Kiwi Crate

Kiwi Crate is KiwiCo's flagship subscription for curious kids ages 6-9. Each monthly crate delivers everything needed for 2-3 hands-on STEAM projects - all materials, kid-friendly instructions, and educational content. Kids build working models, conduct experiments, and create art while learning science, engineering, and design concepts.

Kiwi Crate is where KiwiCo got its name - the flagship product that’s introduced millions of kids ages 6-9 to the joy of hands-on STEAM learning since 2011. Each crate is meticulously designed by educators and engineers, then tested by actual kids to ensure projects hit the sweet spot of fun and educational value without frustrating young learners or requiring excessive parent intervention.

What sets Kiwi Crate apart from generic craft boxes is the genuine STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) integration. These aren’t random crafts - they’re carefully sequenced learning experiences that build skills progressively. A kaleidoscope project teaches light reflection and symmetry. A trebuchet demonstrates physics principles like leverage and projectile motion. A marble maze explores gravity and problem-solving. Kids don’t just follow instructions - they experiment, troubleshoot, and understand why things work.

The subscription appeals to parents seeking screen-free educational activities that don’t require Pinterest-level crafting skills or multiple trips to craft stores. Everything arrives in one box, pre-portioned and ready to use, with kid-friendly instructions that promote independence while keeping parents available for guidance when needed.

Pricing Plans

KiwiCo offers flexible subscription options with significant savings for longer commitments:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Total Cost	Per-Crate Savings	Best For
Monthly	$23.95/month	$23.95	Baseline	Trying the service
3-Month	$22.95/month	$68.85	Save $3 (4%)	Short-term commitment
6-Month	$21.95/month	$131.70	Save $12 (8%)	Half-year learning
12-Month	$18.50/month	$222.00	Save $65.40 (23%)	Best value, full year

Pricing Notes:

• Free shipping included on all plans within the United States
• International shipping available with additional fees
• Gift subscriptions available at same pricing tiers
• Optional book add-on available for $9.95/month (age-appropriate reads)
• Pause or skip months through your account anytime
• No cancellation fees for monthly plans

The 12-month plan saves over $65 annually compared to monthly billing, making it the most economical choice for committed subscribers. Many parents start with a 3-month gift subscription to test whether their child engages with the projects before committing to longer terms.

What’s Included

Every Kiwi Crate delivery contains everything needed for 2-3 complete STEAM projects:

Project Materials: All supplies pre-measured and pre-cut - no shopping for random craft items like googly eyes, pipe cleaners, or specialty papers. Materials are high-quality (not dollar-store grade) and designed to work correctly. No frustrating cheap batteries that don’t work or brittle plastic that snaps immediately.

Kid-Friendly Instructions: Full-color, illustrated step-by-step guides written at a 2nd-3rd grade reading level. Instructions show exactly what to do with clear pictures at each step. KiwiCo tests instructions with actual kids to ensure 6-9 year olds can follow them with minimal adult intervention.

Explore! Magazine: Each crate includes a themed magazine (20-24 pages) with additional activities, comics featuring characters called “The Explore! Crew,” STEAM facts related to the month’s theme, and educational content that extends learning beyond the physical projects. Magazines are collectible and often referenced months later.

Educational Context Cards: Small cards explaining the science or engineering principles behind each project. These help parents answer “why” questions and connect projects to real-world applications. For example, the trebuchet card explains medieval siege warfare and modern applications of lever mechanics.

Optional Book Add-On: For an extra $9.95/month, receive an age-appropriate book (picture book or early reader) selected to complement the crate’s theme. Books are often by diverse authors and feature STEAM-related stories.

How It Works

Kiwi Crate subscriptions operate on a predictable monthly cycle designed for parent convenience:

1. Subscribe and Select Age Range: Visit KiwiCo’s website and choose Kiwi Crate for ages 6-9 (or select different KiwiCo lines for other ages: Panda 0-36 months, Koala 3-4, Tinker 9-16, etc.). Select your subscription length (monthly, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month prepay).

2. Customize Preferences: Indicate any relevant information - multiple children, specific interests, or developmental considerations. While you can’t choose specific project themes (they’re predetermined monthly), you can note preferences.

3. Monthly Crate Ships: Crates ship around the same date each month, typically arriving within 7-10 business days. Shipping notifications include tracking information. International subscribers should expect 2-3 weeks for delivery.

4. Unbox and Explore: Kids love the unboxing experience - colorful packaging, surprise projects, and the magazine create excitement. Parents appreciate that everything needed is contained in one box, eliminating the “we’re missing a key supply” frustration common with craft projects.

5. Complete Projects: Projects typically take 30-90 minutes depending on child age, skill level, and parent involvement. Some kids race through in one sitting; others spread projects across multiple days. The Explore! Magazine provides additional activities for extended engagement.

6. Learn and Play: Unlike single-use crafts, many Kiwi Crate projects create functional items kids continue using. The trebuchet launches projectiles repeatedly. The kaleidoscope becomes a favorite toy. The bird feeder attracts actual birds for ongoing observation.

7. Save or Share: Some families keep all completed projects, creating a physical timeline of learning. Others photograph projects then donate materials to minimize clutter. Grandparents often subscribe to Kiwi Crate for grandkids, making visits special with project time.

8. Manage Subscription: Through your KiwiCo account, pause deliveries (useful during busy seasons or vacations), skip specific months if needed, change subscription length, add book add-ons, or cancel without fees. The subscription flexibility accommodates changing schedules and interests.

9. Progress Through Age Ranges: As kids outgrow Kiwi Crate (around age 9-10), seamlessly transition to Tinker Crate (ages 9-16+) or other KiwiCo lines. Many families subscribe to multiple lines for different-aged siblings.

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Elementary Age Kids (6-9): Projects perfectly calibrated for this developmental stage - not too easy, not frustratingly difficult
• Curious Learners: Kids who ask “how does this work?” and enjoy figuring things out
• Screen-Time Alternatives: Parents seeking educational activities that compete with tablets and video games
• STEAM-Interested Families: Those wanting to nurture science, engineering, and creative thinking at home
• Busy Parents: No time for Pinterest-level craft planning or multiple store trips
• Grandparents: Popular gift subscription creating quality time during visits
• Homeschooling Families: Supplements curriculum with hands-on STEAM experiences
• Gift Givers: Unique present that keeps giving monthly, more meaningful than toys

Not Ideal For:

• Very Young Kids: Under age 5-6 will struggle with Kiwi Crate projects (Koala or Panda Crate better for toddlers/preschoolers)
• Older Kids: Ages 10+ typically find Kiwi Crate too simple (Tinker, Maker, or Eureka Crate more appropriate)
• Kids Uninterested in Building: If your child hates crafts, projects, and making things, they won’t enjoy the subscription regardless of quality
• Ultra-Budget-Conscious: At $18.50-23.95/month, it’s a premium option compared to DIY Dollar Store crafts
• Minimalists: Projects create physical items that require storage space; clutter-averse families may struggle
• Families Without Storage: Small apartments with zero storage for craft supplies/completed projects
• Those Wanting Control: You can’t choose specific themes or projects - KiwiCo determines monthly selections

Kiwi Crate works exceptionally well for the target age range (6-9), with a 3.7/5 Trustpilot rating across 4,881 reviews reflecting generally positive customer satisfaction despite some billing and cancellation complaints. KiwiCo’s 14 years in operation and millions of subscribers validate the educational approach and execution quality.

Most negative reviews cite age mismatches (box too easy or too hard) or preference disagreements (child didn’t like a specific theme), rather than quality or operational issues. Starting with a 3-month subscription helps determine fit before committing to the discounted 12-month plan.