If you've seen the word kidcore around these days and felt utterly out of the loop, you're not alone. This new trend, sparked in part by social media like TikTok and Tumblr, is all about the colorful, bright nostalgia of childhood. From old-school video games to binders with vibrant colors, it's about embracing the lighter side of youth. It's made new again by not only Gen-Z, but also moms who want to bring those carefree, joyful spaces to their own kids' lives.
What is Kidcore style?
Specifically, the kidcore aesthetic is a nod to the pastel, neon, and bright colors of the 1990s and early 2000s. Pop culture icons like My Little Pony, Lisa Frank, Care Bears, Beanie Babies, and of course those patented pastel butterfly hair clips are all back and better than ever with kidcore.
Retro toys, cartoons, smiley face stickers, stuffed animals, and beads are all part of the cultural zeitgeist making its way into fashion trends beyond the indie aesthetic. Tie dye is the most recognizable kidcore style millennials are embracing again these days.
How to get more kidcore in your life
If this subculture style really makes you long for those tv show Saturday mornings with a cereal bowl and Looney Tunes, you've come to the right place. Whether you love to DIY a good scrapbook page with some Kawaii stickers or you just miss the green Nickelodeon slime, we have some unique boxes on the Cratejoy market curated for all of your kidcore needs.
the oddball club
Have a little fun while supporting small, women-owned businesses with a monthly subscription to The Oddball Club. No need to feel like you're on the fringes in this club, because everyone here is just looking to have a good time unboxing surprises! Whether you opt for a micro, itty-bitty teeny-weeny or medium box, get ready for happy mail filled with everything from stickers and kitschy gadgets to accessories and sweet treats.
STICKII Monthly Sticker Subscription
The STICKII Monthly Sticker Subscription offers three themed boxes to choose from (Cute Pack, Vintage Pack, Pop Pack) and all fit perfectly into the most vibrant kidcore scrapbook pages. Decorate your Zoom meeting notes, your kids' lunches, and more.
Disney Japan Monthly Magic
This sweet box curates Japan-exclusive Disney items and each theme includes a variety of things, from plushie toys and characters to sweets and treats. The boxes are wrapped with care, and the monthly deliveries are really curated to your individual preferences. This is a great way to bring some new characters to your doorstep.
ComicBoxer for U.S. Customers
For a subscription box perfect for a seasoned AND new pop culture collector, ComicBoxer is a must-have! Each month you'll get a hand picked group of 5 or more of the hottest comic books sent right to your door! Whenever possible your box will also include extra value through the inclusion of variants, #1 issues, exclusives, signed editions, and more!
