We do plenty of open-ended art projects around here. “Here are some watercolors; let’s paint!” Or “I brought home a big package of pipe cleaners. What should we make?” But the kids, Eleanor especially, really like having a project with step-by-step instructions to follow. I think they feel good about having made something themselves by following directions, so they love kits.
I was given the opportunity to test out Kiwi Crate, a monthly subscription service, and I let E choose which craft we should try. They have different themes each month, like gardening, dinosaurs, and space, and Eleanor picked Fun with Flight because she wanted to make kites. Once she knew I’d ordered it, she asked “is it here yet?” every day until it arrived.
Each kit comes with all of the materials you need to make two or three projects (depending on which theme you choose), along with Kiwi Crate’s explore! magazine. Their monthly subscriptions start at $16.95/month with free shipping, and they also sell supplies like pipe cleaners, felt, and pom-poms, or party favors like capes, wands, and wings.
After finishing up her first kite, she and August both made rockets that launch with a rubber band. Kiwi Crate offers a “no fight” option with extra materials, so E and A were each able to make a happy-face kite and a grumpy one, and two different rockets. The both got the bonus paper flyers that were included and their own copies of the explore! magazine, too.
Kiwi Crate is offering a discount for my readers right now. Join their Time Traveler Series with projects to fall back in time! The promotional code excludes sibling add-ons, but you can save 25% on your first month subscription with code LOVELY25.
So cute. I love a good craft project that comes to my door, with all the guess-work and supply-shopping taken care of. And the kids loved making everything!
Lita
August 26, 2014 at 9:42 amSuch great idea!
My daughter loves to paint and draw but we also do endless crafts at home. Kids love to make something.
One time my daughter and I made wooden beads necklaces and she was so happy that she made her first necklace she wore it to school everyday. She told everyone about it. Her teachers, her friends, strangers.
It’s funny to notice but I am sure she was feeling accomplished with that project.
Nicole L
August 26, 2014 at 1:15 pmOh we loved Kiwi Crate! Such high quality supplies too. We ended up canceling after a few months because the extra shipping to Canada made it just too costly for what we got, was sad to stop it.
Noelle @ Noelle Mullins Design
August 26, 2014 at 1:45 pmThis is such a cute service! My daughter would love this, she’s always so proud of herself when she makes something.
judy
August 26, 2014 at 8:07 pmOur baby will be 50 FIFTY! in November and no grandchildren so we couldn’t make use of what sounds like a wonderful product, especially for working Moms who might not have the time or energy to come up with fun projects and then fetch all of the components home along with dry cleaning, groceries, etc. Actually the lack of grand’s was how I became riveted by your blog. Not only did I get to see darling little ones but lots of photos showing their progress and cute pictures of them just being adorable. I loved the fact they seem so companionable especially when they are boy and girl. Mine always seemed to be either annoying one another or coming to blows. 3 boys in 4 years! I can’t wait to see the new baby and I hope you continue the progress photos.
Erin
August 27, 2014 at 6:20 amThanks for sharing this! My oldest is three and REALLY not a fan of open-ended art projects. I think he, like his Mama, does better with a clear end vision. :)
Jane
August 27, 2014 at 7:08 amYou are such a great Mom!!!