Subscription boxes are a convenient and exciting way to shake up your kid’s toy box without breaking the bank. Shoppers can choose boxes that fit their budgets and find activities that are tailored to specific age groups and interests.
- Best Overall: KiwiCo
- Best Crafts: Green Kid Crafts
- Best Books: OwlCrate & OwlCrate Jr.
- Best STEM: Bitsbox
- Best for Babies: Lovevery
We reviewed the best kid’s subscription boxes to help identify the best options for your family. Not only did we compare companies based on cost and selection, but we also considered whether each option is committed to environmentally sustainable practices. Here are our top picks:
Best Overall: KiwiCo
KiwiCo is our overall top pick because they offer a range of subscription boxes with STEM, STEAM, and artistic activities. The company’s popular plans range from the Panda Crate for babies and toddlers from 0 to 24 months to the Maker Crate for those aged 14 to 104. There is also a collection of intermediate boxes for kids of every age group.
KiwiCo ensures that their crates are developmentally appropriate by letting customers choose their child’s age and select specific areas of interest. Plans start at $15.50 per month for annual subscriptions and go up to $29.95 for a monthly plan, depending on the crate. As with other box services, subscriptions renew automatically, but customers can cancel or change their box theme at any time.
Best Crafts: Green Kid Crafts
Green Kid Crafts is a kid-friendly subscription box that specializes in nature-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities. Two boxes are available: one for kids ages three to five and another for crafters aged five to 10+. Themes include everything from the ecosystem, Earth, and wildlife science to environmental activism.
Boxes cost from $24.95 per month for a 12-month membership to $29.95 for month-to-month shipments. As with other options we considered, shipping is free and customers can cancel renewals at any time. Every Discovery box includes four to six projects and a 12-page educational magazine. In addition to providing environmentally themed activities, Green Kid Crafts is certified carbon neutral and partners with a number of environmental organizations.
We love Green Kid Crafts because of the company’s dedication to sustainability and that their boxes are teaching a new generation of environmentalists.
Best Books: OwlCrate & OwlCrate Jr.
OwlCrate offers two subscription book boxes—a young adult box for ages 14 and up and a kids box for readers ages eight to 12. Each box includes a new hardcover novel, letter, and signed book or bookplate from the author, an activity or second book, and additional items consistent with the month’s theme.
OwlCrate plans are available monthly, every three months, or every six months. The monthly plan costs $32.99, the three-month plan is $95.97, and the six-month plan is $186. You can subscribe to the OwlCrate Jr. monthly plan for $29.99, the three-month plan for $86.97, or the six-month plan for $167.94.
Treehugger readers will appreciate OwlCrate because their boxes often feature eco-friendly items and materials.
Best STEM: Bitsbox
Bitsbox is a subscription service aimed at teaching six to 12-year olds code in a way they’ll truly enjoy. The company was founded by two former Google employees and offers both digital and physical options. Coding experience isn’t required, and each membership comes with a guide for parents to help their kids through the projects. Memberships renew automatically but can be canceled at any time.
The Digital Bitsbox includes a PDF download of the app projects and ranges from $16.95 per month for a 12-month subscription to $19.95 for month-to-month shipments. The Basic Bitsbox ranges from $24.95 to $29.95 per month and includes a dozen app projects and a binder to keep activities in order. Finally, customers can select the Deluxe Bitsbox for between $37.95 and $44.95 to get access to everything in the Basic box plus added projects.
We love Bitsbox because the company offers a zero-waste digital option.
Best for Babies: Lovevery
Lovevery is a stage-based subscription box designed for babies and toddlers. Play kits are delivered every two months and are curated based on a baby’s specific needs at each stage of development. For instance, toddler kits start at 13 months of age and are delivered every three months until age three. Baby play kits are $80 each, and toddler kits are $120; customers can get up to a 10 percent discount for paying upfront.
In addition to the company’s commitment to babies and toddlers, Lovevery is dedicated to protecting the environment. All of the wood used in play kits is sustainably sourced, and all of the fabrics are organic cotton. What’s more, the company maintains carbon neutral shipping by investing in carbon offset programs.
Lovevery tops the list for babies and toddlers because of the company’s substantial efforts at being more sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are kids’ subscription boxes?
Kids’ subscription boxes are shipments of books, toys, science experiments, and other activities that are sent to members each month. The items in kids’ subscription boxes are generally age-appropriate, and parents have the ability to choose the age range and interests of their child. This ensures that kids are getting items that are both safe and fun.
How much do subscription boxes for kids cost?
As with other subscription boxes, the cost of subscription boxes for kids varies depending on the age group, theme, number of items, and quality of products. On average, boxes tend to cost between $15 and $30 per month, with this amount fluctuating depending on whether you purchase several months at a time.
What items are found in subscription boxes for kids?
Most subscription boxes for kids include a variety of activities ranging from science and technology to art and reading. Many of the most popular boxes offer multiple themes so customers can choose the options that fit their child’s age and interests.
How We Chose the Best Subscription Boxes for Kids
To choose the best subscription boxes for kids, we evaluated dozens of options based on product offerings, price, and quality. We also evaluated whether the subscription provides age-appropriate and interest-specific options. Finally, we considered whether the company takes any steps to promote environmental sustainability.
Ultimately, we chose KiwiCo as the best subscription box for kids because it serves a wide range of age groups and interests. In addition to curating age-appropriate products and tailoring its boxes to everything from crafts to STEM, KiwiCo provides a high-quality product at an accessible price point.
