These STEM Subscription Crates for Kids Are the Must-Have Holiday Gift — Grab Them on Sale Ahead of the Rush

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Save on these fun and educational age-based kits that both kids and parents have been raving about.

Shopping for kids' holiday gifts can be a challenge. You want to get them something fun and educational without making it that obvious during playtime. Or perhaps you’re looking for a screen-time alternative to keep them just as engaged and entertained. Luckily, there’s a gift out there that ticks all of these boxes, and it’s on sale.

KiwiCo is a company dedicated to creating challenging and sneakily enjoyable craft “crates” that are filled with creative learning activities for kids of all ages. These crates are packed with age-appropriate, STEM-based activities for all kids, ranging from infants to teenagers, with themes that capture their attention like cooking and building. And according to its site, the brand has sold over 40 million crates worldwide.

KiwiCo’s crates can be bought as individual gifts or as a subscription-based box that has 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans. Some of the younger age-themed crates are even available in 24-month plans so your child is set for two years — and you get a better value. And, for a limited time, you can use code HOLIDAY at checkout for 20 percent off any subscription. Not sure which one to choose? We picked a few that are worth a second look below.

To buy: KiwiCo Panda Crate, $183.96  for a 12-month subscription (was $229.95); kiwico.com

Begin playtime with infants and babies that are 0-24-months-old with the Panda Crate. This box includes four to six nurturing and brain-building toys and activities designed by KiwiCo and experts in early childhood development. This crate also has a magazine and activity cards for parents to make the most out of playtime with their baby and their new favorite toy. The Panda Crate has over 2,500 reviews, including one from a parent who said it has been “extremely helpful” for their baby’s development. Another shopper added that the crate is “high quality” and “entertaining.”

To Buy: KiwiCo Kiwi Crate, $183.96  for a 12-month subscription (was $229.95); kiwico.com  

One of our editors shared her kids’ experience with KiwiCo in PEOPLE, and noted that these crates were among their “favorite gifts.” The Kiwi Crate introduces science and art with projects like building an arcade claw or learning about the science of trees. It has over 10,900 reviews, with many reviewers sharing that this crate gave them fun activities to do with their children. One wrote that having this crate created a “great way to spend time with [their] daughter and learn along the way.” Another parent said they “love that all crates include the needed supplies” to streamline playtime, too.

To Buy: KiwiCo Atlas Crate, $183.96 for a 12-month subscription (was $229.95); kiwico.com

The Atlas Crate dives into fun and more intellectual projects by learning about other communities and cultures around the world. Kids ages six to 11 can hand-craft Japanese paper fish or weave a small Peruvian blanket for a mini alpaca. These crates also come with a recipe from another country for the whole family to cook and enjoy together. One reviewer said that the cooking part of this crate has “fantastic learning materials” and that it gave their child a “great sense of accomplishment.”

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To Buy: KiwiCo Yummy Crate, $183.96 for a 12-month subscription (was $229.95); kiwico.com 

There are plenty of crate options for older kids, too. The Yummy Crate gives kids ages six to 14 a chance to bring out their inner chef with recipes for burgers and salmon skewers. There’s also the Doodle Crate for kids ages nine to 16 who love art a chance to express their creativity through projects like a felt succulent garden or making soap from scratch. And for those who love to build, the Eureka Crate is where kids ages 12 and over can workshop their engineering skills and build an electric pencil sharpener or a wooden ukulele. Among the thousands of reviews, shoppers shared how their kids “anxiously” await the arrival of their KiwiCo crates each month.

KiwiCo has a lot to offer kids of all ages, and if you’re stuck on trying to figure out which crate to gift kids this holiday season, be sure to check out the brand’s handy gift guide. Just remember to use code HOLIDAY at checkout for 20% off your subscription.