Whether you’re giving them as a gift or trying to keep your baby (or toddler) busy, subscription boxes can go a long way in entertaining your little one. And with people spending more time at home than ever this year, they’ve also exploded in popularity. There’s a baby subscription box for nearly every age, interest, or parenting style.
Learn how baby subscription boxes work, why you should get one, and what you should look for, plus our roundup of the best baby and toddler subscription boxes.
What is a Baby Subscription Box?
Toddler and baby subscription boxes are a recurring shipment of certain products and activities geared toward your child’s age, interests, and development abilities. Some are more activity-focused, while others are more toy-centered.
Prices range from affordable, digital monthly subscription to pricier boxes of Montessori-style toys that can grow with your child. Subscription boxes can ship monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly.
Why Get a Baby Subscription Box?
First and foremost, they keep kids busy and entertained. (Um, worth it!) Second, the activities aren’t the usual games and crafts you’ll find on Pinterest or in the Dollar Spot at Target. Some are STEM-focused, others are developed by educators with your child’s age and specific developmental stage in mind.
Third, there’s the novelty factor. Everyone loves getting mail. But getting a package each month or so with new toys, books, or activities? You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who wouldn’t go crazy for that. And if you’re struggling to find a gift for the kid who seemingly has everything, subscription boxes also make great gifts.
What to Look For in a Subscription Box
There are certain things you should look for in a baby subscription box, though this will depend on your child’s age, interests, and parenting style. You might consider a box with ethically-sourced toys and products, or, if you prefer a more Montessori approach, a box with wooden toys as opposed to plastic.
Have a budding scientist on your hands? Then a STEM or science-focused box might be more your style. If you’re relatively crafty yourself (and hate the waste generated by monthly packages, or just want to avoid the clutter,) then you might consider a digital subscription service.
Price also can play a role. If you’re on a budget, you might spring for a cheaper box or one that’s digital-only. Though the pricier boxes tend to include more heirloom-quality toys.
The Best Baby Subscription Boxes
Panda Crate is sent bimonthly and starts at $9.95
Developed specifically for infants and toddlers, Panda Crate sends a bimonthly subscription box of age-specific products and activities, including a magazine and activity cards for mom or dad. This box is stage-specific and tailored to your baby’s age, down to the month. It’s also backed by researchers from Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Starting at $16.95/month
The big brother (or sister!) of Panda Crate, KiwiCo combines award-winning projects, enriching content, and easy-to-understand directions. Geared toward ages 5 to 16, you can pick the type of monthly crate that matches your child’s interest, from science and “tinkering” to art & design, geography and culture, plus STEM and STEAM options. There’s also a Koala Crate, a toddler subscription box for ages 2-4.
Lillypost Subscription Box
Starting at $19.95/month
For budding bibliophiles, Lillypost is a subscription box chock-full of new titles for little ones. For newborns to 7-year-olds, this service delivers either four board books or three picture books monthly. Another bonus? For every box, Lillypost donates a book to a child in need.
Lovevery Play Crates are sent bimonthly and start at $36
This Montessori subscription box sends a box of toys designed to engage your baby’s developing brain. This subscription box is for ages 0-2. Though pricier than many of its counterparts, Lovevery uses sustainably sourced wood, organic cotton fabrics, even carbon-neutral shipping.
Starting at $20/month
A bit different than your average toy-and-activity subscription box, Radish is a monthly cooking club for kids. Designed for kids age 4-14, this subscription box includes a monthly cooking kit, plus digital bonus recipes and activities. Food is not included in the kit, though the box does include a shopping list.
The Magic Playbook Subscription Box
$9/month
This monthly digital subscription service sends a “playbook” straight to your inbox each month. It includes ideas for seasonal crafts, sensory activities, and recipes, plus suggested screen time ideas and a library list. This one is truly magical—it’s our family’s favorite!
$34/month
Bluum isn’t just for your baby. This subscription box includes expertly-curated items for both baby and mom in every box. While each box’s contents aren’t revealed before it arrives, Bluums creators promise the products will be relevant to your family and curated for your child’s age and stage.
Starting at $22/month
This curated box of premium toys includes Montessori toys for every stage, designed to support fine motor, social, and cognitive skills. Sent quarterly, this box contains only eco-friendly, BPA-free, and organic toys.
Starting at $68/month
While not a toy or activity-based box, this subscription box helps keep your little one clothed and on-trend, a feat in and of itself. You’ll get nine items of clothing each month, and you only pay for the pieces you love. Designed for kids from 0-14.
This box is $297/every three months
New to the Montessori trend? This subscription box sends a box chock-full of Montessori playthings to foster concentration, sensory experiences, and independence. Each box is tailored to your little one’s exact age.
Starts at $16.99/box
If a subscription book box is more your speed (and who doesn’t love a good box of boxes?!), the Amazon Book Box may just what you’re looking for. You can choose your child’s level, starting with Level 1 for babies, and pick monthly, bi-monthly, or every 3 months for delivery. This could be especially handy if you’re in an area where libraries have closed and are missing your weekly book hauls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are monthly subscription boxes worth it?
In a word, yes. As long as the box’s contents matches your kid’s interests, usually the cost of the subscription is far lower than the retail prices of the toys inside.
What are the cheapest subscription boxes for babies?
If you’re looking for a budget subscription box, try a digital option like The Magic Playbook, though you will have to purchase supplies for the activities separately. KiwiCo is another affordable option.
