Children's book subscriptions allow young readers to experience the joy of receiving mail and of reading. Each month children receive a package addressed to them containing brand-new age-appropriate books. There are many companies with different options to choose from for parents, family members, and friends.
LillyPost
Perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, each box from LillyPost features hand-wrapped packaging, a note and stickers. As a bonus, for every box shipped the company donates a new book to a charity organization. Purchase one box for about $25 or save money and get an extra surprise item quarterly with a 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription (where the 12th month is free). Shipping is always free with this service. Subscriptions come with automatic renewal, but you can cancel anytime.
LillyPost offers two box options:
- Board Book Box, for ages 0 to 2, comes with five board books. Past titles include Mr. Men: Little Miss Helpful and Dear Zoo Animal Shapes.
- Picture Book Box for ages 3 and up includes four picture books like There Was an and Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight.
bookroo
Three sisters-in-law run this company for readers under age 6. They use recycled and recyclable packaging for all their boxes. The bookroo team looks for lesser-known titles that boast great stories and pictures. You won't find many classics in these boxes. There are two standard subscription options:
- They offer a board book box for ages 0-2 with three books total. Past titles have included books such as Chuckling Ducklings.
- For older readers, their picture book box for ages 2-6 features two books. Past titles have included books like Blue chicken.
A recurring one-month plan starts at $17.99 per month plus shipping and handling. The three-, six- and twelve-month subscriptions cost $15.99 per month. If they send you a book you already own, take a picture of your child donating it to someone else and the company gives you $5 off your next subscription. They also offer the option to request alternating picture books and board books if you have multiple children. The company is noteable especially for finding titles you might have overlooked as The Creative Mom notes, "...They look for hidden gems... so we can be sure we're getting something we don't already have."
Little Fun Club
If you want boxes customized to a child's age and interests, Little Fun Club is for you. Subscriptions are available for kids up to age 12 and each box is loaded with three books, hand-picked based on the information you provide. You'll get award-winning books like The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend or The Magician's Apprentice with this club.
Subscriptions are month to month for $25 per month. Shipping is included in the price and you can cancel at any time. As a bonus, kids get an extra gift-wrapped book in the box for their birthday month. If you need a package for two kids, request that specialization and you'll get one book geared toward each child and one book to share in each box. The blogger behind Moms & Crafters likes the variety most but warns all the books weren't optimally catered to the child's age.
Reading Bug Box
Reading Bug is an independent children's bookstore in California. Their trained employees select books and gifts for each box based on the child's age interests. They offer boxes for children up to age 13. Titles include popular and award-winning books like Guess How Much I Love You and Harold and the Purple Crayon. Subscription options include:
- A one-child box contains two to four books and surprise gifts for $27 per month.
- A box for two children contains four to six books and surprise gifts for $45 per month.
- Board Book Box for babies and toddlers contains a standardized set of books for $18 a month.
- Teacher boxes are customized for pre-K through 8th grade and contain three to four books plus classroom materials starting at $27 per month.
Payment options for a Reading Bug Box are month to month, six-month prepay, or twelve-month prepay. Shipping is a standard $3.50 per month.
If you get a book you already own, the company gives you a $5 gift card for a photo of you donating the book. The Reading Bug Box has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Cratejoy with customers raving about the personal touches and varied book selection.
The Picture Book Club
The mom behind this subscription service is an editor, writer and lawyer who looks to include hidden gems in place of popular titles. Each package comes with a handwritten note, which adds to the customized feel of The Picture Book Club. There are two subscription options for kids up to age seven.
- Custom subscriptions include one book per month with a personalized nameplate in a three-, six- and twelve-month commitment. Hardcovers only cost around $25 per month while paperback selections are under $15.
- Themed subscriptions include one book per month, with all books fitting in the same theme. These run about $20 per month and include themes like translated titles or aquatic life.
Writer Stephen Haskell loves the ease of selection and checkout along with the "thoughtful and warm" package presentation.
Your Perfect Box
Find the best fit for your family by looking at various companies and their reviews to determine what fits your needs. Consider your:
- Child's age and interests
- Family budget
- Literary expectations
Evaluate subscriptions based on:
- The market value of the books received
- The cost of the subscription
- Contracts and cancellation policies
- Quality of books from past boxes
- Number of books and extras provided each month
Subscription book services vary in cost, but those with a limited budget can learn how to get free books for kids. These no-cost options include monthly programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
You've Got Mail
Kids love getting mail delivered with their name on it. Combine the excitement of getting mail and a love of reading with monthly book clubs for children.
