your items.

UnboxBoardom says all of its games are appropriate for families, so this is a solid subscription for both older siblings and families to play together. You can pay-as-you-go monthly for about $34 per game plus roughly $5 shipping, or select an annual prepay option that saves you a few dollars per game and includes free shipping.

Best for Puzzles : Buffalo Games’ Monthly Subscription

Key Specs

Pricing: $78, plus free shipping
Delivery: Every month for 6 or 12 months
Number of Plans: 6
Ages: All (as long as children won’t try to swallow pieces)

Why We Chose It

If your family enjoys working on a puzzle on the coffee table, this subscription is for you. You’ll receive a selection of puzzles of various difficulties and sizes every month for six or 12 months.

Pros

Choose 6- or 12-month plans
750 to 2000-piece puzzle options
Puzzles made of recycled materials

Cons

Cannot get a month-to-month subscription
No return policy

If you’re one of those families that loves to gather around the coffee table and work on a jigsaw puzzle, then Buffalo Games will keep you challenged. You can choose from six different plans featuring different billing cadences and puzzle sizes, and you’ll receive one new puzzle a month to work on.

With puzzles as small as 750 pieces and as big as 2,000, you can choose your difficulty (and always change if you’re finding it too easy). The puzzles are also high quality: They’re printed on recycled, durable graphic boards and feature vibrant images. The biggest drawback to this subscription is that you have to commit to at least a six-month subscription.

Best for LEGO : Brick Loot

Key Specs

Pricing: $27.28/month, plus shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 3
Ages: 6+

Why We Chose It

Created by a kid for kids, Brick Loot is the ultimate subscription for children who love LEGOs. Each box includes kits created by popular LEGO designers, with some exclusive builds too.

Pros

The company is created by a kid who was 9 at the time
Includes custom builds
Kits are often designed by popular LEGO designers

Cons

Some kits include LEGO-compatible building kits
Not affiliated with the LEGO brand directly

The Brick Loot subscription was created in 2013 by a 9-year-old (who used to review LEGO toys on YouTube since he was 4) and it has remained popular ever since. Each month, your child will receive LEGO and LEGO-compatible building kits, some of which are exclusive to Brick Loot. Boxes also come with fun accessories, such as mini figures, LED brick lights, pencil cases, or more.

Month-to-month subscriptions begin at $27.28, but you can save if you commit to a six or 12-month subscription. The company ships to Canada and internationally too. Note that the price of shipping is not included (and begins at $6 for domestic shipping).

Best for Autistic Kids : Sensory Theraplay Box

Key Specs

Pricing: $42, plus shipping
Delivery: Monthly
Number of Plans: 4
Ages: 5-9 years

Why We Chose It

Designed specifically for children with autism, this subscription plan includes a variety of sensory toys and tools for kids and caregivers. It also includes a pamphlet for parents or guardians to help understand how each item is beneficial for their child.

Pros

Can gift just one box without committing to a monthly subscription
Can get a sensory box aimed at teens and adults too
Includes helpful pamphlet for caregivers
Developed by an occupational therapist

Cons

Shipping is extra
No strong theme each month

If your child is autistic and you’re not sure what toys they’d like best, the Sensory Theraplay subscription box was developed specifically for neurodivergent children. The company was founded by an occupational therapist and each month you’ll receive five to eight toys and other sensory items that help your child develop motor skills, focus, and self-regulation of their emotions. Each box also comes with a pamphlet for caregivers to help explain why the item was included, ways it can be used, and how it can help their child.

The company also offers a line for teens (as well as adults) if your child outgrows this box. You cannot customize your box by selecting specific items you want, nor do you know ahead of time what will be included. However, there is an option to order just one box without committing to a recurring monthly subscription if you select the “gift a box” option at checkout.

Featured Link: For More Subscriptions for Neurodivergent Kids

Final Verdict

We love everything about Kiwi Crate’s subscription service: the affordability, the blend of science and art, the ease of use, and the fact that your kid gets bragging rights about how they built their own toys. A tried-and-true company providing subscription services for kids of all ages, we highly recommend the Kiwi Crate for kids in the exploration and creativity stage of 5 to 8 years old.

If you’re looking for more traditional toys, Green Piñata is perfect as a try-before-you-buy rental service for babies through kids ages 4 to 5, while Toy Box Monthly is a surefire way to thrill your mini collector with licensed merchandise.

Compare Toy Subscription Boxes for Kids

Company	Pricing	Delivery	Number of plans	Customizeable	Ages
KiwiCo, Best Overall	Starts at $18.50 / with free shipping	Monthly	4	No	0–16+ years
Green Piñata Best for Renting	$30 / free shipping	Monthly	1	Yes	6 months–5 years
MEL Kids Best for STEM	$30 / free shipping	Monthly	5	No	4–16+ years
Lovevery Best for Babies	$80-$120 depending on plan / free shipping	Every 2-3 months, depending on the plan	1	No	0–4 years
Sago Mini Box Best for Toddlers	$19 plus $4 shipping	Monthly	2	No	3–5 years
Toy Box Monthly Best for Collectors	$30 / free shipping	Monthly	3	No	4–8 years
UnboxBoardom Best for Older Kids & Families	Starts at about $31 per month when you pre-pay; free shipping with prepaid plans (or $5 per box)	Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly	3	Yes	All (depends on the game)
Brick Loot, Best for LEGO	$27.28/month, plus shipping	Monthly	3		6+ years
Sensory Theraplay Box, Best for Autistic Kids	$42, plus shipping	Monthly	4		5–9 years
Buffalo Games’ Monthly Subscription, Best for Puzzles:	$78, plus free shipping	Every 6 to 12 months	6		All (as long as children won't try toswallow pieces)

How to Choose the Best Toy Subscription Services

Is a Toy Subscription Right for Your Child?

Some kids like to play with the same toys over and over, but others are always looking for the next “new” thing to do, learn, or play with. If your child is like that, a toy subscription might be right because they’re essentially guaranteed a new project or toy every month to three months, depending on the subscription you choose. Plus, you never need to go to the store to pick something out for them, which can be expensive.

Toy subscriptions are also great for kids if they love to learn, especially as many subscriptions have specific educational themes, such as STEM, LEGO, puzzles, or more. This means if your kid is really into one specific topic or type of toy, a subscription is a nice way to keep things fresh.

That said, it's possible your child may receive something they simply don’t like with a subscription or a duplicate of something they already have at home. Subscriptions can also get pricey since they’re a regular commitment to spend a certain amount every month or quarter. They might also not work if you have a big family as most kits are aimed at one to two kids at most, not multiple siblings—though some do offer discounts if you subscribe for more than one child.

What Should I Look for in a Toy Subscription?

You probably do a little research before spending big bucks on a brand new toy for your child (scouring the package for age recommendations, assembly instructions, and compatibility with your existing toys), and you should do the same with a toy subscription service, too. Here’s what you should look for when choosing one:

Price: Don’t make the mistake of spending more on a subscription service than you would on toys; sometimes, subscription services save you money in the long run, but other times you accidentally end up spending way more on a subscription than you intend to—especially if your child isn’t sold on every item, which reduces the box’s overall value.

Variety of items: Even themed subscription boxes, like STEM or art boxes, should have some variety built-in. Your child might love rockets, but that doesn’t mean they’ll want to build a new one every month. The best subscription boxes know how to vary their items while maintaining some brand consistency, so look for those that know how to mix it up within their stated themes or goals.

Age-appropriateness: Most toy subscriptions are suitable for toddlers through elementary-aged kids, but it’s always worth double-checking to make sure your child falls within the recommended age range. This is particularly true if you’re shopping for a baby or an older child; those subscriptions are a little harder to come by.

Kid-friendly: This seems like a no-brainer, but hear us out: When you hand your child a new toy, do you expect to play with them? Or do you want them to go play independently or with a sibling or playmate? If you’re using a toy subscription to teach your child independent skills like problem-solving and creativity, you’ll end up frustrated if your child can’t interact with the items without your assistance (a little help is one thing, but you shouldn’t have to do everything yourself). Assess whether the toy service can intuitively deliver items your child can play with or interact with on their own.

Educational value: If you’re going to commit to paying a certain fee every month or quarter, chances are you want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. And one way to do that is to make sure that your child’s subscription provides some sort of educational value. The good news is there are lots of toy subscriptions that are designed by child development experts or educators to do just that. Look for subscriptions that teach skills like STEM, reading, art, or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Toy Subscription Services Offer?

Toy subscriptions send kids toys or activities every one to three months. Some include collectibles, projects they can build themselves, or activities designed to teach new skills or topics, such as STEM, cooking, or more. Most will be developmentally appropriate for the ages they’re geared towards and teach skills such as problem-solving, cooperation, and critical thinking skills.

Are Toy Subscription Services Worth It?

For many parents, yes, these services are worthwhile—though it depends on how much you spend on toys regularly. Sometimes the toys available in a subscription can’t be easily found elsewhere or, if they can, are more costly when purchased individually. Getting them through a subscription may save you money as a result. Plus, toy subscriptions are often developed with the help of experts or educators to make sure they’re educational, age-appropriate, and safe. These subscriptions also save you the time and effort you might otherwise spend researching and shopping for things your child would want to play with.

However, if your child is picky about their toys or you’re on a limited budget, toy subscriptions may not be appropriate.

How Much Do Toy Subscription Services Cost?

Most toy subscriptions cost between $20 and $40 per month when you break down the pricing over time, though some can run $65 or more. Some subscriptions ship monthly—these tend to fall in the lower end of the price range—while others ship quarterly.

Can You Cancel Toy Subscriptions?

Yes, you can cancel most toy subscriptions at any time as long as you do so before the next shipment date. Some subscriptions allow you to cancel in the app, while others will require you to call or email customer service to request a cancellation. It’s worth noting, though, that if you pay for a subscription upfront (which generally results in a discount on the price you pay), you may continue receiving your boxes until your subscription runs out—they do not refund you for the remaining months you have.

Are the Toys in a Subscription Safe?

Generally, toy subscriptions include toys that have been rigorously tested for safety. The toys are also usually curated to be age-appropriate; for example, you won’t have to worry about small, swallowable pieces in a kit aimed at babies under age one.

Methodology

The main element we looked at to select this list of toy subscription services was how well the included toys boosted a child’s imagination. It’s great when a child can learn something from an educational toy, but kids also deserve pure, unfettered playtime—and, in fact, free play is critical for the development of your child’s creativity and emotional growth. That’s why we included some toys with an educational component and some just for fun, like board games and collectible character favorites.

Beyond that, we considered the variety of toys shipped to you over time (the more variety, the better) and how easy it is for your child to play or engage with toys on their own.