KiwiCo

KiwiCo: subscription crates with hands-on projects for kids

KiwiCo is an American company dedicated to designing and selling monthly subscription crates for children. Each crate includes a new project with all the materials and instructions needed to complete hands-on, educational activities. The company states it has shipped 50 million crates and ships to 40 countries.

Subscription catalog by age

The offering is organized according to the age and interests of the recipients. The catalog includes the following lines:

• Panda Crate (0–36 months): exploration and discovery for the youngest children.
• Koala Crate (3–6 years): play and learning.
• Kiwi Crate (6–9 years): science, art, and other activities.
• Atlas Crate (6–12 years): geography and culture.
• Doodle Crate (6–12 years): creating and crafting.
• Tinker Crate (9–12 years): science and engineering.
• Maker Crate (12–100 years): art and design.
• Eureka Crate (12–100 years): engineering and design.

The site also mentions other registered names such as KiwiCo Labs, KiwiCo Studio, KiwiCo Sprout, KiwiCo World, and Yummy Crate.

How the subscription works

The process described by the company consists of choosing a subscription, receiving a monthly crate, and continuing the activity with the included project. Each crate contains a new project with all the materials and instructions for several hours of hands-on activity. The company offers the option to try a single crate before committing to the subscription, as stated in its FAQ section.

Project design and validation

KiwiCo states it has more than 2,000 projects designed and notes that each crate requires more than 1,000 hours of development. The team includes educators, makers, engineers, and rocket scientists. Projects go through multiple rounds of testing with children before launch, with testing sessions several times a week. The company notes that a university study analyzed the educational value of its crates.

Design team

Among the product designers cited are Cynthia Lu, with a background in electrical engineering from MIT and industrial design from RISD, and Barley Forsman, with a BFA from CCA in San Francisco and previous experience designing cycling equipment and technical accessories. Both describe their work developing STEM and engineering projects for children.

Other services and programs

In addition to individual subscriptions, the company offers gift cards, programs for schools and groups, wholesale orders, and classroom packs. It also has a help center with FAQs, shipping and return policy, and a referral program.