Adulting is hard. There are always responsibilities – bills, housework, jobs, car maintenance, etc. These days, just going to the gas station can be stressful! Even things that we love doing (like gardening) can sometimes seem like chores and we need a break. KiwiCo understands this. Not only does KiwiCo offer fun STEM related crates for kids of all ages, some of them are perfect for adults!
What is KiwiCo?
KiwiCo is a company that is on a mission to inspire the next generation of innovators. They offer projects to keep you or your little ones solving problems, putting on your thinking cap, and learning… all while having fun.
As a woman in Tech, and a supporter of STEM this is a great cause. As you may remember, my children were in STEM classes here in the Chicago area for many, many years. One of the things that I always loved about it was the little projects that they did that taught them about building and engineering. I even participated in a few myself. We were even featured on the news because of it! And now, those lessons and memories are helping them excel in high school and college.
As for me? I’m a very busy working mom, wife, entrepreneur, gardener, and a general busy body. As I get older, with everything going on in my life, I find that I have more moments where I just need to shut off “work mode” and do something just for fun. It’s good to sometimes get out of “go, go, go” mode and just relax.
What are the KiwiCo Subscription Crates?
My first thought would not usually be to play, but when I saw the KiwiCo Eureka crates, I saw a perfect match! The Eureka crates are made for young and old kids alike… meaning me! Perfect for ages 12-100 choices include a variety of projects that create useful, functional items. There’s an Articulated Desk Lamp, Electric Pencil Sharpener, Wooden Ukulele, and more.
In addition to the Eureka line, there are 8 other subscription lines for younger kids. With fun names like Panda Crate, Koala Crate, or Maker Crate, they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
The age ranges of each crate subscription are…
- Panda Crate – Newborn – 24 months
- Koala Crate – Ages 2-4
- Kiwi Crate – Ages 5-8
- Atlas Crate – Ages 6-11
- Yummy Crate – Ages 6-14
- Doodle Crate – Ages 9-16
- Tinker Crate – Ages 9-14
- Maker Crate – Ages 14-100
- Eureka Crate – Ages 12-100
How Much Does it Cost?
Since the service is subscription based, you choose a subscription line based on age or skill level. Each line offers a different variety of projects that match the projected skill of that age group. Now, of course if you know that your kid is brilliant and catches on fast, then it is up to you to try a kit geared towards older kids. Monthly subscriptions are $23.95 per month for all crates except the Maker Crate or Eureka Crate which is $32.95/month. The per-month prices are lower if you purchase 3, 6, or 12 months at one time.
Assembling My Articulated Desk Lamp
As previously mentioned, I am usually busy. I am a wife. I have a full time job. I am an entrepreneur on the side. I’m the mother of 2 college students and 2 high school students. Over the past couple of months I have had to pack up 2 daughters in college in 2 different states, put stuff in storage, bring them home, and already start preparing to take them back in just a few weeks. The past couple months have been packed with getting ready for gardening season… starting seeds, adding new beds, moving the fence, etc. etc. And finally planting. I have become the type that now passes out by 9-10pm every night. Whew!
And with everything going on and constantly having so much to do, it is very hard for me to just relax. I am constantly in work mode. Well, I finally took some time to decompress to play… uhh… I mean assemble my Articulated Desk Lamp. This is the one I was most excited about! I have a thing for lamps. LOL!
Assembly took about 1 hour. Before getting started I laid out all of the pieces included so that I could make sure they were all there, and clearly identify and choose pieces as I went along.
The directions were very clear. The illustrations helped tremendously! I was surprised just how simple it was, and you can essentially build a lamp out of such simple materials! The materials included wood pieces, dowels, rubber bands, screws, o-rings.
The kit comes with everything you need. Even a screwdriver, which I did not have to use much. It was so simple! Within a short time I had a functional clamp-on lamp! I need to clear off the desk in my office so I can clamp it on. It’s so cool!
Please visit my YouTube video below to watch the assembly and see it in action.
I also received the Table Tennis Robot Kit. I am going to let my boys handle that one!
For more projects like this one, and to find something that will delight you and your kids, Visit KiwiCo.com and browse for fun STEM Crates for your family.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by KiwiCo. All opinions are my own.
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