Gift Guide: Boxes for the Cooler-Than-You High Schooler

Updated by Amy Furr

Think back. High school. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. A time that's all about discovering who you are, making new friends, and experiencing more firsts than you ever will again -- all while preparing for a vast, unimaginable future ahead. It’s such a momentous time in life, and that’s worth preparation, celebration and commemoration.

What can we do to ready teens and tweens for another year of milestones and memories? Here at Cratejoy, curators create an array of subscription services that make great gift ideas for high school-age teens. And, there's something for all types of teens! Are they bookworms? Hands-on learners interested in the sciences? Or maybe they’re fashionistas ready to make every hallway a runway. The short of it -- there’s something amazing to unbox for every kind of high schooler.

Monthly Premier Paletteful Pack

Monthly Premier Paletteful Pack

From $39.90 per box
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Paletteful Packs brings artists open-ended creativity! These monthly gift sets include a curated selection of top-quality art supplies and materials.

Shipping: Orders placed by the 30/31st will ship on the 1st. All boxes ship on the 1st of each month.

Customer Review

“I bought this for my teen who has taken 3 years of art. There was so much in the box!! Supplies are well worth the price, copiac markers in our set and good quality paper. We have now ordered 3 month subscription. Looking forward to creating new art pieces with supplies. Satisfied momma.” – Michelle T.

Scribbler Box Subscription

Scribbler Box Subscription

From $29.99 per box
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Encourage the would-be writer in your family with Scribbler! This unique subscription box—founded and run by two best-selling novelists—includes not only an autographed book of the month, but an exclusive writer's guide on different elements of craft, tips from publishing pros, and special goodies for writers.

Shipping: Order today and your first box will ship immediately! Then, your next box will on the 21st. All boxes ship via USPS.

Customer Review

“Each monthly delivery of this box is like Christmas morning! There are so many goodies in each box - treats like coffee/tea/hot chocolate, snacks, a journal or notepad or book of writing prompts, pens and stickers and pins and writer’s favorite things. But most important is the monthly novel (with signed bookplate), an inside look at the Publishing Process and an Exclusive Writing Passport penned by each month’s author. Keep up the GREAT WORK LADIES!!!!!” – Courtney D.

Paper Bliss

Paper Bliss

From $15.00 per box
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Curated around a new theme every month, like Panda Paper Overload or Into the Woods, Paper Bliss is a monthly subscription box that sends a mix of Japanese stationery items that are totally squee worthy. Gift them an unboxing experience filled with cute items and supplies, including pretty paper, artistic stickers, pens and pencils, notepads, and more.

Shipping: Your first welcome box ships off in 5 days or less. For existing subscribers, We ship out boxes on the 5th of every month. Only one Shipment is sent is sent per billing cycle.

Customer Review

"Only 2 boxes so far but It’s a good little box with cute stationary supplies. Always 1 sheet of stickers, 2 pens, 2-3 mini note pads, 1 mini-card, 1 postcard, an eraser or sharpener and a cute little pencil case, etc. The items are small but I like the variety of items in one box. And love the packaging concept with layers… more fun when unboxing! :)" - Marie-Eve D.

Peruse - Mystery/Suspense Club

Peruse - Mystery/Suspense Club

From $52.99 per box
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Shipping: Boxes ordered within the current month will be shipped via USPS the first week of the following month. Customers must cancel prior to the 15th of the month to stop future shipments. Orders placed after current boxes have sold out will be moved into the following month's shipment.

Goddess Provisions Subscription Box

Goddess Provisions Subscription Box

From $33.00 per box
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As one of the best sellers, Goddess Provisions Box has all the magical goodies curated for every type of spiritual goddess and divine modern witch. Each box includes a mix of 100% vegan and cruelty-free items, crystals, aromatherapy, beauty products, snacks, and unique tools that spark spiritual wellness and personal growth. Help her create a sacred space with cool decor and divination tools to energize and rejuvenate her spirit. With each monthly subscription box, she'll explore new astrological, spiritual, and cosmic themes!

Shipping: Order between the 1st and the 17th of the month and your box will ship by the week of the 20th. All subsequent subscriptions will ship by the week of the 20th the following month.

Customer Review

“I've been a subscriber for the last 5 boxes and each one has been amazing and filled with goodies such as candles, jewelry, vegan candy, essential oil sprays and beautiful crystals. The box value always exceeds the subscription price each month. I definitely recommend!” - Brittany T

Balms Pack of Two (2) All Natural Lip Balms

Balms Pack of Two (2) All Natural Lip Balms

From $5.41 per box
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For those of us with chronically chapped lips, a new lip balm can be a thing of ethereal joy. But so often we just reach for the closest option while waiting in line at the checkout counter. With this subscription from Jersey Shore Cosmetics, you can receive two all-natural, organic lip-balms, guaranteed to quench even the driest lips!

Shipping: All boxes will ship between the 1st and 5th of each month. All who sign up on the first or later will receive the following month's box. Shipping charges may be slightly higher for international orders. May experience shipping delays if severe weather conditions.

Customer Review

“I absolutely love this subscription for lip conditioners. They are wonderful and smell amazing! Both my kiddos love them too!” – Meghan

Cratejoy Fruit For Thought Subscription

Cratejoy Fruit For Thought Subscription

From $47.99 per box
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What You’ll Get: Unbox a sensory experience with Fruit for Thought, a subscription box with a new fruit theme each month. Each full-sized box includes 5 to 8 fun and unique gifts including jewelry, accessories, home decor, stationery, etc. Fruit for Thought sends unusual gifts that are beautifully wrapped and fun to discover!

Shipping: Now taking subscriptions to start with the November Blackberry Mint Theme which ships November 17. Monthly subscriptions renew the 1st of each month.

Customer Review

“I purchased this box as a gift for a co-worker and she was absolutely delighted! The box was fun & fabulous! She loved that so many items were sourced in the USA and were of excellent quality! This box has a WOW factor for sure and is clearly curated with thoughtful care! Will purchase again!” -Sydney

4-Ever Fresh

4-Ever Fresh

From $11.90 per box
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What You’ll Get: Treat yourself with FaceTory, a K-beauty subscription box filled with a new set of sheet masks every month. If you’re not familiar with K-beauty, this subscription box will introduce you to some of the best products curated by self-described “sheet mask junkies.” It’s also really affordable — just under $12 a month — so if you’re hesitant to make the leap into a new beauty routine, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

Shipping: We ship our boxes within 1-4 days of receiving the order.

Customer Review

“I got this subscription for my wife. She says: ‘I absolutely ADORE this subscription box - it is the highlight of my month. The masks are beautifully curated and the customer service is impeccable. Shout out to the LookatMe Sweet Honey Bear mask, which feels and smells like a dream. I recommend this box to everyone I talk to!’” — Evgenii F.

Electronics (12 Projects ANNUALLY)

Electronics (12 Projects ANNUALLY)

From $104.97 per box
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It's never too late to learn new skills! While there are many tech gifts on the market, Creation Crate definitely ranks high on the cool gifts list in the STEM world. This unique gift will have him learning new skills in electronics, coding, circuitry, and engineering with monthly or quarterly hands-on projects. Each project includes an online course with video tutorials and step-by-step instructions. The perfect gift for gadget lovers looking for a new techy project.

Shipping: Your first box will ship on the next Tuesday or Friday. If you purchase a: Monthly subscription, you will receive your next box every 30 days. Quarterly subscription, you will receive your next box every 90 days. Semi-Annual subscription, you will receive your next box every 180 days. Annual subscription, you will receive your next box every year.

Customer Review

"I bought the 12 project box. I've made a few of the projects, and so far they've been fun! Glad I decided to check it out. My favorite so far has been the mood lamp--I'm currently working on a battery operated version that I can take to work once I'm back in the office. - Rachel C.

Bitsbox

Bitsbox

From $24.95 per box
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Like a little passport to a world beyond screens, Bitsbox helps get kids involved with the creative side of technology through age-appropriate coding projects. Kids ages 6-12 are walked through the process of creating and building apps all by themselves, using colorful guides and thought-provoking progression. They'll also get a sticker sheet to chart their progress and fun extras!

Shipping: Your first Bitsbox ships immediately within 1 business day of your order being placed. Subsequent boxes ship every month thereafter!

Customer Review

“My son loved it and he really enjoyed the activities in the box! Looking forward to the next box.” – Deann H.

MEL Chemistry — Science Experiments Subscription Box for Kids DIY Educational Kit Learning & Education Toys for Boys and Girls STEM Projects Ages 10+

MEL Chemistry — Science Experiments Subscription Box for Kids DIY Educational Kit Learning & Education Toys for Boys and Girls STEM Projects Ages 10+

From $37.49 per box
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Shipping: Your first package will arrive within 2 weeks of registration. Subsequent monthly packages will be delivered within 2 weeks of each monthly charge.

Box of Matter

Box of Matter

From $37.46 per box
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Described as part museum and part lab project, each month brings objects of intrigue such as rare crystals, ancient fossils, wartime artifacts, natural specimens, and items with scientific significance, like authentic NASA computer chips.

Shipping: Your first box will ship ASAP. The following boxes are shipped monthly. Free US Shipping & reduced international rates. If you have any questions, click the "Contact Seller" button below.

Customer Review

“Probably one of my favorite subscription boxes EVER! If you have kids and they love knowledge and seek out information constantly, this box is an education easter egg that initiates the start of great conversation and exciting exploration into learning. My daughter loved it and my husband and I were kind of jealous, but in a good way.” – Krista T.