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 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 sticker badge that coordinates with the theme of the box—this time it's Junior Librarian—and a QR code you can scan to buy a mystery kit before your next box arrives.
Library Bag
This tiny tote bag is so cute. Our family spends a lot of time at the library, enjoying its inclusive play space just as much as we devour the piles of books we borrow. Most picture books wouldn't fit in this tote bag, but my preschooler and kindergartner think it's the cutest tote they've ever seen. And in the context of the tiny home library counter we have the opportunity to build through this box, there are lots of ways it can be used.
Library Card + Envelopes + Stickers
There's so much possibility with this collection of clerical library delights. There's a bookmark that can be colored or used as a reading tracker, there are stickers to indicate new arrivals or overdue books, there's one of those rotating date stamps (that, let's be honest, everyone on this planet wants to get their hands on). There's a pretend library card and there are old school borrowers cards, which my kids have of course never seen but brought on so much nostalgia for me. And there's a postcard you can color to send to someone to tell them about a book you've read. Especially for my Kindergartener who can read and write, the chance to really step into the role of librarian was taken very seriously!
The borrowers cards come with pockets that have sticky strips attached so children can affix them to books. We started with the book we were sent in this box—you'll see a peek soon.
Library Notepad
This box is so wonderful about providing pages and pages of activities that celebrate the theme in educational ways. In this booklet, there are several pages of booklogs, the opportunity to design a book cover, a scavenger hunt, library bingo, and more. Some months my kids devour these activities; others they spread them out to enjoy in the days or weeks to come.
My preschooler is loving creating letter shapes, and writing pretend words. She was so happy to have a worksheet to write and stamp on.
Make Your Own Book + Markers
This is a completely blank hardcover book and a set of small markers. My Kindergartener volunteered to take the lead on creating the book, promising her sister she could participate once it was underway. It was a mutual agreement! I love where this book is going.
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator) — Retail Value $11.50
Library Lion was published in 2008, but it feels like it could've been around forever—there's something beautifully timeless about this story of a real lion who wanders into the library and, despite initial shock by an employee and the visitors, the head librarian treats the lion as a guest. In time, everyone grows to appreciate having the lion around. My whole family found this book to be delightful.
Pretend Library
These three pieces of paper go a long way! One is a large print-out of the front of a library desk that can be hung on a table or chair to create a library desk. Then there are two sticky pages that can be attached to the T is for Tot box to create a computer. Oh the fun that stemmed from these things!
What might look like a mess at first is actually a meticulously organized desk created by our in-house big sister librarian.
Numbers Playdough Roller + Homemade Playdough
Every T is for Tot kit comes with homemade playdough and a 3D-printed tool to use with it. Nothing compares to the soft, pillowy texture of homemade playdough! This time around the tool is a roller filled with numbers.
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: It's hard to break down how many activities are included in the Library T is for Tot box because there are just so many avenues these items can take! It's broken down into 7 groupings of items/activities—some that can be used and reused, some that will launch your kid into imaginative play, some that are good for sit-down learning together. We've loved this box.
Key Takeaways
Our library-loving family was thrilled to bring the library desk home with this kit. We loved the book, the activities, and the resources for play. We're still going strong using these items!
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 Library 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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