World in a Box

What's in the box: A typical box has an activity booklet about the featured country, two postcards, hands-on crafts and STEAM projects, a recipe, and new cards for an ongoing memory game, plus a world map poster.

World in a Box is a Canadian geography and culture subscription for children ages 7 to 10. Each month it focuses on a new country, covering its geography, wildlife, traditions and food through crafts, STEAM projects, games and an activity booklet. Patrick the beaver is the guide for every box, and younger kids tend to like having a familiar character along. The company says its kits are kid-tested for this age group. It suggests that parents read the booklets with younger children, while older kids should be able to work through most projects with little help. You can sign up monthly or prepay for 3, 6 or 12 months. The site also sells gift boxes, one-time kits, mini kits and worksheets, so you can try one without committing to a subscription. The memory game is a nice touch because it grows with each new country you receive. The site marks the world map with an asterisk, so it may not come in every box. The age range is narrow, and kids past 10 may find the content too simple. Prices and shipping details should be checked on the site before you subscribe. Overall it is a gentle, well-structured way to make geography hands-on for early elementary kids.