Best Gift Subscriptions for Kids That Promote Imagination and Experience (2024)

Updated by Timothy Paradis

Inspiring play, making memories and having fun—this is what most of us want when looking for gift ideas for the kids in our lives. From early explorers to tweens, this gift guide features kids' subscription boxes available on the Cratejoy marketplace that include DIY craft kits, high-quality toys, science expeditions, and even intellectually engaging and stimulating STEM projects. And although both boys and girls can enjoy all of the boxes on this list, some were designed with certain children in mind.

Consider the Messy Play Kits box: Although both STEM learning and making a mess are often associated with little boys, this box will be perfect for any child in your life with a wealth of curiosity who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Likewise, the Unicorn Fun Box! is a perfect gift for many of the young girls in your life, but could also make an excellent subscription for any child obsessed with fantasy. Likewise, although the VIP Box of Sensory Toys is designed for children with sensory and processing issues, such as ADHD, the toys can appeal to many different types of children looking to engage with an interactive toy.

In addition to supporting small businesses that make it their mission to create fun and engaging experiences for kids of all different ages, sending monthly mail is a surefire way to make any little one feel special!

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.

The Preschool Box

The Preschool Box

From $42.95 per box
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This activity box is perfect for a preschooler or upcoming kindergartener. It features a wide array of activities that can build skill in phonics, counting, shapes, colors, and writing — all of which are incredibly important for a young learner!

Shipping: We ship the week of the 6th every month.

Customer Review

“Fantastic preschool box 📦!! It’s perfect and exactly what my little preschooler needed. Her eyes light up every time I pull out the box. She knows it’s time for some FUN, hands on learning. She’s already showing so much growth in such a small amount of time already.” — Priscilla R.

Little Learners Busy Box

Little Learners Busy Box

From $14.50 per box
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Created by a former educator and homeschooling mom of three kids, Little Learners is the perfect box to get a toddler prepared for preschool. There is no prep-work for weary moms: Each box is designed to be used straight after opening!

Shipping: Subscription boxes ship on the 5th of every month to the US and Can. for orders placed by the 4th. Contact us if you would like your first box to ship early. For gifts, enter recipient email address & special note to be emailed to them when the box ships.

Customer Review

“My 2 1/2-year-old boy LOVES the February box! This is our first shipment and the theme (First Responders) is a huge hit, he's obsessed with firefighters. I really appreciate the simplicity of the activities. We can get these out anytime, no prep work, for a quick educational "game" to play. I'm excited to see future boxes!” – Liane W.

Messy Play Kits monthly subscription

Messy Play Kits monthly subscription

From $41.58 per box
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It's time to give your toddlers a hands-on experience to remember with Messy Play Kits and Sensory Bins. Perfect for kids ages 3 and up, choose the Messy Play Kit for science, sensory toys, and art activities, or the Sensory Bin, a themed selection of reusable materials and props for imaginative tactile play, like water beads, scoops, and small toys.

Shipping: We ship on the 8th of every month.

Customer Review

“My son loves this subscription! When we got our first box he was so excited to start playing. I ordered this based on the suggestion from someone that he might be acting out because he was sensory seeking. I honestly never thought of the connection, but he seems to not be hitting as much. He plays with it almost daily, and it’s actually kind of fun. He’ll sit in my lap and stick his feet in it, he’ll use the tweezers or get a measuring cup/spoon to scoop out the little treasures, he’ll pour it and runs his hands through it. We have the alphabet box and so we’ll discuss the letters and the sounds they make or he’ll pick up a pom pom and we’ll talk about the colors of them and what two colors make another color. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next box holds!” – Tiara B.

DIY Kids STEM & Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Science and Art Box

DIY Kids STEM & Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Science and Art Box

From $28.95 per box
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This monthly subscription box combines science experiments and art projects to provide educational, imaginative, and creative activities for developing the whole child. All needed eco-friendly materials are included for up to 6 projects per themed box. Boxes also include a 12-page educational magazine jam-packed with puzzles, games, book recommendations, and additional project ideas related to the monthly theme. Green Kid Crafts makes a great gift and is perfect for ages 2 through 10.

Shipping: We are shipping on schedule! Free Shipping for US orders! Your order is shipped from our facilities between 1-4 days of being placed, and you will be notified with details. Subsequent boxes ship monthly from your first order.

Customer Review

“First box was a complete delight for the two 3-year-olds in my care. They were completely engaged with the art/science/exploration materials for several hours. The families appreciated that everything included is recyclable. I loved that everything I needed was in the box and I could see them learning as they played. It's just what I hoped for.” – Tyra M.

CHIC & UNIQUE

CHIC & UNIQUE

From $27.00 per box
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Shipping: 💜We ship in purple decorative Fun Pack mailers. Need your Fun Pack earlier? Contact us below. Only ships within United States.💜

Diverse Monthly Art Box - DIY Art Kits you can't wait to try!

Diverse Monthly Art Box - DIY Art Kits you can't wait to try!

From $52.99 per box
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Shipping: For special requests (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.), please contact us, & we'll do our best to accommodate. Want your subscription to start in a certain month (i.e. March instead of Feb)? Just email us after you order w/details. Interested in a past box? Just ask! Free shipping in the US-48!

FIDGET TOY BOX  💚 for Tweens & Kids (9-12 years)

FIDGET TOY BOX 💚 for Tweens & Kids (9-12 years)

From $24.99 per box
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Shipping: • Subscriptions auto renew on or one day before the 1st of the month • Pause or cancel at anytime

Sensory TheraPLAY Box!

Sensory TheraPLAY Box!

From $44.49 per box
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Curated specifically for children with sensory processing needs or on the autism spectrum, the Sensory TheraPLAY Box is a monthly box that provides hours of hands-on play essential for learning self-soothing techniques and overall childhood development. Open to find a fun mix of tactile stimulating toys including putty, textured toys, hand fidgets, and more.

Shipping: Your box will ship out during the first week of each month. For example, the November box will ship out during the first week of November and the December box will ship out the first week of December. You will receive a confirmation email with USPS tracking information as soon as your box is on its way!

Customer Review

"Not only is the box always great, the customer service is the best! My daughter fell in love with a toy from a box a few months ago and unfortunately broke it. She was so sad so I contacted customer service to find out where I could find a new one and they sent us 2 extras they had for free! I'd highly recommend this box!" - Nikki V.

Finders Seekers Mysteries

Finders Seekers Mysteries

From $26.40 per box
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Solve puzzles while traveling the world with this thrilling escape room game! Finders Seekers is the perfect gift for puzzle solvers and mystery fans who loves a challenge! Enjoy this game with the family or venture off and uncover complex clues with a single use mystery game inclusive of hands-on and online gameplay.

Shipping: We ship on the 23rd of each month, for all orders placed by the 21st. All subsequent games will ship by the 23rd of each month. For last-minute gifts, we provide a fun PDF gift message that you can personalize and email or print. Shipping is $6 within the US, Canada shipping: $7.95.

Customer Review

“I have been getting Finders Seekers boxes for over a year, and I cannot lie, I'm obsessed. The mysteries are a lot of fun, and they are so much fun to do with friends, especially those that haven't done something like this before. Occasionally, the puzzles are evil (I'm looking at you, Paris box!), but the fact that after a year they can still challenge me is a good thing.” - Rachel C.

STICKII Monthly Sticker Subscription

STICKII Monthly Sticker Subscription

From $12.00 per box
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When they join the STICKII Club, they can look forward to getting some high-quality happy mail every month. A kawaii box of a different sort, now they can cover all their favorite school supplies and items in colorful happy stickers! Choose from Cute, Vintage, or Pop options for a selection of 6+ sheets of stickers, a storage insert, and at least 2 stationery items like pens and notepads.

Shipping: - Orders placed by 5pm PST on the 7th of the current month will get this month's pack and be shipped on the 11th. - Orders placed after 5pm PST on the 7th will get next month's pack and it will be shipped on the 11th of the following month.

Customer Review

“I've been a stickii club subscriber for 3ish years now off and on, and when my stickers come its always the best part of my month! Their customer service is fantastic and have always been kind to me! I really appreciate them and I highly recommend them to anyone who might need stickers!” – Sydney D.

Kids Craft Box – Creative DIY Art & Crafts Projects Delivered Monthly for Ages 3–9

Kids Craft Box – Creative DIY Art & Crafts Projects Delivered Monthly for Ages 3–9

From $34.99 per box
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Art supplies are a great idea for kids in your life who are creative and looking for an outlet far beyond iPads. Even if they don’t know they’re crafty (yet!) The Kids Craft: Monthly DIY Kids Craft Box may awaken some latent creativity they never knew was there. Designed for children between the ages of three and nine, this unique monthly subscription featuring DIY crafting supplies, step-by-step instructions, fun facts, and an engaging story will keep new crafters engaged for hours.

Shipping: Enjoy hassle-free delivery! Our Kids Crafts Monthly Subscription Box ships globally. The first box is shipped within 3 business days. Expect your curated creativity kit at your doorstep by the 15th of each month. Track your box, and let the crafting adventures begin!

Customer Review

“Received this as a gift. Nice colorful craft box. Very satisfied and will definitely subscribe for a monthly box. Hours of fun. My 10yr old thoroughly loved it.” — Maria G.

STEM Discovery Boxes - STEM Science for Kids (2025)

STEM Discovery Boxes - STEM Science for Kids (2025)

From $30.00 per box
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Shipping: First box ships RIGHT AWAY! Your first box will go out within 1-3 days, with most boxes going out within 1 day.

Baketivity Kids Baking DIY Activity Kit

Baketivity Kids Baking DIY Activity Kit

From $28.95 per box
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Let the littles get in on the kitchen creations, too! With Baketivity, you can teach kids the art of baking with a monthly DIY baking kit that's curated just for them. They'll don their apron and hat before diving into a kit that’s specifically designed to be stress-free for parents, complete with pre-measured ingredients and straightforward recipes. All boxes are nut-free and kosher to be inclusive to more tiny bakers.

Shipping: Our yummy kits are being shipped out every month on the 10th.

Customer Review

“My 5 year old loves to cook and bake and he just shouted with joy when he opened the box. He was amazed by every little item; and it also makes it easier for me as I am not a baker/person. I like to have all the ingredients for each recipe along with the instructions.” – Sophie

Looking for more great gift ideas for kids? Check out our full collection of subscription boxes for kids !