Playdate Boxes and Other Subscription Fun
Sometimes active, busy Grandparents could use a little help and inspiration with Grandchild connections. Thus, the creation of Grandycamp and our wrinkle-free weekly newsletter! here are more resources.
Sisters Lynnae and Marilee, founders of Playdate Box, bring their talents and expertise to creating themed Playdate boxes, to be used for Grandchild playdates from near or far. They have eleven Grandchildren between them! You can order complete boxes from their site, choose a subscription option, or be inspired to create your own versions according to their suggestions and your Grandchild’s interests. They also send a monthly themed newsletter for Grandparenting fun. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram as well.
Mail Order Mystery is an enchanting answer for engaging your school-aged Grandchildren. Choose a mystery that matches your Grandchild’s interests to inspire them with the magic of mystery and adventure (and some learning along the way. Each mystery is personalized, so kids are heroes of their own stories. The kids receive cool objects and curious letters from knights, trolls, pirates, spies, and more! Choose your delivery method - packages can be sent packed together in one box (perfect for a planned in-person playdate) or mail each installment separately, once a week for six weeks. Read the reviews for how people have used them with their Grandchildren. The Mysteries are designed for kids 8-13, when they can read independently, decipher codes, and solve clues. The website gives you lots of help in the choosing.
Animail Adventures was inspired by a love for nature and the disappearing art of letter writing. Ever letter is a personalized hand-written, illustrated letter telling the story of a curious girl, Nikki, traveling around the world, and the conversations she’s having with the animals she meets on the way. All letters are packed with animal fun facts and are a new, exciting way of learning. Not only are they educational but also a custom work of art! The recipient will get links for additional downloadable activities. You can subscribe for 6-12 months, but can cancel at any time.
Gramma Terry is retiring Grandma in a Box in May, but you may be able to get some ideas from how she packages he baking boxes before she goes!
The creatively brilliant Lea Redmond started the World’s Smallest Post Office in 2008 in downtown Oakland, CA. Her brick and mortar operation was hit hard by Covid, but you can still order charming tiny packages, and Tiny Stationery Sets from the website Leafcutter Shop. Lea is always coming up with a creative new idea - be sure to sign up for her illustrated newsletter. She has just gotten the keys to a new shop - stay tuned for fun!
There are MANY award winning subscription boxes at this point. Our choices were driven by specific ones that inspire discussion and connection between Grandparent and Grandchild, not just independent activity. In the independent activity category though, I have to make sure you know about Mark Rober. It is still a “connection” for us because I showed Jack the Squirrel Obstacle Course video that got him hooked - he went on to watch all his YouTube videos over and over. Mark now has Crunch Lab subscription boxes designed to help kids “think like an engineer.” They are designed for ages 8+ - Jack is over the moon to get started.
Be sure to let us know in comments if you have other favorites that have worked for you!