Best Gift Subscriptions for Kids That Promote Imagination and Experience (2022)

Posted 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 Dream 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!

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

VIP BOX OF SENSORY TOYS 💛 4-9 years

VIP BOX OF SENSORY TOYS 💛 4-9 years

From $41.65 per box
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Designed by a long-time teacher for children with sensory processing issues, the VIP Box of Sensory Toys provides kids ages 4-7 with an expertly curated collection of tactile toys, fidgets, conversation cue cards, putty, memory games, brain teasers, and more for skill-building and calming. And with up to eight sensory items per box, there will be plenty to enjoy!

Shipping: • Subscription renews automatically • Cancel or pause at any time • CANADIAN CUSTOMERS : Canadian customs/fee taxes upon delivery may apply to buyer. This is 100% decided by Canadian customs (not my businesss) as box ships from California.

“I was super happy with my purchase. I am looking forward to getting this month’s box!” — Dawn G.

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.

“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.

DIY Kids Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Art and Craft Box

DIY Kids Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Art and Craft Box

From $29.99 per box
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What could be more fun for your little ones than some quality crafting time? Keep it stress-free and fun with the We Craft Box, a monthly craft kit that delivers an amazing hands-on experience that combines a unique story with fun projects. Created for kids between 3-9, there's no need to prep – just open and get to it with all the materials, tools, and step-by-step directions you'll need!

Shipping: First box ships within five business days. Renewals occur on the 11th. Subsequent boxes ship on the 1st of the month. Free Shipping for US orders! Order for your little crafter today! All subscriptions come with a printable card!

“I send this as a gift to my great niece and nephew. Reports are that they love this box and can't wait for it to arrive each month. I am so appreciative of crafts and entertainment away from screens. My niece says that the supplies alone are worth the price. Thank you.” – Donna H.

Little Learners Busy Box

Little Learners Busy Box

From $13.50 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

My First Reading Club

My First Reading Club

From $19.00 per box
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Start building up their personal collection by joining My First Reading Club. On a mission to cultivate a passion for reading, literacy experts set out to share amazing stories with kids of all ages. Choose a box to match their age and skill level, then get a monthly delivery of board books, hardcover children's books, or chapter books.

Shipping: Your 2nd box may take 30 days or more to ship, depends on the date the first box was purchased. After that each Subsequent Box will ship the 1st of each month. Subscriptions are set to renew on the 11th of every month.

“My son was so excited when his first box arrived. He loved his 3 books and there was also an activity book with stickers which was his favorite. They add in a gift for the parent. This time I received a face soap bar. I'll be keeping this monthly subscription for sure!” - Bianca N.

Reading Bug Box for Babies & Toddlers

Reading Bug Box for Babies & Toddlers

From $19.00 per box
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Gift your child the joy of reading with the Reading Bug Box. Each month they’ll receive 3 hardbound children’s books curated by the staff of the award-winning Reading Bug Bookstore.

Shipping: Reading Bug Boxes ship between the 15th-20th of each month. Please email bugbox@thereadingbug.com should you need an earlier shipment and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

“I sent this to my niece for our brand new member of the family. She loved it!! Very high-quality items wrapped up beautifully!! It even arrived before Christmas which was an unexpected surprise!! Thank you so much. I’m renewing!!” – J G.

CHIC & UNIQUE

CHIC & UNIQUE

From $25.00 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

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