Virtual Makerspace With KiwiCo Crates

KiwiCo's subscription-based STEAM activity crates have become a popular choice for families seeking hands-on learning experiences. These themed boxes, which come in nine different lines targeting specific age ranges from infants to adults, offer ready-to-build projects that combine science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts.

What Parents Love

Parents consistently highlight how KiwiCo's carefully designed projects capture their children's attention and enthusiasm:

"I have been so impressed with the kits... really interesting and varied things to make, good quality and most of all she cannot wait to get started when they arrive." Parent review via Trustpilot

"I was quite impressed with how long the final product managed to keep my son engaged... it's been about a week since making them and he's still playing with it every day." Parent reviewer

The educational value embedded in fun activities earns praise from parents looking for meaningful alternatives to screen time:

"The crates introduce difficult concepts in child-friendly ways." Parent review

Parents frequently mention the high-quality materials and thoughtful design as standout features:

"The Kiwi Crate instructions were really well done. They were written clearly and organized logically." Parent review via Fractus Learning

The convenience factor ranks high on parents' list of benefits, especially for busy families:

"It was literally zero preparation work for me. It would be very convenient for parents who want everything...ready to go." Parent reviewer

Many families appreciate how KiwiCo creates opportunities for quality time together:

"At first, we did them as a family. Now [my 8-year-old] does them on his own and only comes to me when he needs assistance." Parent comment via Living Well + Learning Well

Common Concerns

While feedback is predominantly positive, parents do share several considerations worth noting when evaluating KiwiCo:

Cost concerns appear in many reviews, particularly for families with multiple children or those outside the US:

"...getting close to $50 is not wrong... also why we stopped our subscription." Canadian parent on Reddit

Some parents express frustration with subscription management:

"They auto-renew you after 6 months. I'm not a big fan of being auto-renewed – I'd prefer an email to opt in to continue." Parent review via Living Well + Learning Well

Parents of younger children sometimes underestimate the level of adult involvement required:

"Some parents had the expectation that these would be activities kids complete on their own, but I think part of the fun is doing the activities together." Review analysis

For advanced learners, some families find the content depth insufficient:

"If your child has already been doing lots of LEGO Technic, robotics kits, or other STEM programs, the mid-level KiwiCo projects might not feel as challenging." Parent observation

Quality varies between crate lines, with some parents finding the younger-age offerings less durable:

"I would not recommend these toddler boxes at all, the materials are flimsy and poor quality. The plus side was the little book, which may have recently been discontinued." Parent on Reddit

Age-Specific Experiences

Parent feedback varies significantly by age group, reflecting KiwiCo's different crate lines:

Early Years (0-4): Parents of babies and toddlers using Panda and Koala crates report mixed experiences. While many appreciate the age-appropriate activities, some feel the materials aren't as durable as dedicated toys. These crates require significant parental involvement, which some parents embrace as quality time and others find demanding.

Elementary Ages (5-8): The Kiwi Crate and Atlas Crate receive consistently positive reviews from parents of this age group. Projects strike a good balance between independence and parental guidance. Many homeschooling families use these crates as enrichment activities or hands-on science supplements.

Tweens and Teens (9-16+): Parents report that older children particularly benefit from the Tinker, Doodle, and Eureka crates, which allow for greater independence and more complex projects. These crates often become cherished hobbies, with parents noting enhanced confidence and problem-solving skills.

Tips from Experienced Parents

• Use promo codes or longer subscription options to reduce costs: "NEVER buy without a coupon!"
• Set calendar reminders for auto-renewal dates to avoid unexpected charges
• Select age-appropriate crates based on your child's abilities rather than strictly by age
• Consider storage solutions before accumulating too many completed projects
• For multiple children, decide whether to purchase different crates or have them collaborate on one
• Schedule dedicated "KiwiCo time" as a family activity to ensure projects get completed

The Bottom Line

Most parents view KiwiCo as a valuable investment in hands-on learning despite the cost. The consensus is that these crates excel at inspiring curiosity and providing quality family time, though they work best as enrichment rather than core curriculum.

"We LOVE KiwiCo... I can't say enough about them." Homeschool parent

For families weighing the investment, KiwiCo's strengths in engagement and convenience often outweigh concerns about cost, particularly when used strategically with discounts and appropriate age targeting. The subscription model allows flexibility to try a few crates before committing long-term, making it accessible for families wanting to explore hands-on STEAM learning without developing projects from scratch.