My favorite reading-based subscriptions for little ones & families
We all know by now that reading and language development are two of the most important fundamental skills we can foster in our children, and these subscription boxes make it a little easier to grow your mini’s personal library from home. Of course, your local library should definitely be on your list of places to frequent (For all kinds of things, not just books!), but there’s still something special about establishing an in-home collection they can love well and pass along in the future. In the meantime, enjoy reading to them and watching as they independently explore the world of books! Most services also offer single boxes and gifting options if you’re on the hunt for something for your favorite family.
Bookroo
Bookroo is a classic monthly book subscription offering a wide variety of popular favorites like Dream Big, Little One and Giraffes Can’t Dance as well as hidden gems like To The Sea at up to 50% off. Options include durable board books for first-time readers, engaging picture books for toddlers, and a range of chapter books to keep up with your little bookworm at every stage. Plus, each book comes individually wrapped as a special treat and bonus sensory/motor skill activity!
Starts at $16.95/box, includes 2 board or picture books or 3 chapter books/box. Click here to subscribe and use code BOOKS2LOVE for 15% off your subscription!
EPIC!
Looking for something more tech-friendly? Whether you have a little STEM fanatic or need some help motivating your kiddo to read, Epic! Books has your back. Always ad-free and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, Epic! offers a digital book subscription for kids with unlimited access to their full library, including audio books and exclusive original titles. This digital resource can also come in handy when you’re reaching the end of your patience for the books in your house and need a quick new pick before story time. For older kids who are able to use electronics, the app also rewards readers with badges for progress. Worried about e-reading? You can let your little one read worry-free knowing Epic! is used by teachers nationwide and is a member of the Educational Books and Media Association.
Access costs $7.99/mo including unlimited ad-free access to the entire library. Sign up here for a 30-day free trial.
Highlights
A classic favorite and blast from the past for many caretakers, Highlights is another educational staple that has endless options to suit your family. My recommendation for the littlest ones is Hello magazine, which delivers a monthly toddler-approved, washable, tear-resistant magazine with stitched (not stapled) binding designed to help little ones understand their world. Each issue follows a theme and contains multiple types of engaging content including pictures, stories, poems, and activities. Each magazine is also delivered sealed to help keep your family germ-free!
Starts at $27/year, includes 12 issues/year. Browse subscription options here and save up to 60% with a three-year subscription.
Little Bookish Wardrobe
For big imaginations, Little Bookish Wardrobe is a niche subscription service that combines the best of both reading and play. In each box your little one will find a new book accompanied by 2-3 coordinating costume pieces and accessories, allowing them to dive into imaginative play with new inspiration each month. The selected books are generally newly published and lesser-known favorites designed to always keep your bookshelf and playtime fresh. Boxes also contain fun freebies like a craft pack and interactive story-based games!
*FYI, this service offers boxes with “boy/girl“ options. My recommendation is to go with what works best for the interests of your readers. This could include switching between boxes monthly or purchasing a sibling box with both options, asking your child about their preference, or intentionally purchasing a gender-confirming option. You can also check out a hint for each month’s theme to help guide your choice. LBW also offers more info on this in their FAQ here.
Subscriptions start at $30/month, and options are available for sibling boxes. Reserve your box through CrateJoy here.
