If you frequent this blog, then it’s likely that you have little ones at home and that you’re always on the lookout for easy ways to stimulate their growing brains. It’s equally likely that you don’t have a lot of time to come up with, and source materials for, these types of engaging activities.
We do our best here at MPMK to help you out with that – but even we can’t make the supplies magically appear on your doorstep… But we do know somebody who can.
Our new sponsor, , is an award-winning company that ships literal boxes of creativity and innovation straight to your doorstep. And today they’re offering MPMK readers the chance to win a 3 month subscription as well as 25% off the first month of a new subscription – just use the code MPMK. (Not valid on sibling add-on and hurry, the code expires July 7, 2013!)
The kids and I have definitely been around the block when it comes to subscription art boxes and, I must say, does it very, very well. All of my play time bloggers agree with me about them too. I’ve been privy to some very frank discussions on this topic and Kiwi Crate’s name always rises to the top.
Which, is why it’s no surprise that the company’s products have received multiple awards including Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children’s Products, Oppenheim’s Gold Seal Best Toy Award, and a Parents’ Choice Gold Award.
One of the things I especially appreciate about Kiwi Crate’s offerings are . If you’re new to the whole craft subscription idea, you can dip your toes into the pool by starting out with a single box. If, on the other hand, the idea of consistently great art time activities delivered to your door each month makes you want to do a happy dance – then you can enroll in a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription (and get some good savings doing so).
They also offer up single activity boxes and even party packs, which are incredibly handy for filling that void between cake and presents when throwing a party for young kids. Plus, they have a “no fighting” sibling add on option so there’s no squabbling over who gets to make what – so smart!
So what comes in a Kiwi Crate, you ask…
The short answer is a lot. Each crate:
- Includes all the materials and inspiration for 2-3 activities – art, science, games, imaginative play, and more.
- Revolves around a new theme – like gardening, dinosaurs, space – every month.
- Is designed by parents, reviewed by experts in the arts and child development, and tested by kids before ever reaching you.
- Is appropriate for kids aged 3 – 7 years old.
The kids and I were very impressed by the caliber of the projects as well as the depth of materials surrounding our box’s theme.
Our “feathered friends” crate contained a bounty of bird-related goodies. Plus, along with the information booklets, crafts, and activity sheets, we also got lots of little extras like the “Summer To-Do List”.
Of course, the kids wanted to dive in immediately when the crate arrived. (Also, they absolutely LOVED getting mail addressed to them). We started with the bird costumes.
The instruction booklets were very easy to understand with lots of pretty pictures and a clean aesthetic that totally appealed to me. And, once again, no opportunity to squeeze in a little more learning was over-looked. I loved the “things to think about” section.
First we made masks using the provided card stock pieces, glue dots, velcro dots, and feathers. I liked how the kids were able to take the lead with the project because all of the supplies were readily available and their purpose was fairly self-explanatory. All that I really had to help with was tying on the elastic bands.
Next, we got in a little fine motor skills development and worked on lacing up our wings.
Once the customs were complete, the kids had a great time playing birds and we used the resources provided to learn a little bit more about what makes a bird, as well as various types of birds. Some were familiar to the kids (ducks) and others were a new discovery (kiwis).
The materials in our crate led to a great afternoon of creating, dramatic play, and learning. And we still had more projects coloring eggs and making nests that we didn’t even get to (the kids tackled them with the sitter over the next week and they too were a big hit).
But enough about us, are you ready to get some crates of your own? Use the rafflecopter below to enter for a chance to win a free 3 month subscription and don’t forget to hop over to Kiwi Crate and (not valid on sibling add-on). But hurry, the code expired July 7, 2013!
*This post was sponsored by Kiwi Crate, all opinions are 100% my own.
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