My Favorite Gift for Kids (That's Not a Book)

Although the best gift by far is the gift of reading, and near the top is the gift of play, a family favorite gift by far is the ongoing joy of subscription boxes. Subscription boxes have become quite trendy in the last few years, and for good reason! It's a well-known fact that kids get bored of their toys pretty quickly so sparking their imagination with a creative learning project once a month is the perfect remedy.

(Note: this post is not sponsored; we purchased the boxes ourselves! links and images are affiliate links.)

One of the best things about subscription boxes is that they include everything you need!!! No more hunting around for materials and trying to figure out what project to do with the kids.

They are absolutely perfect for parents who want to spend time with their kids on tinker-y type projects but are just a wee bit lazy. (No shame it that!) If that sounds like you then one of these boxes might just become your favorite gift for kids, too. There's something to suit kids of all ages and interests! Click on the links and images below to learn more about each subscription box service.

Together Unplugged

Together Unplugged is a unique family-themed box designed to get everyone spending time together, making memories, laughing and expressing gratitude, all without the aid of screens. Each box contains games, activities, projects, trivia, and more. It is one of the BEST boxes I have ever come across. I highly recommended it.

I even did a little unboxing video for you to check out.

Find it at CrateJoy: Together Unplugged

KiwiCo.

Our family has subscribed to the KiwiCo. boxes for years! I've written before about how much I love the one on one time they afforded me with each of my kids. The best part of the crates is that they contain active projects, not just "make it and put it on a shelf" projects. 

KiwiCo. Family Brands:

Koala Crate, which is perfect for preschoolers and contains an arts and crafts project.

Kiwi Crate is recommended for ages 5-8. We've we put together projects like a marble run, miniature golf, luminaries and more. The crates contain art, craft and science projects.

Tinker Crate, a science and engineering crate that is geared towards kids ages 9 and up. This is the crate I purchased for my tween. He put together a rocket, a glider, a catapult, an hydraulic arm, an irrigation system and more. I do think kids ages 7 and up will enjoy this crate, but will require more parental involvement for younger kids.

Doodle Crate, an art and craft based box for kids ages 9 and up. Can I let you in on a secret? I am seriously thinking of ordering this for myself!

Panda Crate, for kids ages 0-2. These are research based products designed to stimulate brain development.

Atlas Crate, for kids who want to learn about the world, it's history, culture and geography.

Maker Crate. This is a craft box for teens ages 14 and up. The types of projects include macrame, clay, textile art and more.

Eureka Crates. This a a STEM-based box for teens ages 14 and up. Kits include projects like building an electric pencil sharpener, making and automatic soap dispenser kit, and other electronic and tech projects.

Universal Yums

Every month our family gets a box of global treats from Universal Yums. I'm not exaggerating when I say my kids jump up and down when it arrives on our doorstep every month. Each month features treats from a different country as well as an activity booklet that teaches a bit about the country from which they came. This box is definitely a huge favorite of ours!

Groovy Lab

Academics in a Box Inc makes a science kit, "Groovy Lab in a Box". I ordered the "Moon Dance" box, and we made our own telescope -- not something I even realized we could do! What I loved was that the kit came with a lab notebook, lots and lots of information and other ideas for further scientific exploration. One really nice thing about this subscription box, is you can order single boxes. So if you are studying, for example, electricity, you could order the "It's Electric!" box.