Best Subscription Box | Junior Design Awards 2019

WINNER: GOLD BEST SUBSCRIPTION BOX

WHO: Whirli

WHAT: A subscription children's toy service that gives access to a huge shareable toy box for a fixed monthly price from just £9.99 per month. Parents pick the toys they want, which are then delivered and then they send them back when they are finished with in exchange for something else. Children get to play with a huge variety of toys but if they do fall in love with something it can be bought. Parents can rest easy that they’re getting more for their money, reducing clutter and being more environmentally responsible.

WHY: How many times have you bought a toy for your child, which is loved and adored for a week, only to fall out of favour the next? Not only does this subscription service guarantee a steady stream of new toys that will keep kids stimulated and excited but it also cuts down on the very real threat of a toy avalanche as well as landfill guilt. Our judges were super impressed with this eco-toy entry and said:

What a great idea. I used to take my kids to a toy library in Tooting that did this. Bravo for trying to make a positive change and save our environment.

Amazing idea.

Wow wow wow. Genius idea.

Good birthday present idea.

WHERE: Whirli

WINNER: SILVER BEST SUBSCRIPTION BOX

WHO: LoLA Boxes

WHAT: LoLA, otherwise known as Lots of Lovely Art, is an educational art box for children of all ages. In each LoLA box, children learn about art history and art techniques through projects inspired by individual artists. Every month a new art theme includes clear, simple instructions to start children off, and give them the confidence to be independently creative. Each box also contains process based art ideas to stimulate the imagination. LoLA also suggests trips and recommended books relating to the featured artists.

WHY: Founded by Alara and Selina who are passionate about the arts and were increasingly worried about the sad decline of art education in schools, these boxes were conceived to fill that gap and give children who love art something a lot more exciting and challenging to get stuck into than the usual home based activities. Our judges were in full agreement that process-based, artist-inspired experiences are an important way for children to develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking and self-confidence and loved the concept of these boxes.

How gorgeous. I think my 12 year old daughter would really like this!

These sets are fantastic and I really like the way education is made fun here.

I was an art fanatic as a kid and I would have absolutely loved this - definitely on the list for my two daughters who also love nothing more than to draw and paint.

WHERE: Lots of Lovely Art

WINNER: BRONZE BEST SUBSCRIPTION BOX

WHO: Foodini Club

WHAT: A subscription service for kids who love to cook, featuring a new making & baking experience every month. Each pack includes two seasonal healthy recipes (1 sweet & 1 savoury), easy to follow instructions, shopping lists, pre-measured dry ingredients (allergy conscious ingredients possible) in biodegredable pouches, a craft activity and more. 1, 3, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available.

WHY: Anyone who has mini chefs in the family or perhaps even more crucially, kids that they would like to encourage to be more adventurous in the kitchen, will love this monthly delivery of exciting recipes. Our judges loved the fun presentation, the varied selection of recipes and the whole concept of encouraging independence, nurturing cooking skills, encouraging exploration, learning about food and its health benefits as well as the delicious end result and the opportunity to share something as a family. Our judges wrote in their notes:

So cool. Fab branding too : )

We love them! Tried them, everything is so easy to follow and soooo creative!!!

My daughter would love this!

WHERE: Foodini Club