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

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

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

"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.

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!

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

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!

“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

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.

“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.

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.

"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.

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!

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

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.

“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.