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The sun is shining, the weather’s warm, and you… well, you can’t stand one more hour at the pool, park, or community playground. Every mama needs a break from those 12-hour days of outdoor summer play, but parking your tot in front of the TV all season isn’t really the best option. Instead of stressing over summertime activities for your kiddo, check out these subscription services that will keep them engaged and entertained — in a totally screen-free way.
Sensory TheraPlay Box
If your child has special needs, this is the subscription service for them. Even if they don’t, the toys included in these kits can help all kids develop important sensory motor skills. Curated by a pediatric occupational therapist, each box contains five to six items that help your child engage in sensory play, such as favorites that therapists actually use, goodies that have received positive feedback from parents, and toys that aren’t necessarily created for special needs children but have developmental and sensory benefits.
We Craft Box
When your little artist loves to create, but you’re not exactly a Picasso, this is the perfect addition to summer playtime. This subscription service provides everything you need to make a fun craft project with your kiddo, including materials and directions. So you’ll have more time for crafting together, and less time braving the craft store with a tot in tow.
Amazon Prime Book Box
Choose a one, two, or three-month subscription, give Amazon your child’s age range (baby-2, 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12), and wait for a box of books to arrive. Each box contains two hardcover or four board books handpicked for the given age range, and at up to 35 percent off the list price. This is the easiest (and most affordable) way to spark your kid’s imagination and encourage a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
Hoppi Box
These tot toy boxes focus on the youngest set, catering to kids age three and under. Receive a new box of toys every season based on your child’s developmental stage. The boxes all include three to five full-sized toys — no mini or trial-sized items here! Child development experts help to pick the toys, giving your little one the chance to play and explore with some of the best educational items out there.
Bluum
Get four or more full-sized products delivered straight to your door that will make your life as a parent easier, and your kid’s life more fun. Books; age-appropriate, high-quality toys; apparel accessories; and home and body care items are all things you can expect to find in this subscription box, tailored to kids up to five-years-old. Bonus: They use organic and all-natural products whenever possible.
Hoot for Kids
Founded by a pediatric occupational therapist, Hoot for Kids includes three toys in each box that are customized for your child’s age and developmental stage, for newborns up to age six. In addition, you’ll receive personalized activity cards developed by an occupational therapist to help direct the play. You can even fill out an optional questionnaire that will further customize the toy selections, specifically targeting areas such as fine motor, gross motor, sensory, and visual perception skills.
Green Kids Crafts
Combine art and science with an age-based subscription box and you get this fun and educational service. Pick an age range for your child (boxes are available for children ages two to 10+), and you’ll get a bountiful kit that’s filled with all kinds of STEAM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, including project materials, step-by-step instructions, and a 12-page activity magazine. There’s even a sibling option for a box that contains two sets of each project kit — so you won’t have to break up any fights when your kids don’t want to share!
Monti Kids
If you’re a fan of the Montessori method of education, you’ll love these boxes for your infant or toddler. You’ll get a box full of new Montessori materials every three months, plus a short tutorial video for you to watch so you can learn how to best use each toy to maximize your child’s learning and development.
My Pretend Play
When the dress-up bin in your home is seriously lacking, this subscription service will come to the rescue. Each box includes a dress-up costume, a craft or activity, and an inspirational book, and you can choose from boy, girl, or gender neutral. The only thing wrong with this service that provides hours upon hours of entertainment is that it didn’t exist when we were kids!
