Join us as we explore the best subscription alternatives to KiwiCo boxes that will educate and entertain your child throughout the year!

Looking for a KiwiCo alternative?

The fact that you're looking for subscription boxes like KiwiCo is telling us something: you're a great parent! Clearly, you're searching for ways to keep your kids engaged and learning, and that's awesome.

Without a doubt, KiwiCo has set the bar pretty high with its cool range of subscription boxes for kids, such as Panda Crate, Koala Crate, or Kiwi Crate. Still, you should keep in mind that the fun doesn't stop there.

There's a whole bunch of other subscription boxes you can explore, packed with everything from arts and crafts to robotics experiments.

So, whether you're looking for a craft box, a science box, or something that covers a broader range of educational activities, the market has plenty to offer, and we'll help you find the perfect subscription box for your child.

What to look for when choosing an alternative?

Before you commit to a subscription box, you should consider a few important criteria to make sure you're getting the best fit for your kid.

Think about it this way: you wouldn't gift generic tea bags to a tea lover just because you know they're into oolong leaves.

Similarly, choosing the right subscription box for your child means not just going for any "educational" label, but finding one that truly matches their interests and developmental stage.

It's all about getting that perfect blend! Let's explore the key things to consider.

Age groups and target audience

While younger kids generally feel more confident with subscription boxes that focus on fundamental skills and creative arts, older kids enjoy more complex science kits or problem-solving activities.

Beyond the age range, it's important to consider your child's specific interests.

Is your kid a budding environmental scientist, or perhaps a future engineer? Knowing your child's passions and curiosities will help you choose the subscription box that resonates with your child and enriches their learning experience.

Subscription options and pricing

While you don't want your monthly box to break the bank, remember that the price isn't the only factor that determines the value of a subscription. As Erica Carranza, VP of consumer psychology at Chadwick Martin Bailey, puts it:

"The appeal of subscriptions is found in value, access, and convenience."

This means considering not only the cost but also the unique experiences and ease of access these boxes provide.

The benefit of having all the materials delivered to your doorstep saves you time and hassle, adding to the overall value of the subscription. It's this combination of affordability and convenience that truly defines the worth of a subscription box.

Also, don't forget that ordering a longer subscription often comes with the perk of a discounted rate!

Reviews and testimonials

Reviews from other parents or educators provide real-world feedback on the box's theme, the quality and variety of the materials, and the overall educational value.

For instance, does a subscription box with reviews like these inspire confidence?

Image source: Cratejoy

Although some customers are satisfied with the box, the reviews above weren't cherry-picked; this particular product currently holds an overall rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars. Thankfully, the internet allows us to find honest reviews before purchasing.

Besides the material quality, you should also look for comments on how much kids love the activities, how the boxes encourage kids to create and problem-solve, and whether the final product of the projects keeps children engaged.

Just look at this next set of reviews and compare them to the ones you've seen above. It's not hard to see which box is the clear winner, right?

With so many monthly subscription boxes out there, unbiased reviews can be your guiding star, helping you navigate through a sea of options to find the perfect one.

5 best KiwiCo alternatives you'll want to consider

Now that we've explored the key criteria for choosing the right subscription box, let's dive into the alternatives that tick all these boxes and more.

KiwiCo vs. Little Passports

KiwiCo isn't the only provider of subscription boxes for kids that offers multiple topic lines. Little Passports does that too, helping kids learn about animals, craft projects, scientific concepts, cooking, and more.

Depending on your little one's interests, Little Passports lets you choose between the following lines designed for different age ranges:

• Early Explorers (ages 3-5)

• Animals Wild (3-5)

• HOMER Early Learning Kits (3-6)

• Craft Discovery (5-8)

• Science Junior (5-8)

• Space Quest (6-8)

• World Edition (6-10)

• Kitchen Adventures (7+)

• Science Expeditions (8+)

Such a wide variety of options allows you to find the best box that aligns with your kid's interests.

Another fun thing about Little Passports is that each box includes not only materials needed for projects, but also cute collectible items. These collectibles are far from random trinkets; they allow your kid to track their progress through their learning journey.

Image source: Little Passports

Adding to the flexibility that Little Passports offers, it's worth noting that they also provide the option to pause your subscription.

This feature is incredibly helpful for families who might need to take a break due to vacations, busy schedules, or simply want a pause in the flow of new boxes.

What makes Little Passports stand out?

Unlike most other subscription boxes, Little Passports doesn't focus only on specific subjects like science or art. So, if you're looking for a fun way for your kid to learn about different aspects of the world that surrounds them, Little Passports is the way to go.

KiwiCo vs. CrunchLabs

Does your kid enjoy some carefully allotted screen time, perhaps diving into the world of YouTube for both fun and learning? If so, they're in for a treat with the next subscription box option on our list.

We're talking about CrunchLabs, a STEM box subscription founded by Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer who's now a famous popular science YouTuber.

Inspired by the DIY engineering contraptions like those Rober creates in his videos, he founded a kid-friendly engineering box subscription that lets kids ages 8 to 12 create fun DIY toys each month.

The monthly subscription to CrunchLabs guides children through STEM principles in an engaging way. Momentum transfer, projectile motion, and light refraction are just some of the exciting concepts they'll explore, turning complex theories into hands-on activities.

Image source: CrunchLabs

In addition to the materials, the clear instructions, and bite-sized illustrated physics lessons, this subscription box also unlocks exclusive Rober's videos, complementing the learning process.

What makes CrunchLabs stand out?

CrunchLabs is a unique subscription box because of its direct connection to the fascinating world of YouTube science and engineering.

Kids who have watched and been inspired by Mark Rober's videos will find a similar sense of wonder and discovery in these boxes. The projects are designed to be engaging and educational, often mirroring the creativity and problem-solving skills that Rober showcases in his videos.

KiwiCo vs. CircuitMess

You've probably heard of Kiwi Eureka crate; the one that teaches kids ages 14 and beyond about principles of science and math. Well, what if we told you that there's another brilliant line of subscription boxes focused on STEM that's designed to be more approachable for younger age groups?

That's right; CircuitMess now steps into the picture, offering an engaging way for kids aged 9+ and 11+ to dive into electronics and programming.

CircuitMess offers two subscription lines. The Wacky Robots subscription is made for the age group of nine to eleven, providing just the right level of challenge and engagement for those new to electronics.

Delivered every three months, each box contains three mini robots.

This approach allows kids to either dive into constructing all three robots for a weekend of focused activity or spread the fun out, building one robot per month and steadily exploring the world of electronics.

Also, each Wacky Robot teaches kids about different electronics concepts, such as photoresists, sound synthesis, circuits, and more.

For the age group of eleven and beyond—or for those ready to tackle bigger challenges—there's the STEM Box subscription.

STEM Box is shipped every three months, providing your kid with a unique project in each delivery. The projects revolve around building smart devices or robots, teaching kids about AI, coding, soldering, and microcomputers.

For instance, one of the subscription boxes in this line includes Wheelson; a hands-on lesson in object recognition and autonomous driving.

So, in case your kid is ready to move beyond unplugged STEM lessons, CircuitMess subscription boxes offer a dive into real-world, modern electronics, providing practical applications of the STEM concepts they've learned.

What makes CircuitMess stand out?

You can find multiple subscription boxes that explore STEM topics out there, which is amazing—kids deserve fun opportunities that complement traditional education.

However, CircuitMess offers a truly unique experience because it occasionally partners with big names from the realms of entertainment and science. For example, did you know that the CircuitMess Batmobile is an officially approved and trademarked product by DC?

This means that kids aren't just building any toy car; they're creating an authentic piece of the Batman universe, bringing a beloved superhero's gadget to life. There's also a NASA-approved space rover kit, ideal for young engineers.

In other words, this level of endorsement speaks volumes about the quality and educational value of CircuitMess projects, which not many subscription box companies can boast about!

KiwiCo vs. We Craft Box

Kiwi Crate is Kiwi's subscription box that revolves around inspiring curiosity and creativity in kids. If you're looking for an alternative that explores the artsy aspect of child development, We Craft Box is a fantastic option.

This subscription service focuses on inspiring creativity and imagination through arts and crafts projects, with a different monthly theme arriving each month.

Image source: We Craft Box

We Craft projects are generally on the simpler side, and they're geared for the age range between three and nine.

However, this doesn't mean that all boxes boil down to basic materials.

For instance, some boxes let kids explore the world of dinosaurs in an age-appropriate way: by making DIY salt dough fossils.

Image source: We Craft Box

Each project is designed to let a child's unlimited imagination run wild, offering a canvas for creativity and self-expression. Still, there are photo instructions for those moments when a little guidance is needed.

The instructions help kids complete their crafts, blending the freedom of imagination with the structure needed to bring their artistic visions to life.

Also, this kids' subscription line is all about quality—something we know you value just as much as the fun factor. This box often includes supplies from established brands like Faber-Castell, ensuring that your little artists are working with the best tools.

What makes We Craft Box stand out?

What makes We Craft Box stand out is its unique approach to crafting that caters to the whole family.

Unlike most subscription boxes that are designed for a single child, We Craft Box provides enough crafts in a single box for two kids.

This makes it an excellent choice for families with more than one child or for parents who want to join in on the fun. So, if you're looking for a box suitable for multiple kids, look no further.

KiwiCo vs. WompleBox

We'll end our list with a lovely alternative to KiwiCo's Atlas Crate, the WompleBox by Womple Studios.

This box subscription is designed for the age group of 6 to 11. Younger kids can explore with the help of their parents, while older kids can do so independently.

Image source: Womple Studios

As you can assume from the comparison with the Atlas Crate, WompleBox is a ticket to a global expedition, in which children explore a different country each month.

Each new box includes two STEAM projects that foster learning, critical thinking, and creativity. In addition to the materials used in projects, you'll also get an illustrated book and a fold-out map that guides you through each new country.

And seeing as most kids love collecting stuff, you'll be glad to know that every box also contains a collectible keychain that reminds the young explorers of the countries they've visited with the box.

What makes WompleBox stand out?

Most other subscription boxes involve screens in some capacity, be it through instructional videos or online resources. And there's nothing wrong with that!

However, if you're looking to keep your kids engaged with screen-free activities, WompleBox is your go-to choice.

WompleBox takes a different approach, focusing on a more tactile and traditional learning experience.

This subscription box encourages kids to disconnect from digital devices and immerse themselves in practical activities to explore, learn, and grow without screens.

Which KiwiCo alternative is your go-to choice?

As you can see, the best subscription boxes for kids range from world-exploring adventures to STEM-focused projects, each offering its own unique take on learning and fun.

Whether your child is fascinated by art, intrigued by science, or excited about technology, there's a subscription box out there that perfectly matches their different interests.

We've presented you with the best alternatives to KiwiCo, and now it's up to you to pick the subscription that will spark your little one's joy.