Subscription boxes have been landing on the doorsteps of geeks, fashionistas, foodies, and bookworms for nearly a decade.
And now, kids aged 3 to 13 years old can receive recurring packaged deliveries of niche products, too.
First spotted by Engadget, Amazon this week introduced the STEM Club Toy Subscription—a monthly program that delivers "hand-picked, high-quality" science, technology, engineering, and math knickknacks once a month.
The box costs $19.99 per month (plus tax), and promises a mix of age-appropriate STEM products "from robotics to natural sciences" that aim to encourage kids to learn through play.
Available in three age ranges, folks can expect "engaging toys" like a math playbox (3-4), scientific explorer kit (5-7), or chemistry set (8-13).
"Amazon editors work closely with smart and trusted brands we love to handpick the best STEM toys," the company website said. "From programmable robots to rockin' crystal kits … to cool arithmetic toys, STEM Club will challenge and inspire while expanding young minds through play."
Subscription begins upon sign-up, and will automatically renew each month; users can cancel the service at any time via "Your Memberships & Subscriptions" on Amazon.com. The program is currently available only in the US.
While the new scheme works for some—"It is the gift that will give all year," one customer wrote in a five-star review—others panned the product for its obvious limitations.
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"Not currently possible to do multiple subscriptions with this product," a consumer said. "So forget about getting it for both grandkids since you're only allowed to subscribe it to one grandkid. This seems like a no brainer to fix, Amazon."
Another reviewer agreed, writing that they were "excited until I realized I couldn't purchase [two] subscriptions for my 10- [and] 12-year-old daughters."
Amazon did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.