Ever wonder how to give your kids something super fun and creative to do that DOES NOT use a screen? Me too! Subscription boxes full of crafts and STEM learning might be JUST the thing your kid needs right now.
What’s a Subscription Box?
A “subscription box” is a service that sends you a box of goodies once a month. You can get one box or pay for a year’s worth. Subscription boxes for kids are great boredom busters — they bring an awesome project right to your door and you didn’t have to run out to Target to get the supplies. Whew!
You’ve probably heard of KiwiCo, right? They are the grand daddy of kid’s creative subscription boxes, with a line of STEM learning kits for every age group.
Kiwi Co started with the Kiwi Crate (kiwi is a bird, buy the way) for younger kids, and now have Eight different “crates” for babies to high schoolers. Each month your kid gets a new project that involves art or science at their level.
The really cool thing about KiwiCo crates is everything you need is RIGHT IN THE BOX. Mitch has been getting Tinker Crates for several years now and he LOVES them. Check out KiwiCo Crates here for more info.
But WAIT! There’s more!
Kiwi Crates may have been the first subscription box (well, the first one I heard of) but they are NOT the only service!
If you want to search for the perfect subscription box full of fun and learning for your kid, check out Cratejoy. They are a website that gathers together subscription boxes of all kinds — not just for kids — in one easy market place.
Right now they’re running a Welcome coupon for new customers that saves you 30% off your first box. Check them out here! Psst! This is NOT an affiliate link, I just thought I’d share what I learned with you today.
The Best of Cratejoy
The Best subscription boxes to entertain your kids. Watch for coupon codes for money off your first box!
Get a new board game! You can pick from one of three games great for family game night. Ages 8 and up.
Prices start at $30, and you can choose to get a new game once a month, every other month, or once a quarter.
This box delivers everything you need for three kid craft projects. Choose boy or girl crafts, and no throw away paper crafts!
For kids in K to 5th Grade, starts at $27 a month.
This box will get your kids OUTSIDE! You'll need to subscribe for at least two boxes to really enjoy this one: the "starter box" gives your kid a backpack and some resources start their outdoor adventure. Your next boxes will be themed (first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, etc) with 2-5 pieces of gear. Kids can pick the color of their backpack (orange, blue or pink).
Great for kids from 7 to mid teen. $36.50 a month.
Each box sends your child a "Novel Adventure"! You'll get a book plus games and adventures to go with it. Target age 8-12.
Plans start at $30.99.
This lab in a box is designed by Steve Spangler -- you've probably seen him on TV (or YouTube) doing fun experiments! These are top notch science experiments for kids from 5 to 12. You can choose a STEMLab with 5 experiments, or the more expensive STEMDeluxe kit with 10 experiments.
Starts at $20 a month, with discounts when you commit to a whole year.
Here's a fun STEM box for kids 8 and up. The box comes with an experiment, lab notebook and online learning portal for more information. This box can be purchased by the month or every other month, with discounts for picking up longer subscriptions.
Starts at $24 (when you commit to a year).
Here's a craft box for kids 3 to 9! Each box has a themed story with four crafts, easy to follow directions and everything you need for two kids to get creative. Just add scissors!
Plans start as low as $25 a month.
We just LOVE science boxes! This one is for kids 2 to 10+, with a mix of science and art in each box. Materials are eco-friendly and full of STEM fun.
Choose your age: a preschool box for kids 2-4 or a elementary aged box for kids 5 to 10 and up. Starts at $21.91 a month.
Does your kid enjoy sensory play? This box is for you! These kits were designed for kids on the autism spectrum and are full of calming sensory toys. You'll might get scented putty, fidget toys and more. The box is designed by a mom who's also an occupational therapist.
These boxes are designed for kids 5 to 9 and start at $37.95 a month.
The Creation Crate an advance box for older kids who want to learn how to build and program electronics!
Each box has everything to make a new project (plus video support). No experience needed -- the boxes start with a beginner project and get more challenging as your child advances. You will need access to a computer to work this crate, an ipad is not going to cut it. For kids over 12 and over. (In fact, college kids who wanted more practice learning C++ have enjoyed this box!)
Prices start at $30 with discounts when you buy the whole year.
