As a dad in the 21st century, I’m always on the lookout for ways to keep the kids entertained without resorting to screens. I don’t mind them using ipads and the TV, just not all the time.
So when I first heard about subscription boxes for kids, I thought, “Brilliant! A way to outsource my parenting duties guilt free!” Just kidding, of course. But I was genuinely intrigued by the idea of having fun, educational activities delivered right to our doorstep each month.
So, I decided to take the plunge and try out some of the most popular subscription boxes for kids in the UK. Over the past few months, my little ones and I have become unofficial experts in unboxing, crafting, and generally making a mess in the name of “education.”
Here’s my honest, dad-to-dad rundown of the best subscription boxes for kids that I’ve come across.
Mud + Bloom: Getting Down and Dirty with Nature
When the Mud + Bloom box first arrived, I realised I might just have started with the messiest box of the lot. Happily, I wrong. This little package of joy turned out to be a goldmine of outdoor fun and learning.
What’s in the Box?
Each month, you get a mix of nature-inspired crafts and seasonal planting projects. Our box included:
- Seeds and compost pellets for growing our own veggies
- Materials for nature-themed crafts
- A guide to seasonal plants and wildlife
The Good, the Bad, and the Muddy
The Good:
- Gets the kids outside and away from screens
- Teaches them about nature and gardening
- Activities are easy to follow, even for my not-so-green of thumb
The Bad:
- Be prepared for muddy clothes and dirty fingernails
- Some activities require additional materials from around the house
Age Range: 3-8 years
My 5-year-old was absolutely chuffed with this box. He loved getting his hands dirty and watching our little seedlings grow. Even my 2-year-old got in on the action, though her idea of “planting” was more like “throwing dirt everywhere.”
Dad’s Verdict
If you don’t mind a bit of mess and want to nurture your child’s inner Monty Don, Mud + Bloom is a fantastic choice. Just maybe invest in some waterproof overalls first.
toucanBox: Crafting Up a Storm
Next up on our subscription box adventure was toucanBox. As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I was a bit apprehensive about a craft-focused box. But hey, if it keeps the kids quiet for an hour, I’m all for it, and I can always enrol their Mum to help/take over.
What’s in the Box?
Each toucanBox includes:
- Materials for two craft projects
- A magazine with stories, games, and colouring pages
- Step-by-step instructions (thank goodness)
The Good, the Bad, and the Glittery
The Good:
- Projects are well-designed and fun
- Instructions are clear enough for kids to follow independently
- Encourages creativity and fine motor skills
The Bad:
- Prepare for glitter. Everywhere. Forever.
- Some projects require adult supervision (bye-bye, peace and quiet)
Age Range: 3-8 years
Both kids loved this box. The younger one needed a bit more help, but the older one was off to the races, creating masterpieces left and right. Art is a good all-rounder because everyone can work on the same idea but to their own level.
Dad’s Verdict
If you don’t mind finding glitter in your hair for weeks to come, toucanBox is a great way to encourage creativity and keep the kids entertained. Just maybe put a mat down if you value your carpets.
Books & Pieces: Building a Library, One Box at a Time
As a dad who still secretly enjoys a good bedtime story (don’t tell the kids), I was excited to try out the Books & Pieces subscription. After all, anything that encourages reading has got to be good, right?
What’s in the Box?
Each month, you receive:
- Three age-appropriate books
- A little gift for your child
- Activity sheets related to the books
The Good, the Bad, and the Bookish
The Good:
- Introduces kids to a variety of books they might not otherwise discover
- Encourages regular reading time
- The little gifts are a nice touch
The Bad:
- You might end up with some books your kids don’t love
- Storage can become an issue if you’re not ruthless about passing on books they’ve outgrown
Age Range: 0-7 years (different subscriptions available)
My 2-year-old loved the board books, while the 5-year-old was thrilled with the picture books. Some are good for a wider range of ages but they all had enough pictures to look at.
Dad’s Verdict
If you want to encourage a love of reading and don’t mind your house slowly turning into a library, Books & Pieces is a great choice. Just be prepared for the inevitable “But I’m not tired, can we read one more?” at bedtime.
Baked In Junior Baking Club: Cooking Up Some Fun
When I first heard about a baking subscription box for kids, I considered giving it a miss. I can cook, but baking is always a faff, and with kids it’s bound to be extra messy too. But the Baked In Junior Baking Club turned out to be a surprisingly fun (and delicious) experience for the whole family.
What’s in the Box?
Each month’s box includes:
- Pre-measured dry ingredients for a baking project
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- Some baking accessories (like cupcake cases or piping bags)
The Good, the Bad, and the Yummy
The Good:
- Teaches kids valuable cooking skills
- Recipes are easy to follow and turn out well
- You get to eat the results!
The Bad:
- Requires additional fresh ingredients
- Can be messy (flour, everywhere!)
Age Range: 5-11 years
This was a bit too advanced for my kids to be honest, but for slightly older kids it would be fine. I ended up doing most of it myself but both children were very keen on their quality control roles once the baking bit was done and the eating bit began.
Dad’s Verdict
If you don’t mind a bit of kitchen chaos and fancy yourself as the next Paul Hollywood, the Baked In Junior Baking Club is a great way to bond with your kids if they are old enough. Expect some interesting flavour combinations when they start experimenting.
Benedykt & Sylvester: Montessori Magic in a Box
I’ll admit, when I first heard about Montessori, I thought it was maybe some kind of fancy pasta. But the Benedykt & Sylvester subscription box opened my eyes to this child-led learning approach. I think there might be something in this you know.
What’s in the Box?
Each themed box includes:
- Wooden toys and learning materials
- Activity booklets and worksheets
- A mix of paper-based and hands-on activities
The Good, the Bad, and the Educational
The Good:
- High-quality, durable materials
- Activities encourage independent learning
- Introduces complex concepts in a kid-friendly way
The Bad:
- On the pricier side
- Some activities might require more parental involvement than others
Age Range: 3-6 years
It’s hard to imagine kids much older than 6 enjoying the things we got in our box, and obviously, it’s education focused given the thinking behind it.
Dad’s Verdict
If you’re looking for educational activities that don’t feel like “learning,” Benedykt & Sylvester is a great choice. Don’t be surprised if your kids to start using words like “photosynthesis” at the dinner table.
Make & Wonder: Unleashing the Inner Artist
Another art based box, but I was feeling more confident now after the glitter explosion from toucanBox. Make & Wonder turned out to be another delightful surprise for both me and the kids.
What’s in the Box?
Each month’s box focuses on a different female artist and includes:
- Art supplies for various projects
- Information about the featured artist
- Open-ended activity suggestions
The Good, the Bad, and the Artistic
The Good:
- Introduces kids to diverse artists and art styles
- Encourages creativity and self-expression
- High-quality art supplies
The Bad:
- Can be messy (prepare for paint-covered everything)
- Might be overwhelming for kids who prefer more structured activities
Age Range: 5-12 years
It’s painting at the end of the day, and with young kids you basically get abstract expressionism (aka random scribbles). However, I would day older kids could follow the prompts and actually learn a bit about different styles.
Dad’s Verdict
Your house might end up looking like a Jackson Pollock painting for a while, but Make & Wonder is a fantastic way to nurture creativity and learn about art history. I hope your walls are washable though.
Little Box of Books: Diversity in Every Story
I try to raise my kids to be open-minded without force feeding them ideologies or agendas, so I was intrigued by the Little Box of Books subscription. It promotes stories that are new and exciting for kids, but with diverse characters and storylines.
What’s in the Box?
Each month, you receive:
- 2-4 diverse, inclusive books
- A small gift for your child
- Activity sheets related to the books
The Good, the Bad, and the Bookish
The Good:
- Introduces kids to diverse characters and experiences
- High-quality, engaging stories
- Encourages empathy and understanding
The Bad:
- Some topics might require additional explanation for younger kids
- You might end up with duplicate books if you already have a diverse library
Age Range: 0-11 years (different subscriptions available)
My kids found books they enjoyed in these boxes, from board books for the 2-year-old to picture and short story books for my older boy. They didn’t question the fact that the characters looked different to them.
Dad’s Verdict
If you want to expand your kids’ worldview through stories, Little Box of Books is a fantastic choice. It could lead to some potentially deep conversations at bedtime though.
Cubie Education: Making Maths Fun (No, Really!)
When you hear about a maths subscription box, you might think it sounds like homework. I did. But Cubie Education turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable way to sneak some number crunching into our day.
What’s in the Box?
Each monthly box includes:
- A booklet with daily maths exercises
- A parent’s guide with answers and explanations
- Stickers and a reward chart
The Good, the Bad, and the Mathematical
The Good:
- Makes maths practice feel like a game
- Aligns with the National Curriculum
- Bite-sized exercises are easy to fit into busy days
The Bad:
- Might feel like “extra homework” to some kids
- Requires consistent daily effort
Age Range: 4-7 years (Reception to Year 2)
My 5-year-old was the target audience for this one, and he surprisingly enjoyed the daily maths challenges. My 2 year old had no chance, but enjoyed sticking the stickers on my face.
Dad’s Verdict
If you want to give your kid’s maths skills a boost without the tears and tantrums, Cubie Education is worth a try. Just don’t tell them it’s educational – it’ll be our little secret!
Lovevery: Toys That Grow With Your Little One
When the Lovevery box arrived I was really impressed. The toys are great quality, obviously well thought through and designed. These aren’t your average toys – they’re like the James Bond of the toy world: sophisticated, multi-functional, and surprisingly durable.
What’s in the Box?
Each box is tailored to your child’s age and includes:
- High-quality, sustainably made toys
- A play guide with activity ideas
- Information about your child’s developmental stage
The Good, the Bad, and the Playful
The Good:
- Toys are designed to support specific developmental stages
- Durable, eco-friendly materials
- Play guide helps you make the most of each toy
The Bad:
- On the pricier side
- Might not appeal to kids who prefer flashy, electronic toys
Age Range: 0-3 years
My 2-year-old was absolutely smitten with these toys. The older one played with them too, but they feel more like developmental toys to me. They aren’t like anything you see in the shops so they are intirguing.
Dad’s Verdict
If you’re looking for toys that are both fun and educational (and won’t fall apart after two days), Lovevery is a great investment. They lean into the Montessori style of learning, but you would never know if you weren’t told.
Foodini Club: Little Chefs in the Making
If you can get over the fact you are causing yourself more washing up, Foodini Club is a a surprisingly fun (and tasty) way to spend time with the kids. You’re also teaching them life lessons and maybe even helping them show some appreciation for all the cooking you do for them.
What’s in the Box?
Each monthly envelope includes:
- Recipe cards for sweet and savoury dishes
- Pre-measured herbs and spices
- A kitchen science experiment
- Craft materials for a food-related project
The Good, the Bad, and the Delicious
The Good:
- Encourages kids to try new foods and flavours
- Teaches valuable cooking skills
- Includes fun, food-related activities beyond just cooking
The Bad:
- Requires additional grocery shopping for fresh ingredients
- Can be messy (prepare for flour-covered everything)
Age Range: 5-12 years
My 5-year-old loved getting involved in the kitchen with these recipes, but there was only so much he could do. His tolerance levels when waiting for things to cook was tested too. This is probably another that’s best for slightly older kids.
Dad’s Verdict
If you don’t mind a bit of kitchen chaos and fancy raising the next Jamie Oliver, Foodini Club is a great way to bond with your kids over food. Tell your other half you will do the cooking if they do the cleaning.
The Curiosity Box: Mad Scientists in the Making
I like science so I was looking forward to The Curiosity Box arriving. I know it’s for the kids but there’s no reason I can’t enjoy it too, right? This STEM-focused subscription turned out to be a fascinating journey into the world of science for both the kids and me, and i’m pleased to say they enjoyed it as much as I hoped they would.
What’s in the Box?
Each box includes:
- Materials for 2-3 science experiments
- Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
- Information about the scientific principles behind each experiment
The Good, the Bad, and the Scientific
The Good:
- Encourages hands-on learning and critical thinking
- Experiments are fun and engaging
- Introduces complex scientific concepts in a kid-friendly way
The Bad:
- Some experiments can be messy
- Younger kids might need more adult supervision
Age Range: 4-11 years (different boxes available)
My kids were both captivated by these experiments. My youngest was sort of able to join in with a lot of help from me, but they both had wonder in their eyes as the results unfolded.
Dad’s Verdict
Your kitchen might look like a mad scientist’s lab for a while, but The Curiosity Box is well worth it and a fantastic way to nurture a love of science. Just never, and I do mean never, take your eye off the kids when they are doing the experiments.
Final Thoughts: Are Kids’ Subscription Boxes Worth It?
After months of unboxing, crafting, reading, baking, and generally making a mess in the name of “education,” I can honestly say that kids’ subscription boxes are a game-changer for busy parents. They provide a constant stream of new, engaging activities that can keep kids entertained for hours.
Of course, not every box will be a hit with every child, and some require more parental involvement than others. But overall, I’ve found them to be a great way to introduce new concepts, encourage creativity, and spend quality time with the kids.
So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your little ones entertained and learning without resorting to endless screen time, give one of these subscription boxes a try. Who knows? You might even learn something new yourself. (Did you know that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? Thanks, Curiosity Box!)
Just remember: no matter which box you choose, always keep a sense of humour handy. Because let’s face it, when you’re dealing with kids, things rarely go according to plan. But that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go clean glitter out of the cat’s fur. Again.
