We Won! The Busy Box Takes Home a Junior Design Award 🎉
We’ve got BIG news… The Busy Box has just been named the Editor’s Choice Winner for Creative Play (Innovation) at the Junior Design Awards 2025, and honestly, we're still buzzing!
It means the world to be recognised by the amazing team at Junior Magazine, especially as a small, family-run business that started with a cardboard box, a glue stick, and a very sleep-deprived idea.
A Win for Creative, Screen-Free Play
The judges described The Busy Box as:
“A monthly subscription for children aged 1-6, designed to make play joyful, screen-free and simple.”
That’s exactly what we’ve tried to build, something that takes the pressure off grown-ups and brings the magic back to everyday play.
Each box includes four themed crafts and everything needed to make them, with two plans to choose from:
And for families with two children, there’s the Sibling Box, which makes sure no one has to share scissors or stickers (we've learned that lesson the hard way).
Boxy’s Sticker Quest: A Story With Heart
Our monthly story adventure, Boxy’s Sticker Quest, was a big part of why we received the award. It’s a magical story that weaves through each box, encouraging kids to help Boxy on their journey by completing activities, collecting stickers, and being kind and helpful at home.
The judges said:
“I love the attention to detail and the huge amount of thought that has gone into creating truly exciting projects for kids….”
– Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior
We didn’t expect to become so attached to the characters we created, but here we are, emotionally invested in a mute wooden man named Pete and a wizard who hoards glitter like treasure. The plan is to release a fully illustrated Boxy’s Sticker Quest storybook every 12 chapters so kids can keep the adventure going long after the glue has dried.
Designed With Families in Mind
We’ve always wanted The Busy Box to feel joyful but also doable — no prep, no stress, just fun delivered monthly. So it felt extra special to read this from Junior editor Bonita Turner:
“I can see kids really looking forward to receiving their packs in the post and then getting stuck in. Lots to do and I love the paper packaging that emphasises this is a real alternative to screen time.”
Our kits are made in the UK using recyclable, eco-friendly packaging, and we’re proud to offer something that supports play and learning without screens or plastic tat.
That includes our Take & Make Party Bags, a fun, creative alternative to traditional goody bags. They include one age-appropriate craft, a handmade surprise gift from Boxy, and a personalised sticker.
What’s Next?
This award has given us a real boost of confidence (and maybe a few happy tears). Here’s what’s coming next:
New themed boxes every month, always different, never repeated
More chapters in Boxy’s Sticker Quest (yes, Pete’s back again)
Our dream of turning the story into a printed book series
And... we’re still looking for the perfect narrator for the audio versions.
Stephen Fry hasn’t replied to our emails yet. But we’re staying hopeful.
Thank You
Whether you’re a subscriber, a party bag customer, or just someone cheering us on from Instagram, thank you. This award isn’t just ours, it’s yours too.
Every message, every photo, every "my child loved this!" email means the world to us. We’re so grateful to have built something that’s fun, imaginative, and made with love.
Here’s to more crafts, more stories, and more cardboard adventures.
- Scott
Founder, Maker, Storyteller, and Boxy’s Number One Fan
