KiwiCo - Inspiring The Next Generation of Scientists, Artists & Makers

Your email box can be stuffed full of junk and you'll never open a thing, but get something delivered to your door and addressed to you and it's like it's your birthday and every holiday rolled into one.

Tired of binge-watching "My Hero Academia" for the fourth time? Don’t feel like battling it out with your buds in yet another round of Super Smash Bros.? We don't blame you. Take a break from pre-loaded tech and create your own fun in the real world with awesome hands-on projects. Whether you're into doodling, discovery, or design, and whether you're in preschool or headed off to college or the real world, KiwiCo is a monthly subscription box filled with hands-on fun just waiting for you. Read more about a few of the crates below!

How It Works:

1. Pick a Line. There are projects offered for every age and interest.
2. Delivered Monthly. Choose your plan and the first crate ships in 2 days.
3. Serious Fun! Their science and art projects inspire kids to become creative and problem solvers. 

To learn more about KiwiCo and to sign up for your own monthly subscription box - click here!

Eureka Crate

Geared at ages 14-104 (see what we did there? GEAR-ed? LOL), the Eureka Crate's focus is engineering and design. Eureka Crates really step it up a few notches on the maker scale. Make your own desk lamp that works, create a wooden ukulele that really plays music, and make a super cool electric pencil sharpener. If making your own things that you'll use all the time isn't cool enough, by making them from scratch, you learn how these things work, and may even figure out modifications to make them better or invent your own machines that use the same principles.

Don't think you could hack it as an inventor? Get inspiration from eight kids who didn't let their age stop them, according to the folks at Inventionland. Their inventions are still widely used today by kids and adults around the world!

• 11 year-old Frank Epperson invented the popsicle in 1905
• 16 year-old George Nissen invented the trampoline in 1930
• 12 year-old Louis Braille was blind when he simplified a way to read raised letters with his fingers in 1924 
• 15 year-old Albert Sadacca turned his family's novelty lights into Christmas lights in 1925
• 15 year-old Chester Greenwood invented earmuffs in 1873
• 15 year-old Joseph-Armand Bombardier invented the snowmobile in 1922
• 11 year-old Ben Franklin (yes, THAT Ben Franklin) invented swim flippers in 1717
• 8 year-old Abbey Fleck invented a healthier, better way to cook bacon in 1993

Tinker Crate

Kids from 9-16 (and even older) who like science and engineering are going to want to check out these projects. 

One of the most popular projects is building a Trebuchet. A Trebuchet is a medieval weapon used to hurl projectiles like heavy rocks long distances over castle walls during a siege. A trebuchet is often referred to as a catapult, but it's actually more like a sling. You may have heard or seen the word Trebuchet before, even if you haven't studied medieval weaponry. Trebuchet MS is the name of a font, also known as a typeface. The designer who created the font thought it would be a great name for something that can launch words across the internet!

How to Build a Trebuchet - Tinker Crate Project Instructions

The Trebuchet Tinker Crate contains all the materials you need to make your own medieval sling that can fling items across your own backyard.

Doodle Crate

Budding artists can discover new art and design techniques with a new project every month.  Each crate introduces fun crafting materials and interesting techniques such as: solar imaging, embroidery and woodworking. Learn the art of screen printing, make homemade paper, and even make a custom clock that you can design.

Make Your Own Soap - Doodle Crate Project Instructions

Doodle crate delivers crafts that you'll actually use every day, like instructions and materials to make your own soap! That's neat! 

Atlas Crate

If you have an urge to travel the world, start by building your own spinning globe, then set out to explore different cultures. The Japan crate has everything you need to build a fluttering windsock to celebrate Children's Day, play a traditional Japanese game alone or with friends, make a tasty snack of rice balls, and discover different parts of Japanese culture to satisfy your curiosity about all things Kawaii (that means cute in Japanese!)

 

They also have one-off kits you can put on your wish list so you can make things glow, make things that go, and even literally play with fire.

Did You Know...?

The first chemistry set was sold in 1791? The set was actually a portable lab that came in a chest. It contained a mini chemical laboratory complete with materials and a list of experiments for scientists as well as curious ladies and gentlemen. Kids’ chemistry sets became popular in the early 20^th century. 

 

Have Your Say

Where does your passion for discovery lie? What kind of project would get you jumping for joy if you received it in the mail? Share your thoughts in the comments below.