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Highlights: Choosing a Magazine by Age, Puzzle Clubs and Subscription Renewals

How to pick the right Highlights magazine or club for a child and avoid paying more on renewal.

  • Editorial team
  • Jun 25, 2026
  • 5 min read
Highlights: Choosing a Magazine by Age, Puzzle Clubs and Subscription Renewals

Highlights for Children sells its magazines, puzzle clubs, puzzle books and learning workbooks through its own site. The brand has published for children since 1946 and is best known for Highlights magazine, Hidden Pictures puzzles and the Goofus and Gallant feature.

A good Highlights order starts with the child's age and reading level, then the format: a monthly magazine, a club that ships on a schedule, or a one-off puzzle book. Subscription terms and renewal matter as much as the first price.

Matching the magazine to age

Highlights publishes three magazines for different stages. Hello is for babies and toddlers up to about age 2, High Five is for ages 2 to 6, and Highlights magazine is for ages 6 to 12.

Buy for the child's current stage rather than stretching ahead. A four-year-old will get more from High Five's read-aloud stories than from the longer pieces in Highlights magazine.

Children move up a magazine as they grow. Plan to switch titles when a subscription renews rather than paying for two at once.

Puzzle clubs and book clubs

Highlights runs subscription clubs that send puzzle books or activity packs on a schedule, such as the Hidden Pictures Puzzle Club. Each shipment builds on the last, which suits children who enjoy the same kind of puzzle again and again.

Club shipments are usually billed per delivery. Read how often packages arrive and what each one costs before signing up.

Some Highlights clubs send a first shipment with extras, such as bonus books or a storage bag. Check the offer page, since the introductory pack may be priced differently from later ones.

One-off puzzle books and workbooks

Highlights also sells single puzzle books, Hidden Pictures collections, sticker books and learning workbooks without a subscription. These suit gifts, car trips and waiting rooms.

Workbooks are sorted by grade and skill, such as reading, writing and math. Match the grade to where the child is now, not the grade they will start next fall.

Bundles of Highlights puzzle books usually cost less per book than singles. Compare the per-book price before adding extras.

Magazine or club: which suits your child

A Highlights magazine brings a mix of stories, science, crafts and puzzles every month. It suits children who like variety and enjoy having something read to them or reading on their own.

A puzzle club goes deep on one activity, such as Hidden Pictures, and suits children who already love that kind of puzzle. If you are unsure, buy a single Highlights puzzle book first and see whether it gets finished.

Families with two children of different ages can split the choice. A younger child might take High Five while an older sibling gets a puzzle club, which avoids arguments over one copy.

Gift subscriptions

A Highlights gift subscription ships to the child's address while billing the buyer. Enter both addresses carefully and check the gift message option before paying.

The first issue can take several weeks to arrive, so order early for birthdays. A gift announcement lets you tell the child before the magazine turns up.

Grandparents buying for several children should check whether one combined order is available. Separate orders can cost more.

Renewals and cancelling

Many Highlights subscriptions renew automatically unless you turn renewal off. Check your account after ordering to see the renewal date and price.

Renewal prices can differ from the introductory price. Note the renewal date so you can decide before you are charged.

Cancellation terms are listed with the subscription details. Keep the confirmation email in case you need to contact Highlights customer service.

Where the Highlights savings are

HIGHLIGHTSNEWMAG — 25% offSHOW COUPON CODE
HIGHLIGHTSSAVE20 — 20% offSHOW COUPON CODE
HIGHLIGHTSEXPLORE — $10 offSHOW COUPON CODE

The 25% code has the strongest percentage, and its name points to new magazine subscriptions. Try it on a first Highlights magazine order.

The $10 code beats 20% off on any order under $50, which covers many single puzzle books and small bundles. Above $50, the 20% code saves more.

Codes may not apply to clubs billed per shipment or to renewals. Check the order total before you confirm.

A discount on a subscription may cover only the first term. Check what the renewal will cost after the code.

For a gift, apply the code before entering the gift details so you can see the final price. If two codes both work, keep the one that gives the lower total on your exact Highlights basket.

Common questions

What age is Highlights magazine for?

Highlights magazine is for ages 6 to 12. Younger children suit High Five or Hello.

Can I send Highlights outside the US?

Check the shipping options at checkout. International delivery may cost more and take longer.

How do I stop a Highlights subscription renewing?

Turn off auto-renewal in your account or contact customer service. Do it before the renewal date.

Are Highlights puzzle books good for travel?

Yes. Hidden Pictures books need only a pencil and suit car and plane trips.

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