I’ll admit I was a bit hesitant when I was offered a chance to test out and review a box of Sparkbox Toys– an educational toy rental service.
Am I really going to want to pack the toys up every month and ship them back?
Yet, the idea of a subscription toy rental service became instantly more appealing the moment I found myself face first on the ground after tripping over one of W’s toys.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, I know our toy pile will only continue to increase.
After shaking off my toy-related injury, I went straight to the computer, replied “yes” and eagerly anticipated our first Sparkbox.
W and I were so excited to dive into the box of Sparkbox toys when they arrived.
Inside we found four educational toys, two free samples, a free CD, a mesh bag for toy pieces and a UPS return label.
While W spent the morning playing with the toys, I came up with 5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box.
5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box
- Cuts down the clutter: I have learned fast that children outgrow toys just as fast as they outgrow clothes. I always try to stay on top of boxing up clothes to be saved for the next baby. Toys, on the other hand, I tend to let pile up in case W decides he wants to play with them again. I am determined to cut back on the amount of toys in our house, so the idea of renting toys is very appealing. With Sparkbox, W has a chance to play with a bunch of new toys that can be returned without taking up space in our home.
- Educational: As a former kindergarten teacher, I am a big believer in learning through play. It’s fascinating to watch baby’s manipulate toys and figure out puzzles for the first time. W went straight to the puzzle stacker after I opened the box. We have a similar toy already, but this puzzle stacker is a bit more challenging because you have to line the pieces up to get all the rings on. It was great to see W put so much focus on getting the puzzle just right.
- Engaging: Often times, I will find a toy and think W is going to LOVE this only to have it tossed aside after only a moment. It can be really difficult to know exactly what toys your child will love the most. The fact that every child is different does not help! W made it very clear which toys he favored in the Sparkbox. He went straight to the puzzle stacker and the Color Shapes Monkey. He was not as interested in the Dancing Alligator. I like that I can edit our Sparkbox for next time. It’s also nice to know that if W really likes something in the Sparkbox I am able to purchase it at a discount of the retail price.
- Clean & Green: I thought I was taking a gamble on the cleanliness of the toys received from a rental service. It’s not like W taste-tests each new toy he receives or anything. I was pleasantly surprised to find four toys in protectant wrap that looked brand new. I honestly had to reread the note sent along with the box because I was sure that these were brand new toys. Sparkbox toys uses only eco and child-friendly sterilization solutions. I also like the fact that Sparkbox uses eco-friendly vendors and reusable packaging.
- Cost efficient: It’s not too difficult to find yourself spending way too much money on toys for your child. With a subscription box, your child gets to play with a variety of toys without having to spend money on all of them. You can even start a 14 day free trial to see if Sparkbox is a good fit.
*BONUS Free Samples: I can’t forget to mention one of W’s favorite parts of receiving the Sparkbox Toys- the free samples. W devoured both packs of my super cookies and we enjoyed listening to the free CD of the Laurie Berkner Band.
What do you think of a toy subscription box? Let me know in the comment section below.
I actually like the idea of a toy subscription/rental. It would keep my kiddo from getting bored with his toys and also cut down on the expense of buying new ones. Sounds like a wonderful service!
Donella Crigger recently posted…3 Ways Nagging Hurts Your Marriage (And How to Stop)
Donella, I agree. The toys just pile up after awhile!
Tricia “The Good Mama” recently posted…5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box
This is genius and right up my alley! I had heard about this with legos, so i thought maybe down the road we would do it. But these toys are perfect right now! Off to share!!
Tarynn Playle recently posted…All I Want for My Birthday…
Tarynn, I never heard about it with legos. I’m sure that would be great later on. I really like Sparkbox because they choose toys specifically for your child’s age group and interest.
Tricia “The Good Mama” recently posted…5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box
That is an interesting idea. I imagine it would keep things novel and cut down on clutter. I know someone who did this type of service while on vacation out of state so she did not have to worry about packing toys.
Theresa (Capri + 3) recently posted…STEAM-Stem Activities for Christmas Review and Giveaway
Theresa, that’s such a good idea! I have heard about renting cribs and other essentials when you go on vacation, but renting toys is such a great idea too. I really don’t like to pack too many toys when we go away.
Tricia “The Good Mama” recently posted…5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box
Awesome idea! I saw something like this on Shark tank and always wondered if it was as good in real life as it seems! We might have to give that a try!
Krista – TheQuinntessentialMommy.com recently posted…The Case for a Magical Christmas
Krista, yes, I always liked the concept of renting toys, but I was a little unsure how I would actually feel about doing it. I am so glad that I had the chance! It’s great.
Tricia “The Good Mama” recently posted…5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box
ive always wanted to try this just haven’t gotten the guts to so was happy to read this! I’ll have to give them a second look!
Katie recently posted…Peppermint Rice Sensory Bin
Katie, I was the same way! I really recommend trying it if you are on the fence. You can always sign up for the free 14 day trial.
Tricia “The Good Mama” recently posted…5 Reasons to Sign Up for a Toy Subscription Box
I like the idea, but I’d have to find out more to figure out if it would work for us…..I always get worried about things we have to return because what if we break it or loose it or the kids don’t really like anything in the box that I paid for? It’s a risk for me and I don’t love risks. But the service seems nice and the toys look cute. Thanks for the review.
Bree Courtney recently posted…Lansinoh® mOmma Bottle® with NaturalWave® nipple Review
Bree, I had very similar concerns. If you break a toy, then you’ll just be charge a small fee. There are no late fees though, so if something goes missing for a little bit of time then you have time to find it and return. You can also edit the toys that go in the spark box if you feel like there’s something that your child won’t like in there. If you children don’t like what’s in the box, it’s nice that you can return it. That being said, I’m sure it’s not for everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read the review and comment!
Tricia “The Good Mama” recently posted…What NOT to do when Cutting your own Christmas Tree
Love this! I am planning on writing a post next week about holiday subscription boxes as great gifts for little ones…will have to add this to my list! And my one recommendation for you is Stitch Fix…makes shopping so much easier when your little ones are all over the place when you are in the dressing room. And I swear, it’s like Christmas morning whenever I find the Stitch Fix box on my doorstep.
Amanda @ Queenofthelandoftwigsnberries recently posted…Intelligentsia Coffee Giveaway
Amanda, I was just filling out the application for Stitch Fix the other day! I saw it online and it looked amazing- especially for people who have no time to go shopping. I definitely recommend Sparkbox. My son loved it.