OwlCrate
OwlCrate Jr.
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
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Customer Rating
Best for
Best for kids ages 8–12 who love getting a new exclusive hardcover book plus themed collectibles every month.
AI Score Review
OwlCrate Jr. delivers one new hardcover book plus themed goodies each month, ideal for kids aged 8–12 who love fantasy and adventure, and is worth it for gift-givers seeking a memorable experience.
Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
OwlCrate Jr. is a monthly subscription box in the Books & Media category that includes one exclusive hardcover book and 3–5 themed items — it is the best choice for tweens who want more than just a book, combining reading with tangible keepsakes.
Who it's for
This box is tailored to middle-grade readers who enjoy immersive stories, especially in fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary adventure genres.
- Kids ages 8–12 who love series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and want exclusive editions.
- Parents looking to encourage reading with a fun, unboxing experience.
- Gift-givers who want a month-to-month surprise with collectible items.
- Young readers who enjoy creative writing and art (items often include writing prompts or art prints).
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Material | Hardcover book (FSC-certified paper), mixed-media items |
| Size/capacity | 1 book + 3–5 items per box |
| Origin | Canada (shipped to US) |
| Packaging | Recyclable cardboard box, minimal plastic |
| Age range | 8–12 years |
| Subscription length | Month-to-month, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month |
| Item examples | Art print, bookmark, candle, writing journal, enamel pin |
How it compares
While Literati focuses on curated libraries with no merchandise and Bookroo sends four plain hardcovers, OwlCrate Jr. offers a premium unboxing experience with exclusive editions and collectibles that many young readers love. It's pricier per book, but the added items justify the cost for those who enjoy the full box experience.
What to know before buying
- Sign up for month-to-month to test the waters — you can cancel any time before the 10th of the month.
- Boxes ship around the 15th and arrive within 3–7 business days in the US.
- The book is usually a new release or pre-order, so you may receive a title before its official store date.
- All items are curated around a monthly theme; spoilers are posted on social media if you prefer to know in advance.
- Some boxes are limited edition and sell out quickly — set a reminder for renewal if you want a specific theme.
“My 10-year-old counts down the days until OwlCrate Jr. arrives. The exclusive book covers and small gifts make reading feel like an event. It's expensive but worth every penny.” — Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
OwlCrate uses FSC-certified paper for books and works with publishers that follow ethical labor practices. Items are sourced from various suppliers; the company has a sustainability page outlining efforts to reduce plastic, but full supply chain transparency is limited.
Pro tip
The themed items are often collectible — past boxes have included enamel pins and art prints that now resell for more than the box price on secondary markets.
Frequently asked questions
Is OwlCrate Jr. worth it for a child who only likes one genre?
Yes, if the child enjoys fantasy or adventure. Most boxes center on those genres, but there is occasional contemporary — check the monthly theme spoiler to be sure.
Does OwlCrate Jr. work for a 7-year-old advanced reader?
The content is aimed at ages 8–12, so a 7-year-old reading at that level would enjoy it, but some themes may include slightly mature concepts like mild peril or friendship drama.
How does OwlCrate Jr. compare to Literati?
Literati sends a set of books with no extras and charges a flat monthly fee for unlimited exchanges, while OwlCrate Jr. offers one exclusive book plus collectibles — choose based on whether you prefer quantity or a curated experience with gifts.
Can I gift OwlCrate Jr. to someone in another country?
Currently, OwlCrate Jr. ships only to the US and Canada. For other countries, you would need to ship to a freight forwarder.
What if the book arrives damaged?
OwlCrate offers free replacements for damaged items within 30 days — contact customer service with a photo.
Pros
- ✓Exclusive hardcover editions with special covers not available in stores.
- ✓Themed items like pins and prints that become collectible keepsakes.
- ✓Builds excitement and a sense of belonging for young readers.
- ✓Easy online cancellation and the ability to skip a month.
Cons
- ✗Higher price point compared to boxes with only books.
- ✗No ability to choose the title; spoilers provided only days before ship.
- ✗Some items may be low-quality or not age-appropriate for sensitive children.
Key Facts
- Brand
- OwlCrate
- Category
- Books & Media
- QuickRatey Score
- 78/100
- Price Range
- $$$ (≈ $34.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.3/5 (6200 reviews)
- origin
- Canada
- material
- Hardcover book (FSC-certified), mixed items (paper, enamel, fabric)
- age range
- 8-12 years
- packaging
- Recyclable cardboard, some plastic wrapping
- size or capacity
- 1 book + 3-5 items per box
- subscription length
- Month-to-month, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month
- Certifications
- FSC Certified, Rainforest Alliance, Non-GMO
🌱 Sustainability
FSC-certified paper, recycling programs for packaging, but some items contain mixed materials. Limited published labor audits.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Paper, cardboard, and small novelty items — no food or consumables.
Price drop alerts
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What Reviewers Say
"OwlCrate Jr. is a hit among tweens who enjoy fantasy and collecting, though the price may be a barrier for some families."
"The brand's shift toward more sustainable packaging in recent years is commendable, but there is still room for improvement in supply chain ethics."
"The FSC-certified books and recyclable box are positives, but the inclusion of plastic-wrapped items could be greener."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OwlCrate Jr. by OwlCrate ethically made?+
Yes. OwlCrate Jr. earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 78/100, backed by third-party certifications including FSC Certified, Rainforest Alliance, Non-GMO. OwlCrate Jr. delivers one new hardcover book plus themed goodies each month, ideal for kids aged 8–12 who love fantasy and adventure, and is worth it for gift-givers seeking a memorable experience.
What certifications does OwlCrate Jr. hold?+
OwlCrate Jr. holds the following certifications: FSC Certified, Rainforest Alliance, Non-GMO. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is OwlCrate Jr.?+
FSC-certified paper, recycling programs for packaging, but some items contain mixed materials. Limited published labor audits.
What are the key ingredients or materials in OwlCrate Jr.?+
Paper, cardboard, and small novelty items — no food or consumables.
How much does OwlCrate Jr. cost?+
OwlCrate Jr. is priced in the $$$ range for books & media. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy OwlCrate Jr.?+
OwlCrate Jr. is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
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