Kiwi Crate Unlocks CC's Imagination

CC gets her Kiwi Crate in the mail. Excitement ensues.

Let's face it. Getting something in the mail is always exciting (OK, bills, not so much). But for CC—and I'm sure every other kid out there—envelopes, cards, magazines and (best of all) packages can bring on everything from wide eyes to ear-blasting screams of happiness.

That's why I was instantly onboard to try out Kiwi Crate, a subscription service for kids ages 3-8 that sends a neatly packaged box full of themed activities each month. (Subscriptions start at $19.95.) Not only are there a few hands-on activities for kids to try (that focus on everything from storytelling to modern art), Kiwi Crate also packs in tools such as markers, scissors and crayons to make sure kids have everything they need.

CC checks out the storytelling activities.

CC loved just unpacking her storytelling-themed Kiwi Crate box, which was stuffed to the brim with goodies. From a small stage that she folded and built with a little help from mom and dad to an animal puppet complete with a fuzzy pipe cleaner body and a beaded neck, the crate gave CC hours of fun time.

For the stage, CC drew on long sheets of paper that she would then pull through openings on the side. She even let me in on the drawing action. She would tell me what her story would be about (animals were key, just fyi), and we'd color and add stickers to make it come alive.

CC loved sharing her story about animals that go to school.

She even performed the story for Ian and me once she was finished. And she was so proud.

Immediately after she was done, CC asked to dive into another Kiwi Crate. She just loved creating, and I was happy that the service gave her all the tools. But it also let her use her imagination and gave her options for decorating.

And because even almost-7-year-olds still need a little help, CC and I got some nice mother-daughter time in the process—something that's hard with iPhones and iPads. But that's another story.