courtesy of Kiwi Crate
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When it comes to kids' craft projects, there are some of us who, MacGyver-esquely, manage to pull together awesome ideas for our kids with nothing more than paper clips, wrapping paper and empty Charmin tubes. And then there are the rest of us.
If you're a mom (or dad) in the latter category, then you'll want to know about Kiwi Crate. A Kiwi Crate is a shoebox-sized package of fun for your kid -- it's an art project in a box that's delivered to your door with everything you need to make a cool, educational craft with your kids. Designed for kids age 3 to 6, each box includes at least two projects. I tested two different crates -- a gardening/flower themed crate and a color-themed kit -- with my 5-year-old son. The coloring kit, which included paper disks to color and place on spinning tops, a "stained glass" project involving cardboard frames, contact paper and tissue paper, and a bonus tissue paper-dyed tote bag project -- was easily the coolest kit, and the one that delighted my little guy the most. Even better, it came with scissors and markers that will last long after the other project materials are used up.
The everything-you-need-in-one-box convenience can't be beat -- but it doesn't come cheap. Each Kiwi Crate is $19.95; you can join monthly and cancel anytime, or pony up $220 for a 1-year subscription and get a month free. (You can also opt for gift subscriptions in 3- 6- and 12-month installments.) I only wish there were an option for parents to pick and choose specific Kiwi Crates on a pay-per-kit basis.
Could most of us take a trip to Michael's and buy all of the necessary items to make cool crafts for less money? Of course. But for busy-or-just-plain-craft-challenged parents, getting the goods in the mail each month is a godsend -- especially on a rainy day or a snow day. And for me, the quality mommy-son time and the "I love you mom" and "this is fun" comments that the kits inspired were priceless.
Plus, watch our series Oh, Really? about Beanbag fun facts!
