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Box subscriptions can make life easier, especially when you’re an overworked and time-poor parent. You can get subscriptions for almost everything these days from crafts to clothes to video games. They allow you and your kids to try out new hobbies without too much commitment. They’re also great if you are low on space. Instead of cluttering up your home with expensive craft materials, video games or the like, subscriptions allow you to try before you buy. Finally, they’re a great gift that leaves a lasting impression and keeps giving every month!
Here are a few popular ones your kids might enjoy.
New books on tap
Would you like to encourage a reluctant reader or delight a tween bibliophile? OwlJr offer cool themes for ages 8–12 for OwlJr readers, and age 14 and older for OwlCrate readers.
For younger readers, Reading Bug offers several subscription boxes curated by age, including a newborn box, and boxes for toddlers and early readers.
Keep them busy with science projects
BitsBox introduces a new computer science concept every month with a fun app project kids can create and run on any mobile device. Projects include kid-appropriate games and an app that creates and sends a customized birthday card to a friend.
Get sticking
Got a kid that loves stickers and getting a monthly surprise in the mail? Check out PipSticks.Their Kids Club monthly sticker subscription includes 15 sheets of super cool stickers in a reusable envelope.
Go places without the hassle of going anywhere
Little Passports engages future travelers with four subscription box options based on age and interest. There is also a USA Edition that teaches kids about two states a month with fun activities and supplies that include maps, stickers, books, postcards and science expeditions with fun hands-on STEM activities and science experiments.
Try all sorts of art without costly commitment
Crafty families enjoy ArtSnacks.The monthly boxes are a guaranteed boredom buster with a different selection of art supplies that can include a sketchbook, cool pens, color pencils, watercolor, ink and brushes. Parents like that kids can try a new medium or tool before investing in a whole bunch of new art supplies that may or may not get used.
Get your geek on!
Teens into pop culture love Loot Crate, a subscription box for gamers and geeks. Loot Crate partners with industry leaders in entertainment, gaming, sports and pop culture to offer several crate options that include a t-shirt, collectible figure, comic book and other swag. Got a Harry Potter fan? There is a “Wizarding World” themed Loot Crate as well as other themes including Marvel, Star Trek and a Loot Gaming crate.
Learning and craft for all ages
KiwiCo offers several crates designed to enhance hands-on learning based on interest and age including Doodle Crate for budding artists (ages 9–16), and Tinker Crate for those interested in science and engineering.
Experimenting with beauty products
For tweens and teens there is an abundance of beauty boxes including popular Birchbox, filled with sample sizes of products customized to the subscriber’s “beauty profile.” Try out new products for $10 a box.
Fuel your feminist
Fuel your feminist with GIRLS CAN! CRATE. Girls ages 5–10 can meet a fearless woman who has made the world a better place. Boxes include an activity book and STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math — activities.
Clothes without the shopping drama
Do you loathe back-to-school shopping? Stitch Fix now offers a Stitch Fix Kids box. Upon request, you’ll receive clothing, shoes and accessories curated by a stylist for a $20 styling fee applied to the cost of anything you keep. And you can return anything you don’t want for free.
Tips and tricks
Not sure if you want to commit to a subscription? You can often purchase prior month’s boxes or the individual contents, at a discount on subscription box websites including ArtSnacks.
Worried about how to store all that incoming cool stuff and boxes? Set up a system so as soon as the box arrives and your family has enjoyed opening it and exploring the contents, things that are not delightful get gifted or donated, the “good stuff” gets stored (use large ziplock bags if things need to stay together and include directions for building sets). And don’t forget to recycle or repurpose the shipping boxes.
Curious about subscription boxes and want to save some money? Check out one of the many subscription box review sites including Cratejoy where you can search for reviews on the specific boxes and often find coupons for new subscribers.
Editor’s note: ParentMap staff contributed to this article, which was most recently updated in November 2021.
