Doodle Crate

Doodle Crate inspires creativity in kids ages 6-12 with hands-on art and craft projects that teach real techniques. Each monthly crate includes quality materials and instructions to create something beautiful - from weaving and embroidery to printmaking and jewelry design. Projects result in finished pieces kids are proud to display or give as gifts.

Doodle Crate is for kids who want to create real art, not just crafts. Each project teaches authentic artistic techniques with quality materials - the kind of projects that end up framed on walls or given as gifts.

Pricing Plans

Plan	Price	Savings
Monthly	$23.95/month	-
3-Month	$22.95/month	Save 4%
6-Month	$21.95/month	Save 8%
12-Month	$18.50/month	Save 23%

What’s Included

• Art/Craft Project: Learn a real technique with quality results
• Premium Materials: Quality supplies that make a difference
• Technique Guide: Step-by-step instructions with artist tips
• Inspiration Ideas: Ways to apply the technique to future projects
• Doodle Zine: Extra creative activities and artist spotlights

Sample Projects

Past Doodle Crates have included:

• Weaving: Create a woven wall hanging on a real loom
• Embroidery: Stitch a custom design with quality floss
• Printmaking: Make block prints with carving tools
• Jewelry Design: Craft wire-wrapped pieces
• Macramé: Tie a plant hanger or wall art
• Candle Making: Pour and decorate custom candles

How It Works

Doodle Crate’s monthly subscription cycle delivers authentic art and craft projects designed to inspire creativity in kids ages 6-12:

1. Subscribe and Set Expectations: Choose your subscription plan (monthly, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month) through KiwiCo’s website. Doodle Crate is designed for ages 6-12, though best fit depends on fine motor skills, artistic interest, and patience level rather than age alone. No topic customization - KiwiCo rotates through various art techniques (fiber arts, printmaking, jewelry, candle making, etc.) to provide broad creative exposure over time.

2. Monthly Crate Arrival: Around the same date each month, your Doodle Crate ships and typically arrives within 5-10 business days. Free shipping is included in the subscription price. Each crate is sized to accommodate art supplies (approximately 12” x 9” x 3”) and arrives in KiwiCo’s recognizable colorful packaging featuring creative designs that excite kids from the moment they see it.

3. Unbox Art Supplies and Instructions: Open your crate to discover that month’s art technique and materials:

• Complete project materials (all supplies needed for the craft)
• Quality art supplies (premium over typical craft kit quality)
• Step-by-step instruction booklet with clear photos
• Technique guide explaining the art form’s background
• Inspiration ideas for future projects using the same technique
• Doodle Zine with extra creative activities and artist spotlights

Before starting, review all materials to understand what you’ll be creating and gather any household items mentioned (scissors, tape, optional embellishments).

4. Learn About the Art Technique: Before diving into creating, read the technique guide which explains:

• History and cultural background of this art form
• Traditional uses and modern applications
• Famous artists who work in this medium
• Where this technique originated and how it’s practiced today

This context helps kids appreciate that they’re learning real artistic methods, not just making crafts.

5. Set Up Creative Workspace: Doodle projects need appropriate workspaces:

• Flat surface with good lighting (kitchen table or desk)
• Protective covering for messy projects (painting, candle making, dyeing)
• Organization for small components (beads, threads, papers)
• Adult supervision available for sharp tools or heat-based projects

Most Doodle projects take 45-90 minutes, perfect for weekend afternoons or after-school creative time.

6. Create Following Step-by-Step Instructions: Work through the project at a comfortable pace:

• Instructions include full-color photos showing each step clearly
• Techniques are broken down into manageable sub-steps
• Tips highlight common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Kids can work independently or with parental collaboration depending on age and skill

Unlike open-ended craft supplies, Doodle’s structured approach teaches specific techniques - by the end, kids know how to weave, embroider, print, etc., not just “made something.”

7. Complete and Display Finished Project: Doodle projects are designed to produce display-worthy results:

• Woven wall hangings suitable for bedroom decoration
• Embroidered art worthy of framing
• Block prints that can be reproduced on paper, fabric, or cards
• Wire-wrapped jewelry kids actually want to wear
• Macramé plant hangers serving functional and decorative purposes
• Candles beautiful enough to give as gifts

Finished pieces look genuinely artistic - not obviously “kid-made” - which builds pride and confidence. Many parents frame or display Doodle creations prominently.

8. Explore the Doodle Zine: Each crate includes a Doodle Zine magazine featuring:

• Additional creative activities related to the month’s theme
• Artist spotlight profiles showing professionals using similar techniques
• Challenge prompts encouraging creative thinking
• Reader submissions showcasing other kids’ Doodle creations
• Trivia and fun facts about the art world

The zine extends engagement beyond the main project and inspires further creativity.

9. Apply Technique to Future Projects (Extension): After completing the Doodle project, kids can continue practicing the technique:

• Embroidery skills transfer to personalizing clothing or making patches
• Weaving techniques work with homemade looms from cardboard
• Printmaking blocks can create multiple prints for cards and wrapping paper
• Jewelry wire-wrapping extends to found objects and beads from craft stores
• Macramé knots apply to friendship bracelets and decorative items

Doodle provides the foundation; kids take techniques as far as their interest leads.

10. Discover Lifelong Creative Interests: Over multiple months, Doodle exposes kids to diverse art forms. Some discover passions that become lifelong hobbies:

• A child who loves weaving might request a larger loom and continue creating
• Embroidery enthusiasts might start designing their own patterns
• Printmakers might explore linocut and screen printing
• Jewelry makers might expand into beadwork and metalsmithing

Many Doodle alumni cite a specific crate as the moment they “found their thing” creatively.

Frequency: Monthly crates ship consistently on your subscription date. You can pause, skip months, or cancel anytime through your account dashboard. Some families prefer 6-month subscriptions during the school year, pausing in summer for outdoor activities.

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Creative Kids Ages 8-11: Sweet spot where fine motor skills are developed enough for techniques but projects still feel exciting and achievable
• Art-Focused Families: Households valuing creative expression and wanting structured art education beyond school offerings
• Kids Who Love Making Things: Those who naturally gravitate toward hands-on creation rather than passive entertainment
• Tweens Outgrowing “Kiddy” Crafts: Older elementary/middle schoolers wanting sophisticated projects that feel grown-up
• Gift-Oriented Kids: Those who enjoy making presents for family and friends - Doodle projects make impressive gifts
• Screen-Free Activity Seekers: Parents wanting engaging offline activities that compete with digital entertainment
• Display-Worthy Results Seekers: Kids motivated by creating things they’re genuinely proud to show and display
• Technique Learners: Children who appreciate structured instruction and want to learn real artistic methods
• Patient Crafters: Those willing to spend 45-90 minutes focused on a project rather than needing instant gratification
• Artistic Explorers: Kids unsure what creative hobbies they’d enjoy - Doodle samples diverse techniques monthly

Not Ideal For:

• Kids Under Age 6: Fine motor requirements exceed most younger children’s abilities - Koala Crate (ages 3-6) offers more age-appropriate activities
• Teens 13+: By middle school, many find Doodle too basic - Maker Crate (ages 12+) offers more sophisticated projects with premium materials
• STEM-Only Interested Kids: If your child only engages with science and engineering, Kiwi or Tinker Crates provide STEM focus rather than art
• Kids Who Hate Crafts and Art: If your child finds art tedious or frustrating, forcing creative projects creates stress rather than joy
• Impatient Children: Projects require sustained 45-90 minute focus; kids needing immediate results will abandon mid-project
• Messy-Averse Families: Some projects involve paints, dyes, or materials requiring workspace protection and cleanup
• Those Wanting Daily Activities: One project monthly means 30 days between crates; if you need frequent activities, this doesn’t provide enough volume
• Minimalists: Monthly deliveries create accumulating finished projects requiring display or storage space
• Budget-Restricted Families: At $23.95/month ($18.50 with annual plan), Doodle represents $222-287/year; craft supplies from stores cost less for budget-focused families
• Boys Stereotypically Avoiding “Crafts”: While Doodle works for all genders, some boys may resist projects perceived as traditionally feminine (though many find techniques like printmaking, leather working, and candle making appealing)

Doodle Crate works beautifully for creative kids in the ages 7-11 range who love making things and appreciate learning real artistic techniques with quality materials. Projects feel sophisticated enough to engage tweens while remaining accessible to younger elementary students with some adult help. The display-worthy results build genuine pride and may spark lifelong creative hobbies. However, the art focus means this doesn’t appeal to STEM-focused kids, and the monthly pace provides one project per month rather than ongoing daily activities.