For the holiday this year we kindly asked the grandparents to buy only one present for each boy. We really want the kids to appreciate each gift they receive, which can be hard to do when they are given so much all at once.
My mom threw out the idea of a magazine subscription. “Great idea,” I told her, “but they already get Highlights.”
I assumed Highlights was the only kid-focused magazine subscription. Turns out, it’s not! My mom is a receptionist at a pediatric dentist office which basically makes her an expert on magazine subscriptions! Here are a few others that she clued me in on, plus a few I discovered online.
The first thing my 6 year old does when he wakes up in the morning is flip open the iPad and check all the scores from the previous night. One of his first words (or should I say letters) was “O-H-I-O.” And when asked what we should name his new baby brother — “DaBron James.” I think he’ll like this subscription just a little.
Amazon review writer M. Allen Greenbaum says: “This a fabulous sports magazine which features interviews, sports reporting, quizzes and games, and stories about professional as well as amateur (many of them young) athletes. The magazine is fun, factual, and age appropriate. In fact, I sometimes enjoy the purity of the stories, which evoke the joy of sports and elevate the human angle. Each issue also has a 2-page mini-poster, and lots of fun features that not only inform and entertain, but promote reading. One of the best gifts you can get for any young sports fan–but you may find yourself borrowing it!”
Price: $29.99/12 issues
Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr.
Published by the National Wildlife Federation, and focused on nature and conservation, Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr. teach children about animals and the environment through riddles, puzzles, activities, stories, photos, and poetry.
Amazon reviews are mostly positive. One reviewer, Tuco, who rated the magazine 4 stars says: “I gifted my grand daughter this magazine, and she reads it from cover to cover. It’s a good in home learning resource and is a rich source of awareness that we are far from alone on this planet.”
Price: $19.95/10 issues
According to Cricket Media, ASK is a magazine about science, history, inventors, artists, and more, written just for 6- to 9-year-olds. Ask explores intriguing topics such as why animals sleep, why people love music, and how the solar system was formed.
To be honest, I might order this subscription for myself so that I can answer all the “why” questions my kids ask me without always turning to Google.
Amazon reviewer and fourth grade teacher, Sue Young, says: “Ask is an informative, high quality magazine for children that engages them as readers and learners. Since each issue is devoted to a particular theme, my students gain indepth information about a variety of topics. They are fascinated by the attractive format — which includes wonderful photographs, illustrations, and graphic aids that are appropriate for young readers. My students have eagerly written letters to the editor and entered the bi-monthly contests. I highly recommend Ask as an excellent magazine for school libraries, classrooms, and homes.”
Price: $33.95/9 issues
National Geographic Kids and National Geographic Little Kids
These magazines cover an array of worldly topics in the areas of science, technology, nature, animals, geography, and pop culture. Some of the regular features include Go on Safari, Cool Inventions, Sports Funnies, Wildlife Watch, and Weird but True.
Reviews on Amazon are very mixed. It receives praise for being filled with fun facts, but the critics scream that there are way too many advertisements. Maybe this one is worth a single purchase from the newsstands before purchasing a subscription.
Price: (Kids) $15/10 issues (Little Kids) $15/6 issues
In addition to Highlights, Sports Illustrated Kids, Ranger Rick, Ask, and National Geographic Kids, here are a few others I came across that you may want to consider: Lego Club, Spider, Muse, Ladybug, American Girl, and Clubhouse Junior. I’m sure I’m still missing a ton so if you have additional suggestions, please share in the comments.
Happy Holidays!
Katie
