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Looking for experience gift ideas? These subscription boxes for kids make fun alternative presents


Maybe Marie Kondo is to blame — but it seems people are trying to move away from all the stuff and move towards the gift of experiences for kids who already have ALL. THE. TOYS.

At the same time, it’s hard to plan for a show or a swim lesson and it isn’t the most fun in the world to unbox a gift card. 

A kids’ subscription box may be your answer. While technically they do supply more STUFF, they offer an added layer of experience: a monthly package, educational activities and fun geared specifically for your kid’s personality.

Here are eight kids’ subscription boxes to consider.

For the fashion-forward kid

Get them: Stitch Fix Kids.

What’s in the box? Clothes. A stylist picks 8-12 pieces of clothing from more than 40 brands.

Who is it for? Kids that wear sizes from 2T to 14. Great for kids who want to express their individual style with parents who are too busy to shop, or maybe just don’t “get” fashion.

What does it cost? You pay for what you want to keep and prices range from $10 to $35 for an item. There’s a $20 styling fee, but it goes towards any purchases you make.

How does it work? Fill out a profile about your kid, answering questions about what he or she is like and loves to do. A stylist will select items and send them your way. Buy what you like, return what you don’t. Shipments can be scheduled regularly or just whenever you need them.

Website: stitchfix.com/kids.

For the future chef

Get them: Young Chefs’ Club.

What’s in the box? Each box has a theme and includes kid-tested recipes, a shopping list, kitchen technique how-tos, an activity or experiment, plus a creative project or game like a DIY board games or trivia cards. For example, one box was themed “DIY Cake Decorating.”

Who is it for? The kits are recommended for children ages 5 and older who are interested in cooking, making recipes and experimenting with food and flavors.

What does it cost? A subscription is $24.99 per month. There are some cost savings if you sign up for 6 months or 12 months. 

How does it work? Pick your program and start receiving boxes the first week of every month.

Website: americastestkitchen.com/kids.

For little learners

Get them: KiwiCo Crates.

What’s in the box? Activities. There are different crates for different age groups, but each one contains a project with materials on what to do and how to learn from the activity.

Who is it for? There are crates for all creative kids, even adult kids-at-heart: 0-24 months, ages 2-4, ages 5-8, ages 6-11, ages 9-16+ and ages 14-104. Find the create that best matches your child’s interests—science, art, geography and more.

What does it cost? Most crates are under $20 per month to receive a monthly crate, but prices vary on crate selection and how much you want to pay up front. See cost savings if you want to pay for 3 months, 6 months or a full year.

How does it work? Choose the crate and plan you want and pay. Your first crate will ship in two days. You can pause or cancel at any time.

Website: kiwico.com.

For the book worm

Get them: Literati Book Club.

What’s in the box? Each box includes five books suited for the child’s age range.

Who is it for? There are clubs for newborns all the way up to 12 years old that are built for budding readers.

What does it cost? A club membership is $9.95 per month plus the cost of any books you choose to keep. Book prices match Amazon. There is also an option to gift a single box and prices range from $40 to $70.

How does it work? Join a club to receive a monthly shipment of five age-appropriate books. You’ll have one week to explore the books and choose what to ship back (at no cost) and what to keep (you’ll pay for these seven days after the return window).

Website: literatibooks.com.

For the tiny traveler

Get them: Little Passport.

What’s in the box? Each box contains educational toys, activities and souvenirs designed to spark your child’s curiosity. The first kit includes a suitcase, welcome letter, activity booklet, and a wall-sized world map. Each month after has a different theme and activities to help kids explore the world.

Who is it for? There are boxes for ages 3 to 5, 6 to 8 and 9 and older. A popular choice is the World Edition which teaches tiny travelers about different countries.

What does it cost? Plans start at $12.96 per month depending on your selection. There are some cost savings if you sign up for 6 months or 12 months. 

How does it work? Choose your subscription and packages will begin to ship in 1 to 3 weeks.

Website: littlepassports.com.

For the easily bored baby or toddler

Get them: Lovevery.

What’s in the box? Each box contains toys made with sustainably forested wood, organic cotton and baby-safe plastics. The toys are meant to encourage early learning.

Who is it for? There are kits made for newborns up to 24 months.

What does it cost? Play kits start at $36 per month. If you purchase the entire subscription upfront, you’ll receive a 10% discount. There are also several gifting options.

How does it work? Create an account for your child and receive a play kit every 2 to 3 months depending on the stage of your child.

Website: lovevery.com.

For the one that needs some sensory stimulation

Get them: Young, Wild and Friedman.

What’s in the box?  Each box contains three colored and scented homemade play dough balls made with no chemicals or preservatives, plus small toys, jewels, glitter balls, play animals etc. to fit the theme of that kit.

Who is it for? Mom Julie Friedman started making the kits for her daughter who was diagnosed with a speech disorder and severe anxiety, as the kits helped her to develop her language skills and ease her anxieties. But all kids can get these kits! They are recommended for ages 3 and older, due to small pieces.

What does it cost? Kits are $35 each for monthly subscribers or $39 for a single kit.

How does it work? Order a monthly subscription to start receiving your kits.

Website: youngwildandfriedman.com.

For the kid that always has to have the new Nikes

Get them: Nike Adventure Club.

What’s in the box? Shoes. Choose from Nike and Converse.

Who is it for? Kids ages 2 to 10 (or wear sizes 4C to 7Y). This is especially for kids who have rapidly growing feet—so all of them.

How does it work? Parents pay a monthly fee to choose and receive a new pair of kicks for their kids shipped every 90, 60 or 30 days, depending on how much they pay. 

What does it cost? Prices range from $20 to $50 a month. The $20-a-month plan adds up to $240 a year for four pairs of shoes.

Website: nikeadventureclub.com.

Follow the latest from USA TODAY Parenting at usatoday.com/life/parenting.



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