T is for Tot is a monthly children's subscription box for ages 3-6. Each themed kit contains supplies and activities for play-based learning both project-based and open-ended. The box is curated by a mom and kindergarten teacher to prepare your little one for K with arts and crafts projects, simple STEM experiments, laminated learning materials, a quality children's book, and more.
The Cost: $38.95 per month + free US shipping with annual subscription; $42.95 per month + free US shipping monthly.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Opening The Box
T is for Tot arrives in a white box with a sticker indicating the month's theme on the flap. The box is stuffed with colorful possibilities on the month's theme, and on top is a trifold information card with descriptions and ideas for play.
Here's What's In the Greenhouse Kit
Info Card
As always, the T is for Tot info booklet gives a description of various activities in the box, but it's just as suited to open-ended, child-led play. There are tons of options for what families can do with the materials. On the back of the card here is a Junior Paleontologist badge (sticker) and a QR code you can scan to buy a mystery kit before your next box arrives.
Silicone Dinosaur Mat + Markers + Book
T is for Tot keeps things really original with the written component of the box. They use a lot of laminated pages as white board opportunities, changing up the shape and size to keep things interesting. The organizer of this box knows kids love novelty! This month they provided a silicone mat and four mini whiteboard markers, and it was a huge hit. The markers can also be used in the paper book for filling in the blank with patterns, and a search & find of different types of dinos.
The book activities seem better suited to a kid at the older end of the 3-6 age range, but my 3-year-old gave it a shot. She sort of made her own rules, which was fine by me! My 6-year-old was really inspired by the mat! She colored and then drew each of the 4 types of dinosaurs on the mat one at a time, then as the grand finale she drew all 4 together and wrote "My dinosaurs." After that she went on to draw all our favorite animals. It kept her busy for quite some time!
Wooden Dinosaur Puzzle and Tray + Kinetic Sand + Brush
I'm combining a few different activities from the booklet in this one because they worked so nicely all together. The wooden puzzle came with laser-cut pieces—some very tiny!—so kids could build the puzzle like a regular ol' puzzle, or play the paleontologist way and bury them in the kinetic sand, dig them out with the paint brush, and build the puzzle that way. Really clever.
My 3-year-old was quite engaged with digging up puzzle pieces and fitting them into place, and then her big sister decided to fill the puzzle board up with kinetic sand to then carve back out using the small tools provided (just below) and some toothpicks.
Digging For Dinosaurs Bag
This one never gets old for my kids: pairing fun tools and blunt force to reveal a mystery item. We've done homemade versions of these fossil digs before, and the consistency was very similar to what was provided in the box here.
Big sister took the lead on starting this activity, and when little sister wanted to participate, they worked out a system using the provided paint brush for one kid to dig and the other to "clean." It was an absolute mess and didn't resemble cleaning in the slightest, but it was a really tangible way for them to get into the paleontologist mindset for imaginative play. They came up with names and titles and they dug and swept for quite some time. When they were done, actual clean-up was pretty simple with the handheld vacuum cleaner.
Salt Dough Fossils + Dinosaur
Using the flour and salt provided in this tub, you can add water to create a soft salt dough like what you might use to make homemade Christmas ornaments or sculptures. It was helpful having the pre-mixed flour and salt! Kids can use the tissue paper guide here to form dinosaur bone shapes, let them dry, then bury them in the kinetic sand for a dig.
Dinosaurs (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 1) — Retail Value $4.50
The mix of facts, photos, and illustrations in this book make it really exciting to explore. A dino-lover's dream! My kids didn't connect with the book, but they decided to gift it to their dino-obsessed cousin, who has been enjoying it daily!
Dinosaur Playdough Cutter + Homemade Playdough
Finally, you can count on T is for Tot to include lovely, soft homemade playdough and a playdough cutter for sensory exploration.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $38.95 per month + free US shipping with annual subscription; $42.95 per month + free US shipping monthly.
Value Breakdown: The typical T is for Tot box includes about 6 activities that can easily be combined to morph into more, building a full morning or afternoon of play-based learning. This month's box was create for combining activities, and really got my kids' imaginations going! We're also always left with some cool tools to hang onto and recreate our own versions of these projects down the line. The paperback book of the month only adds to the long-term enjoyment of the box. We had a lot of fun this month!
Key Takeaways
While we aren't a house full of dino-lovers, we ARE a group of dirt-diggers and sensory explorers, so we appreciated the very hands-on activities included with the dinosaur theme this month. This box was just as engaging for my 6-year-old as it was for my 3-year-old, and we look forward to what our next box holds.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No*, your first kit will be the Human Body box (see review here) and will ship within 1-2 business days after ordering. Expect the following kits to ship by the 10th of each month.
*If you want to buy this Dinosaur kit as a gift or one-time purchase, it is currently available here in the T is for Tot shop for $48.
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