MEL Science

What's in the box: Each box holds a hands-on kit for your chosen subject, such as chemistry experiments or a physics model, with step-by-step guidance and extra content in the companion app.

MEL Science sends hands-on science kits to your door each month, paired with an app that guides children through each experiment with interactive video instructions. Subscriptions cover four subjects: STEM from age 5, maths and physics from age 8, and chemistry from age 10. You can stick to one topic or mix and match, and add extra kits if you have more than one child. The digital side goes further than most kit boxes, with augmented reality lessons and virtual reality experiences, though you will need a compatible phone or tablet, and a headset for the VR. The company says all kits are lab tested and certified safe for home use, and its chemistry sets have drawn praise from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Pricing on the site starts at $29.90 a month, shown in US dollars, so UK buyers should check the sterling price at checkout. An annual plan offers 12 months for the price of 8, and monthly plans can be paused or cancelled at any time. Schools and bulk orders are catered for, and gifting is available. This is a polished, well established option for curious kids, best enjoyed with a parent alongside, though the cost adds up over a year and the screen elements will not suit every family.