Kiwi Crate Delivers Hands-On Crafts for Kids Right to Your Door
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Photo: Angryjuliemonday/Creative Commons
I am not crafty -- and I don't mean crafty as in sly or clever. More like, crafty with construction paper, rubber cement, and popsicle sticks. Even though I'm a firm believer in learning through technology and I allow my kids to watch television, play video games, and use our iPad, I appreciate the value of hands-on projects where children use their brains to create something from start to finish. And while I can get through such a project without gluing my child's fingers together, I never seem to have the time or imagination to come up with ideas for said projects.
So, I was intrigued by a VentureBeat article reporting that Kiwi Crate, a subscription-based company which delivers monthly craft products to your door, had just received $2 million in funding. For $19.95 a month (includes shipping), Kiwi Crate will send you an age-appropriate craft project for your child complete with all the materials and detailed instructions. The crafts are developed by a panel of experts in child development, science, art, and education and tested by the ultimate experts: real kids.
I was sold. I signed up last week, and my first crate shipped yesterday. Each crate is addressed to your child -- because what kid doesn't love getting mail? Sure, for the cost, I could probably spend less on supplies at a major hobby supply chain like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, but what you're really paying for with Kiwi Crate is convenience. Those stores leave me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I inevitably forget key materials (requiring return trips), buy too much of the wrong thing, or find myself having to hit several stores looking for one sold-out item.
When the first project arrives I'll be checking for:
Age appropriateness: I provided my child's age when I signed up, but I want to make sure the project isn't too easy -- or too hard -- for my three year old.
Quality of materials: Am I getting my money's worth?
Project Value: How educational is it? Will it help my son develop his fine motor skills? Will he like it?
And if the project aces all three categories, then I just might not feel so bad about shelling out for the service -- especially if it means I can skip the trip to the craft store and get a little more time with my iPad.
Would you try a service like Kiwi Crate?
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