Best kids craft box subscription services perfect for lockdown
From cooking to crafting, there are activity boxes to cater to all imaginations
The public may need to remain tucked away indoors as we head into 2021 in another lockdown, but the joy of playing, crafting and gift-giving cannot be contained. Activity subscription boxes make fantastic presents for the little ones you love. Gift a subscription that will encourage them to try new skills at home, with everything needed to do so neatly packaged and arriving through the letterbox.
There are tonnes of activity box subscriptions available and plenty of discount codes and offers to help you on your way. Here are some of the best activity box subscriptions for kids with some introductory discounts thrown in to sweeten the deal.
Britian Loves Baking — baking
Britain Loves Baking set out to provide affordable cooking kits for kids that teach basic baking skills and encourage learning, play and fun. Each baking box comes with all the necessary ingredients to make delicious treats like chocolate orange bread, banana cupcake, berry and chocolate cupcakes and more. The easy-to-follow recipes can be completed with family, or with the help of a free online bakery course: Bake-Along With Libby. Bake, laugh, eat and see the pride in your child's face when they master the recipes. Baking kits start from £9, with no subscription required.
Kiwi Co — science, art, design projects
It's hard to summarise what Kiwi Co has to offer as they truly have so much! Their monthly delivery 'crates' are suitable for ages 0—104 (yes, believe it!) and have won multiple awards including a Parents Choice Gold Award and Dr. Toy's award for one of the Ten Best Creative Toys in the US.
Families can choose from eight lines (or flex between all of them) which cover everything from geography, art, science, engineering, design and more. These fun and enriching STEAM projects are designed to spark creativity, tinkering and learning. The flexible subscription can be altered any time and new creators can enjoy 30% off the first crate with discount code LEARN30.
Mrs Wordsmith — reading and writing
Where to even start with this award-winning, best-selling, internationally acclaimed education resource provider... Mrs Wordsmith goes above and beyond, providing teacher-recommended spelling, vocabulary and fun reading comprehension books and games to accelerate kids' learning during playtime. The range includes illustrated dictionaries, word of the day calendars, storytelling games and so much more. This is not technically an activity box subscription but for those homeschooling their kids just now, this could be a great resource.
Letterbox Lab — Science
Who says experiments can't be safely conducted at home? Certainly not Letterbox Lab, who supply a simply wonderful selection of science-centric activities and experiments. Kits include everything needed to play and learn with science. The Explore box is available for ages 6-12+ alongside the Investigate box, which is suitable for ages 8-12+. Subscribe from £9.50 a month or purchase a one-off.
Bookabees — reading
Inject some excitement into every storytime with a delivery from Bookabees. They curate a personalised box of books, educational activities and more for children. Each box features their name and is filled with stories and activities tailored to their personal interests and reading levels. This book box is one of the best rated in the market and is easily customisable. Subscriptions for 1, 3 or 5 books per month are available, and boxes start at £6.99 with a 30% introductory discount is currently available for new customers.
Geo Journey — geography
Meet Geo the owl and his best friend Atlas the puppy. This fun duo are travelling the world and taking children on a global adventure, right at home. The Geo Journey Explore kit is a fun monthly package that focuses on one new country every month. Activities, letters, factsheets, souvenirs, stickers and more interactively teach children about the world around them and complements the National Curriculum for Geography Key Stages 1 and 2 . Geo Journey Blast into Space is also available for those looking to learn about what is beyond the earth. Try from £12 per month.
geojourney.co.uk and also available via Not on the Highstreet.
ToucanBOX — arts & crafts
ToucanBOX run a flexible activity box subscription service that delivers an eclectic mix of materials to encourage crafting, creativity and learning (inspired by the Montessori learning principles no less).
Kids can enjoy the hands-on process of making before playtime as their diverse selection of crafts turn into interactive games, dress-up, role-play, toys and much more. Each box comes with stickers and a magazine as a fun extra. Trial boxes are available with a one-time discount of 50% off, and prices start from £5.95 per box thereafter.
Ready Stready Paint — arts & crafts
For budding artists, this subscription box guarantees to be informative and fun. Each Ready Steady Paint art subscription box features all the high-quality art materials needed for two hand-curated activities per month. Kids can follow along and learn with their personal art expert, Ali Hargreaves via her tutorial videos. Classes cover observational drawings, watercolour techniques and so much more, all with fun and flair. Ready Steady Paint is suitable for ages of 6-11.
Save on your first box when you sign up to Ready Steady Paint. For 40% off the first box with a six-month subscription use code WELCOME40 or for 75% off first box with an annual subscription use the code WELCOME75 at the checkout.
KeepEmQuiet — entertainment packs
KeepEmQuiet's award-winning entertainment packs are crammed full of exciting surprises for children to discover and to keep them entertained in a plethora of situations. From lockdown days and sick days, to weddings or long haul flights, each pack is designed to keep your children busy.
Families can choose packs to suit boys or girls from ages 1-5+. Moreover, throughout the year KeepEmQuiet bundle up themed entertainment packs perfect for summer holidays, Halloween, Christmas and more.
Packs are available in small, medium and large sizes, and contain between 5-9 entertainment items and healthy snacks, all neatly packaged in a drawstring bag. Activity sets include everything from race tracks to Play-Doh sets to scrapbooks and beyond.
Little Cooks Co — baking
Little Cooks Co have crafted healthy, fun and organic cooking kits for kids. Each box contains recipe cards and collectible stickers alongside all the dry ingredients needed to bake something special at home. Recipes vary from millionaire shortbread to strawberry muffins, and most dietary needs are accommodated.
All ingredients are organic, refined sugar-free, pre-measured for ease and 100% eco-friendly. An introductory discount of 25% off the first box is available and subscriptions start at £8.33 a box thereafter.
Big question Emily, how does the stuff you made taste? Emily: Amazing, almost too good to eat! — Emily (aged 6) reviews Little Cooks Co. Read the full review.
Baker Ross — arts & craft
Not only is Baker Ross a one-stop-shop for amazing, unique and educational kids arts and craft supplies but they run a craft box subscription service Craft-It. Kids receive new craft activity ideas and supplies each month.
Baker Ross activity boxes are designed to be educational, cost-effective, exciting and convenient. Each box comes with two craft packs, an activity book and stickers. Try Craft-It and take 50% off your first box, priced at £4.95.