These subscription gift ideas are great for last-minute gifts, experience gifts, and as the gifts that keep on giving all year! Check out these ideas for monthly boxes and magazines for kids and adults!
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My last gift guide of the year is for subscription gift ideas– but these are not just ideas for Christmas. We have tried most of these subscriptions, and the others have been recommended to me personally and I’d love to give them a try too!
Subscriptions are great investments , not only because its very exciting to receive mail, but also because good subscriptions can provide quality resources, serve as learning supplements, and be wonderful ways to connect as a family.
Check out the subscriptions in this list, both boxes and magazines, for both kids and adults. Be sure to save this post to refer back to next time you need a birthday gift idea, or if you’re in need of fun ways to brighten up the winter months, or have easy activities on hand to occupy kids at home.
Subscription Gift Ideas :: Boxes & Magazines
FOR KIDS
5 High-Quality Subscription Boxes
KIWI Crate :: (delivery still possible before Christmas)
We subscribed to KIWI crates for my youngest two kids for all of 2021. Initially, I wanted something to do with my younger kids for some intentional time together since my older kids get more of my attention during school hours. However, the subscription gave us a lot more than that. My kids worked on following directions for each of the projects, my older kids were able to help them complete projects and read instructions (which turned out to be great practice in patience and helpfulness for my big kids too), and each box was themed and included a small book with information about the theme.
The projects are very fun and creative, all the necessary supplies are included, and for the most part, the end results can be enjoyed for months to come. I gave each child with a subscription a storage box just for their KIWI projects and materials so they could pull out past projects and use past supplies when they wanted.
KIWI has boxes for all ages, covering a variety of interests. There are builder boxes, art boxes, geography boxes, and more. Since my older kids always wanted boxes of their own, this year for our stockings, each of my five kids is getting a KIWI box geared towards their age and interest. (See my 2021 Stockings list to see which boxes I selected).
All in all, I highly recommend KIWI crate. We really enjoyed the projects, had great customer support when needed, and will likely revisit the subscription again… maybe this time with the Maker boxes!
This year for Christmas I am gifting a subscription to MEL Science to my oldest son. I am very excited for him to have this opportunity to explore more science topics and perform more experiments, with the support of the subscription and all that it includes– 2 to 3 experiments a month, a VR headset and starter kit, VR lessons, and live lessons with professional teachers.
When I was shopping around for chemistry sets for my older boys, I found it difficult to find sets with quality gear and experiments that amounted to more than what we could do (and have done) with ingredients from the kitchen. The supplies and experiments that come with the MEL Science subscription, however, are not basic or low-quality. If your child is interested in science, or you want to foster that learning, this is a great option.
We are starting with the chemistry subscription, but there are other sciences covered too, like physics and even medicine.
You can save 50% on your first month’s set with the code THISPILGRIMLIFE50!
Little Passports :: (delivery still possible before Christmas)
These boxes are a great way to explore the world, and also our own country (the US for our family). I love that you can choose boxes according to your kids’ ages too.
Each box includes hands-on activities, stories, and souvenirs related to the country or area of the world you are currently “visiting”.
When we revisit US geography next year, I want to come back and check out this subscription again!
Raddish Kids :: (delivery still possible before Christmas)
I am all about kids learning how to cook and becoming confident in the kitchen at a young age. It’s great for kids for so many reasons (confidence, learning skills, contributing to the family, quality time with parents, etc), but it’s also great for parents because it means you’ll have capable helpers before you know it.
If teaching your kids to cook seems daunting, or you have extra-eager sous chefs, OR you just want to make sure that time together in the kitchen is a regular, consistent habit, then a subscription box can be a great idea.
Raddish Kids has boxes for all ages and culinary tastes. Each box comes with recipe cards, a kitchen tool, a kitchen craft, conversation starter cards and a patch to iron on their apron, skill lesson sheets, and a grocery list. They are so thorough!
You can sign up for a subscription that fits your family and needs and change it at any time. Investing in kids learning to cook is definitely a worthwhile investment!
If you have creative kids who want to learn and grow in their art skills, plus would enjoy receiving a package in the mail just for them, then the Let’s Make Art kids subscription could be a great fit.
Each month’s box comes with the necessary supplies, four projects, and available online lessons.
Magazine Subscriptions
- The Weekly Jr :: news and current events without bias for kids
- Wildflowers Mag :: beautiful magazine for creative girls
- Scout Life :: outdoor magazine for boys
- National Geographic for Kids :: my kids love these magazines!
- LEGO magazine :: free magazine with LEGO ideas
FOR ADULTS
Subscription Boxes
I have received several Artza subscription boxes and have been blown away by each one. Each Artza box includes up to 9 handcrafted, artisanal items from Israel, along with personal stories about the real people who made them. (The cards with pictures and details about the craftsmen are some of my favorite parts!)
If you’re looking for a gift that is both unique and high-quality, these subscription boxes 100% fit the bill. You could gift an entire box, or order one and divide it into gifts for you and others.
This month’s Christmas box included two beautiful wooden ornaments, 2 tasty snacks, 2 chocolate bars, handmade soap, artwork, and a coloring book to help you learn more about the Holy Land.
Artza is still offering shipping before Christmas, but don’t wait too long!
One of my good friends subscribed to the Watercoloring subscription and really enjoyed it. All your materials are included, except paint brushes, and there is enough to do much more than the month’s specific projects.
If you (or someone you love) want to make time to be creative, investing in an art box like this one would be a great motivator to actually sit down and complete the projects!
Included in each Watercolor subscription box are 4 projects, materials needed, and video tutorials.
This subscription box from Bespoke Post looks so amazing! I love that the boxes include a variety of items reflecting different interests, and appreciate that each is customizable. This box would be perfect for men interested in adventure, outdoors, travel, grooming care, etc.
You can still order and receive a box by Christmas! Check out all they have to offer here!
Give the gift of fresh food delivered right to the door. For someone who wants to plan fewer meals, learn some new recipes, or make cooking fun again, a food related subscription box is a great idea!
Sign up to start 2022 with something fresh and fun.
Magazine Subscriptions
- Wild & Free :: monthly magazine with articles on mothering, homeschool, and seasonal handicraft ideas with beautiful pictures throughout. A subscription also included extra online resources.
- Commonplace Quarterly :: a gorgeous magazine with longer form articles related to motherhood and Charlotte Mason home education
- Magnolia Journal :: Seasonal tips, family, food, and more four times a year.
- The Drake :: fly fishing magazine my husband really enjoys. It’s thick and great quality!
- Cooks Illustrated :: these cooking magazines have some of the best tips, recipes, and information!
I hope this list has given some fresh ideas, not just for the holidays, but worthwhile investments throughout the whole year! Subscriptions make great birthday gifts too!
Check out my other gift guides on my GIFT GUIDE page. If you have a subscription that your family loves, please share in the comments!
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