They may be small now, but it’s never too early (or late) to invest in our future leaders today and empower young minds to realize their potential and accomplish big things tomorrow. That’s why we’re excited to highlight a company on a mission “to inspire the next generation of innovators.”
KiwiCo designs educational products that motivate kids of all ages to discover the fun in science and develop ways of thinking that can change the world. Speaking of change, when shopping with Giving Assistant, you can donate the 15% cash back you earn on your next KiwiCo purchase to support Pencils of Promise (PoP), a nonprofit that builds schools across the globe and establishes programs that provide children with access to quality education.
Right now, you can also use this exclusive Giving Assistant offer to save more: Get 40% off your first-month KiwiCo subscription with code PENCIL, from 10/21-10/31.
Ready to spark learning and inspire creativity today? See our KiwiCo review to learn more.
What is KiwiCo?
KiwiCo develops award-winning, hands-on projects, and activities for kids of all ages. Founded in 2011 by CEO Sandra Oh Lin, she designed the e-commerce company to ignite a child’s natural curiosity and creativity with enriching activities that empower young minds to become tomorrow’s problem solvers, scientists, artists, and makers.
Available through a monthly subscription and sold online individually, KiwiCo’s themed “crates” contain everything a child needs to explore, create, and learn about various STEM- and STEAM-related fields, from physics and technology to engineering and art design.
To date, KiwiCo has designed 1,500 projects and has shipped 25 million crates to 40 countries.
How Does KiwiCo Work?
KiwiCo crates are delivered monthly to your doorstep when you sign up for a subscription. You can also purchase project crates individually from the KiwiCo Store.
To set up a monthly KiwiCo subscription:
1. Choose a Themed Crate Line
You can shop KiwiCo subscription crates by category, interest, or age (from 0 to 104), starting at $17.50/month (depending on the theme). In age-group order, your options are:
- Panda Crate (0-24 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)
- Eureka Crate (ages 12-104)
- Maker Crate (ages 14-104)
2. Select a Plan
There are four KiwiCo subscription crate plans:
- Monthly
- 3-month
- 6-month
- 12-month
The first crate ships in two days—you can pause or cancel your KiwiCo subscription at any time.
3. Upgrade (optional)
You can upgrade any Kiwi Crate subscription to “Deluxe” at any time for an extra $9.95 per month to receive a children’s book that complements the theme of the box.
15 KiwiCo Crates We Wished We Had as Kids
To date, there are nine subscription products and over 100 exclusive products sold in the store. Below we’re sharing some of our favorite picks (hint hint: they make excellent holiday gifts!):
1. KiwiCo Panda Crate (ages 0-24 months)
The Panda KiwiCo subscription is for the littlest learners. Each crate has stage-specific, developmentally appropriate products that provide a fun outlet to help children explore new concepts, bond with their families, learn how to count, and develop problem-solving skills.
Designed in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital experts, we also love that KiwiCo donates a portion of every Panda Crate purchase toward child development research.
2. KiwiCo Koala Crate (ages 2-4)
The Koala KiwiCo subscription focuses on learning through play with 2-3 early STEAM projects that introduce preschoolers to new materials, tools, and concepts—like assembling and decorating a doctor’s kit or learning how to dye a rainbow tote bag. Also included is an illustrated parent guide, online DIYs for quality time at home, and a copy of imagine! magazine.
3. Ice Skating Rink Project (ages 5+)
Explore the science of skating with this seasonal-themed project, which creates a mini-mechanical version of a joyous wintertime activity. Your little one will learn to rig a motor, explore magnetism, and create a winter wonderland toy powered by spinning gears.
4. KiwiCo Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8)
Nurture a child’s natural creativity and curiosity with the Kiwi KiwiCo subscription, which offers all the materials needed to complete STEAM-based projects (like making a stomp rocket or an arcade claw with pom-pom prizes!). Each crate also has illustrated kid-friendly step-by-step instructions, online DIYs, and a copy of explore! magazine with additional science content.
5. Science of Cooking: Ice Cream Project Kit (ages 5+)
Here’s one sweet science experiment we know your kids will devour—a chemistry lesson that teaches them about ice crystals, freezing, and stabilizers. KiwiCo equips your young chef with prep tools, an ice cream scoop, kid-friendly dessert recipes, and more. Please note that this crate does not include food ingredients, including rock salt.
6. KiwiCo Atlas Crate (ages 6-11)
Explore the world and help your child build an appreciation for global cultures through hands-on STEAM activities that shine a light on the beauty of international customs and communities. Each Atlas KiwiCo subscription includes two globally-inspired projects, detailed step-by-step instructions, Atlas cards with DIY activities, and a collectible Atlas Adventure Book.
7. KiwiCo Yummy Crate (ages 6-14)
Say “hello” to the newest KiwiCo crate! The Yummy KiwiCo subscription explores the science of cooking, teaches kitchen skills, and helps kids gain confidence in the kitchen. Each crate includes an experiment with a specialty cooking tool, three family-friendly recipes, and two hands-on projects to learn in (and out) the kitchen. Also included is the Yummy Zine magazine (with comics and fun food facts) and a guide for grownups.
8. Cannonball Launcher (ages 7+)
Enjoy creative pretend play and test out your child’s building skills with a project that explores potential and kinetic energy. This crate has everything needed to construct a working launcher and matching mount that can shoot foam cannonballs.
The farthest launch recorded so far: 60 feet!
9. Remote-Controlled Snake Robot (ages 9+)
Introduce your child to the world of robotics (and engineering solutions inspired by nature) with a slithering, remote-controlled reptile robot they can put together. This crate explores LED circuits, biomimicry, and the intriguing characteristics that make snakes unique.
10. KiwiCo Doodle Crate (ages 9-16+)
Young makers searching for new ways to express themselves creatively will enjoy exploring the unique crafting tools, art techniques, and materials that a Doodle KiwiCo subscription offers.
Past crates have taught kids:
- Felt crafting and clay modeling to make a Felt Succulent Garden
- Simple soap making and design techniques to craft Handmade Soap, and
- Stitching and embellishing to create a Faux Leather Portfolio.
Doodle crates also include illustrated instructions, online tutorials, and additional DIY design content and activities.
11. KiwiCo Tinker Crate (ages 9-14)
The Tinker KiwiCo subscription will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders in other STEM fields. Each crate provides all the materials needed to build a creative, innovative project with moving parts, like a hydraulic claw, trebuchet, or a walking robot.
Also included are detailed step-by-step instructions, online tutorials with tips and tricks, and the Tinker Zine magazine featuring additional science content and activities.
12. KiwiCo Eureka Crate (ages 12-104)
The Eureka KiwiCo subscription explores the design and engineering behind everyday objects, like the Articulated Desk Lamp project that uses pulleys and springs to make an adjustable light source with an energy-friendly LED bulb. Each crate has high-quality materials, easy-to-follow instructions, and everything else your kid needs to build something they’d be proud to use.
13. KiwiCo Maker Crate (ages 14-104)
Whether you’re a first-time crafter or experienced artisan, the Maker KiwiCo subscription is a fun way for adults and teens to learn new art and design tool techniques. Each crate has all the supplies and easy-to-follow video instruction needed to complete hands-on projects using a maker’s original designs. KiwiCo Makers have enjoyed the following projects:
- Macrame Planters (featuring clay sculpting and knotting techniques)
- Punch-Needle Pillow (textured design-making with loops of yarn)
- Terrazzo Clay Organizers (with tools and techniques of a traditional, mosaic-like artform)
14. Stereo Headphones Kit (ages 14+)
How many kids can say they’re listening to music using a pair of stereo headphones they engineered themselves? This kit has everything your teen needs to construct a headphone headband, rig up the speaker drivers, and explore stereo sound—all while learning about electromagnetism and the invention of headphones.
15. Trashketball (ages 14+)
Explore the history of basketball technology, the evolution of hoop design, engineering design, (and parabolic motion, too!) with the KiwiCo engineering crate that shows teens how to build a functional, linkage-powered “trashketball” game—an ingenious way to help keep their room tidy!
How to Get the Best Deals at KiwiCo
Subscribing to a KiwiCo subscription that auto-renews is the best way to save the most money on KiwiCo crates. The longer you subscribe, the more you save. When compared to the store price of a Koala Crate for ages 2-4 ($26.95 + $4.95 shipping/delivery), below is a snapshot of the kind of prices and savings to expect with auto-renewing subscriptions:
- A month-to-month subscription is $22.95/mo. + free shipping (a savings of $8.95/mo.)
- Three months for $20.95/mo. + free shipping (a savings of $32.85/mo.)
- Six months for $18.95/mo. + free shipping (a savings of $77.70/mo.)
- Twelve months for $17.80/mo. + free shipping (a savings of $172.80/mo.)
Note: Subscribers always get free shipping within the U.S.
More Ways to Save the Most at KiwiCo
Other ways to get the best deals when shopping KiwiCo include:
- Cash Back: Earn 15% cash back at KiwiCo as a Giving Assistant shopper
- Subscribe: Sign up for emails to get 30% off of your first month KiwiCo subscription
- Discounts: Shop online store sale items to save on one-time projects, toys, and kits
- Mix & Match: Get 20% off when you buy five or more qualifying KiwiCo crates
- Refer-a-Friend: Give $10 to get $10 for every friend who makes a KiwiCo purchase
- Coupons: Save more with the latest KiwiCo coupon codes through Giving Assistant
- Free Shipping: Get free shipping on orders over $50
What Sets KiwiCo Apart?
KiwiCo customers are huge fans of the brand’s innovative products and enjoy the quality time spent with their children as they learn, explore, fuel their imagination, and develop vital skills. KiwiCo crates also spark children’s abilities to problem-solve, analyze, and create, plus help them develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at a young age.
Other reasons why we think KiwiCo stands out:
1. Designed By Experts, Tested by Kids
KiwiCo has a team of in-house experts and an advisory board that collaborates with educators, engineers, makers, and even rocket scientists to create the most exciting, age-appropriate educational projects for all ages. In addition, every crate theme and project prototype is thoroughly tested with a crew of kids to evaluate quality, safety, and aesthetics.
In the end, the KiwiCo team spends over 1,000 hours designing and testing each crate.
2. Award-Winning Toys
Parents, toy testers, universities, and consumer reviewers have recognized the high quality of KiwiCo’s STEM-, STEAM-, and other educational products that help advance a child’s development. As a result, the company has over 20 awards and distinctions, including:
- Good Housekeeping’s 2021 Parenting Award
- Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Award
- Academics’ Choice Brain Toy Award Winner
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award Gold Seal
3. Educator Discounts
Teachers, schools, and large groups ordering 25-99 crates from the KiwiCo store get a 15% educator discount with promo code EDUCATOR21. There are also bulk discounts and offers for Title I schools, tax-exempt entities, and other federally funded education programs.
Educators teaching grades 3-5 can also order Classroom STEM Packs which include ten construction sets that serve up to 40 students working in pairs or small groups. In addition, these STEM kits are offered to teachers at a discount, starting at $124.95 (a $249.50 value), and include a teacher guide with lesson plans, student worksheets, and more.
How You Can Support Education When You Shop KiwiCo
Shopping with Giving Assistant for educational toys at KiwiCo not only helps you save on enriching projects and activities for children (and adults). You can also earn 15% cash back from your purchases to keep or donate to your favorite education nonprofits, such as Pencils of Promise (PoP).
We’re excited to offer a platform that brings companies and nonprofits such as KiwiCo and PoP together to support education through your online purchases and cash back donations.
Learn more about how Giving Assistant helps you support causes you care about.
You can also install our free browser extension, the Giving Assistant Button, to automatically apply coupons, earn cash back, and pay it forward to make a difference every time you shop.
Every donation counts!