The Best Subscription Boxes for Kids (2023 Reviews & Rankings)

The best subscription boxes for kids can keep your little ones entertained while providing them with exciting, age-appropriate activities that can even teach them a thing or two.

Whether you’re looking for a gift that will keep on giving or simply want to give your child something new to try each month, a subscription box is the way to go.

Of course, subscription boxes have become all the rage over the past few years, and there are now dozens upon dozens of different ones to choose from. From educational kits to activity-based boxes, there’s sure to be something that will appeal to your child.

To help you narrow down the options, we’ve rounded up some of the best monthly subscription boxes for kids on the market across multiple categories.

We’ve ranked the best kids subscription kits based on a variety of factors, including price, age range, customer reviews, and the types of activities included.

This guide has been fully updated for 2023, so you can be sure you’re getting current, accurate information to help you make an informed buying decision.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.

 

How We Chose the Best Kids Subscription Box Products

With so many subscription boxes on the market today, finding the right monthly box your kids will enjoy can be incredibly difficult.

We reviewed dozens of monthly kits, from STEM subscription box kits to kids art box kits and more.

With each of the individual boxes we reviewed, we carefully assessed the following:

• Ease of use–The first thing we looked at was how easy each of the monthly membership kits were to use for kids. Did they come with easy-to-follow, detailed instructions? Were all the required materials included in the box? How much parental involvement and oversight was needed to complete the activities?
• Overall quality–We also considered the overall quality of the materials and activities included in the entire box.  Were the materials good quality and durable enough to actually complete the activities properly? Could you get multiple uses out of them? Did it include age appropriate content?
• Amount of entertainment provided–How much entertainment does the whole box provide? Is it only enough to keep kids excited for 15 minutes? A few hours?
• Educational benefits–While fun is certainly a priority, we also looked for boxes that provided some educational or developmental benefits.  How well did the activities engage the kids? Did the activities challenge them in a unique way, helping them to learn something new? As busy parents, we gave preference to boxes that provided extra educational value (like teaching about different cultures, science experiments, etc).
• User reviews–While we formed our own opinions of the boxes we reviewed, we also wanted to know what other parents thought. We looked at user reviews to gauge the overall satisfaction with each box and make sure our opinion was not an outlier.
• Overall value–Since time and money are precious commodities, we wanted to make sure the box provided good value for the price, even considering overlooked things like if it includes free shipping. Was it worth the monthly subscription fee? Did it offer more activities than what you would purchase separately? We tried to select boxes that gave parents an extra bang for their buck.

 

What are the Best Kids Subscription Boxes?

Here are our picks for the monthly membership subscription kits for kids in 2023…

1. Best Overall: Little Passports

Little Passports has a wide range of kits for kids ages 3 to 13 that can help introduce them to STEM, culture & geography, animals, and more.

Every box focuses on a different theme combining science and world knowledge.

Subscriptions begin with beginners’ kits with educational materials, activities, and games. Succeeding kits include souvenirs and experiments tailored to the subscribers’ developmental stage. As your child grows, you can easily switch between subscriptions.

As detailed in our Little Passports review, our team personally tested the Early Explorers (ages 3-5) and Science Junior (ages 5-8) kits with kids, and found the kits to be engaging, fun, and perfectly age-appropriate.

These subscription boxes are reasonably priced and provide a fun way for kids to learn about the world around them.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• STEM lessons
• Activity books
• Stickers
• Souvenirs
• World map wall stickers

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Little Passport subscription boxes have options for various developmental stages. However, their projects are a bit simpler for older children/teenagers. Therefore, it is not recommended for teens or pre-teens to have these subscription boxes.

Also, these kits are not gendered specific; any kids interested in cultures and races will have a great time using these kits.

Age Range

• Little Passports offers different subscription boxes for different age groups.
• The Early Explorer Edition is for children aged 3 to 5
• The Science Expedition is for kids aged 8 and up
• The Science Junior is for kids aged 5 to 8
• The World Explorer Edition is for children aged 6 to 10
• USA Edition is for kids aged 7 to 12

Price

Little Passports pricing starts as low as $23.95 per month, depending on the kit and subscription plan you choose.

Click here to get started with Little Passports.

 

2. KiwiCo Crates

KiwiCo has various boxes filled with festivities for people of all ages and interests. The company emphasizes learning through exploration; children gain knowledge of engineering, art, and technology through hands-on experience.

Every crate comes with step-by-step instructions for completing the project, and KiwiCo’s excellent online sources also provide additional assistance.

You can rely on this subscription if you want to improve your child’s learning through play.

Experts test each KiwiCo crate to ensure that it helps children become creative problem-solvers.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Educational projects
• Necessary supplies
• Monthly deliveries to keep kids interested
•  Science and art activities
• Cooking games

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

kiwiCo has subscription boxes for children of all age groups. Not only this, adults can join in the fun as well. Although the subscription boxes focus on education, each activity/project is engaging, interesting, and, most importantly, fun!

Age Range

KiwiCo has some subscription boxes for children of all age groups:

• Panda Crate is ideal for kids 0-24 months
• Koala Crate is ideal for kids 2-4 years
• Eureka Crate is ideal for kids 12+ years
• Kiwi Crate for children aged 5-8 years
• Atlas Crate for 6-11 years
•  Doodle Crate suitable for 9-16 years

Price

A monthly subscription starts from $24.95.

 

3. Lovevery

Lovevery is a fun kit subscription model that sends stage-based products directly to your door. This toddler’s subscription box expands with your child; every new box contains research-based products corresponding to developmental milestones and an activity guide for parents.

Each Play Kit’s products and information were notified by authored studies in the field of childhood development and evaluated by specialists from various disciplines. The kits are age-appropriate and arrive every 2 months for infants; as your kid grows older, the complexity of the kits increases.

The stage-based strategy is straightforward for parents, and the toys are fantastic — many are made of high-quality wood, which gives them an aesthetic look.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Thoughtful and well-curated activities
• Play kits
• Toys created by child development experts

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Lovevery will appeal to younger children. The sooner you begin this subscription model, the greater the possible benefits. Still, the company offers a simple method for matching your child with an appropriate Play Kit through a simple form.

Age Range

0-4+ years

Price

A monthly subscription starts at $80.

 

4. MEL Science

Does your child also a science lover? And want to do some crazy science experiments? Then it would be best to look at MEL Science Kids’ subscription boxes. These boxes offer hands-on experiments to make your kids engage in fun activities.

It offers different science boxes like physics and chemistry for different age groups. The boxes are also backed with fun modular projects to discover with MEL’s interactive app. Also, all the activities, projects, and instructions are child safe, which they can enjoy fully.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Science kits to keep your kids engaged
• Lessons to principal physics
• DIY activities
• Chemistry-safe experiments

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Any child over the age of five. To get started, your child does not need to have a strong interest in science; MEL Chemistry’s kits offer plenty of inspiration.

Age Range

It offers different science kits for kids of all age groups.

• MEL STEM for kids ages 5 to 9+ years
• MEL Med for 14+ years
• MEL Physics for kids aged 8 to 14+
• MEL Chemistry for kids 10 to 16+

Price

A monthly subscription starts from $29.90.

 

5. OwlCrate Jr.

Do you want to limit the screentime of your kids? Then there is the easy way to get your child to put down their iPad and pick up a book; your solution is OwlCrate.

OwlCrate Jr is a book subscription crate for children aged 8 to 12. It’s the youngest child of the initial OwlCrate, which includes YA literature and other bookish goodies. OwlCrate Jr offers the same mystical literary experience, carefully curating each subscription box to inspire and delight your middle school student.

Each OwlCrate Jr box contains a new book and 3 to 4 bonus items. This could include author-signed bookplates, stationery, fan accessories, games, additional books, or other treats. The emphasis is on fantasy, and Owlcrate thrives at delivering it.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Amusing, one-of-a-kind items
• Signed bookplates
• You can also browse beyond boxes and individual items

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Imaginative middle-schoolers who are always looking for something to read. Owlcrate Jr offers the perfect fantastic experience, and users can still upgrade to the initial OwlCrate as their children grow older.

Age Range

Ideal for kids aged 8 to 12 years.

Price

A monthly subscription starts from $30.99.

 

6. Amazon Prime Book Box

We sometimes forget that Amazon began as a bookstore. The Amazon Prime Book Box offers 40% off level-appropriate printed storybooks for children ages 0 to 12. The service could be planned to deliver every one, two, or three months.

Each box comprises 4 unforgettable board books selected by Amazon editors for babies aged one to two years. Age groups 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years receive crates containing two hardcover books; the selection includes new releases and classics, so there will be plenty of gems.

Building your child’s library with books appropriate for their reading level exposes them to a modern paradigm of experiences while cultivating their love for books.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Hardcover books

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Amazon Prime Book Box is suitable for all children aged 12 and up. Because of the low price, this is an excellent value; however, if your child is a big reader, you might have to access multiple subscriptions to provide them with enough reading material.

Age Range

Ideal for kids aged 0 to 12 years

Price

A monthly subscription starts from $19.95, but you can typically get a discount for your first box.

 

7. Girls Can! Crate

Girls need positive examples to inspire their skills and encourage their minds, and that’s where Girls Can! Crate excels. This monthly subscription box for kids includes fun and educational activities centered on optimistic female mentors from around the globe.

Each crate comes with an activity book that tells the story of that month’s glorious leaders like coders, activists, coders, and archaeologists. You will also receive 2 to 3 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) tasks or experiments, as well as play and learning props.

Future ferocious female leaders adore this subscription box created specifically for them! Also, a portion of every sale is donated to non-profit organizations encouraging young girls, and we adore Girls Can!

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Fun kits
• Stickers
• Hardcover books
• STEM activities and projects
• Learning props

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Megan Goodman founded the service in 2015 to demonstrate to her daughter that women can be creators, innovators, and leaders. This service has grown rapidly and likely inspired hundreds of young girls to confront detrimental gender stereotypes. This box is ideal for any young lady motivated to make this world a better place.

Age Range

This subscription box is ideal for young girls aged 5 to 10 years.

Price

A monthly subscription starts at $18.95. You can usually get a discount on your first box by signing up for their email list.

 

8. We Craft Box

We Craft Box is a subscription service box that includes craft materials for children aged 3 to 9. Each box contains the instructions and materials necessary to complete 2-3 crafts focusing on a themed story. The stories are creative enough to keep children interested, and the crafts are adorable. Our Craft Box contains enough materials for a parent or sibling to participate. As a result, this is an excellent method for scheduling family time.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Crafting materials
• DIY kits
• Monthly-themed experiments
• Activities to keep all the family engaged

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

We believe that any younger child will enjoy We Craft Box, but if you’re unsure whether it’s the right subscription for your family, visit the company’s website; you can also purchase independent boxes to test the service.

Age Range

Our Craft Box is ideal for kids aged 3 to 9 years.

Price

A monthly subscription starts from $34.99. Coupon codes are often available that give a discount on your first month.

 

9. Sensory TheraPlay Box

Sensory TheraPLAY Box is a senses-focused toy subscription box for children with sensory processing issues and autism. Each box is curated by a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and contains a variety of toys, utensils, fidgets, crafts, and other sensory goodies. Each month, the goods provide hours of entertainment that are both fun and therapeutic. A quarterly Sensory Box edition for teens and adults is crafted with the same principles.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• High-quality activities kits
• Functional, fun, and unique toys
• Sensory goodies
• Therapeutic experiments

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Sensory TheraPLAY will appeal to children with a variety of sensory needs. We love that this box is designed specifically for children with sensory needs or autism but is also appropriate for children of all abilities.

Age Range

Toys are suitable for children aged 5 to 9, but this box is suitable for a wide range of ages based on the child’s autonomy and developmental abilities.

Price

A monthly subscription is around $40 depending on the plan you choose.

 

10. Literati Kids

Literati Kids is among the most outstanding book subscription services available. Each month, you’ll receive 5 specially chosen books based on your profile’s preferences and goals. Take a week after acquiring your package to decide which books you want to buy and then return the rest. If you retain all five, you’ll receive a 5% discount. It’s as simple as that.

You can use your profile to rate the books you got, and your ratings will be used to inform future deliveries. Based on your child’s age, reading level, and interests, the information in your profile will assist the company in selecting books to assist your kid in reaching academic milestones.

What’s In The Subscription Box?

• Hand-selected books according to your child’s interest

Which Kids Will Love This Subscription Box?

Kids who love to read books and learn about different goals will benefit the most from this subscription box.

Age Range

Literati Kids serves children aged one to thirteen. The boxes are shipped monthly, and you can change the frequency in your account.

Price

A monthly subscription starts from $10.

 

Features to Look for When Choosing Kids’ Subscription Boxes

Now you have looked at different subscription boxes and must wonder which is best for your kid. However, fret not; here are some of the features you must look upon before choosing the best subscription box for your child:

Is this subscription a good investment?

Will it help my child, or will it just gather dust on the Rack?

Will it end up saving you energy and time or make you stressed?

Because everyone’s needs differ, these are questions you should ask yourself when purchasing kids’ subscription boxes.

What are your child’s interests?

Subscription boxes come in all shapes and sizes; however, before you choose the best one, consider what kinds of items or activities your child is interested in. A clothing box will appeal to fashionistas, while a cooking box will appeal to future chefs.

How old are your kids?

Before clicking add to cart, double-check the age range of each box. You do not want to buy a too simple or too advanced box, as this may prevent your child from thoroughly engaging. Making sure you’re in the suitable age bracket can also be a safety concern because young kids might not have access to the same tiny pieces as older children’s toys.

Is the kit high quality?

Whether you’re buying clothing or a book box, ensuring you’re getting high-quality products is critical. Consider whether the materials are long-lasting, the products are well-made, and the content is of sufficient quality to benefit and entertain your children.

Is the kit easy to use?

Although some of these boxes are intended to be carried on as a family project, most of them provide moms and dads with some free time while simultaneously keeping their children engaged on their own. You’ll want something your children can open and work on without your help.

 

Final Thoughts on Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids

The subscription boxes are a great way to keep your child engaged in activities other than just laying down and watching youtube. They can jog your kid’s inner crafty-men and involve them in different activities.

In this guide, we mentioned the 10 best subscription boxes, but if you ask, our best pick is Little Passports, which flies your kids to the imaginative world while exploring different countries and cultures.

Have any questions about our guide to the best subscription boxes for kids? Let us know by commenting below.