So alas, summer is here and the kids are out of school until fall. Which in turn means that I’ll be schlepping them from store to store running the tedious errands that were once so easy when they were in school all day. The grocery store trip is now an hour long process followed by a painfully slow check-out, all thanks to the the “super-fun” self-checkout that the kids insist on taking turns doing.
When we go to the store, it’s usually three kids against me, and being outnumbered has lost its appeal, so I’m staying out of the stores and strictly hitting the internet this summer to do my shopping. Having said that, sometimes I wait until the last minute to shop for what we need, so I’m particularly fond of subscription boxes because it’s like a welcome surprise each month.
Here are my top picks for fun subscription boxes that are filled with everything: from arts and crafts for the kids to a wine club that mom and dad can enjoy under the summer stars.
More Online Shopping Ideas:
Summer Made Easy: Best Subscription Boxes for Moms
For Little Scientists and Crafters
I was an early subscriber to Kiwi Crate, and three years later, my kids still look forward to the crafts and science projects to create each month. They will be thoroughly entertained for days with the contents of each kit, and it will make for some easy summer fun without leaving the house. Kiwi Crate, $19.95 + free shipping, at kiwicrate.com .
For Mom Makers
If you love DIY projects, this is the perfect box for you as each box is filled with four to six beginner projects for things you can wear or for the home. It will keep Mom sane while the kids entertain themselves for once this summer. For the Makers, $29 + free shipping, at forthemakers.com .
For Winos
Who doesn't want a few nice bottles of wine to show up on their doorstep each month? Create your wine palate profile when you first join and select three bottles of red or white wines to fill your box each month. Drink them with dinner that night or save them as a hostess gift for the next BBQ you're invited to. Club W, $39 a month + $6 shipping (must be 21 or older to order), at clubw.com .
For Stationery Lovers
Summer is a great time to catch up on your correspondence, and by that I don't mean email. Send a loved one a card via snail mail or hang a beautiful print in your home office with inspiring words. If you love paper products, this is the perfect "surprise" to get each month. OliveBox, $25 a month + $7.95 shipping, at myolivebox.com .
For Beauty Junkies
If you're in need of some new beauty products, then this is the box for you. Birchbox sends you four to five deluxe beauty and lifestyle samples each month based on your beauty profile. It gives you the opportunity to try new things without being tied to a whole bottle of something that you really don't like. Birchbox, $10 a month, at birchbox.com .
For Candy Lovers & Japanophiles
It's summer so it's the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth with some exotic candy you've never had before, right?! Enter Skoshbox which delivers snacks and candies from Japan to your doorstep. It will be an adventure of eating for the kids right in the comfort of home and much cheaper than an actual trip to Tokyo. Skoshbox, $12 a month + free shipping, at skoshbox.com .
For Little Girls
This one is mainly just for girls, but I love that it includes life lessons like how to set a table properly; also included are arts and crafts, a health and fitness activity, and a how-to. It's a little girl's dream box that builds self-confidence. Little Mizz Kit, $29 + free shipping, at littlemizzkit.com .
For Little Adventurers
Take the kids on a world adventure this summer with Little Passports. The first month you get a suitcase, passport, and world map to start your adventures to each country. After that you get activities to do online, country souvenirs, an adventure letter, and stickers to fill your map and passport. Little Passports, $11.95 + $2 shipping, at littlepassports.com .
For Your Pup
If you have a dog to clean up after, this is the best thing that has happened to moms since sliced bread. I'm always running out of poop bags, and I jumped at the chance to have them delivered to my house monthly so that it never happens again. The best part is, it really doesn't cost that much more, and you can choose from scented or unscented! Poop Bag Club, $11 + free shipping for 90 scented eco-friendly bags a month, at poopbagclub.com .