Each shipment contains 3–6 hand-picked specimens totaling $50–$75 in retail value. Every item arrives with a collectible research card. Here are a few examples:
Cosmic fragments from across the universe. IMCA-authenticated and classified by The Meteoritical Society.
Actual remnants of prehistoric creatures that lived millions to billions of years ago.
Pieces of historic scientific discoveries and significance. Every piece undergoes meticulously vetting and authentication by our team.
Millions of years in the making, these are among nature's most beautiful formations. All science; no metaphysical powers.
Matter is the only science box made specifically with grown-ups in mind.
Real specimens, real provenance, real research — no plushes, t-shirts, or gimmicks.
Some items may be small or fragile.
We recommend the box for ages 10+ with adult supervision for younger explorers.
Physics professor Rhett Allain (@rhettallain) shows off his favorite Matter item.
◆ BATCH #66 UNBOXING
Three steps from "huh, that's cool" to a museum exhibit on your desk.
Monthly for the impatient curious. Quarterly for the slow-burn collector. Pause or cancel anytime from your dashboard.
Subscribe today and we'll send a FREE Starter Box out the door immediately — yours to keep while you wait for the next regular batch.
Use each item's research card as a starting point for your own deep dive while holding tangible piece of what you're learning about.
Pick how often you want a box, then how far in advance you want to prepay. Longer prepay terms unlock bigger discounts.
Take an extra 25% off any Matter subscription with code BOXIVERSARY
Use Code BOXIVERSARY • DISCOUNTS CALCULATED IN CART
Try a single past Matter box for a one-time discounted price. Same authenticated items, same research cards — no subscription.
Drop your email. We'll send a preview when the next box ships — plus the occasional behind-the-scenes look at how specimens get sourced.
Everything you wanted to ask before subscribing — answered without the marketing voice.
Each box contains 3–6 items covering a range of scientific subjects, and totaling $50–$75 in retail value. Each item includes an exclusive research card. You can view many of our previously featured items here.
Matter ships anywhere in the world that USPS will deliver. All boxes are shipped from our US laboratory.
Free Starter Box: For all new subscriptions, a free Starter Box will be added to you order upon checkout. The Starter Box will ship asap.
Your first subscription box will ship either at the end of the current month (if you ordered by the 20th) or next month (if you ordered after the 20th).
You can always add a discounted Legacy Box to ship immediately while you wait for your next subscription box.
You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as each box ships.
Most subscribers will never receive a repeat item. Occasionally we revisit a particularly amazing item, but only if it's been at least 3 years since it was previously featured.
To date we have featured over 400 unique items in our boxes! If you want a specific item that was previously featured, it may be available in our main store.
Yes. Active subscribers can apply one discount code to every renewal. You can enter your code in your account page:
Applying a discount will apply to the next renewal of your current subscription. So if you apply a discount today and charge it, and then apply another discount and charge it, you'll prepay your next 2 renewals and these paid boxes will be scheduled out in your current subscription according to your shipping schedule (monthly or quarterly).
Yes, while our goal is to spread the love of science, we understand that teachers and students have tight budgets. That's why we offer special educational discounts to help bring our Matter boxes into your homes, classrooms, or learning programs.
These boxes are perfect for sparking students' curiosity and complementing your science curriculum.
Use your school credentials to get your educational discount here, or send us a purchase order from your school.
If you subscribed through this site, all subscription details are editable through your Stemcell account page. If you subscribed on another site, you'll need to check that site for instructions.
Yes, you can pause/resume or cancel anytime from your account page.
You can disable the auto-renewal of your subscription at any time from your account dashboard here. Please note that this change will take effect at the end of your current subscription term. You will still receive any prepaid boxes.
Absolutely! Matter boxes are a fantastic way to spark curiosity and add a bit of science fun to your workplace. Whether it's for a holiday gift, team-building activity, or just to give your office a cool science vibe, we've got you covered.
We'll make sure they're packed with intriguing items that'll get everyone talking. We can even ship directly to your employees' door. Just let us know how many you need, and we'll handle the rest!
If your lab or company produces a scientific item, or if our organizations' missions align, we would love to explore collaboration. Whether you're a start-up or an established industry leader, we're open to a range of partnerships that drive science forward.
Past collaborations have included sponsorships, sourcing custom items, and even curating themed boxes. Contact us for more.
Yes. We adhere to the highest standards of authenticity when it comes to our rare and collectible items.
We source our items from the most reputable collectors and suppliers. Then we utilize our network of scientists and experts to assist in the rigorous process of validating each item's provenance.
If we aren't 100% confident an item is authentic, it doesn't make it into the box.
Our meticulously curated collections are designed to inspire, educate, and resonate, all while maintaining an unbreakable commitment to authenticity.
Since 2015, we've been cultivating a network of collectors and suppliers that reaches into every corner of the scientific world.
From fossil excavation sites to state-of-the-art laboratories, whether we're looking for a rare mineral specimen or a cutting-edge piece of technology, our network allows us to source virtually anything in the realm of science, while ensuring quality and authenticity.
Subscriptions start at $39.99/box. Prepay longer terms to save up to 20%. Or try a one-time Legacy Box for $29.99.
Subscribe to Matter →One of my favorite questions has always been, "You wanna see something cool?" It means some special item is about to be carefully pulled from a drawer, box, or cabinet—like a trinket that does something amazing or a rare piece of history—that will send my mind down a path of curiosity it's never been before.
Over the years I have collected numerous amazing pieces of the universe, and I have more frequently become the one asking the question rather than the one being asked. I've discovered that asking the question and seeing someone light up as they wrap their mind around fascinating concepts, is just as exciting and rewarding as being the one asked.
Matter was designed to create these moments. With every box of Matter, I'm not only asking, "You wanna see something cool?"—I'm giving you the items and the info to ask someone else that question, and share that unique thrill of wonderment.
So ask the question. Amaze your family, friends, and coworkers with these tiny wonders of the universe. After all, we’re how the universe gets to marvel at itself.
— TERRY MUDGE
Every active subscription unlocks the rest of the shop.
Active subscribers get a 15% discount on every other product in the Stemcell Science Shop.
CODE INCLUDED IN YOUR FIRST BOXFound a promo? It can be applied toward your next renewal — not just for new subscribers!
No need to wait for support to make a change. You control everything from your account page.
Every month it feels like opening a tiny museum drawer.Maya R.Matter subscriber · Brooklyn, NY
For a Science nerd in search of understanding natures clues, this artifact of the Fermilab 15-Foot Bubble Chamber is a real treat. The photo is crafted nicely in a floating frame and came with a numbered COA. It will have a nice central spot in the museum display.
*Edit* I came back to add to my review after receiving my most recent box, which made me cry tears of joy. All boxes are awesome, but this one was especially cool to me. Imagine putting your hand into a little fabric bag and pulling out a wild boar vertebra! I love all bones and fossils and it makes me so happy to add things to my collection that have been collected recently as well as prehistoric specimens. This subscription box really covers all interests and is sure to make you happy.
Original Review:
I have been more than happy with every single Matter Box I have received. I have incorporated most of the items into my museum styled living room and the display is complimented frequently by guests. The boxes come with cards that explain what the items are. I have put the cards in a binder and find myself reading them often and appreciating being able to have these little bits of science and history in my life.
Hi I never recieved this. It says it’s been delivered to a pick up
Point but I have no idea where this is
extremely disappointed with this, especially for $50. We will be canceling our quarterly subscription.
I have signed up for many subscription services and this is the worst. They charged me for 3 months and didn't send me anything. When I complained they basically acted like this is normal and the confusion was my fault, then they immediately sent two of the same box. Then two more months went by before they send another, which only happened when I complained to the shop app that this company was fraudulent. I cancelled my service but if you can't operate without forcing your customers to float your revenue you don't have a stable business model. I would avoid this company.
Meh
Not sure what I was expecting but with an interest in many branches of learning the contents were...all right.I find that paying for the box over 5 weeks before the box ships,seems a bit of a con.I'm giving it another month to see if this was just a one off or what I should generally expect.If the latter I WILL be cancelling my subscription.
The items provided in the Matter Scientific Subscription Box are interesting and offer a connection to a broad range of topics on how science is applied to the real world. The items are great for use in K-8 classroom science lessons to add to discussions and introduce new information.
Stuff in the stem cell box is pretty cool, but there is not a whole lot you can do with it and the small little items aren’t really worth the cost
Sometimes the box I receive does not seem like the items are worth the price I pay for the subscription.
My fifth box and am still as excited for each as I was the first. Am an international subscriber and am pleased how my boxes are as varied and interesting as they are considering shipping restrictions. I've still been able to receive some amazing items and never have I had a box missing items because of it. I was absolutely thrilled to find a giraffe fossil, along with a whole forensic suit and accessories, aswell as a sky identifying card tool. I subscribe quarterly and I have received 3 items and 5 items in rotation. I have received artifacts, fossils, rocks, raw materials and even simulated skin. I've received items I can use and items to display. Awesome little boxes that open up to the biggest discoveries
I didn't quite think the box I got was gonna work out as a good gift, so I got offered a new box, and it was a perfect gift for my sister.
We loved everything in it! It really prompts my children to ask questions and be more curious about our world
It’s so much fun on the days the box arrives. I’ve always learned something new and our friends love our little display of science goodies when they visit.
It's awesome, but it could be bigger with more stuff in it
Always fantastic!
I tell all of my friends about this box. I just love it so much
My parents got me a subscription for my birthday and I loved it so much I've kept buying it for myself after my three months were up!
I always look forward to this box each month! Always something interesting to learn!
I always look forward to this box each month! Always something interesting to learn!
An amazing set of surprises every month. I just added another year.
Love these for my classroom!
My son loves science and he is so excited to explore these boxes. It's truly feeding that curiosity that he has and it's because of programs like these, he knows being a scientist is achievable.
Can't wait to receive the next box.
This subscription is for my 11 year old and he is absolutely thrilled about what he gets! He really liked the particle accelerator fragment!
I love thé items that come in my science subscription box. I love thé cards that come with it describing the items and their purpose, history. The items are of high quality and super interesting and neat. I use them for myself and educating even my kids with. Helps me keep the healthy wonder of the world around me.
Matter Scientific Subscription Box
Nephew's loved it!! Just in time for Christmas. Planning on sending another box in a couple months...
Amazingly packed and so intriguing! Even to try out once you should get this box!
A wonderful distraction that flexes the sense of wonder you lost over the years, yet still educates you with something you can hold in your hand.
