KiwiCo vs. Little Passports: An In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to subscription boxes for kids, KiwiCo and Little Passports are two of the most popular choices for parents looking to provide fun, educational activities. Both brands cater to curious young minds and aim to foster a love of learning outside the classroom. However, they approach education in very different ways, focusing on different themes, age ranges, and learning styles.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine their products, services, pricing, and customer reviews. We’ll also explore the unique strengths of each brand and provide answers to common questions parents have when deciding between them. By the end, you'll have a clear recommendation to help you make the best choice for your family.

The Background: Who Are KiwiCo and Little Passports?

KiwiCo

Founded in 2011, KiwiCo has become a leader in the educational subscription box market. With a mission to inspire kids to become creators and problem-solvers, KiwiCo offers hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and arts-based projects. Each box includes materials for a specific activity or project, along with a detailed instruction booklet.

KiwiCo sets itself apart by catering to a wide range of age groups, from toddlers to teens (and even adults). Their product line includes kits like the Koala Crate for ages 2–4, the Tinker Crate for engineering enthusiasts aged 9–16, and the Eureka Crate for advanced projects aimed at older teens and adults. The company emphasizes innovation, design, and critical thinking in all of its products.

Little Passports

Little Passports was founded in 2009 with a focus on cultural and geographical exploration. The company’s goal is to introduce children to the wonders of the world through engaging and imaginative storytelling. Little Passports kits often center around Sam and Sofia, two fictional characters who “travel” the globe and send postcards, souvenirs, and activity guides back to subscribers.

While the focus on geography and culture is the main draw, Little Passports also offers themed boxes covering science and history. Their product line includes the World Edition for kids aged 6–10, the USA Edition for exploring U.S. states, and the Early Explorers kit for preschool-aged children.

Products: What’s Inside the Box?

KiwiCo: STEM and Creativity in Every Box

KiwiCo’s boxes are all about hands-on learning. Each box is designed with age-appropriate challenges that combine fun with educational rigor. Some examples of their projects include building a working robot, designing a pinball machine, or creating a colorful kaleidoscope.

What makes KiwiCo unique is the quality of its materials and the breadth of its themes. The boxes include everything you need to complete the project, and the instructions are easy to follow. Parents also appreciate that many of the finished projects - such as the robot or kaleidoscope - can be played with long after the activity is done.

KiwiCo also offers a variety of add-ons, including science-themed books and extra kits, making it easy to tailor the experience to your child’s interests.

Little Passports: Explore the World from Your Home

Little Passports focuses on geography, culture, and history. Each month, subscribers receive a box that introduces them to a new country or region. For example, the World Edition might include a mini Eiffel Tower model for France or a recipe card for an authentic Japanese dish.

While these kits are engaging and offer an immersive cultural experience, they rely heavily on paper-based materials like maps, stickers, and activity booklets. This makes the activities more passive compared to KiwiCo’s interactive projects. However, kids who love learning about new places and customs will enjoy the stories and collectibles that come with each box.

Service and Subscription Flexibility

KiwiCo

KiwiCo offers flexible subscription plans. You can choose from monthly, three-month, six-month, or annual subscriptions, with discounts for longer commitments. Subscribers can pause, skip, or cancel their plans at any time through a user-friendly online portal.

Shipping is reliable and fast, and KiwiCo delivers to many countries worldwide. Their customer support is also highly rated, with a quick response time for issues like missing items or damaged boxes.

Little Passports

Little Passports offers similar subscription options, but their service is slightly less flexible. While you can cancel or pause your subscription, the process may take more time compared to KiwiCo’s seamless system.

Shipping times can vary, particularly for international orders, and some parents have reported delays or missing items. That said, their customer support team is responsive and helpful when contacted about such issues.

Pricing: What’s the Cost?

KiwiCo

KiwiCo subscriptions start at $23.95 per month, with discounts for longer-term plans. Given the quality and variety of materials included in each box, many parents feel this is a great value. Additionally, KiwiCo often runs promotions, making it even more affordable.

Little Passports

Little Passports subscriptions begin at $24.95 per month for most kits, with discounts for annual subscriptions. While the pricing is comparable to KiwiCo, the lower cost of materials (paper versus STEM tools) makes it feel slightly less substantial in value.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

KiwiCo

Parents and kids alike love KiwiCo’s boxes. Reviews frequently praise the quality of the materials, the creativity of the projects, and how engaging the activities are. Many parents mention that KiwiCo helps their children develop problem-solving skills while having fun.

Little Passports

Little Passports also receives positive reviews, particularly for its cultural and educational focus. Parents appreciate the storytelling elements and the opportunity to teach kids about the world. However, some mention that the activities feel repetitive over time and lack the hands-on engagement that KiwiCo offers.

Q&A: Answering Your Questions

Q: Which subscription is better for STEM learning?

A: KiwiCo is the clear winner for STEM learning, offering hands-on engineering, science, and technology projects.

Q: Are these boxes suitable for siblings?

A: KiwiCo’s kits often include collaborative projects, making them great for siblings. Little Passports can be harder to share due to individual items like stickers or single-use activity books.

Q: What if my child outgrows their subscription?

A: KiwiCo offers a wide range of kits for different age groups, making it easy to transition as your child grows. Little Passports does not offer as much variety for older kids.

Q: Are there educational benefits beyond fun?

A: Both brands offer educational value. KiwiCo focuses on STEM skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, while Little Passports emphasizes cultural awareness and geography.

Q: Can I cancel anytime?

A: Both companies allow cancellations, but KiwiCo’s process is more flexible and user-friendly.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the best overall subscription box for your child, KiwiCo is the winner. With its hands-on STEM activities, high-quality materials, and greater variety for all age groups, KiwiCo offers more engaging and educational value. While Little Passports is a solid choice for cultural learning, KiwiCo's innovative projects and flexibility make it the better investment for curious, creative kids.

Ready to inspire your child’s love for learning? Start your KiwiCo subscription today and watch them build, create, and discover!