Growing Up with Highlights: The Joy of Mailbox Magic

I remember the sheer thrill of checking the mailbox as a kid, hoping that this would be the day my Highlights magazine arrived. The glossy cover, the promise of hidden pictures, brain teasers, and engaging stories—it was my little slice of magic, a monthly adventure waiting to unfold. Now, decades later, I get to relive that joy through Margot, who has had a Highlights subscription for her entire life. The excitement she feels when her magazines and books arrive in the mail is the same spark I remember so vividly from my own childhood.

Highlights has been shaping curious, creative, caring, and confident kids for over 75 years. It’s a brand that understands childhood, one that listens to kids, engages them meaningfully, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. And let’s be honest—how many brands can we say that about? If you’ve never heard of Highlights or considered getting a subscription for your child, let me tell you why it’s one of the best investments you can make in their growth and development.

Founded in 1946 by educational leaders Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers, Highlights started as a simple yet powerful idea: that children become their best selves when they are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination, develop their reading and reasoning skills, and treat others with respect and kindness.

From the classic Highlights magazine to the growing collection of activity books, puzzle books, and subscriptions, Highlights has evolved to meet the needs of today’s families while staying true to its original mission. Whether you have a budding reader, an eager problem solver, or a creative artist in your home, Highlights offers something that will inspire, educate, and entertain.

One of the things I love about Highlights is how their subscriptions grow with your child.

Designed for the littlest learners, Hello magazine features soft, tear-resistant pages and bright, engaging images. The simple stories and interactive elements help introduce the joy of books from the very start, fostering early literacy and bonding time between parents and babies.

Perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners, High Five introduces short stories, poems, and puzzles that build critical thinking and pre-reading skills. The activities are designed for little hands, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and even early math concepts through play-based learning.

The classic magazine loved by generations, Highlights is packed with engaging fiction and non-fiction stories, brain-boosting puzzles, and, of course, the famous Hidden Pictures. This subscription encourages curiosity and independent thinking while reinforcing a love for reading and discovery.

Each of these subscriptions is thoughtfully crafted to engage kids at their current developmental stage while preparing them for the next. From the earliest days of exploring books together to fostering a love of independent reading, Highlights has a way of making learning joyful and accessible for every child.

If you think Highlights is just about magazines, think again. They offer an incredible range of hands-on learning tools and resources, perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained beyond screen time.

One of the things that truly sets Highlights apart is how much they value the parent-child relationship. They don’t just create products for kids—they provide resources for parents, too. Their website is a goldmine of information, offering tips and tools on childhood development, social-emotional learning, and even a parenting podcast where experts dive into what kids are really thinking.

Their mission statement says it all: Confident parenting for joyful childhoods and a more optimistic world. Highlights believes in empowering kids and the grown-ups who love them, creating an environment where children can grow into their best selves.

As a parent, I love knowing that Margot is engaging with something meaningful every time she opens her Highlights package. Whether it’s finding every last hidden object in a puzzle, reading a new story, or tackling a tricky brain teaser, she’s learning, growing, and having fun—all at the same time. Plus, there’s something so special about the ritual of checking the mailbox and discovering something made just for her. In a world where instant digital content is everywhere, Highlights brings back the joy of anticipation and the excitement of a tangible surprise.

If you grew up with Highlights, you already know the magic. But if this is new to you, trust me—it’s a game-changer. And the best part? You can easily bring that same magic into your home.