Technology Updates: Hands on with Stickerbox, the AI-powered sticker maker for kids

Source:

https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/24/hands-on-with-stickerbox-the-ai-powered-sticker-maker-for-kids/

ChatGPT:

Stickerbox is a new AI-powered toy created by Brooklyn-based startup Hapiko, designed as a voice-activated sticker printer for kids. Despite initial skepticism, the device proves enjoyable and creatively enriching. Costing US$99.99, the bright red box resembles a modern Etch A Sketch, with a screen, push-to-talk button, and thermal printer that produces black-and-white stickers kids can color. It comes with sticker paper rolls, a power cord, and colored pencils, with setup handled via a quick Wi-Fi connection.

Using Stickerbox is simple: children speak their idea, the AI interprets it, and the device prints a corresponding sticker in seconds. The experience combines instant gratification with slower, calming coloring activities. Kids naturally test increasingly complex prompts, and the AI handles their stream-of-consciousness descriptions well. The system encourages imagination rather than replacing it, making the toy a fresh type of creative play.

Stickerbox was inspired by co-founder Bob Whitney’s experience generating coloring pages for his son using ChatGPT. Recognizing the “magic” of seeing spoken ideas printed instantly, Whitney and co-founder Arun Gupta aimed to create AI products specifically safe for children. The device uses multiple AI models with strict safeguards against harmful content and filters inappropriate language, ensuring parents don’t need to monitor constantly.

The startup keeps paper refills affordable at US$5.99 for three rolls and plans to introduce premium features such as uploading personal images or collaborative tools. Regular firmware updates improve safety and creativity prompts, while a companion app will soon allow users to view and save past creations. Stickerbox is supported by US$7 million in funding from Maveron, Serena Ventures, AI2’s incubator, and several prominent angel investors.

Opinion:

Interesting tech for kids.

At this price point, I think it's more for classroom use?