Our shopping editor has been subscribing to Lovevery for years. Here are her honest thoughts about the toy subscription service.
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As a first-time parent, figuring out which toys are actually worth buying—and which will end up at the bottom of a toy bin—can feel overwhelming. Add in questions about what’s developmentally appropriate for your child, and there’s a lot to consider.
That’s where play kit subscriptions like Lovevery come in. Each box is filled with high-quality, expertly designed toys that make playtime both purposeful and fun. Backed by a team of child development specialists across disciplines, Lovevery takes a holistic approach to learning through play—and it takes some of the guesswork out of toy shopping for new parents.
This is my third year renewing my Lovevery subscription (yep, with my own money). Here’s why I keep coming back.
Lovevery Play Kit Subscription
Expert-crafted, Montessori-style toys shipped right to your door
What is a Lovevery Subscription?
In short, a Lovevery Play Kit Subscription delivers boxes of Montessori-style toys right to your door as your child grows. Each Play Kit is tailored to your child’s age—from birth to 5 years—so every toy is designed to support your little one’s current developmental stage.
From birth to 12 months, you’ll receive a new Play Kit every two months as part of the subscription. Between ages 1 and 5, the kits get a little bigger (and a little more expensive) and arrive every three months. Each box includes open-ended toys designed by experts, along with educational materials that help parents engage their child in meaningful play (something I’ve found invaluable in an era when online information isn’t always reliable).
Subscribers also gain access to The Lovevery App, a library of Parent Courses (like Food Before 1 and Potty Learning), as well as exclusive books, products and replacement parts.
It goes without saying that every child develops on their own unique timeline, so the automatically recommended Play Kit may not perfectly match every child’s development. For instance, if your child has a learning exceptionality or difference, or is neurodivergent, Lovevery’s Disability Support Service can help you find the best fit for your family’s needs at no extra cost.
How we tested
I first subscribed to Lovevery when I was pregnant with my daughter. Several friends and family members raved about it, so I was curious to see what the hype was about. I started with both the Play Kits and the Play Gym.
If you begin your subscription at birth, you’ll receive three play kits in the first six months. The first boxes feature high-contrast cards, sensory toys and simple tummy-time tools. They’re great for engaging newborns in play during their wake windows, although similar items can be found elsewhere.
As for the Play Gym, we used it every day before my daughter was able to crawl. It’s a fairly basic floor mat at first glance, but there are a few standout features. Foldable flaps reveal five developmental zones, a sturdy wooden arch suspends toys and picture cards over the mat and a reversible high-contrast cover works like a tent to surround your baby with visual stimulation. It’s pricey—but then again, so are most baby gyms. (I got mine off Amazon, and applied a gift card toward it.)
By the time the third and fourth play kits arrived, my daughter really started engaging with the toys. This is what sealed the deal for me. Was every single toy a hit? No. But she did play with everything at some point, and a few quickly became favorites. When I say ‘favorites,’ I mean there are standout toys she plays with every day, multiple times a day. Like the ball drop box, which teaches object permanence while building motor skills, and the soft cotton baby doll, who rides along in the car on every adventure we go on.
My kiddo is also already quite the bookworm, so the book add-on subscription has been a hit, too. I hesitated at first, but I think it’s ultimately been worth it. (Granted, I’m someone who will always swipe the card on books, no matter the occasion.) Something to note: The book subscription is more affordable than the Play Kit subscription and makes a great gift for a baby shower or birthday.
Around age 4, The Early Reader Club (book add-on) transitions into The Reading Skill Set, a phonics-based program. I suspect my daughter might deviate from the automatic timeline for this, and since Lovevery has been super responsive in the past, I plan to reach out when the time comes to determine the best course of action regarding our subscription.
So, here’s what I’ve learned: For my family, the Play Kits became a massive hit after age one. The 1-year-old kits feel more substantial (and yes, the price goes up), but they’ve led to hours of independent play—worth it.
If I had to choose between the kits for 0-12 months and the 1-year-old kits, I’d go with the latter. In my experience, by about a year old, many kids start exploring more independently and really connecting with toys. My daughter plays with several of the toys from the 1-year-old kits daily. In addition to the toys mentioned above, the Fuzzy Bug Shrub, which now stores everything from toy bugs to my lip gloss, and the Copy Me Cups, which she loves snapping together, get used multiple times a day.
We haven’t reached the older play kits yet, but I’m such a fan that I plan to continue our subscription for as long as I can. Even Grandma, who’s an elementary school principal, is on board. She gifted us The Real Life Play Kitchen, which my daughter adores for hand washing and dishwashing, along with Mama and Dada. The Music Set and Bath Set are also big hits.
If you’re hesitant about the investment, you don’t have to commit right away. And I get it—I was, too. You can always start with a single play kit or toy set to test the waters. You can also purchase individual toys from Lovevery’s site (or Amazon) to get a sense of the quality.
I won’t lie, it’s pricey. But for us, it’s been a worthy investment. We usually renew around the holidays, when the play kits go on sale during Black Friday, and consider it a Christmas gift that lasts all year long.
Pros
- Each play kit is developed with input from early childhood experts
- Toys are made from durable, sustainable materials—often solid wood
- Everything feels sturdy, well-crafted and made to withstand years of play
- My child looks forward to each new box with excitement
- Each kit includes helpful parent guides with research-backed tips on child development and ideas for purposeful play
- An optional book add-on subscription delivers age-appropriate books with your Play Kits
- Subscribers get access to the Lovevery app, a library of parent courses, and subscriber-only prices
Cons
- Subscription is an investment and may not fit every family’s budget
- It doesn’t eliminate the need to buy other toys, but it does help ensure your child has new toys that foster their learning and development
- The app occasionally glitches, sometimes making checkout and navigation less seamless than expected
- Occasional shipping delays may occur; the Early Reader Club add-on has experienced intermittent delays in fulfillment
Product comparison: Lovevery vs. KiwiCo
I subscribe to Lovevery and have purchased a few KiwiCo toys individually, though I haven’t tried the KiwiCo subscription firsthand. I started with Lovevery early on and have remained a loyal fan ever since.
Both brands offer age-appropriate, high-quality toy subscriptions. However, KiwiCo’s subscription is tiered, with Essentials, Plus and Deluxe options available at different price points. The Essentials box is smaller and more affordable, while the Deluxe includes the most items. From 0–36 months, KiwiCo ships every two months (slightly more frequently than Lovevery during the toddler years), then transitions to monthly boxes for older kids—and even offers options for ages 12 and up.
I appreciate that Lovevery focuses exclusively on early childhood and includes detailed parent guides with every kit. I also prefer that there’s no tiered pricing, which eliminates decision fatigue and ensures you always get the full experience.
In terms of pricing, the two brands are fairly comparable. KiwiCo’s mid-tier subscription averages out close to Lovevery’s cost per box. The KiwiCo toy subscription seems to lean more toward STEM-based activities, while Lovevery emphasizes open-ended, Montessori-inspired play and early literacy through its optional book and phonics subscription. Both brands deliver long-lasting quality and engaging designs, so the choice really comes down to your child’s age, interests and your family’s budget (since KiwiCo offers a budget-friendly tier).
Final verdict
After nearly two years with the Lovevery Play Kits, I can confidently say I’m a fan. I’d recommend the subscription to any parent looking for high-quality, open-ended, Montessori-inspired toys for their baby or toddler.
Yes, it’s an investment, but for us, it’s been worth every penny. If you’re hoping to save a bit, consider starting the subscription around 12 months, when many kids begin to engage more independently. You can also buy individual play kits or toys à la carte from Lovevery or Amazon to test the waters before subscribing.
For me, Lovevery gives me confidence knowing my child is playing with toys designed by experts who understand early development. I also appreciate knowing that our caregivers have access to quality educational materials to use with her. The price is on the higher side, but it reflects the craftsmanship, thoughtful design and standout customer service that make the subscription experience worth it.
Where to buy
Lovevery Play Kit Subscription
Our shopping editor's favorite toy subscription service for years
The best way to subscribe to the Lovevery Play Kits is to purchase them directly through Lovevery’s website. Subscriptions cost $80 per kit for ages zero to 12 months and $120 per kit for ages 1 to 4 years.
I renew every November, when Lovevery typically offers Black Friday discounts. It’s become our little tradition and my daughter’s Christmas gift that keeps giving all year long.
FAQ
How much is a Lovevery subscription?
A Lovevery Play Kits subscription costs $80 per kit for ages 0–12 months (delivered every two months) and $120 per kit for ages 1–4 years (delivered every three months). You’re charged as each kit ships, with options to prepay at a discount or use referral codes for additional savings.
How do you cancel a Lovevery subscription?
You can cancel your Lovevery Play Kits subscription at any time, provided you do so at least three days before your next scheduled shipment.
Sign in at Lovevery.com, go to Account Settings, and under Manage Subscription, you can skip the next kit or cancel your subscription completely. You’ll get a confirmation email, and any prepaid kits you haven’t received will be refunded. (Note: these options aren’t currently available in the Lovevery app, so you’ll have to cancel from Lovevery.com.)
Can you buy Lovevery toys without a subscription?
You can buy individual Play Kits, but subscribing saves you money on each kit. Subscribers also get access to the Lovevery App, parent courses like Food Before 1 and Potty Learning, and the option to purchase missed or skipped kits at subscriber-only prices.
Why you should trust us
As a shopping editor at Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman, I have years of experience testing hundreds of products, from household appliances to food and drink to toys and more.
I’m also a toddler mom who has been subscribing to Lovevery with my own money for years now. I was not incentivized to write this review; these are my honest thoughts as a longtime fan.
I also consulted with multiple early childhood specialists, including Dr. Kathryn Steele, a school psychologist with over 15 years of experience, while writing this review.
