T is for Tot Subscription Review: “Ice Cream Scientist”

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, 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 Ice Cream Scientist

Info Card

Our theme of the month is Ice Cream Science! T is for Tot's informational fold-out card gives a description of various activities in the box, but what's inside is just as suited to open-ended, child-led play. There are always 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, and a QR code you can scan to buy a mystery kit before your next box arrives.

Welcome Card

The newer T is for Tot boxes have been incorporating a scratch-off component, which alone is evidence that this box's creator is a genius. (Or, at the very least, she really gets kids.) When scratched, the card reveals a QR code that leads to Welcome info.

Ice Cream Scientist Apron + Chef Hat + Stickers

This theme's "to keep" component is a striped apron and a paper hat. The hat has a sticker so you can adjust it to your child's head size and stick it into place. The apron is a quality canvas with adjustable straps and a pocket on the front. I'm pretty impressed with it, as it has more coverage than the kids aprons we have (bought at the craft store but used for cooking too). Kids always enjoy having real things to incorporate into their play, so these are a nice touch. They used the stickers to create a menu.

Ice Cream Kinetic Sand + Scooper + Cups

My kids are kinetic sand fanatics. Our general rule is that it must be enjoyed outdoors because it tends to spread. But I did make an exception for the first time playing with these two packages—both scented, which is a really fun touch—because they were keen on using them as described in the instructions. One kid was the ice cream dipper and the other got to place endless orders.

Ice Cream Notepad + Pen + Pretend Money

The notepad, pen, and play money were crucial parts of the above-mentioned ice cream shop scenario! The notepad has multiple copies of the order form, and different options for how it can be filled out. It's also loaded up with other activities like pattern-completion and coloring.

Ice Cream Town by Margaret Buckley (Author), Kiersten Eagan (Illustrator) — Retail Value $5.99

The rhyming book that came in this box led really ignited our imaginations. My first grader was able to read it to her little sister, who is in PreK.

Ice Cream in a Bag Experiment

The big, exciting activity of this box is the opportunity to make your own ice cream. You have to provide your own ingredients: milk, sugar, vanilla, ice, and salt. But the instructions give the appropriate measurements and the box provides 2 bags to make it in. My husband remembers making ice cream this way in elementary school, and he felt certain it would work, but still we described this as an experiment to the kids because we weren't sure we had enough ice.

I doubled the recipe on a whim, and there was plenty of space for it in the provided bags. That said, we didn't have enough ice to double the ice amount and we had a leak in our outer bag. So we had to transfer everything over to a new large Ziploc. Despite all that, it still worked! The texture was a little different than what we're used to but the flavor was delicious. With the recipe doubled, there was enough for all four of us to have a few bites.

Ice Cream Playdough Cutters + Homemade Playdough

Every T is for Tot kit comes with homemade playdough and a 3D-printed tool to use with it. This month there are actually two tubs of playdough, plus cone and ice cream cutters, so you can make each segment of your playdough cone a different color. Always a delight.

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 Outdoor Explorer T is for Tot box contains 6 activities, but most are just a jumping off point for imaginative play. We always appreciate having a few new clay tools, a useful item to add to our toy box (or in this case, an apron to use in the kitchen), and a book to add to our shelf. When you consider how much we as parents spend on one-time activities for our kids or families, this box leads to hours of play at home—the value is always there.

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 Ice Cream Scientist 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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