If you’re tired of giving (and getting) the same old toys for kids’ birthday parties, holidays, and other special occasions, may we interest you in a subscription box for kids?

The concept of a subscription box is simple — you sign up, pay a monthly fee, and every few weeks, a package filled to the brim with toys, food, books, etc shows up on the recipient’s doorstep. And there’s one for everything these days — and everyone, including babies, toddlers, and kids. 

The biggest pro to subscription boxes is they’re a great way to expose little ones to new stuff and to tailor what they’re playing with to their exact age or interests. (Plus, the concept of rotating in new toys regularly is especially popular in the Montessori movement).

The downsides are that these boxes tend to be expensive, and for parents who don’t like a lot of “stuff,” getting more knickknacks every 30 or so days might just be your worst nightmare. Others argue that we don’t need a consumer brand telling us how we should be playing with our kids. And let's be real, many kids prefer playing with a cardboard box to toys anyway.

So, are toy subscription boxes worth it? That’s a matter of opinion, but we’ll do our due diligence here by sharing an overview of some of the most popular subscription boxes for kids. They’re screen-free, intriguing, and just may be worth checking out.

• For babies: Lalo has great products for infants and young toddlers. Their “play boxes” include 4-5 wooden toys every 2 months until 24 months old, along with a play guide on how parents can make the most of the items. Subscribe to the bi-monthly option or purchase one box at a time; starts at $75 each.

• For preschoolers: Loveevery’s play kits are a similar concept to Lalo but with boxes for kids up to age 4. The brand calls it “stage-based play,” with thought-provoking, Montessori-inspired toys that help little ones connect with their caregivers and their surroundings. $80 for every-two-month-delivery until 12 months old; $120 for every-three-month delivery from ages 1-4.

• For elementary schoolers: Kids with varied interests but who take a particular liking to STEAM subjects will find something to love about a KiwiCo Labs subscription. Choose from different “clubs,” including science and engineering, art and design, or geography and culture, and from there, they’re organized by age. The good thing about KiwiCo is each box comes with just one project or activity so as not to overwhelm (or clutter). My son got KiwiCo’s “science and engineering” subscription for Chanukah and can build each toy pretty independently and relatively quickly. Best part? After it’s done, the toy itself entertains him for hours. Starts at $24 per monthly box.

• For older kids and teens: Big kids will get a hands-on intro to engineering with Crunch Lab subscription boxes; there’s the Build Box for kids ages 8-14, or Hack Pack for 14 and up. Each DIY robot demonstrates a different science concept and comes with batteries and a controller, plus other cool tech-centric features. About $67 per box, or $399 a year for six programmable robots.

• For avid readers: When trips to the library are no longer cutting it or you’re struggling to find books to meet your kid at their level, consider Literati’s book box for kids. Subscribers receive five books each month curated for his or her individual interests and reading skills; parents only have to pay for the books they want to keep, and send the rest back at no cost. Pricing starts at $10 per book.

• For the culturally curious: Even if your kid has never been on an airplane, you can bring other cultures to home with the Little Passports subscription box. From volcanoes in Hawaii to pizza from Rome, each box explores traditions and practices in other countries through food, science, or craft projects. Like KiwiCo, Little Passports activity kits are organized by both age range and interest/category. Starts at $22 per month.

• For the artsy type: Each month, the My Artist Box from Kids Art Box for kids 6 and up focuses on a different artist and includes information on that person’s works, art supplies and projects so kids can get creative at home. Younger children can opt for the Create Together box which comes with themed projects, the necessary supplies and visual instructions. $48 per box, or less per unit if you subscribe for 3, 6 or 12 months at a time.

Looking for more present ideas that aren’t toys? Check out Starglow’s alternative gift ideas for kids here. PS: magazine subscriptions are a great and unique option too!

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