12 Best Subscription Boxes for Kids, According to Parents 2023

Even though today's kids know how to operate iPhone and tablets from an early age, coming home to find a package—say, one of the best subscription boxes for kids—is just as exciting as it ever was. Snail mail is one tradition that still holds up. Seriously: My kids bolt to the door, shouting, “Is it for me?!” when they see a box outside. Subscription boxes aren’t just fun to tear open, though. These monthly subscriptions offer something novel and entertaining on the regular. We spoke with real parents to find the best ones for kids.

Our top picks

The best subscription boxes can help kids develop important skills (problem solving, for example), learn about different cultures and countries, and even hone their independence by teaching them life skills like cooking. Some subscriptions, like seasonal clothing hauls, even take something off your to-do list. (Ah-mazing!) Of course, some really are just for fun—and that’s cool too. What kid wouldn’t be grateful for a monthly delivery of stickers?!

Like your favorite clothing subscription, beauty box, or snack assortment, kids’ monthly subscription boxes come in all shapes and sizes for all age ranges. For the youngest set (think newborns and toddlers), look for highly curated play kits from the child development experts at Lovevery or Lalo. They’re packed with high-quality, age-appropriate wooden toys tailor-made for your child’s developmental stage. For older kids in elementary school and beyond, consider something more tactical, like Bitsbox to foster independence and creativity. It's a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) based subscription service.

Here’s the thing, though. Trying out a subscription service isn’t exactly as low-commitment as testing out a new toy. These themed boxes come stuffed with all kinds of goodies, and nobody wants to add more junk to the mix. Not to mention, they can be pricey. And that’s precisely why we asked parents with little ones of all age groups to give us the lowdown on the kids’ subscription boxes their family has tried—and more important—loved. (Grandparents, take note: These are excellent gift ideas for kids.)

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.