Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Subscriptions 

Q: Why should I buy a subscription instead of an individual product?

A: When you subscribe, you receive a kit or bin (many of which are exclusive to subscribers!) shipped to you each month without any extra steps. Because subscriptions are less expensive than an individual one-time purchase, it's cheaper to subscribe and cancel after your first box than it is to purchase a kit or bin individually. But we hope you enjoy your first month so much that you won't want to! Learn more here

 

Q: When will I be billed and when will I receive my kit/bin?

A: If you order before the 15th of the month, you'll be billed today and receive your first box shortly. If you order after the 15th of the month, you'll be billed today and your box will arrive around the 10th of the next month. For all future months, you'll be billed on the 1st and your box will arrive around the 10th. If you prepay, you'll be billed up front for the entire duration of your subscription (either 6 or 12 months), and will receive a box around the 10th of the month for each month your subscription is active.

 

 

Q: How can I make changes to my subscription?

A: You can cancel by logging into your customer portal here. You can also contact us to make changes to your subscription, including skipping a month, changing the delivery schedule (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly), or canceling your subscription.

 

Q: What's the difference between monthly subscription and prepaid?

A: Ongoing monthly subscriptions are billed at the beginning of each month, for as long as you're an active subscriber, and you can cancel at any time. Prepaid subscriptions are charged one time, up front, and receive a significant discount. The terms for prepaid subscriptions are either 6 or 12 months, depending on which option you choose. 

 

Q: How long am I committed to my subscription for?

A: Monthly subscribers may cancel at any time, unless they signed up under specific terms. Prepaid subscriptions are for set time lengths (6 or 12 months, depending on which option was chosen) and cannot be refunded. 

 

Q: Can I customize the frequency of my subscription?

A: Yes! You can log into your customer portal or email me to skip specific months, therefore you can turn the monthly subscription into one that's bimonthly, quarterly, etc.


Q: Can I give a subscription as a gift?

A: Yes! Subscriptions make wonderful gifts for birthdays and holidays. You can choose to have your order shipped directly to the gift recipient at checkout!

 

Other topics:

Q: When will I receive my (non-subscription) order?

A: Most orders are shipped within 1-3 business days. Most orders ship via USPS First Class or Priority Mail (delivery within 1-3 days), while larger orders may ship via UPS or FedEx (may take 5-7 days).

 

Q: What's the difference between Kits and Bins?

A: Messy Play Kits contain 3-5 activities per box (science projects, art activities, etc) that have specific steps and instructions, so they're a great way for adults and children to spend quality time together.

Sensory Bins contain a base material (like beans or rice) plus themed toys and fine motor tools. Bins don't have specific steps to complete, so they are great for open-ended exploratory play in which children play independently. (Keep the kids busy so you can cook dinner in peace!)

 

Q: What are "Singles"?

A: Singles are activity kits than contain one single activity, rather than Messy Play Kits, which contain multiple activities. For example, the Fizzing Snowman Kit is a Single, as it contains only the fizzing snowman activity, whereas the Winter Wonderland Messy Play Kit contains the same activity plus 3 more. Singles are packaged in clear plastic bags and can ship via First Class Mail. Slime Kits are also Singles.

Some Singles are geared towards babies and toddlers, while others are more appropriate for children ages 3+. Slime Kits are for ages 3+ as well. 

 

Q: What does shipping cost?

A: All orders now ship for free (within the US)! Most orders ship via USPS Priority or First Class, but larger orders may ship via UPS or FedEx or USPS Flat Rate. For International orders, shipping is calculated at checkout, and does not include any custom duties, VAT or taxes that may be due before you pick up your items (Messy Play Kits does not pay any of those costs).

 

Q: Can I buy your products as gifts?

A: Absolutely! On the cart page, you'll see a checkbox in the bottom left that says "For $4 please wrap the products in this order." If that box is checked, the gift wrap option will be added to your order total, and all items in the order will be gift wrapped. Note that gift wrap is charged per item in the order. You can also include a note that will be handwritten on a card, included for free with the gift wrap option. For photos of gift wrapped orders, click here.

You can also send the order as a gift without adding the gift wrap, simply by entering your gift recipient's mailing address under the "shipping address" at checkout. 

 

Q: My child puts everything in their mouth—which Messy Play products are better/worse for them?

A: Great question! While most Messy Play products are geared towards children ages 3+ due to choking hazards, we do have a few toddler- and baby-safe products. The Handprint Keepsake Kit is a wonderful way to preserve's your baby's handprint, and fun for toddlers to make as well. The Oobleck Kit is also great for children of any age and comes in a variety of different colors.

Sensory Bins contain the most choking hazards, as they contain beans, pompoms, and other small parts. If you're worried about your child mouthing any of these items, hold off on buying a Sensory Bin until they are no longer mouthing.

 

Q: Do you sell wholesale?

A: Absolutely! I love working with small boutique shops to expand their line of educational children's toys. The Slime Kits are hugely popular, especially the color-changing ones. Visit the wholesale page to learn more about where Messy Play Kits are already sold, and to request a line sheet. 

 

Q: Where can I find Messy Play Kits in person?

A: Messy Play Kits are carried in a variety of stores across the country. Visit the wholesale page to see the specific stores. You can also find Robin at local festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see where her booth will be next!