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Subcription Boxes -
- Learn | Grow | Explore - A MommySolo Guide
As a single mom, I sometimes feel like I’m expected to be everything.
The cook. The chauffeur. The homework helper. The scheduler. The laundry service. The snack provider. The person who remembers that tomorrow is apparently “wear your favorite color day” even though no one mentioned it until 8:30 the night before.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, I’m also supposed to make sure my kids are learning, exploring, creating, and developing new skills.
That’s a lot.
That’s one reason I’ve become interested in children’s subscription boxes.
I’m not talking about boxes filled with random toys that get played with for five minutes and then disappear under the couch. I’m talking about thoughtfully designed boxes that give children opportunities to build, create, experiment, read, explore, and develop new skills.
For a busy mom, there is another benefit: someone else has already done much of the planning.
Here are some subscription boxes worth exploring if you’re looking for ways to encourage growth and learning at home.
Science and STEM Boxes for Curious Kids
Curiosity Box
If your child is more interested in experiments than coloring, then this IS the STEM-focused subscription option.
Some boxes focus specifically on science experiments, while others emphasize engineering, building, coding, or problem-solving.
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affordable
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web dashboard
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no limit to the # of devices you can monitor
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geofencing tools
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easy setup & configuration
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expensive
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web filters defeated by TOR
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relatively few preset web filters
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limited geofencing features
The important thing is to choose something based on your child’s interests rather than choosing the box that looks most impressive online.
A child who loves building may get far more out of an engineering kit than a science experiment box.
And that’s okay.
Lovevery: Developmental Play for Little Ones
Lovevery
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affordable
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web dashboard
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no limit to the # of devices you can monitor
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geofencing tools
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easy setup & configuration
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expensive
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web filters defeated by TOR
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relatively few preset web filters
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limited geofencing features
What I like about this concept as a mom is that the toys aren’t just about keeping a child occupied.
They’re designed to encourage things like exploration, fine-motor development, sensory experiences, problem-solving, and independent play.
And let’s be honest: sometimes having an activity ready to go is exactly what a tired mom needs.
Lovevery also offers an option to purchase individual Play Kits, so you don’t necessarily have to commit to a long-term subscription to try one.
KiwiCo: For the Curious Kid
KiwiCo:
KiwiCo is another favorite for families looking for hands-on learning.
One of the things that makes KiwiCo appealing is the variety of age groups and interests. Its current lineup includes learning tracks covering STEM, art, geography, and other hands-on activities.
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affordable
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web dashboard
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no limit to the # of devices you can monitor
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geofencing tools
-
easy setup & configuration
-
expensive
-
web filters defeated by TOR
-
relatively few preset web filters
-
limited geofencing features
For younger children, there are age-appropriate crates designed around exploration and discovery. Older kids can move into projects involving science, engineering, art, geography, and making.
This is a great option for the child who is constantly asking:
“How does that work?”
“Can I build one?”
“What happens if I do this?”
Instead of answering those questions with “Please stop taking the toaster apart,” you can give them something appropriate to experiment with.
KiwiCo’s biggest advantage for a busy parent may be the convenience. The activities arrive with the materials and instructions, so you don’t have to spend an hour searching Pinterest for something your child can build with supplies you don’t have.
Little Passports: Learning About the World
Lovevery
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affordable
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web dashboard
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no limit to the # of devices you can monitor
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geofencing tools
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easy setup & configuration
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expensive
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web filters defeated by TOR
-
relatively few preset web filters
-
limited geofencing features
I especially like the idea of this type of box for families who aren’t traveling frequently.
Let’s face it—travel can be expensive.
A subscription that encourages kids to learn about different parts of the world can give them a small taste of geography and culture from home.
It can also be a great conversation starter.
You might discover that your child becomes fascinated with a country you’ve never talked about before, leading to library books, recipes, music, maps, or even a family movie night inspired by what they learned.
The Real Benefit: Less Planning for Mom
This may be the biggest reason subscription boxes appeal to me.
As moms, we already have enough things to plan.
I’m not saying a subscription box replaces playing with your children, reading together, going outside, or exploring your community.
It doesn’t.
But it can give you a starting point.
Instead of thinking:
“What are we going to do today?”
you can open a box and say:
“Let’s see what’s inside.”
Sometimes that little bit of structure is all you need.
They Can Encourage Independent Play
One of the things I appreciate most about thoughtfully designed activity boxes is the opportunity for children to work independently.
Of course, younger children may need help, and some projects are definitely better as parent-and-child activities.
But as children grow, many projects can become opportunities for them to follow directions, solve problems, experiment, and figure things out on their own.
That can be valuable for both of you.
Your child gets to experience the satisfaction of completing something independently, and Mom gets a few minutes to drink her coffee while it’s still hot.
That’s what I call a win-win.
You Don't Need a Subscription to Everything
Here’s my biggest piece of advice before signing up for multiple boxes:
Don’t.
You don’t need three monthly subscriptions arriving at your door.
Choose one that matches your child’s age and interests.
Try it for a while.
See whether your child actually enjoys it.
If they love it, great.
If they don’t, cancel it and try something else.
Some companies also offer individual boxes or gift options, which can be a good way to test an experience without immediately committing to an ongoing subscription.
A Note About the Cost
Subscription boxes are convenient, but convenience comes with a price.
As a single-income household, I have to look at purchases differently.
Before subscribing, I ask myself:
Will my child actually use this?
Does it fit their interests?
Can I afford the recurring charge?
Could I buy something similar locally for less?
Is this something that will provide several hours of meaningful activity rather than five minutes of excitement?
If the answer is yes, a subscription box may be worth the investment.
If not, there is absolutely nothing wrong with skipping it.
Your child does not need a subscription box to thrive.
The Best Box Is the One That Fits Your Child
There is no single “best” subscription box for every family.
For babies and young toddlers, a developmental play approach like Lovevery may be appealing.
For kids who love science, building, and making things, KiwiCo offers a wide range of hands-on learning tracks.
For children fascinated by geography and different cultures, Little Passports can turn learning about the world into an ongoing adventure.
And there are plenty of other options for science, books, art, cooking, coding, and more.
The trick is to start with your child, not the box.
What makes their eyes light up?
What do they ask questions about?
What do they love doing?
What skills are you hoping to encourage?
Start there.
A Little Help for Mom, a Lot of Fun for Kids
Being a single mom means there are plenty of days when you are simply trying to get everyone fed, dressed, to school, home again, and into bed.
You don’t have to create a Pinterest-worthy educational activity every afternoon.
Sometimes it’s okay to let someone else do some of the planning.
A thoughtfully chosen subscription box can provide your child with something new to explore while giving you a little help creating meaningful learning opportunities at home.
And maybe that’s the real beauty of these boxes.
They’re not about being the “perfect” mom.
They’re about finding little ways to encourage your child’s curiosity, independence, creativity, and love of learning—even when Mom is tired, the laundry is overflowing, and tomorrow’s lunch still needs to be packed.
Because sometimes, supporting your child’s growth doesn’t require doing more.
Sometimes it just means finding the right tools to help you do what you’re already doing a little easier.