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You might be interested in getting a craft crate for your kiddo, but you’re having a hard time deciding which crate to get. My kids have tried nearly every KiwiCo craft crate line, and I’ve put together a run down on each of the crates and who I think they’re the best fit for.
(Wondering if KiwiCo crates are worth it? I did an honest review of KiwiCo craft crates – you can check it out here.)
All-Around Awesome Craft Crate – Kiwi Crate
Kiwi Crate is the perfect fit if you’re looking for an all around amazing craft crate. This is a great starter crate, especially for elementary age kids. These crates give kids the opportunity to explore science, engineering, and art. My kids have loved every single one of their super fun, interactive projects. And they’ve really enjoyed Explore Magazine that comes along with each crate, including the little comic that helps teach concepts from the project.
If your child is on the younger side, they may need more hands-on help from an adult, but as they get older these make great independent projects and activities for your kiddos to complete.
Creative Artists – Doodle Crate, Maker Crate
Doodle Crate is the perfect crate for the crafty artist. From painting to sewing and all sorts of other creativity in between, the projects they include are almost always practical and often teach important skills for life. My kids love that not only can they create amazing projects with this crate, but they can use their project in everyday life.
One of my sons still uses the pencil pouch he made using his crate and a desk organizer as well, and another kiddo of mine still wears his slippers he sewed himself from another Doodle Crate project.
Maker Crate is one of the crates we haven’t had the opportunity to try yet, but we’re excited to soon! Here’s what KiwiCo has to say about their new maker crate: “Maker Crate is dedicated to the discovery of new art and design tools and the growth of creative confidence to turn artistic visions into design realities.”
From sewing projects to clay creations and more, the Maker Crate not only provides amazing projects, but will teach new skills to your kiddo. You can learn more about it here and preview some of the projects.
Engineer – Tinker Crate, Eureka Crate
Tinker Crate crate is a good fit for upper elementary and older, though younger kiddos can do them with help. These are hands-on projects that involve engineer concepts. Some of our favorites have been a ballista, a bubble lamp, and the hydraulic claw.
My kids have learned about circuits, how motors work, and so much more through the projects they’ve done from Tinker Crates. And the Tinkerzine booklet that comes along with each crate includes more experiments and activities that your child can do.
Eureka Crate is one of KiwiCo’s newer crates, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they’ve been the most impressive craft crate I’ve ever seen.
KiwiCo recommends Eureka Crates ages 14+ for these crates, but my 9 year old has been able to do every project so far with little to no help from me. So far he’s built a pinball machine, a working lamp, a mechanical pencil sharpener, a ukulele he can actually play, and so many more amazing projects that he’s been able to use in everyday life.
If I had to recommend just one crate from KiwiCo, it would be the Eureka Crate.
A quick note – if your kiddo is younger or not used to doing projects on their own, they may need more help for this crate. They are complicated, but produce stunning projects. And if you have an older child or teen, this may be just the crate for them.
Cultural Education – Atlas Crate
Atlas Crate is a great fit if you want to teach your kiddo more about geography and cultures around the world. You follow the adventures of Milo and Anya while doing fun crafts, activities, and even creating games to play.
The gorgeous educational cards that come with each crate teach your child about each culture, geography about the country, and give you recipes and activities to try with your kiddos. I particularly like that each crate usually comes with 2-3 crafts or activities, so my kids can easily share this crate and work on it together. If you’re looking to get just one educational crate to share with siblings, the Atlas Crate may be a good choice.
Younger Kids – Panda Crate, Koala Crate
If your child is under two, KiwiCo’s line of Panda Crates (previously called Tadpole) are likely going to be the best fit for your kiddo. They come with quality products that encourage hands-on learning and play. This is one line we haven’t tried personally, but I’m sure like all of KiwiCo’s other crates they send out quality products and activities.
Koala Crate is the perfect crate if your kiddo is toddler or preschool age. It comes with fun projects and learning activities that can be done with the help and guidance of a parent. I love that these are also projects that can be played with for long after the crate is done.
One of my kiddos kept his stuffed snake for years, and kept his dinosaur dress up outfit and parrot puppet for long after we completed those crates. And he still sleeps with his cute little rainbow pillow!
What if I don’t want to buy a subscription? Or what if there’s a specific project I want to buy?
The good news is that KiwiCo has a whole shop where they sell individual crates and projects. These make a great, one-time gift – whether it’s for your own kiddos or others! You can also pick out specific projects to purchase. It’s a great way to try out a type of crate without starting a subscription. You can check it out here.
Still Not Sure Which Crate to Pick?
KiwiCo has a fun quiz you can take to find the perfect crate for your child. You can also check out all the crates here on KiwiCo’s website. They give a full description and show samples of each crate so you get an idea of what type of projects are included.
