Letterbox Lab

What's in the box: Materials for several themed experiments, each in its own labelled bag, plus an illustrated booklet explaining how to do each activity and the science behind it.

Letterbox Lab is a British science subscription that sends children a box of hands-on experiments each month. Since September 2024 it has been owned by Launchpad Publishing, the company behind Whizz Pop Bang magazine. Subscriptions are now sold through the Whizz Pop Bang website, so you will likely check out there rather than on the original Letterbox Lab site. Each box holds materials for several experiments, with each activity packed in its own labelled bag. An illustrated printed booklet takes your child through the steps and explains the science in plain terms. The company says everything you need is included, so you should not have to go out for extra supplies, and there are videos of each activity if your child gets stuck. Each month follows a theme, and the experiments build on one another. The site says there are two box sizes but its front page does not explain the difference, and it does not give an age range there either, so check both before you buy. Letterbox Lab offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and says you can cancel anytime. The promise of no mess sounds optimistic for boxes that involve potions and rockets, so expect some cleaning up. Overall it is a well organised option for families who want regular, structured science at home.