The Best STEAM Gifts for Kids: Exploring KiwiCo Crates and Kits
As an educator, I often hear from parents who are eager to support their child’s learning journey at home but worry about not having the setup or specialized resources of a classroom. They want their kids to stay curious and engaged but aren’t always sure how to provide that structure without the guidance of a teacher or a range of educational materials. This is where I think KiwiCo can offer a valuable solution.
With its high-quality, STEAM-focused boxes, KiwiCo provides parents with a way to nurture curiosity and learning in a simple, effective way at home—no teaching background or specialized knowledge required.
You can now get an extra 15% off any order or up to 30% off an annual club membership with code CHEER. The promotion is only valid until 11/23!
Although this post is not sponsored, I am part of KiwiCo’s affiliate program, which means I may earn a small commission on qualified purchases. My recommendation is based on what I see as KiwiCo’s thoughtful design and attention to the concerns many parents have.
Here’s why KiwiCo addresses these key areas so well:
- Guided Projects for Independent Play
KiwiCo’s crates come with clearly outlined projects that don’t require parents to have expertise in science, art, or engineering. The instructions are thorough enough to allow children to work independently, which gives them a sense of ownership and lets them dive into creative problem-solving on their own terms. - Safe, High-Quality Materials
KiwiCo is known for using durable, mostly natural materials, ensuring each project is safe and designed to last. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing that their children are engaging with high-quality, safe materials while exploring new concepts hands-on. - Diverse Topics to Spark Changing Interests
One of the standout aspects of KiwiCo is the variety of topics it covers, from physics and engineering to world cultures and the arts. This diversity is invaluable for parents, as children’s interests can change quickly. Each new crate offers something fresh and exciting, helping kids find new areas of curiosity and keeping their engagement levels high.
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Why STEAM and Process-Based Learning Matter
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is more than just a collection of subjects; it’s a way of blending knowledge and creativity to help kids see the world in new and innovative ways. As an educator, I believe that STEAM’s integration of science and art fosters adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that are invaluable both in and out of the classroom. For parents looking to nurture these skills at home, STEAM activities provide a fantastic foundation, engaging kids’ natural curiosity while encouraging them to explore and experiment.
KiwiCo crates excel at bringing STEAM learning to life. They offer guided, hands-on projects that introduce complex ideas in a fun and approachable way. Each crate is thoughtfully designed with step-by-step instructions that allow children to complete projects independently, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they see their creations come to life.
These guided projects make it easier for parents, too, as no specialized knowledge is required to support their child’s experience.
While KiwiCo’s STEAM crates are generally open-ended, especially in science and engineering activities, some of their art projects may feel a bit more “closed-boxed” or structured. While some might find this limiting, many children appreciate the clear guidance, especially in the beginning stages, as it offers them confidence and a sense of achievement in completing a project. Plus, the skills they develop in these structured activities—such as following a sequence, working with new materials, and experimenting with designs—can be easily transferred to more open-ended, imaginative play later on.
KiwiCo Strengths and Considerations
- High-Quality, Safe Materials: KiwiCo crates stand out for their durable, mostly natural materials, providing a safe and engaging experience for kids. The attention to quality and thoughtful design means these are more than just toys; they’re long-lasting tools that foster learning.
- Guided Projects That Encourage Independent Play: Each KiwiCo crate includes detailed instructions, allowing children to work independently while giving parents peace of mind. These guided projects promote self-directed learning, enabling kids to gain confidence and joy from completing tasks on their own.
- Diverse Topics to Keep Kids Engaged: With a wide range of subjects—everything from physics and engineering to art and world cultures—KiwiCo provides something new and exciting with each crate. This variety is ideal for sustaining a child’s interest and can help spark new passions and curiosities as they grow.
- Closed-Boxed Approach: While KiwiCo’s structured projects might feel restrictive to some, they can be a great entry point for kids who enjoy having step-by-step guidance. The skills they acquire from these guided projects can be applied to more open-ended creative activities as they gain confidence.
- Price Point: KiwiCo crates are an investment, with a price tag that may feel high for some families. However, the quality and educational value make them worthwhile. To make these crates more accessible, I recommend taking advantage of Black Friday deals—up to 40% off—and using my exclusive link for an extra 10$ discount. Get an extra 15% off any order or up to 30% off an annual club membership with code CHEER. The promotion is only valid until 11/23!
- Joining my mailing list is another great way to stay updated on future promotions!
Black Friday Early Access
Enjoy Up to 4 Monthly Club Crates Free with code JOY
Recommended KiwiCo Products for Creative Learning
Here are some top KiwiCo crates and products that I recommend for fostering curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning at home. Each one is carefully designed to spark children’s interest across various STEAM topics, allowing them to explore science, engineering, and art in exciting, accessible ways.
KiwiCo Labs (Ages 9-11)
KiwiCo Labs is an excellent choice for older kids who are curious about science and enjoy diving into in-depth explorations. Each crate introduces core scientific concepts, allowing kids to experiment with real-world applications through hands-on activities. This series provides a great balance between structured guidance and creative freedom, helping kids build a strong foundation in scientific thinking while developing confidence in their problem-solving abilities.
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KiwiCo World
KiwiCo World brings the wonders of global cultures and geography to life, making it perfect for children who love adventure and have a natural curiosity about the world. Each crate takes kids on a “journey” to a different part of the globe, where they’ll explore new cultural traditions, crafts, and languages. This series encourages kids to think globally, inspiring empathy and appreciation for diverse cultures through hands-on activities.
The Best STEAM Gifts for Creative Play!
Motorized Spin Art Kit
The Motorized Spin Art Kit is a wonderful option for young artists who enjoy vibrant colors and dynamic creations. This kit combines art with physics as kids use a motorized tool to create colorful, mesmerizing spin art. The process encourages exploration of color, pattern, and centrifugal force, making it a fun, interactive way to understand how motion influences art.
Electroluminescent Wire Scultpures Kit
For kids fascinated by light and design, the Electroluminescent Wire Sculptures kit introduces the basics of circuitry in a creative context. Kids can shape electroluminescent wire into glowing sculptures, gaining a hands-on understanding of light science. It’s an exciting blend of art and engineering, perfect for sparking curiosity about the science of light while letting kids create something unique to display.
Pendulum Art Machine
The Pendulum Art Machine lets kids use the physics of pendulum motion to create swirling, intricate art. As they assemble the pendulum and observe its movement, they’re learning about concepts like gravity, inertia, and momentum. This kit makes physics accessible and fun, transforming it into an artistic process that kids can return to repeatedly, experimenting with different swing speeds and angles to create new designs.
Winter Wonders Kit
Seasonal and festive, the Winter Wonders Kit offers children a range of winter-themed science and craft activities. Perfect for the holiday season, this kit dives into the science of snowflakes, winter animals, and more, making it an ideal gift for curious kids to stay engaged over winter break. This kit is both creative and educational, combining science with seasonal art projects for a well-rounded experience.
Chain Reaction Workshop
Inspired by classic Rube Goldberg machines, the Chain Reaction Workshop is perfect for kids interested in cause-and-effect sequences. Using levers, ramps, and dominoes, kids can create their own chain reactions while exploring basic principles of physics like force, gravity, and momentum. This set encourages critical thinking and creativity, as kids experiment with different configurations to achieve unique results, making it an endlessly replayable and fun STEAM experience.
Light Table
Light tables are a staple of Montessori and Reggio education as they offer a unique way for children to explore color, light, and transparency. By placing various translucent materials on the illuminated surface, kids can experiment with color mixing, shadow play, and even tracing activities. This Light Table encourages open-ended exploration and can be used across multiple projects, making it a versatile addition to creative play.
Wind Play Lab
The Wind Play Lab allows children to explore the power of wind through hands-on experiments. Kids can build their own wind-powered vehicles and devices, learning about aerodynamics and renewable energy in a fun, interactive way. This kit encourages problem-solving and critical thinking as children test and modify their creations to optimize performance.
Shine & Shadow Light Lab Bundle
The Shine & Shadow Light Lab Book Bundle combines storytelling with scientific exploration. Through engaging narratives and hands-on activities, children learn about the properties of light and shadow, enhancing their understanding of fundamental scientific concepts in an enjoyable way.
Hello Science Book Set
The Hello Science Book Set introduces young readers to various scientific topics through beautifully illustrated books. Each book covers a different subject, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning. This set is a great way to supplement hands-on activities with informative reading.
Who Makes That?
The Who Makes That? book offers children a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday items are created. This engaging read fosters an appreciation for design and engineering, inspiring kids to think about the processes involved in making the objects around them.
Water and Sand Sensory Table
The Water and Sand Sensory Table is perfect for young children who love tactile exploration. This table encourages sensory play, allowing kids to dig, pour, sift, and discover. It’s a fantastic way to introduce basic scientific concepts like volume, density, and cause and effect in a hands-on, enjoyable format. The table can also be used for various other materials, making it a versatile addition to any play area that grows with your child’s changing interests.
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