I’ve been targeted with ads for both KiwiCo and Lovevery for a while, but I wasn’t sure it really was for us. But then we got our first KiwiCo box, and now we are hooked! My soon-to-be 4 year old gets the Koala Crate, which is geared toward 2-4 year olds. Here’s my honest (unpaid/unsponsored) review of the activities we’ve been getting through this subscription service. Let’s start here…
What is KiwiCo?
KiwiCo is a subscription box that comes monthly. It’s usually 2-3 projects that are appropriate for a set age group. The Koala Crate we get is geared toward ages 2-4, but it’s definitely more on the 3.5/4 end of that range. (I only say this because some of the projects require a lot of fine motor skills, and I can’t see a 2 year old being able to do some of the projects.)
KiwiCo started with the name Kiwi Crate, which was for one age group only. When they expanded how many age groups they make boxes for, they rebranded to KiwiCo, keeping the name “Kiwi Crate” for the age 5-8 group.
My honest review of the Kiwi Crate
- We really like the KiwiCo Koala Crate so far. We’ve been getting it for 4 months, and it’s something that I will keep on our birthday/Christmas lists because of how engaging the projects have been so far.
- The included projects in the Koala Crate (geared toward 2-4 year olds) are definitely not something a 2-4 year old can do alone. The activities requires parental help, from opening all the pieces to actual assembly. That said, it’s a great opportunity to do something together and explain/learn together!
- I love that it’s a box of “consumables” – as in, part of the fun of the toy is putting it together and the other part is playing with it, but it might also be stuff that you work your way through (like chalk or paint). It’s not just a plastic toy that arrives and makes sounds and lights up and then gets thrown in the corner.
What KiwiCo does really well
- The instructions are laid out really well, with clear directions and pictures. It also includes a “messiness” rating so you know ahead of time what you’re getting yourself into.
- KiwiCo’s “magazine” that comes in the box is cute and has little stories and mazes to complete.
- You won’t find cheap-looking plastic pieces. Some of the things you might have hanging around the house (rubber bands, for example) and others are definitely custom to the company (a scavenger hunt box), so it’s possible that you could recreate the projects again but not likely.
What I think KiwiCo could improve on in the Koala Crate
- Letting you choose themes. Each box is a surprise every month.
- I don’t think it’s really great for a 2 year old. The Koala Crate is definitely more for the 3-4 year old crowd, or even older if the child doesn’t have great fine motor control.
- The option to buy individual crates! The “rainbow” crate was a huge hit and would be a really great birthday gift for some little ones we know, but you don’t have the option to buy individual boxes. (You can, however, buy individual items and other kits in their KiwiCo online store.)
- I don’t think the additional books are worth the cost.
You might also like: How to Make a DIY Sensory Kit or Toddler Activities At Home (Using Stuff You Already Have)
Some FAQs about KiwiCo boxes
Who is KiwiCo for?
There are crates for all ages from 0-24 months up to 14+. Once you get into the school ages, there are crates separated for geography, art, and STEM topics. The current crates available are:
- Panda Crate (0-24 months)
- Koala Crate (ages 2-4)
- Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8)
- Atlas Crate (ages 6-11)
- Doodle Crate (ages 9-16+)
- Tinker Crate (ages 9-14)
- Maker Crate (ages 14+)
- Eureka Crate (ages 12+)
What comes in a KiwiCo crate?
It depends on the month, but in general each crate comes with all the materials you need to make 2-3 projects, and an illustrated guide with step-by-step instructions. There’s also an “explore!” magazine, and a short list of DIYs you can do at home with additional items you may already have. The projects are geared toward preschoolers with easy-enough-to-do crafts. (Even a non-crafty parent should be able to complete the projects, so don’t worry if art was never your thing.)
Can you buy just one Kiwi crate?
KiwiCo is set up to be a subscription service, with the smallest package being 3 months. I wish you could buy single crates, because some of them are such a hit that they’d be a great gift! They have an online store with some items in there, like an advent calendar for the holiday season.
How much is KiwiCo? KiwiCo pricing info
It depends on your subscription and add-ons, but you can get a crate for $16.95 per month up to $29.95 per month. The crate cost includes shipping.
KiwiCo alternatives
We’ve only tried a couple of other subscription boxes, and KiwiCo is the one we stuck with. We have gotten it for almost 2 years now, and every box is a lot of fun. That said, there are some alternatives you can check out if you’re interested in exploring other boxes. Lovevery is a popular one with younger kids, including babies. We have also tried Little Passports, but I think it’s best for the 5+ age group so if you have older kids you should check that one out! Have you tried KiwiCo or another subscription box?
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