A new toy called Stickerbox is turning heads: an AI-powered sticker printer designed for children. Initial skepticism quickly gave way to surprise, as the device proved to be unexpectedly engaging. The Brooklyn-based startup Hapiko has created a product that blends imagination, technology, and tactile fun—without overly relying on artificial intelligence.
How Stickerbox Works
The $99.99 device is a small, retro-styled box with a black-and-white screen and a simple push-to-talk button. It comes with enough paper for 180 stickers, plus colored pencils for finishing.
Kids simply press the button, describe an image, and release to see their idea printed. The thermal printer requires no ink, and the paper is BPA-free. The result is a sticker ready to be colored—a mix of digital creation and hands-on activity. The experience feels serendipitous; seeing an idea materialize in seconds is surprisingly satisfying.
The device’s simplicity is key. Children don’t need to become “prompt engineers”; they just explore their imagination. Any improvement in their prompting skills is a bonus.
The Founders Behind Stickerbox
Hapiko was founded this year by Arun Gupta and Robert Whitney, veterans of the tech industry. Gupta previously ran hardware sleep tracker WakeMate, while Whitney worked at The New York Times Games and Anthropic.
The idea for Stickerbox came from Whitney’s experience as a father. After using ChatGPT to print a custom coloring page for his son, he realized the magic of instant creation. His son’s enthusiasm for requesting and seeing ideas come to life sparked the concept.
“I just saw this look on his face of magic—like pure magic,” Whitney explained.
AI Safety and Future Plans
The founders recognized a gap in the market: no one was building AI specifically for kids. They focused on safety, implementing filters to block harmful content and swear words. If a child tries a questionable prompt, the device will print a random, harmless sticker instead.
“We want to be the trusted brand for parents where you don’t have to look over your kid’s shoulder,” Gupta said.
Hapiko plans to add premium features, like image uploads and collaboration tools. The device receives regular firmware updates, and a companion app is in development for saving creations. Restocking paper is cheap at $5.99 for three rolls (currently on promotion).
Stickerbox balances the excitement of AI with the calming act of coloring, avoiding addictive tech while encouraging creativity. It represents a new form of play—one where imagination is encouraged, not outsourced.
