24 of the Best Educational Subscription Boxes For Kids

Educational subscription boxes for kids can be a great way to enhance your child’s interest in a particular subject or expose them to new ideas. These boxes also make great gifts!

educational subscription boxes for kids

(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you.) 

Educational subscription boxes for kids arrive with a curated educational activity once a month (or more often). They can:

  • Encourage or support a child’s interests
  • Add excitement to learning – what kid doesn’t love getting something in the mail?
  • Make a great gift – they’re literally a gift that keeps on giving.

The only problem is with so many options how does one choose?

The Best Monthly Boxes for Kids

I love the concept behind kids subscription boxes and our family has tried Kiwi Crates, Little Passports, and Bitsbox.

After seeing how my girls enjoyed these, I set out to determine if there are other boxes they’d enjoy. I was immediately overwhelmed by the number of subscription boxes available for kids. But, assuming I wasn’t the only parent facing this challenge, I felt that digging in and investigating each option would benefit me and others.

Below is a list of the boxes that made my cut. While some are appropriate for young kids, most focus on elementary, middle school, and high school kids.

Interested in a specific focus?
Click on one of the links below to be taken to that section:

STEM Subscription Boxes

Science-themed activity subscription boxes for kids are a great way to add to your child’s interest and understanding of science. Here are a few – each with a different science focus:

Click here to see a longer list of STEM subscription boxes for kids.

Kiwi and Tinker Crates

Kiwi Crates monthly subscription boxes for kids

Focus: Monthly STEAM projects

Age Range: Kiwi Crates, ages 5-8 and Tinker, ages 9-16

Price: $18.50+ per month

Kiwi and Tinker Crates provide kids with projects that teach STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) principles. Each box comes with supplies and instructions on how to create that month’s project. Examples of Kiwi Crate projects include an arcade claw, a study on shadow and light and the science of color. Tinker Crate, designed for older children, include a trebuchet and studies in hydraulics and motors. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription. (Kiwi Crate offers eight different subscription boxes.)

BitsBox

Bits Box coding subscription box for kids

Focus:  Teaching kids to code

Age Range: Recommended for ages 6-12

Price: $24.95+ a month

Subscribers to Bitsbox receive monthly coding projects that teach elementary school-aged kids how to program apps for real devices. Projects are done online and once complete, kids can play with the app. No prior coding experience is necessary. Bitsbox makes learning to code fun and enjoyable, and with each project, a new coding skill is acquired. Subscription options include a Basic Bitsbox (a dozen projects delivered on cards each month), Deluxe Bitsbox (a dozen projects plus a few extra projects and goodies), and Digital Bitsbox (a PDF download of the project apps). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, or twelve-month subscription.

Spangler Science Club

Spangler Science Club monthly subscription box for kids

Focus: STEM kits designed by Steve Spangler

Age Range: Recommended for ages 7-14

Price: $24.99+ per month

The Spangler Science Club features a range of hands-on science experiments designed by Steve Spangler, a former TV host of a popular science education segment on News for Kids. Project lessons focus on STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math and incorporate chemistry and physics. Examples of projects include lava science, exploring the science of sound, and the science of attachment molecules. Subscription options include STEMlab (five STEM experiences, minimal parental supervision) and STEMdeluxe (ten STEM experiences, some parental supervision necessary). New projects arrive every month and subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts kids craft box

Focus: STEAM projects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math)

Age Range: Recommended for ages 2-10+

Price: $29.95+ per month

Green Kid Crafts boxes offer kids a wide range of hands-on STEAM projects each month that are focused on a different theme. Examples of themes include rocket science, an introduction to electricity, and backyard science. Each box contains a small magazine that highlights the theme of the box as well as two-three projects with step-by-step instructions. Green Kid Crafts boxes are made from recycled materials and the company plants one tree for every box ordered and is also carbon neutral. Subscription options include the Junior Discovery Box (for ages 2-4), the Discovery Box (for ages 5-10+) and the Sibling Box (for ages 5-10+ and enough materials for two children). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Groovy Lab in a Box

Groovy Lab in a Box STEM subscription box

Focus: STEM experiments

Age Range: 8+

Price: $24.95+

Groovy Lab in a Box provides monthly hands-on STEM projects, blending scientific inquiry and engineering design process. The idea is to encourage children to use problem-solving and critical thinking skills when creating projects and to think like scientists. Examples of projects include learning about electricity, understanding the sun, and exploring matter. Groovy Labs provides a deeper understanding of the month’s topic through its online portal. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Creation Crate

Focus:  Teaches electronics and coding

Age Range: Recommended for ages 12+

Price: $39.99+ a month

Creation Crate teaches tweens and teens electronics, coding, and high-level problem-solving. Each crate teaches a lesson and is progressively more challenging. A sampling of the projects include a mood lamp, an electronic memory game, and a distance detector using an ultrasonic sensor. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Art and Craft Subscription Boxes for Kids

Kids with a creative streak can never have enough supplies. The following kids subscription boxes include both art supplies and specialized crafts.

Click here to see a longer list of art and craft subscription boxes for kids.

Kiwi Crate Doodle

Kiwi Crate Doodle kids craft box

Focus: A craft project for older kids delivered monthly

Age Range: Recommended age is 9-16+

Price: $18.50+ per month

Kiwi Crates are among the most popular subscription boxes on the market. They feature a variety of themes customized to different ages. Doodle Crate focuses on art and design with projects such as a felt succulent garden, a faux leather portfolio, and handmade soap. Doodle Crate projects introduce older children to new crafting materials and techniques and all craft supplies are included in the box. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription. (Kiwi Crate offers eight different subscription boxes. Click here to see the full line of boxes from Kiwico.)

We Craft Box

We Craft Box subscription box

Focus: A craft project for younger kids delivered monthly

Age Range: Ages 3-9 

Price: Starting at $34.99 a month

We Craft Boxes eliminate the stress and planning of kids crafts. Rather than research and plan a variety of crafts – including purchasing supplies – We Craft does all the work for you. Each We Craft box contains supplies for two to three prepared crafts that tie in with an included story. Instructions for the crafts include photos to make it easy for children to follow. One We Craft box can be shared between two children. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription. Single boxes are also available.

Paletteful Packs

paletteful

Focus: Art supplies

Age Range: Recommended age is 8+

Price: Starting at $26 a month

Paletteful Packs aims to bring the best art supplies to everyone – no matter their age or ability as an artist. Included in each box are brands such as Winsor Newton, Golden, Copic, Strathmore, and Prismacolor. Paletteful Packs comes in three subscription options. The first option is The Young Artist box, intended specifically for children eight years old or older. Two other subscriptions include the Premier Paletteful Pack, designed for adult beginner or professional artists and the Paletteful Petite Pack, which is a smaller version of the Premier box. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Terra Create

Focus: Crafts for older kids

Age Range: Recommended age is 9+

Price: Starting at $34 a month

Terra Create is an art subscription box featuring more complex crafts for older kids that follow a nature theme or use natural materials. All projects are gender-neutral and come with instructions. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month or six-month subscription for either one or two crafters.

Children’s Books Subscription Boxes

Books subscription boxes are a great way to either satisfy an eager reader’s appetite for books or introduce new books to a reluctant reader. It seems there are a box and theme for just about everybody! Here are just a few:

Click here to see a longer list of children’s book subscription boxes.

Bookroo

image of bookroo subscription box and books

Focus: Introducing children to new books

Age Range: Newborn – 12 years old

Price: $17.95+ a month

Each month, Bookroo sends kids books to help them grow their library and expose them to new literature. The books come in a bright teal box and are banded with a paper ribbon. Subscription options include the Board Book Club (for ages 0-3), the Picture Book Club (for ages 3-6), Junior Chapter Book Club (for ages 7-10) and the Middle Grade Chapter Book Club (for ages 9-12). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Reading Bug Box

Reading Bug Box children's book subscription

Focus: Introducing children to new books

Age Range: Newborn – 13 years old

Price: $18+ a month

Reading Bug Box is a book club for kids that allows personalization of boxes. Subscribers to the Read to Me Box (for ages 0-4), the Early Reader Box (for ages 5-8), and the Reader Box (for ages 8-13) are asked to include information about the recipient’s interests to guide book selection. Also available is a Baby Box (for ages 0-30 months) that is a curated collection of board books (not personalized). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

My First Reading Club

My First Reading Club

Focus: To introduce children to new books

Age Range: Newborn to 12 years old

Price: Starting at $16.99

My First Reading Club was founded on a passion for improving literacy. Each month, recipients receive three to four age-appropriate hardcover books (board books for infants and toddlers; picture books and chapter books for older kids), plus an additional activity book and a gift for mom. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, two-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Little Bookish Wardrobe

Little Bookish Wardrobe

Focus: Children’s books with corresponding dress-up costumes

Age Range: Recommended for ages 3-7 years old

Price: Starting at $36.99 a month

Each Little Bookish Wardrobe box includes a hardcover book as well as two to three costumes that correspond with the story. Also included in the box are a set of interactive role-play questions for children to participate in. The Little Bookish Wardrobe describes its books as “hidden gems that most people haven’t heard of before but need to be brought to life”. Subscriptions include a Girl Box, Boy Box, Girl Twinning Box (costumes for more than one child), Boy Twinning Box, and a Sibling Box (one boy and one girl costume). Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Geography/Cultural Subscription Boxes

The following subscription boxes expose children to new cultures and the world they live in.

Little Passports

Little Passports kids monthly box

Focus: Culture and geography

Age Range: Recommended for ages 6-10

Price: $23.95+ per month

When kids subscribe to Little Passports World Edition, they receive a passport, a mini-suitcase, and a world map. Then, each month, kids receive a letter from fictional pen pals Sam and Sofia as they visit a new country. Also included in each month’s box is a passport stamp, a country sticker for the world map, country souvenirs, photos from Sam and Sofia’s travels, activities, and more. Little Passports subscription is great way to introduce kids to the world. A United States Edition is also available. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Atlas Crate

Atlas Crate subscription box for kids

Focus: Culture and geography

Age range: Recommended for ages 6-11

Price: $18.50+ per month

Atlas Crate comes from the same company that creates Kiwi and Doodle Crates (and a number of other subscription boxes). As the name implies, Atlas Crate’s focus is to teach kids about different countries and cultures around the world. Each box contains written cards that provide information about the featured country of the month as well as interesting facts, recipes, and projects. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Mysteries in Time

Mysteries in Time subscription box

Focus: Educational history books and activities

Age Range: Recommended age is 7-11

Price: Starting at $10.42 a month (payment is made in GBP)

Mysteries in Time educate kids about world history through stories and activities. Topics include ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, evacuees in WWII, space, the Aztecs, and more. Subscribers to the Classic Pack receive an adventure story about fictional characters Max and Katie to the topic of the month, a history magazine, word puzzles, a timeline sticker, and other activities. Subscribers to the Bumper Box receive all of the above plus a craft inspired by history and a history-related gift. Subscription options include month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription. While payment is in British Pound, Mysteries in Time delivers internationally.

Finders Seekers

Finders Seekers subscription box

Focus: Explore the world through mysteries and puzzles

Age Range: Recommended age is 10+

Price: Starting at $30 a month

As a Finders Seekers subscriber, you’ll explore a new city and culture every month while solving puzzles and deciphering codes. Think of Finders Seekers as an escape room challenge that takes place in your living room. Clues and online research tools are available to help in case you get stuck solving the mystery. Each puzzle takes approximately two to four hours to complete. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Subscription Boxes for Toddlers and Preschoolers

The following boxes are designed specifically with toddlers and preschoolers in mind.

Click here to see a longer list of the best subscription boxes for toddlers and preschoolers.

Koala Crate

Koala Crate subscription box for toddlers

Focus: Creative projects for pretend play or games

Age Range: 2-4 years

Price: $18.50+ per month

Koala Crate is the preschooler’s version of the popular Kiwico monthly subscription boxes. Each Koala Crate includes a project and/or craft that kids can then use for pretend play or as a game. Examples of projects include: creating objects for a pretend camping trip and doctor’s visit, and a fishing game. Each box comes with two to three creative projects. Kiwi Crates also offers Panda Crate for babies 0-24 months old. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

The Preschool Box

the preschool box subscription box

Focus: Crafts and learning activities

Age Range: 3-6 years

Price: Starting at $42.95 a month

The Preschool Box includes monthly activities for kids ages three to six that focus on learning, creativity, and reading. Each box includes over sixteen activities and a book. Learning objectives include letter and sound recognition, counting and number recognition, sorting shapes and colors, identifying sounds in words, and practice writing. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Little Learners Busy Box

little learners busy subscription boxes for toddlers

Focus: Crafts and learning activities

Age Range: Ages 2-4 years

Price: Starting at $15.50 a month

Little Learners Busy Boxes is a subscription box for toddlers that provides three to five pre-made learning activities that can be mixed and matched to create other activities. Each activity is designed to prepare kids for preschool and can be used over again. The Mini Box includes three activities while the Big Box includes five. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month or three-month subscription.

Tinkering Toddler Crates

tinkering toddler crates

Focus: Craft activities

Age Range: Ages 3-5

Price: Starting at $39.99 a month

Tinkering Toddler Crates is a subscription box for toddlers that provides three activities each month, as well as with all the supplies necessary to complete the activities. Recent themes include: growing a garden, glittery gold, and my body. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, two-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

General Education Boxes

MyEduCrate

My Edu Crate

Focus: Educational themed items

Age Range: recommended ages are 6-11

Price: Starting at $37.95+ a month

MyEduCrate describes itself as “delivering educational themed items to motivate and engage your 6-11-year-old child’s growing mind”. Each box includes learning challenges, hands-on learning materials, and non-fiction books based on the theme of the box that month. Past boxes have focused on mazes, rocks, math, and geography. Subscribers have the option of a month-to-month, two-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription.

Are you wondering when your child can begin doing certain tasks and chores on their own? Click here to sign up for my weekly emails and you’ll receive my Age-Appropriate Guide to Kids’ Independence as a free gift.

See also:

9 Fun Art and Craft Subscription Boxes for Kids

11 Delightful Children’s Book Subscription Boxes

9 Awesome Science Subscription Boxes for Kids

10 of the Best Educational Subscription Boxes for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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About Kerry Flatley

Hi! I’m Kerry, the mother of two girls and a certified parent educator. I believe it is possible for parents to have a supportive, loving, and warm relationship with their kids while raising them to be independent and ultimately self-sufficient. Over the years, I’ve read numerous books and articles that support this belief and I’ve put these ideas into practice with my own kids. Read more about me and Self-Sufficient Kids here.