Craftsman Crate

What's in the box: A box typically contains lessons, detailed instructions, real craft tools and all the supplies needed to finish the first couple of projects in that month's craft.

Craftsman Crate is a monthly subscription that sends a different traditional craft each time. The goal is to teach a real hands-on skill rather than fill one afternoon. Past themes shown on the site include block printing, globe making, soapstone carving, basketry, kintsugi and scrimshaw. That makes it less a pure woodworking box and more a rotating tour of artisan hobbies, so anyone hoping for steady joinery or lathe projects should know that going in. The company says each box is complete, with lessons, detailed instructions and every supply needed for your first couple of projects. It also says it uses real tools rather than samples or disposables. If that holds up, the kits should stay useful after the first build, because the tools keep working for future projects. For US addresses the price is $44.97 billed monthly with shipping included, and multimonth plans start from $41.22. Canadian and international addresses are also served at higher monthly prices. A separate Apprentice line for children aged 6 to 12, plus homeschool resources, makes the service a reasonable fit for families. The site does not explain whether you can choose or skip a theme, so expect to take whatever craft arrives. That surprise is part of the appeal, but some months may not match your interests.