Buzz
We’re stepping into a phase of monotony. The festive season has ended, and many families are looking at several months of unfavorable weather, leading to more indoor time and, inevitably, bored kids.
Sure, they likely received plenty of new toys during the holidays, but there will come a time when you’ll wish for something fresh to break the routine and keep them occupied on an unexpected snow day. However, they truly don’t need more belongings.
Instead, you could rent something temporarily. This is where toy-sharing subscription services come in. As reported by Pinterest, toy-sharing gained popularity in 2018, with searches for “toy-sharing subscriptions” increasing by 313 percent.
Advantages of toy-sharing memberships
Renting toys is more affordable than purchasing them outright.
It allows you to test toys without committing to a full purchase.
Reduces the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills.
You can select educational toys tailored to their current developmental stage.
Kids receive packages, and who doesn’t love getting mail?
If they fall in love with a specific toy, you still have the option to buy it.
Here are a few options to explore:
Green Piñata Toys
For $24.99 per month, aimed at children aged 6 months to 5 years, you can pick up to four toys per box. Choose your toys, enjoy them, buy the ones you can’t return, and send back the others while waiting for your next delivery. Their toy catalog highlights that “all toys are chemical-free, crafted from sustainable wood or recycled plastic, and produced in eco-friendly environments.”
Toy Library
You can select 2 toys per monthly delivery for children from infancy to age 10. Basic plans begin at $19.99 monthly, with costs varying based on the toy's value. The company boasts a collection of over 500 toys and provides personalized recommendations based on your child’s interests. As stated by Toy Library, all toys are sanitized using “ultrasonic baths,” and wooden toys are cleaned with “non-toxic, eco-friendly, antibacterial wipes.”
If you prefer fewer toys and more engaging activities, consider an activity-focused subscription:
Little Passports
Designed to spark curiosity about global cultures, Little Passports offers various programs for kids aged 3-12. Early explorers (ages 3-5) receive themed kits covering topics like music, oceans, or dinosaurs. Children aged 6-10 explore a new country each month, while those aged 7-12 discover two U.S. states monthly. Kids 9 and up can enjoy monthly science experiments and hands-on activities.
KiwiCo
KiwiCo delivers monthly “crates” packed with science and art projects. Select a crate tailored to age or interest, such as the “play and learn” crate for 3-4-year-olds, science and art for ages 5-8, or geography and culture for ages 6-11. They also offer crates for tweens and teens, focusing on art and design, science and engineering, or engineering and design. Each kit includes all necessary materials, and as stated on KiwiCo’s website, the projects are designed by engineers, educators, and real rocket scientists.
Spangler Science Club
Targeted at “young scientists” aged 5-12, you can choose from “starter,” “lab,” or “deluxe” editions, which differ in complexity and the number of STEM activities provided.
