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CNET
26-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
Best Meat Delivery Services for 2025
We did the math and some services can save you money versus the supermarket. Some services send frozen meat while others serve it up fresh. Online butchers in 2024 sell far more than just steak. Prefer to pick your meats each month or be surprised? CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Can't find great meat at your local grocery store? You're not alone. Premium cuts can be hit-or-miss at supermarkets, and when you do find them, they often come with a hefty price tag. That's where meat delivery services come in. These subscription boxes and online butchers deliver high-quality beef, chicken, pork and more straight to your doorstep -- sometimes at better prices than your neighborhood store. Whether you're craving grass-fed steaks, organic chicken or specialty cuts like bison, duck or lamb, these services make it easy to stock your freezer with top-tier protein, no butcher counter required. What's the best meat delivery service overall? Rastelli's, known for its impressive quality and variety, impressed us most out of the dozen or so services we've tried. It's earned a spot atop our list of the best meat delivery services for 2025. From premium meat -- Wagyu and Kobe beef and Berkshire pork -- to more budget-friendly cuts such as flank and skirt steak, there's almost no end to your options when you order from online meat subscriptions and delivery services. There are also options to add chicken, lamb, sausages and seafood to your cart. Below you'll find all the best meat delivery services and subscriptions for 2025, as tested by CNET. Best meat delivery services for 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 Best meat delivery overall Rastelli's Pros Great weekly specials Meat is high-quality and always arrives looking fresh Selection is well curated Cons Beef can be expensive No subscription option What I liked: Rastelli's started out as a small butcher shop in New Jersey serving its local community, but it's always put a premium on the best meat possible and is driven by a love of good food. Prices vary depending on which butcher box you choose, and there are many options, including steak craft burgers, hardwood smoked bacon or grass-fed filet mignon. You can buy any curated box as a one-off meat delivery service purchase but will save if you subscribe. Who is it for: Those who want quality beef that's a step up from most store-bought. Today it ships beef, poultry and seafood across the US from farms that produce responsibly raised meats free of antibiotics, steroids and hormones. It also sources wild-caught and sustainably raised seafood like Faroe Island salmon. Who should avoid it: Rastelli's gives a good amount of information on each product but it's not exhaustive, for better or worse. You can read about where the market sources most of its meats, but the information is a bit general. If you're extremely meticulous about knowing the exact farm and farming practices associated with your meat, there are other delivery services that go a little further. ... Show more Get it now See at Rastelli's Specs & Configurations Subscription only Not available Delivery area Continental U.S. Shipping cost Free on all subscription boxes Meats available Beef, chicken, pork, seafood, turkey, lamb, bison Good for A mix of fish and seafood; weekly specials Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best meat subscription ButcherBox Pros Excellent value if you already eat grass-fed beef, organic chicken and wild salmon Eco-friendly packaging Sign-up offers are great Cons Subscription only Can't choose what comes in your box What I liked: ButcherBox is a meat subscription service that offers a few types of meat but puts an emphasis on its 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised Australian beef. Grass-fed beef is said to be higher in antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fatty acids since it's pastured and its meat products are not raised on feedlots. Some say grass-fed has a purer beefy taste too. Australian beef is some of the most highly regulated in the world. The company also offers heritage breed pork from pigs with plentiful outdoor access and an all-vegetarian diet from forage and feed, and free-range, organic chicken that's humanely raised, with no antibiotics or added hormones. It makes a point of mentioning that it works with "the best possible meat processing facilities" and believes in fair labor practices too. All of the meat is vacuum-packed and frozen, and shipping is free. Who is it for: Those who eat enough meat to warrant a subscription but want to save over grocery store prices. Butcher Box starts at $146 a month. I compared this to what it would cost to buy meat from the grocery store and the supermarket tally was $30 more. As a bonus, the company is usually running some sort of promotion, like free bacon for the life of your subscription or a huge surplus of free meat in your first shipment. Who should avoid it: If you don't mind getting a surprise mix of meats in each delivery, ButcherBox is a great deal. When you sign up with this online butcher, you can choose from all beef, beef and chicken, beef and pork, a mixed box or create a custom box. In any case, you select from two different box sizes depending on how many people you're feeding (or how big your freezer is). If you want complete control, it'll cost you. The Custom Box is $169 a month but allows you to take your pick of over 20 different cuts including ground beef, top sirloin steaks, strip steaks, chuck roast, pork tenderloin, boneless pork chops, chicken breasts and drumsticks. ... Show more Get it now See at ButcherBox Specs & Configurations Subsctription only Yes Delivery area Continental U.S. Shipping cost Free Meats available Beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon Good for Value on high-end cuts Cheapest subscription $146 per shipment Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best meat delivery to gift Porter Road Pros Sends mostly fresh meat, not frozen Sources from small farms and independent producers Small but carefully curated selection Cons Shipping is more expensive for those on the West Coast Items frequently sell out Why I liked it: Based in Nashville, Porter Road offers a variety of cuts of prime beef, pork, lamb and chicken, sourced from Kentucky and Tennessee. Its beef is pasture-raised, grass-fed and grain-finished, but the company uses no added hormones or antibiotics and the animals are free to roam and graze. It's largely a subscription model, but you can order a la carte cuts including pork chops, NY strip steaks, filet mignon, ribeye and ground beef, to less common cuts like Denver steak, lamb T-bones and andouille sausage. You can also add items to your meat subscription. ("Put a bird on it" if you'd like to have chicken next week.) Who is it for: Those who want quality fresh meat. Most of the company's meat is shipped fresh, but depending on the cut, some will be frozen. Who should avoid it: Subscriptions start at $155. You'll get less meat than with ButcherBox's entry-level subscription but the quality is higher for many of the cuts. Specialty selections include the Breakfast Box and a Grilling Heroes Box ($110) with dry-aged steaks, dry-aged burger patties and bratwurst sausage links, with 6 pounds of meat. ... Show more Get it now See at Porter Road Specs & Configurations Subscription only No Delivery area Continental U.S. Shipping cost $0 - $40 depending on the state Meats available Beef, pork, chicken, sausage, bacon and breakfast meats Good for Super high-quality cuts, fresh meat (not frozen) Cheapest subscription $155 per shipment Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best Wagyu meat delivery Snake River Farms Pros Huge selection of Prime and Wagyu beef and Kurobuta pork Free shipping on orders over $199 Seafood available to add to order Cons Meat is pricey No subscription option What I liked: Snake River Farms meat delivery service (and its partner, Double R Ranch) offer something special: Not only dry-aged, USDA Prime beef but American Wagyu (Kobe-style) beef, known for its rich marbling, tender texture and fantastic flavor. All Snake River Farm cows are raised sustainably and humanely in the Northwest, and it offers heritage breed Kurobuta Berkshire pork from pigs raised on small family farms in Idaho and the Midwest. In addition to its exclusive (and accordingly expensive), chef-approved cuts of rare steak, it touts several sustainable ranching practices, from rotational grazing that promotes healthy rangelands to composting cattle waste and using beef tallow for fuel. Even the shipping foam in each butcher box can be dissolved and used as plant food, composted or used as a fire starter. In addition, the meat products company is a founding member of Beef Counts, which helps provide food to families in need. Who is it for: If you've come to Snake River, you're there for the Wagyu. While the company doesn't offer recurring meat delivery service subscriptions, you can buy all sorts of individual cuts like American Wagyu black grade cap and ribeye (prices vary), not to mention Wagyu burgers and hot dogs. Plus, Snake River has Kurobuta pork bacon and baby back ribs if it's pork you're after. Who should avoid it: Those seeking budget-friendly meat. Most Wagyu products are offered in both Gold Grade (the highest quality -- and price -- available) and Black Grade (still special but slightly less devastating to the wallet). As with most other meat delivery services, your cuts will come vacuum-sealed and frozen. Shipping costs $10 for standard shipping or $50 for rush shipping, or you can get free standard shipping on orders over $199. ... Show more Get it now See at Snake River Farms Specs & Configurations Subscription only Not available Delivery area All 50 states Shipping cost Free on orders over $199, $10 for continental U.S. and $25 for Hawaii and Alaska Meats available Beef, sausage, pork, sausages and hot dogs, seafood, precooked meat Good for Wagyu beef, dry-aged beef, Kurobuta pork Cheapest subscription N/A Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best meat delivery service for deals Crowd Cow Pros Recurring boxes and subscriptions can be customized Huge selection of meat and seafood Members get better prices Cons Not as much transparency about souring $99 order minimum Paid membership required for best prices Options can be overwhelming What I like: Crowd Cow aims to "create an alternative to the current meat commodity system" by connecting consumers to quality meat from a carefully curated selection of small farms and independent ranches around the world. The specific offerings range from grass-fed beef and both Japanese and American Wagyu to pork, chicken and American-raised lamb (bison is a recent addition). There's even a grocery store selection of sustainable seafood for those craving surf and turf. You have the option to search by specific cut or type of meat or by the actual farm itself. No matter what meat box or seafood selection you choose, your haul arrives frozen and packaged in 100% recyclable and compostable materials. And it includes information on which farm it came from, making this a perfect option for those seeking transparency in addition to delicious meat. Who is it for: Customers who want the option for a subscription but also to purchase items a la carte, including organic, free-range chicken, bone-in pork chops or grass-fed ground beef. You can set your order to recurring and it'll ship monthly. You can then modify it whenever you like. Who should avoid it: Those who prefer a simpler subscription. Crowd Cow has an expansive offering with hundreds of meat and seafood offerings. ... Show more Get it now $8 off their first order plus $100 of Free Meat and Free Shipping with code: SAVE108 See at Crowd Cow Specs & Configurations Subscription only No Delivery area Contintental U.S. Shipping cost Free on orders over $149 and $25 for all others Meats available Beef, chiceken, pork, seafood, bison, lamb duck, sausage Good for Budget cuts, recurring shipments, large selection Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best for super premium steak Holy Grail Steak Co. Pros Large selection of premium cuts Perfect for gifting Cons Very expensive Limited selection What I like: The newcomer to the high-end meat delivery game sells the best American-raised Wagyu with a deep portfolio of top A5-grade Japanese Wagyu producers on the planet. This includes ultrarare Hokkaido snow beef and beloved Kobe beef. On the website, you can sift through "collections" such as Japanese Wagyu, American Wagyu, USDA Prime Black Angus, Akaushi, steak flights and Wagyu burgers. You can order one-time boxes or custom orders for yourself or choose from carefully curated beef boxes to send as a gift or care package. Enjoy free ground shipping when you spend more than $199 (not hard to do). Who is it for: If you're looking for the very best in beef and have a few extra pennies to spend on the good stuff. Who should avoid it: Budget shoppers. Holy Grail does sport an impressive menu, but it ain't cheap. Your best meat box bet here is buying in bulk versus purchasing in smaller quantities, which is much pricier. ... Show more Get it now See at Holy Grail Steak Co. Specs & Configurations Subscription Only Not available Delivery Area Continenetal U.S. Shipping Cost Free on orders over $199 and $29 for all others Meats Available Wagyu and upper prime beef, Kurobuta pork Good For Premium beef and pork, gifting Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best for ordering meat and groceries Thrive Market Pros Budget-friendly prices Offers full inventory of groceries, not just meat Good customer service Cons Membership required Meat sold in large quantities What I like: Online grocery provider Thrive Market is also a one-stop shop, in a somewhat more traditional sense: The grocery store sells all manner of organic, 100% non-GMO, fair-trade products at wholesale prices, so you can buy various brands of things like paper towels, marinades and snacks, along with bundled boxes of meat and seafood. The company's meat delivery options are many and include 100% grass-fed, free-range beef from small and midsize, family-run ranches and farms, pasture-raised chicken with organic options and wild-caught seafood. You can bundle and save with Thrive's Paleo Box with as much as 20 servings of mixed meat and seafood for $136. Who is it for: Those looking for an online source for meat and other groceries. Who should avoid it: shop from the site, you must pay a $60 annual membership fee (which nets you guaranteed savings and free gifts, plus sponsors a free membership for a low-income family), but you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to test it out first. The company guarantees you'll make back your membership in savings every year, but if not, will give you store credit for the difference. ... Show more Get it now See at Thrive Market Specs & Configurations Subscription only Yes Delivery Area Continental U.S. Shipping Cost Free on orders over $120, otherwise $20 Meats Available Beef, chicken, pork, seafood, bacon, sausage Good For A full grocery order Cheapest subscription $60 per year for membership Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best for discount meat bundles Omaha Steaks Pros Good deals on large orders Bundles with sides and desserts available Great for gifting Cons Meat is not as high-quality as others on our list Website isn't the best Prepared sides and dishes are just OK A lot of salt used Omaha Steaks bills itself as "America's Original Butcher" and has certainly been in the carnivore-feeding business for a long time. Keeping up with the growing preference for grass-fed beef, both grain- and grass-fed are now offered (both options start with grass-fed but the signature beef is grain-finished). Omaha is solid but it's not where I'd turn for super high-end cuts. The company doesn't advertise organic meat as many others do, nor provide much specific information about how and where the animals are raised. But the range of items available is somewhat staggering. From various cuts of beef (steak galore, including cuts as big as 48 ounces) and some harder-to-find cuts of bison, veal and lamb. Omaha also stocks plenty of pork, chicken and seafood as well as charcuterie, full meal kits, a la carte side dishes and desserts and even dog treats. You can find some pretty good value with this online butcher, especially if you're willing to buy in bulk. While Omaha doesn't offer subscriptions by name, there are plenty of gift boxes that will net you a whole lot of meat for an approachable price. There are also rotating discounts on some of Omaha's best sellers. Shipping prices vary based on order total and how fast you want your stuff, but you can find some "free shipping" deals and combos on the site. There's also a Steaklover Reward Points program for committed carnivores. ... Show more Get it now See at Omaha Steaks Specs & Configurations Subscription Only No Delivery Area All 50 states Shipping Cost Free on orders over $149, otherwise $10-$20 Meats Available Beef, pork, chicken, seafood, precooked meat, sausage, hot dogs Good For Large orders and parties, gifting Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best budget-friendly meat subscription Good Chop Pros One of the most affordable meat delivery service Most of whar we tried was fresh and easy to prepare Some prepared foods and grocery add-ons Good promo offers for new subscribers Cons Not as big a selection as some of the options on our list No super premium selections Ribeye was dissappointing What I liked: Good Chop is a newer meat delivery operation owned by HelloFresh and a direct competitor to ButcherBox. It's also one of the more affordable. Subscriptions start at $149 a month for 36 portions of meat and seafood. While the meat here isn't quite as premium as others on our list, nearly everything we tasted was fresh, tender and easy to prepare. You can customize your meat box with chicken breast, sausages, salmon, pork chops, shrimp and lots and lots of juicy cuts of beef. There are also a few prepared foods including crab cakes, meatballs and cooked chicken for meal prep, though I didn't try any of those. Who is it for: Those looking to have shipments of meat delivered without breaking the bank. Who should avoid it: The ribeye in my order was tough. Not a good pick if you're seeking super premium meat. ... Show more Get it now See at Good Chop Specs & Configurations Subscription only Yes Delivery area All 50 US states Shipping cost $10 Meats available Beef, poultry, pork, seafood Good for Everyday meat delivery Cheapest subscription $149 per month Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best meat to gift Peter Luger Pros Top-quality steak from a legendary steakhouse Includes a bottle of Peter Luger sauce Makes a great gift Cons Very expensive Limited options What I like: The iconic Brooklyn steakhouse known for fatty t-bones, juicy burgers and a signature sweet steak sauce now send its beef to you or a giftee with a penchant for premium beef. The bundles of beef include porterhouse, strip and rib steaks along with burgers. Each shipment arrives fresh, accompanied by a bottle of legendary Lugar steak sauce. The porterhouse we tried arrived with intense marbleization and was a whopping 36 ounces. You can add some of the restaurant's famous thick-cut bacon or an extra three-pack of sauce for $20. Who is it for: A true beef fanatic or ex-New Yorkers who misses their beloved New York steakhouse. Who should avoid it: At $156 for one 36-ounce porterhouse, this is best saved for a splurge gift for a meat eater with fondness for the lauaded steakhouse. ... Show more Get it now See at Goldbelly Specs & Configurations Subscription only No Delivery area All 50 US states Shipping cost $35 Meats available Beef Good for Gifting Add to compare Photo Gallery 1/1 Best for ribeyes Eagle Rock Ranch Pros Best ribeyes we tested All its beef products were great Family-owned business Cattle is pasture-raised Cons Limited to just beef Shipping is $49 What I liked: While the selection is limited to only beef at family-owned Eagle Rock Ranch out of Colorado, the pasture-raised and grain-finished ribeyes were some of the best out of all the meat delivery options I tried. Juicy, tender, marbled and fairly priced considering the quality -- $38 for a 16-ounce cut and. In addition to the ribeyes, Eagle Rock sells strips, burgers, marrow, beef hot dogs and filet mignon and stew meat. There's a subscription option or you can build a box of beef or choose from one of two curated bundles of cuts. If you're really hungry, you can order a whole beef package that includes 425 to 450 pounds of packaged meat. Who is it for: Lovers of quality beef. Who should avoid it; Anyone who wants a mix of meat types in their order. ... Show more Specs & Configurations Subscription only No Delivery area All 50 US states Meats available Beef Good for Ribeyes Shipping cost $49 and up Add to compare Recent updates June 2025 Good Chop tested and added as best budget meat subsription. Peter Luger/Goldbelly tested and added as best meat delivery for gifting. Eagle Rock Ranch tested and added as best meat delivery for ribeyes. How we test meat delivery services at CNET We consider every angle from quality and taste to convenience and value when testing meat delivery services and subscriptions. annickTesting meat delivery services starts by scanning a website's online menus and subscription options. We then choose a popular bundle box or subscription to order and wait for it to arrive. Upon arrival, we examine the shipping containers for structural integrity, including any leaks or meat that's been defrosted during Transit. If meat is shipped Frozen, we expect it to arrive Frozen, and if it's shipped fresh, we make sure it's still chilled. We defrost the meat, if necessary, according to instructions to gauge the visual quality of both meat and seafood. We then cook each cut according to instructions if they are given and taste the finished product before deciding if a meat delivery service is qualified to be on our list. Testing quality meat to find the best delivery services is one task we're happy to take on. David Watsky/CNET More abstractly, we compare the prices of any one we deliver to the category at large and grocery store averages to consider overall value. Service Subscription option Delivery area Shipping Cost ($-$$$) Rastelli's No Continental U.S. Free with subscription $$ Butcher Box Yes Continental U.S. Free $$ Porter Road Yes Continental U.S. Free to $40 $$ Snake River Farms No All 50 states Free over $199 $$$ Crowd Cow Yes Continental U.S. Free over $149 $ Holy Grail Steak Co. No Continental U.S. Free over $199 $$$ Peter Luger/Goldbelly No All 50 states $35 $$$ Thrive Market Yes Continental U.S. Free over $120 $ Omaha Steaks Yes All 50 states Free over $149 $ Good Chop Yes All 50 states $10 $ Eagle Ranch No All 50 states $49 $$ What should you consider when picking a meat delivery service? Subscription or a la carte If you want a meat subscription service that sends monthly packages of mixed beef, chicken pork and fish, Butcher Box, Porter Road. Crowd Cow or Omaha Steaks of curated sends so you don't have to think about it. Other services allow for one-time or recurring sends but you'll end up getting the exact same meat every time. Type of meat Butcher Box offers packages of mixed meat and seafood. Butcher Box Different meat delivery services specialize in different cuts of meat. You can find high-end beef including Japanese Wagyu and USDA Prime beef at premium online butchers Holy Grail and Snake River Farms or basic cuts from services like Crowd Cow and Omaha Steaks. Some services also offer wild salmon and other seafood options. Thrive Market has a full inventory of groceries to knock out more than just your meat order. Frozen or fresh Thrive Market delivers far more than meat. Pamela Vachon/CNET Most services send meat flash-frozen to be defrosted or popped in the freezer for later. Porter Road and Omaha Steaks have the option for fresh, not frozen meat delivery if you prefer. Cost and value Omaha Steaks has bundles that rival supermarket prices. Omaha Steaks Most meat subscriptions offer quality meat including grass-fed beef, organic chicken and wild fish. Because of that, it might be a step up in cost from your local supermarket. But depending on the type of meat you order, certain meat delivery services might actually save you money. If you order in bulk or scan the deals or sale sections of various online butchers, you can save even more with a meat delivery service.
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
35 Last-Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas That'll Still Arrive On Time
Father's Day is just days away (Sunday, June 15), so if you're shopping last-minute, our gift editors curated the best Father's Day gift ideas that are thoughtful and unique—and will get to Dad by Sunday. To find meaningful presents for virtually every type of father figure, we considered a variety of interests and looked for fast shipping times. Our top gift ideas include a smokeless fire pit for the outdoorsman, supportive sneakers for the fitness buff and a helpful pocket-sized Bluetooth transmitter for the frequent flyer. We rounded up the best Father's Day gifts that'll get to Dad on time, even if you're shopping last ... More minute. Is your dad more a creature of comfort? We made sure to include cozy essentials too, from comfy, dad-themed socks to our sleep editors' absolute favorite pillow. Plus, we have a range of under-$50 gift ideas that are sure to delight (no-frills breakfast sandwich maker, anyone?). In need of more last-minute Father's Day gift ideas? These subscription boxes for dads can be purchased same-day and will continue to delight him for months. Boarderie If Dad loves nothing more than a savory spread of meat and cheese, this Father's Day-themed charcuterie board will be the way to his heart. Designed, packaged and delivered directly to his front door by Boarderie, the bundle comes packed with artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, olives and more. You can choose between three sizes, starting at $139 for a two- to three-person board. Every order has free overnight delivery, or you can send it as an e-gift (Dad picks the delivery date), which is great if you're short on time. Wayfair Popular among Forbes Vetted editors and readers (and the best overall fire pit, based on our rigorous testing), the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is portable so Dad (and his friends and family) can sit around the fire anytime, anywhere. It's also smokeless for cleaner, more comfortable breathing. Aura If Dad loves to share photos in the family group chat, a digital frame like this one from Aura will be a home run. Simply log onto Wi-Fi to add pictures and videos of the kiddos from holidays, vacations and birthday parties and he'll be grinning from ear to ear when he unwraps it. Aura offers frames in different colors and styles, many of which are available for speedy two-day Prime shipping. Amazon If Dad's favorite pastime is identifying bird calls and songs, this smart bird feeder will delight him. In addition to being able to hold 1.5 pounds of bird food, it's equipped with a high-res camera with night vision and eight-level magnification. Further, its built-in AI algorithm can identify over 6,000 bird species. And not only is it weather-proof; it's solar-powered, too. The best part: Your dad will be able to bird-watch from his phone. Brooks This lightweight and responsive sneaker is bound to be a hit with any dad who loves to run, jog or power walk—or who simply spends a lot of time on his feet. It's designed with a nitrogen-injected midsole for adaptive support and a mesh upper with subtle suede overlays to help ensure both breathability and structure. Choose from 16 colorways, ranging from black and white to bright blue or orange, to suit his style. Oura Ring If Dad is serious about improving his wellness, give him a smart ring that's sleek, modern and helps improve his health. The Ōura Ring is a health, sleep and activity tracker that's packed with sensors to keep him meaningfully informed. Founded on Nordic wellness principles of balance, it collects data on more than 20 biometrics—like heart rate, blood oxygen and activity—and sends insights to an app to help you create a custom sleep schedule, track stress levels and more. hermes Any gift labeled Hermès is going to be a hit on Father's Day; and for the dad who's been thinking about switching up his regular scent, this is a great option. The brand's first major men's fragrance to be released in 15 years, it trades the usual woody notes of a cologne for something a bit lighter. The result is a fresh scent with botanical notes of clary sage, narcissus and rosewood. He'll like it, and just as importantly, so will Mom. Lettuce Grow Dads with green thumbs or those who like cooking with fresh, flavorful produce will love the fact that they can grow non-GMO veggies in the comfort of their own yard or patio. This hydroponic garden is self-fertilizing and self-watering and comes with starter seedlings (you can choose from over 100 varieties), a pH test kit, water pump, timer and plant nutrients. sterling pacific Priced at over $2,000, this is a true luxury gift—but as someone who's had the pleasure of using it co-author Fran Sales can confidently say it's well worth the price (she was gifted a sample from the brand). This carry-on stands out: Features like the full aluminum body (of the kind used in aviation), reinforced corners, stainless steel rivets, Italian full-grain leather details and the ring-spun twill lining will stand out to the dad who appreciates durability and meticulous design. Don't worry, it's practical, too, with two TSA-approved double-spring-loaded combo locks, as well as a high-quality leather care kit. Amazon If your sandwich aficionado dad isn't the family chef, this Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker will be his new best friend. All he has to do is put his favorite bread in the bottom and top layers, followed by an egg and additional toppings to create a mouthwatering meal. It's ready in just five minutes with minimal cleanup needed. Amazon Your Dad's not a regular dad; he's a super dad. And with this gift set from Happy Socks, he can prove it at all times. The three cotton-blend pairs are comfy, colorful and will make him smile every time he slips them on. The set is also blissfully available with two-day Prime shipping. Amazon From the mind of Neil Patrick Harris, Box One is the perfect gift for the father figure that loves nothing more than a good game night. Full of trivia, puzzles, secret codes and more, the brain-teasing board game is designed to play by yourself—or if Dad prefers, the whole family can get in on the fun. Amazon The JBL Clip 5 waterproof Bluetooth speaker lets Dad play his tunes anywhere and everywhere from the beach to the trail to the garage where he's tinkering with his latest project. It has 12 hours of battery life for all-day listening and a clip that makes it easy to attach to a bag or stroller. Amazon Whether he's fully up to date on Real Housewives drama or just catches the occasional episode of Watch What Happens Live, any dad who enjoys a night of Bravo (perhaps more than he cares to admit) will tear through Andy Cohen's book about how fatherhood has changed his life. As its title—The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up—implies, it's witty, candid and heartwarming. Amazon If Dad's signature cap is getting a little worse for wear, replace it with one that's trendy and built to last. This 100% cotton canvas style from Carhartt is available in over 60 colors, so there's sure to be one that suits him perfectly. Even better, it has a built-in band that's fast-drying and will wick away summer sweat. Uncommon Goods Your dad's not a regular dad; he's a cool dad. And that's why this unique Uncommon Goods mug is the perfect Father's Day gift. The Brooklyn-made color-changing mug will display 'Cool Dad' when the cup is holding a cold beverage and 'Hot Dad' when it contains some steaming hot coffee or tea. He'll get a kick out of it, either way. Amazon Whether he's the go-to handyman around the house or he always has a DIY project or two up his sleeve, Dad probably wouldn't say no to an extra hand. Klein Tools' adjustable magnetic wristband will be just what he needs: It conveniently wraps around the wrist and uses rare-earth magnets strong enough to hold a wide variety of tools. And while the band is durable, it's breathable, too, thanks to the mesh interior. Cratejoy Sometimes it's the simple things that mean the most, and there's nothing more delightful to a dad than a box full of jerky. Each month, he'll get different brands and flavors so he's always trying something new. It's available in one, three, six and twelve-month subscriptions, but no matter which you choose chances are he'll wish it lasted forever. Goldbelly If you're shopping for a foodie who looks forward to cooking new cuisines, you'll hit the gifting jackpot with Goldbelly's Chef Of The Month subscription. Dad will get a monthly curated chef kit of the most sought-after delicacies curated by pros like Michael Symon, David Chang and José Andrés. From the savory to the sweet, it'll be a fun monthly surprise—and maybe he'll even save you a bite. tinned fish club This isn't any old snack subscription box. Having tried Tinned Fisch Club's offerings myself, I was impressed by how thoughtfully the artisanal tins were curated and complemented by gourmet snacks and condiments. Not only that, there was fascinating information included on each product's origins and the makers behind them, as well as recipe ideas if Dad is a little more adventurous in the kitchen. Sample featured artisans include La Barca, Tenorio, ICC Saury and (my favorite) ICC Sanma. Atlas Coffee Club Give Dad the gift of a caffeine pick-me-up with an Atlas Coffee subscription, a top pick in our best coffee subscriptions story. Available in whole bean, ground, Keurig pods or Nespresso pods, you'll be able to customize the recurring shipment to his preferences. Each delivery also comes with postcards that include tasting notes and history about each country's unique coffee growing methods. Cratejoy The Rad Dad Box is the perfect way to celebrate and support new dads on their fatherhood journey. Each themed bundle contains six to seven items designed to encourage bonding and playtime between father and baby, all sourced from small businesses. He'll get a book or toy for his tot, delicious snacks and items for some much-needed dad self-care. The Original Craft Beer Club Take the brewery tour to your dad's doorstep with Original Craft Beer Club's gift subscription of 12 microbrews every month (you can choose from a three-, six- or 12-month subscription). Each shipment features a curation of bestsellers and/or showcase brews from two American small-batch breweries. What's more, each can is freshly brewed to order and is accompanied by a newsletter detailing each beer's background and your personalized note. Amazon If Dad is still using that lumpy, old pillow every night, treat him to a much needed upgrade. The Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow was named our best pillow overall after a year of testing, thanks to its plush shredded memory foam that perfectly cradles your neck and head. It's also entirely adjustable, meaning Dad can add or take out fill in order to get the exact level of firmness needed for his favorite nap position. On Named our best overall walking shoe for men, the On Cloud 5 sneaker is crafted with science-backed CloudTec foam, a forgiving material with a cushioned feel that has been described as 'running on clouds.' It features a removable cushioned arch insole, plus a Speedboard running the length of the sneaker that promotes stability when walking to help Dad reach his daily step goal. Amazon Courant's wireless chargers offer a stylish way to stay powered up. The Mag:3 is a multi-device charger that's bound in either leather or linen. It also has a drop tray for stashing trinkets, which means he can juice up his tech and empty his pockets all in one place. Fair Harbor Fair Harbor's popular swim shorts offer various inseam lengths, a drawcord waist and dozens of colors and prints. The suit also has two side pockets that drain easily, a hidden zipper back pocket, four-way stretch and a mesh-free knit liner that's supportive but breathable. Even better, it's made using recycled water bottles. Leatherman For the handy, outdoorsy dad, what better gift is there than a Leatherman gadget, one of the most trusted names in multi-tools? We recommend Signal, which our gear experts Steven John and Cam Vigliotta crowned the best multi-tool for camping 'thanks to its rugged tools that include a large blade, a tough saw and a hammer, its ferrocerium rod (which can create showers of hot sparks) and its loud safety whistle that can be heard for miles in the right condition,' they say. WANDRD Gear Whether he's a frequent traveler, has a photography hobby or spends a lot of his days commuting, dads can always use a sturdy (and thoughtfully designed) backpack. Wandrd's Prvke backpack comes in three sizes, is built with weather-resistant materials and—what makes it one of the best dad gifts—is jam-packed with thoughtful features. For starters, it has a breathable back and comfortable contoured straps, a luggage pass-through strap, a hidden passport pocket and an easy-access clamshell-opening design. Its interior storage is also impressive, with plenty of pockets and compartments to organize Dad's essentials. Bespoke Post Whether Dad likes to watch baseball games or blockbusters, the CouchConsole Drink & Snack Tray will make sure he has everything at his fingertips. The console includes a self-balancing cupholder, snack container, phone stand, charging plug, remote tray, storage area and padded armrest all in one handy and compact unit. Amazon If Dad loves to travel, spare him the airline-provided headphones with AirFly's wireless headphone adapter. Now, he can watch all of his favorite movies, shows or games with the comfort of his own (likely noise-canceling) headphones. history by mail My dad is a history buff, so I couldn't pass up the chance to gift him this unique gift collection of historical cartoons. It is, by far, the most unique gift I've ever given him. Designed by a historian and artist, this 50-card set includes incendiary and funny cartoons from the colonial times to the civil rights era. Not only are the illustrations drawn on high-quality card stock, but they're also presented in a sturdy bamboo keepsake box. Amazon If he loves grilling in the backyard as much as he does hitting the green, the Poligo Golf Club Grilling Set is a thoughtful last-minute father's day gift that combines two of his favorite pastimes. The seven-piece stainless steel barbecue set includes tongs, a spatula, a fork and a basting brush—each with a handle designed to resemble a golf grip—plus a pair of golf ball salt and pepper shakers and a storage bag. Naturally, it's a hole-in-one gift. Mark & Graham If Dad is a frequent traveler he probably already has his favorite suitcase, custom luggage tags and plenty of packing cubes, but you can still level up his flying game with this zippered tie case from Mark & Graham that fits up to three ties, cufflinks, collar stays and handkerchiefs. Personalize it with his monogram for an additional $12. Uncommon Goods 'One of my dad's favorite gifts I've ever gotten him is this custom viewfinder,' says Forbes Vetted updates writer Claire Epting. 'It's delightfully nostalgic, and the personalization process was straightforward and fun.' The Create Your Own Reel Viewer comes with a unique code to redeem your customized photo reel online. Epting advises ordering it in advance to ensure the viewfinder and the photo reel arrive in time for Father's Day. When Is Father's Day This Year? Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday in June. This year, it's June 15. What Do Dads Love For Father's Day? When it comes to celebrating Father's Day, it truly is the thought that counts. In addition to having some quality time to do what he enjoys—relaxing with a beer, playing a round of golf or spending time with family (likely his top choice)—dads love to feel appreciated. In terms of gift-giving, presents that cater to his interests are a sweet way to show how much you care. This can mean a splurge-worthy surprise, like a quality outdoor fire pit, or something thoughtful, like an Atlas Coffee Club subscription or digital photo frame. What Can I Do For Father's Day On A Budget? You don't have to spent a small fortune to spoil Dad on Father's Day. Spending quality time with family is one of the best ways to celebrate the day, whether it's a brunch gathering, an adventure outdoors or a few rounds of a favorite game. Presents don't have to cost a lot, either; this list includes several under-$50 gifts, from a nifty breakfast sandwich maker to a portable (and waterproof) Bluetooth speaker. Need more shopping inspiration? We have several gift guides to help you find the right present for every dad in your life.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
The 9 Best Subscription Boxes For Kids To Keep Them Engaged
Whether you're struggling to figure out what to play with your kids or simply want a wider variety of options that show up right at your doorstep, subscription boxes can be a godsend for busy parents and curious kids. Once a novelty, there are now so many choices available to families—from toy boxes, book boxes, clothing and more—there seems to be a box for every interest and age group. The best subscription boxes for kids are engaging, teach them something new and have flexible subscription models. My best overall pick, KiwiCo Crates, come in a seemingly endless range of options and themes and offers something at every age level from babies to teens. The best subscription boxes for kids are fun and convenient for at-home play and exploration. 'Subscription boxes can be incredibly helpful, especially for busy parents who want to provide meaningful, screen-free activities without constantly planning them,' says Alanna Gallo, a former educator and founder of Play Thrive Learn. 'The right box can spark curiosity, build new skills and support independent play.' Keep reading to learn more about our top subscription box picks for kids. KiwiCo Age ranges: 0 to 18+ | Subscription period options: Monthly, 3 months, 6 months, yearly | Price: Starts at $24/month Chances are high that when you ask any other parent about which subscription box to get a child, KiwiCo will be at the top of that list. With a wide range of versatile subscription boxes for every age range and every interest, there's something for every kid. Parents we spoke to said they had really engaging sensory toys for the baby and toddler years in the Panda and KiwiCo Koala Crates, while older kids can enjoy their STEAM-based KiwiCo Labs boxes. KiwiCo World boxes introduce them to the great world beyond with country-themed STEAM projects, and the KiwiCo Studio boxes for older kids and teens expose them to more complicated crafting projects like fiber arts and 3-D Design. Each box comes with easy-to-follow instructions and all the supplies they'll need to finish each project. I've subscribed to these multiple times for each of my three kids, and all have enjoyed the activities that showed up at our doorstep each month. The only problem is really finding the time to sit down and finish a project from start to finish, so keep that in mind when deciding what frequency you want them to arrive at. If you're not ready to commit all the way, they also sell crates individually, so you can gift just one here and there. You can also skip months or set up a different cadence of delivery by reaching out to their customer service. Baketivity Age ranges: 4 to 10 | Subscription period options: 3 months, 6 months, yearly | Price: Starts at $28.95/month Cooking with kids sounds great in theory until you consider all the ingredients, supplies and kid-friendly recipes you need to gather beforehand. Baketivity boxes solve that for you by mailing (almost) all the pre-measured ingredients your kid will need to finish a recipe from start to finish. The ones that aren't included are often things you'll likely already have in your pantry. The recipes come with full-color step-by-step pictures to make it really easy for them to follow along. If they really want to get interactive, there's a monthly live online demo they can join to follow along with a real chef. My 6-year-old and 11-year-old love making these kid-friendly recipes with minimal parental help—which I love—and the end result has always been delicious. Each box also comes with fun activities and trivia that they also fight over. From cake pops to cinnamon rolls to pretzels, each recipe has been creative and engaging. If you're looking for more international flavors, BakIt is another excellent option that offers a quarterly subscription or per box purchase that my kids also enjoyed. Lovevery Age ranges: 0 to 60 months | Subscription period options: Every two months | Price: $80/box Beautifully curated, filled with developmentally appropriate sensory toys and activities (mostly made of real wood), the Lovevery Play Kits were a hit with every parent with which we spoke. My youngest used the baby and toddler version of their subscription boxes for the first three years of her life, and we still have some around the house, and others have been lovingly handed down several times over. I love that all of the toys are not only curated by developmental experts, but made with materials like sustainably-sourced wood, organic cotton and water-based paints, free of any chemicals, durable and intended for open-ended play. All of the objects are designed to help them with age-appropriate developmental milestones, and I found them high-quality and aesthetically pleasing. I also appreciated the caregivers' guide that arrives with each delivery, suggesting ways to engage your baby with the items inside. The addition of a board book covering social-emotional topics in a baby-friendly way in each box was an added bonus. Both our experts are also fans: 'For 0- to 2-year-olds, I'm a big fan of Lovevery. They provide interesting toys with a focus on exploration and sensory play, and are developed by developmental experts,' says pediatrician Dr. Whitney Casares. Little Passports Age ranges: 3 and up | Subscription period options: Monthly, 6 months, 12 months | Price: $22/month Designed for kids ages 3 to 5, Little Passports Early Explorers brings them along on an around-the-world adventure each month. Preschoolers are exposed to different places, foods, customs and more all packaged in an adorable mini suitcase. A box may contain props needed for some imaginative role playing, jigsaw puzzles, maps, stockers and more. It was fun for my preschoolers to receive these and start looking at the globe in our house to try to figure out where each new themed box was 'from.' 'As a former teacher, I love that Little Passports kits have so many educational opportunities built-in. My kids have fun playing with them without realizing that they're learning about new places along the way, which is so invaluable,' says Alicia Betz, mom of three and Forbes Vetted baby and kids writer. 'They're also designed in a way that kids can come back to play with them later." CrunchLabs Age ranges: 8 to 14+ | Subscription period options: Monthly | Price: Starts at $27.45/box For curious elementary-school kids and tweens, each CrunchLabs Build Box includes a new build-it-yourself toy project with clear step-by-step picture directions that they can then play various games with (also included in the box), and watch online videos hosted by engineer Mark Rober to gain more in-depth information about their project. Older kids who are ready to take it up a notch or teens might prefer the CrunchLabs Hack Pack that ships out a new programmable robot every two months. 'CrunchLabs boxes are fantastic for kids who love to build, tinker and explore real-world science concepts through engaging experiments and engineering challenges. We use them for homeschooling, and the kids have always loved them,' says Gallo. Literati Age ranges: 0 to 14 | Subscription period options: | Price: Starts at $34.99/box While we may all want to foster a love of reading in our kids, sometimes it's hard to find the time to research and dig through hundreds of options to find the right book for your child, which is exactly what Literati does for you. Each box comes with five age-appropriate books, including picture and activity books and fun surprises like stickers or Literati limited-edition covers on certain novels. You then provide feedback after each delivery on what your child liked or didn't like, so they can keep curating more and more personalized books for your child based on their interests and reading level. You keep (and pay for) only the books you want to own and send the rest back for free in the same box they came in using a prepaid label. 'I've been loving our Literati subscription boxes for our 11-month-old. Every month, the book selections feel incredibly thoughtful—age-appropriate, aligned with the themes we're focusing on (like farm animals), and full of variety,' says Alexis Caldwell, mom and Forbes Vetted's executive director of commerce, business development and partnerships. 'Some are interactive with textures and mirrors for sensory play, while others are perfect for learning time, story time or winding down before bed. I also love that the books naturally include diverse characters and perspectives.' The curation has been so spot-on that she's kept every book sent so far. Highlights Age ranges: 3 to 8 | Subscription period options: Monthly, quarterly | Price: Starts at $15/box Whether they're fans of the Highlights magazines for kids or not, these educationally-themed boxes have an option for every interest: puzzle books or workbooks to supplement their school learnings or to mitigate the dreaded summer slide. The High Five Activity Box, designed for kids 3 to 6, comes every three months and includes a storybook, cognition-building activities, a craft, recipes and more. 'Highlights for Kids offers a great option for preschool and elementary-aged children whose parents want to focus on reading,' says Casares. The I Can Read! Book Club box delivers five reading level-appropriate books each month to keep kids and parents replenished with fresh reading material. Each Learning Box is themed by grade-level and comes with workbooks they can practice their math, writing, reading and fine motor skills in. Kids who love doing the Highlights puzzles and mazes, can sign up for a Puzzle Book subscription that'll send them a new brain-bending book each month. Tangerine Age ranges: 5 to 9; 10+ | Subscription period options: 3 months, 6 months | Price: $65 This relatively new subscription box started by a mother-daughter team is the hipper cousin to art subscription boxes of old. Instead of lots of, let's be honest, cheesy arts and crafts projects that are likely to get tossed a month later, these Surprise Kits come with themed art supplies (that also happen to be incredibly aesthetic) that are designed for open-ended creating. My 6-year-old has been playing with her dough set, using all of the tools, stencils and super cool mix-ins to create anything her imagination comes up with, while my 11-year-old has been drawn to the printmaking kit that lets her design her own tote bag, shirts and more. The cost per kit is definitely on the higher side, but you're really receiving quality art supplies that last well beyond the month that they can use over and over again for other projects, play dates and creations. Stitch Fix Age ranges: 2 to 18 | Subscription period options: Varies | Price: Starts at $12/item, plus $20 stylist fee/box For budding fashionistas or busy parents who just don't have time to shop for hours with a picky child, kid clothing subscription boxes can be a game-changer. With the Stitch Fix Kids box, kids (or their parents) can take an online quiz just like with the adult version to determine their style preferences, sizes and budget. Each monthly box arrives with 10 pieces of clothing curated just for them. They can try everything on from the comfort of home and send back (for free) anything you don't want to keep and pay for what you do want. Unlike other boxes, we like that this isn't a fixed subscription model where you have to receive a box every month or so. Instead, you can select automatic deliveries to come at whatever cadence you want, whether that's every three weeks or every three to six months. They carry a wide range of name brands and you can send the stylist notes after every shipment to further refine your child's style and preferences for future boxes. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted is dedicated to helping parents find the best products for their kids that also help make their lives easier. As parents ourselves, we've spent countless hours testing and researching products, many on our own children. To find the best subscription boxes for kids, I used my firsthand experience as a parent, talked to dozens of other parents with kids of varying ages who regularly used subscription boxes and spoke to two experts to get their insights into what parents should consider when trying to select a subscription box for their kids. I kept several factors in mind when narrowing down my list. Age range: I tried to select a variety of subscription boxes that offered options for a wide range of ages from babies to teens (and sometimes beyond.) Flexibility: I know as a parent, I don't like being locked into months and months of deliveries when I may already have things piling up, so I considered how flexible and easy it was to cancel, pause or change delivery cadences for each box. Longevity: I leaned toward boxes that offered more opportunities for open-ended play or for toys or supplies that would last beyond the one project in the box, increasing the overall value. Cost: I also considered how much each box cost. Many of the brands offer a discount if you choose to pay for a full year or six months upfront versus paying each month as you go along. I also took note of how many pieces, supplies, toys or books came in each box for the per box price that it was and whether it made sense or not. 'Look for boxes that intentionally speak to the safety and level of appropriateness for kids,' says Casares. Be sure to order a box that fits your child's age or developmental level so that they're not frustrated by finding what's inside too challenging. Additionally, for young babies, specific boxes are curated with their safety in mind, too like the toys don't have small pieces that could be choking hazards. Depending on your family and their needs, you may not necessarily want a new box to come every month. If your kids are generally busy with afterschool activities and on-the-go a lot, a less frequent cadence may be preferable, so that unused boxes aren't just building up in a stack around your home. On the other hand, if you have young kids that are home a lot or only attending part-day preschool, for instance, you may want a monthly delivery to have an activity to do together. Some subscription box services for kids even offer summer-only plans for those weeks when kids have a lot more free time on their hands. No parent wants to spend precious time online or on the phone trying to figure out how to pause or cancel a subscription. Make sure that wherever you're ordering from has a transparent cancellation process, that ideally, is just the click of a button (or email.) Most subscription boxes that come with toys, activities or books serve some sort of educational purpose for your kids. Whether it's helping them develop critical fine and gross motor skills as a baby, developing concepts like cause-and-effect and basic sorting and counting for toddlers, learning to read as a preschooler, or exposing them to new skills, ideas or concepts as older kids, you'll want to make sure there's some benefit and it's not just a box full of junk arriving each month. Which Subscription Is Best For Kids? The best subscription box for kids is the one that'll keep them engaged and comes with things they'll actually use or a project they'll complete from start to finish. They should also teach them new things. 'Parents are busy. Curated boxes that give age-specific and developmentally appropriate toy and activity ideas can be a life saver,' says Casares. 'They can also introduce parents to brands they're not familiar with and encourage kids to develop interests they might not otherwise have consistent exposure to.' What Is The Most Popular Subscription Box Service? KiwiCo is the most popular subscription box service for kids—there are crates for a wide range of kids catering to various interests such as arts and crafts, STEM, reading and more. Parents also appreciate the flexible subscription model that's easy to pause or cancel at any time. What Is The Best Cooking Subscription For Kids? The best cooking subscription for kids is Baketivity. Nearly all of the ingredients a child may need comes pre-portioned in the box, as well as any special supplies that would be needed, making it convenient and fun for both parent and child. The directions are clear and easy to understand, even for young kids, and the option to watch a live class is an added bonus.
