Struggling to find a unique gift for kids? Subscription boxes are the way to go! Kids love to get mail, and it’s so fun for them to actually have something to DO! Here are 20+ of the best and most unique ones available!
Updated: October 12, 2020
Subscription Boxes = Instant Hit with Kids
Today is the 2nd installment in the Unique Gift Series, and I’m honestly beside myself to share this one. When it comes to gifts and kids, I think this is one of the best things you can give.
I’m talking about subscription boxes.
I love subscription boxes for a few reasons. First, kids get mail. It’s so sad that nothing fun ever comes in the mail anymore. For anyone! In such a digital age, when everything is sent electronically, most kids don’t know the suspense and excitement of waiting for the mailman to come. Just getting something in the mail is part of the gift, in my opinion!
Also, I love that so many of these boxes give kids an experience (and usually a learning experience), not just more stuff to collect dust and get broken. Toys are fine, educational toys are fine, but I love that a box is curated for a bigger, longer-lasting experience. And many times, these boxes are filled with activities that the family can do together, whereas many toys can isolate.
Finally, I love that these boxes are so personalized. Whatever kind of kid you have -a reader, a gamer, a sports fan, a STEM lover, a comic book geek, a girly-girl – WHATEVER – you can find a box for him or her. And it will feel like it was made just for them.
Best Selection of Subscription Boxes Out There – for Everyone
Before I introduce these kids boxes, let me just say that if you can’t find what you are looking for on this list, you need to visit Crate Joy. Crate Joy is the motherload when it comes to subscription boxes. There are hundreds of boxes here to choose from – (and not just for kids – for adults, for crunchy moms, for animal lovers, for Christians, for wine lovers, for food lovers, etc.) If you are into monthly boxes, do not miss this! I think a subscription box is a great gift for anyone on your list.
Other Unique Gift Ideas and Inspiration
If you have others on your list who might not be into subscription boxes – or maybe it’s not the kind of thing you can commit to every month, here are some other ideas and gift guides that might be of help to you!
Holiday Gift Guide – Little Toddlers, Ages 2-4
Holiday Gift Guide – For Mobile Babies, 9-24 Months
15 One of a Kind Gifts for Everyone on Your List – Guaranteed to Wow
20 Essential Oil Gifts that Your Crunchy Friends and Family Will Love
75+ DIY Gifts for Friends (So Good You Want to Keep)
15 Classy But Cheap Neighbor Christmas Gifts +Free Printable Tags
20+ of the Best and Most Unique Subscription Boxes for Kids
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Below are 20 of the most creative boxes out there. I cannot imagine a kid getting any of these boxes and not loving it. The boxes below are arranged by age, from youngest to oldest. Then, the final section highlights boxes that have a varied age selection that you choose, or they were not necessarily age-specific.
Let’s get on to the fun!
Cooking shows for kids are totally trending, and this brings the cooking experience right to your own home! In this kit, every month you’ll get kid-tested and kid-approved recipes, hands-on activities and experiments, projects and games, a shopping list, as well as an assortment of useful, unique, and fun physical items. This kit is for kids ages 5 – 13.
If you have a preschooler in your life and you want him to be prepared for kindergarten, this is your box! Included are activities that focus on phonics, shapes, colors, writing – all with hands-on activities and games. The box comes with a parent guide, stickers, books, games, activities, and crafts. It’s also a great tool if you homeschool! For ages 3-5.
3| We Craft Box
Prepared crafts for kids delivered right to you! Each month is a unique story and theme to craft about., and there’s enough for 2 kids! I love this because I’m the WORST at getting crafts together! (Ages 3-9)
This is perfect for some imaginary playtime for your kids – an escape from screen time. It includes 10 activity setup videos for mom or dad as well, to help! You’ll get S.T.E.A.M. ideas for long-lasting play. This kit helps to boost creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and storytelling skills in your child. The items included are high-quality and will last for months – even years! For ages 3-7 years old.
This box is active learning and no batteries needed! You’ll get a felt board in the first box, and after that, you’ll get a themed mix of felt board activities, busy bags, games, puzzles, and/or pretend-play items. Alphabet learning and travel activities are included! These activities are also great for quiet play (and moms everywhere said, ‘Amen!’) Ages 4-6
This is such a great idea! Kids love getting mail, and your child will get a letter EVERY WEEK from Sunny the Snail, including animal facts, geography and fun adventures. Also included are stickers, trading cards, souvenirs, and secret codes. A great way to engage kids’ curiosity! Ages 4-7
This box is such a fantastic idea! In this box comes a monthly mission that helps kids solve problems, take risks, work through emotions and challenges, and display courage. Included are hands-on projects, comic books, and workbooks, stories of real-life heroes and fun surprises! These activities have a larger, significant meaning to them and teach kids important life skills and lessons, long after the dazzle of ordinary toys wear off. Ages 5-10
For kids who love adventure, this is the one. Each month, a new mystery to solve and adventure to embark on are sent to your home, complete with clues, characters, and stories. This works for a child to complete solo or in a group as well. This is a super-fun activity they can look forward to every month! For ages 6-12.
In a world where it’s so hard to tear kids away from devices and screen time, this box is the perfect solution. It’s full of outdoor activities and survival skills, The box comes with incredible gear and an informative, 16-page guided activity booklet. The first box has the backpack and the following boxes contain 2-5 pieces of outdoor gear.
This is a great bonding experience for parents and kids as they learn to build shelters and navigate by the stars! For ages 7+
10| Godly Girlz
This is perfect for a girl who is growing in her faith! The Godly Girls box included fashion items and accessories, jewelry, activities, delicious treats, devotionals and more! There are 7-10 items per box, and every box purchased provides 5 meals for their Food for the Poor partnership! Ages 8-13
11| Creation Crate
This is an engineering-type building project box that gets progressively harder each month. If you have a kid who likes to tinker with wires, electronics, take things apart and build them again, this is your box! It’s a great option for parent-kid projects as well! Ages 8+, 12-99 (Girls’ Wearable Electronics Box option also)
This is another fun box for the STEM lover in your family. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math experiments. With this box, kids can create inventions and grow in their critical, problem-solving skills. Ages 8+.
13| Terra Create
This box is perfect for the kid who is creative and loves to create. This kit comes with tools and natural and recycled materials and is geared toward the kid who has outgrown ‘childish crafts,’ but still loves to create. The crafts are gender neutral and will keep kids busy for hours! The box comes with step-by-step instructions along with a short cultural lesson about the materials, the art form, etc. For ages 9+.
This is a fantastic box not just for kids but for the whole family! This is part escape room, part choose-your-own-adventure (remember those books?!?). They also come with ideas and tips to create a whole story narrative like music, food, history, drinks, and fiction recommendations! This helps build skills in storytelling, problem-solving, and solving mysteries. It can also be a great activity for parties! They are family-friendly activities, but the puzzle difficulty might be geared for kids 12+.
Subscription Boxes for Varied Age Groups
15| Little Passports
Most people think that Little Passports just has the explorer boxes from around the world, but did you know they have other versions?! Little Passports is one of the most popular subscription boxes, and here’s what else you can subscribe to:
Early Explorers – A new theme each month like Music, Oceans, Dinosaurs (Ages 3-5)
World Edition – Explore a new country each month with souvenirs and hands-on activities (Ages 6-10)
Science Expeditions – Explore the world around us with experiments and activities (Ages 9+)
USA Edition – Just like World Edition, but exploring the different states in the U.S. (Ages 7-12)
16| Green Kid Crafts
Green Kids Craft Boxes are earth-friendly, STEAM-themed boxes covering a different topic each month. In each box, you’ll get a magazine and a variety of STEAM projects, all made with eco-friendly products produced in the U.S. They offer subscriptions for Ages 2-4, 5-10+, 2-10+ and a Sibling Box! To see a sample of what’s included, check it out here!
17| Kiwi Crate
Kiwi Crates are one of the more popular subscription boxes just because of the sheer variety they offer! There really is something for every kid at Kiwi Crate. Here’s what you can choose:
Tadpole Crate: 0-36 months, Explore and Discover
Koala Crate: Ages 3-4, Play and Learn
Kiwi Crate: Ages 5-9, Science, Art and More
Atlas Crate: Ages 6-11, Geography and Culture
Doodle Crate: Ages 9-16+, Art and Design
Tinker Crate, Ages 9-16+, Science and Engineering
Eureka Crate, Ages 14-104, Engineering and Design
In my opinion, this is such an amazing box. For children with special challenges, I find it so heartwarming that there’s a box that meets their needs. This box is perfect for kids on the autism spectrum, ADHD, or who have sensory processing disorders. This is SUCH a thoughtful gift for kids who have unique needs!
19| Family Faith Box
This is a great box for a monthly family activity you can do together, while having some quality spiritual interaction as well! Each month a box will come with conversation starters, games, a special snack and a Bible lesson. If you are wanting to add some more God-focused time together as a family in a fun way, this box is perfect!
20| Hello Bible
This is another great box option for the whole family, especially those with younger ones (5-10 years old) to learn about the Bible together. This box comes with a Bible story, a keepsake craft, and fun activities. It also comes with a parent’s guide to get the most out of it! And, maybe my favorite part – with every box shipped, funds are donated to the Kilgoris Project, which helps provide education to kids in Kenya. Can’t go wrong with this one! And it’s been getting rave reviews! Be sure to check it out!
Can’t Go Wrong with Subscription Boxes
Aren’t these amazing?!? I am in awe of the creators of these boxes and a little jealous of all the kids who get in on this kind of fun every month! So different from when I was a kid, right?
I love that subscription boxes are unique and kind of out of the box (no pun intended) when it comes to kids. They are especially great for the ‘kid who has everything’ and you don’t want to get them more ‘stuff.’ These subscription boxes go beyond just entertaining kids but give them meaningful learning experiences and skill development. That’s the kind of gift worth giving, for sure!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment so we can chat!
Thanks for sharing the pics of these boxes with us. I really like these boxes because they are uniquely designed, stylish, and look beautiful.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I hope you found something you loved! Thank you for coming by, Brayden!