This post is sponsored by Kiwi Crate
Subscription boxes are not just for fashion, beauty, pets or snacks. They’re now for kids too! Kiwi Crate is a kids’ craft kit subscription box. The box includes everything you need to make two to three hands-on activities. Also included is Kiwi Crate’s explore! magazine filled with bonus activities, kid-friendly recipes and more surprises! (We got a bonus sticker too!) Here’s my Kiwi Crate review.
Kiwi Crate Review
Focuses range from art, science, games to imaginative play, and more. Here is a link to some of the past crates. Coming soon: Castles & Catapults, Wild West and Discovering Dinosaurs. (Mazen can’t wait for the dinosaur one!)
Subscription Choices
Parents have lots of choices – from a one month box to a 12 month subscription, and the price goes down for the longer commitments, as low as $16.95 a box. Shipping is always free. And if you have more than one crafty kid, there’s a sibling add-on for $9.95 a month. You can also shop for individual arts & crafts and party favors on the website.
My sister and I loved all kinds of kits growing up. If it comes neatly in a box, kids are going to go bonkers. Of course you can go out and buy materials and to create your own crafts. And you should. But the beauty of Kiwi Crate is that it comes in a box, in the mail, with everything neatly tucked inside. Talk about a rainy day saver!
What comes in the Kiwi Crate box?
Everything you need is included in the box. We decided to take our box to the beach where we had no craft materials to use. This worked out so well – I knew everything we needed was already packed for us. Including our first pair of kid scissors as a bonus! (M is still young for scissors so I’m tucking them away for later).
Our two crafts were very cute – a finger puppet activity and a DIY farm plot.
All of the activities are kid-tested in the Kiwi Crate review studios, so you know they’re kid approved. M is probably still a little young to be the ideal age for this, but with Grammie and me helping we had a great time.
We unpacked the box and got started!
It took Mazen a while to get what we were doing, but once we made the chicken he understood what to do.
We helped him choose the adornments and placement on each puppet. (Photographing a toddler doing a craft is quite the challenge! You’ll also notice the outfit change. We had a snack interlude that involved watermelon all over the first shirt!)
We assembled the puppet stand and helped M place the puppets on.
He loved pretending they were on a train!
And we had fun practicing animals noises as well!
They traveled with us to dinner throughout the week.
And my mom says this is a great idea for grandmas too. You could send it right to her house in anticipation of a visit!
Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Kiwi Crate has a huge website of DIY ideas for kids, including lots of recipes. I wanted to make something yummy to share with you all, and when I saw these No Bake Peanut Butter Bites I knew I’d found the one. They were super easy and are soooo delish! While I’d put them more in a cookie category than a snack due to the powdered sugar, they are still packed with healthy ingredients like sunflower seeds, raisins and good ole peanut butter. I’m already pondering if I could make these with whole wheat flour and oats and cut way back on the sugar! But for an after-dinner treat, Mazen gobbled them down : )
We made them together, and he loved dumping each ingredient in a bowl. I rolled most of the balls and gave him one to do himself, which looked more like a worm than a ball at the end of it! I’m sure in a year or so he’ll get the ball rolling down pat.
No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Bites
Makes a dozen balls
- 2 graham crackers
- ½ cup peanut butter (a drippy kind worked well for me)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp raisins
Directions
- Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag using a rolling pin. Put crumbs in a bowl.
- Mix together peanut butter, sugar, and honey until it forms a paste. Add sunflower seeds and raisins and mix until incorporated.
- Roll dough into balls and then roll balls into graham crumbs.
- Refrigerate to store.
- Delicious at room temp or right from the fridge!
This post was sponsored by Kiwi Crate
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
What a fun idea! I’m sure I would’ve geeked out over these when I was a kid.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I saw Kiwi crate and didn’t think I’d like it, but the craft you guys did was super cute! I definitely think it’s a great idea for grandma’s house!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
What a cute box for a child! Looks like such a fun activity to do together! Those peanut butter balls look great as well. LOOOVE the addition of graham crackers!
Tina@GottaRunNow says
What a fun toy set! Peanut butter balls are easy to make and it’s fun to be creative with the ingredients like using graham cracker crumbs. I know that would taste good!
Kim says
Hi kath. I’m a longtime blog reader and I hope you take this constructively but these sponsored posts are getting very cumbersome to read. They seem rather excessive as of late. I totally understand you can’t please everyone, but I thoroughly enjoy all other aspects of kerf/berf, but the sponsored posts are not enjoyable to read. Again, just giving you constructive feedback from a longtime reader. Thanks for listening!
Sara says
I have to agree – you already had a General Mills sponsored post this week. Also this seems like it might be a better fit for BERF!
Robyn says
I have to agree with Kim. Also, it seems that BERF would have been more appropriate for this type of post?
Soliya says
I agree as well, I’m really disliking these sponsored posts. As well as General Mills, there was the Oil one last week as well. Kerf is my favorite blog for day in the life and lifestyle/healthy living posts not for sponsored content. Kath, what are your thoughts on this subject from the owner of the blog? Just curious and as always, as a long time reader, I appreciate you taking the time to listen! Have a wonderful day 🙂
Aaryn says
Another in agreement — not a huge fan of so many sponsored posts of late. Especially since they seem repetitive when I read about the same thing on different blogs. I love your blog and Daily Garnish, but in the past couple of months, I’ve seen the olive oil company, Kiwi Crate and Blue Apron on both blogs — all interesting but of zero interest to me.
Kari says
I agree too.
Heather @ eSmoothie Recipes says
eh, they don’t bother me. i think kath does a good job writing them – she at least tries to blend them in with the other posts.
Melanie says
My two cents… I think if the sponsored content is within the confines of the blog theme, then I don’t care whether it is sponsored or not. There is a good chance the blog writer would have been interested and used the product otherwise, and it just so happens they were seeked out to try the item for free or for a lesser price by the company. She puts right at the top of the post whether there is sponsored content, so if you are already turned off at the idea, then don’t read the post.
I will agree that this particular post for Kiwi Crate seems more appropriate for BERF, though. The peanut butter balls were a great addition however, to tie this into KERF.
I guess all I am saying is, I enjoy all the lifestyle related content, sponsored or not. It would be different if this became an 80% sponsored blog, but until then I will happily read away and enjoy.
Soliya says
I understand your point, as soon as I see sponsored content I don’t read, however, the sponsored posts have been excessive when you only post 5 times in one week. I do agree some products are relevant (loved the scooba post) but others like smuckers jam just feels like a sponsored post simply to make money. Just my thoughts but I respect yours as well!
Marie says
How can you say the post about FOOD was less relevant? I personally like the mix up of posts – including this one! I don’t have kids, but this will be perfect for my niece. Thanks Kath!
April says
Wow….it really is amazing. No one is required to read this blog. If you don’t like Kath doing sponsored posts don’t read the blog. She has stated many times that she does utilize the blog for sponsored posts and as a source of income from time to time. I have a great idea….Kath go to college and become a Registered Dietician and then why don’t you go ahead and give us all advice for free all the time and let us dictate what you write about on YOUR blog. Are you kidding me?? If Kath charged us all to read her blog that would be one thing and I could see someone having a right to complain about what she does or does not post about. But until you are subscribing to her blog and paying her it’s a bit selfish to complain…….
Elise says
I’m not sure you understand the point of a monetized blog. You are creating content for your readers to enjoy. The best way to make money on a blog (by having advertising on your blog) is to have a lot of page views. The best way to do that is to create meaningful content that brings readers back day after day. I think what most of these comments are saying is that the amount of sponsored posts on Kath’s blog is becoming a turnoff for them.
Most of them seem like they used to be (and still are) loyal readers who enjoyed the thoughtful content on KERF. But there’s no denying there has been a huge uptick in sponsored content in this space in the past year. I don’t see anything wrong with expressing dissatisfaction as a reader about the content you’re seeing. That’s the whole point: creating quality content (about real food and nutrition topics) is what made KERF so popular in the first place, and that’s what makes a monetized blog financially successful.
Jenna says
I agree–people are saying this not to be mean, but to let Kath know why they are less interested in reading. If revenue from the blog is an important part of Kath’s family income, she does need to know why people are reading (or not reading) and adjust her content accordingly. If sponsored posts are turning readers off, that’s eventually going to limit her ability to monetize the blog–fewer pageviews means fewer (or less lucrative) sponsors.
Personally, I do find the sponsored posts to be a bit too frequent lately and not always a good fit for the blog (this post definitely would have worked better on BERF). I also dislike seeing the same products coming up across multiple healthy living blogs (the olive oil, blue apron, now kiwi crate)–it really drives home the “sponsored” aspect and gives the impression that all these bloggers will sell themselves out to the highest bidder. Kath (and other bloggers) might want to start asking companies how many other posts they are planning on sponsoring, and evaluating whether or not being part of a saturation campaign weakens their own personal brand.
Fancy says
I also agree. I love reading your blog to hear about your lifestyle. The recent vacation recaps were great, it felt like your old blog! Also, some of my favorite posts were the Home Neat Home posts. I don’t enjoy these sponsored posts and I never even read any of your Guest RD ones. I come here to hear from YOU and to read about your life, I don’t really have any interest in reading something someone else writes or about random products sent to you to review. Your blog has been one of my favorites for years, just wanted to provide you with some feedback.
Michele says
I also agree. I’m starting to get turned off by blogs that post too many sponsored posts. Also aside from the cookies, I don’t think this post was relevant to KERF. Of course, it’s your blog, so you have to do what’s best for you! 🙂
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
That’s a really cute idea! I know my parents would love having something like that delivered to their house for my nieces to play with!
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
I’ve seen Kiwi Crate on other blogs – no kiddos for me – but it’s fun to see all the craft projects. Fun ideas!
I love making protein peanut butter balls. I mix in oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, and honey. But they are definitely NOT low-calorie with all the PB in them, so I have to be careful because I could eat a lot in a single sitting. 🙂
Jill says
As a reader without kids, it seems that this should go on your other blog.
Matt says
Me reading this: Oh MAN, I’m totally getting this for Mazen… oh right.
I wanna know where you get science experiments for older kids.
Carolyn says
If you’re truly interested, Matt, this is a great company I used when my son was younger.
http://www.theyoungscientistsclub.com/TYSCsubscription/
christine says
Oh, thanks for the link, Carolyn!! This looks great for my 6 year old!
Audrey says
Hey there! Love your blog! I recently started sleep training my baby, and in the midst of his crying I read, reread, and rereread your post for encouragement!!!!!!! It was a lifesaver and we are making progress!
Is there any way that the links that you post (like the Target post a couple days ago) could open in a new window rather than redirecting me to a new page? I’d rather stay on your page and open a new window with your link, as opposed to backing up to get back to your page after I check out a product. 😉
Thanks!!
KathEats says
Audrey, totally understand. I usually right click and open in a new tab so I can keep both pages open. Does that work for you?
Audrey says
Yes! thanks for the computer training. 😉
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
What a brilliant idea!! I’ve never heard of this company…do you know if they ship to Canada! Those peanut butter balls look yummy too.I prepare something similar for the kids when I feel like giving them something extra decadent at snack time 😉
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/recipes/no-bake-peanut-butter-and-chocolate-oat-balls/
Bernadette says
Hi Kath – I’ve been reading KERF for years, and I’ve always loved your photos, recipes, and workout recaps! I hope this doesn’t seem rude, but I’m also wondering why this post didn’t go on Baby KERF? I don’t have any kids, so posts like this are of little interest to me. It just seems out of character for your blog!
Alex @ True Femme says
I think that’s a really cute idea and subscription boxes are so much fun for adults, so it’s nice they have an option for kids. The peanut butter balls look good too!
Laura @ SheEatsWell says
Must make those pb balls right now!
Jamie says
This is such a great concept!! Totally ordering for my daughter.
Hannah says
Hey! I just wanted to give you a heads up that there has been a fairly large peanut butter recall. I know that you use whole food’s brand often, and some of them have been recalled! Here’s the link to the affected nut butters: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm410533.htm
KathEats says
Thanks!
Tracy says
Hi Kath, I made the peanut butter balls this afternoon with the help of my three year old twins. I did not add the sugar, however increased the peanut butter and In addition to the remaining ingredients, added chia seeds, coconut,chopped walnuts, a bit of ground flaxseed, and sesame seeds. One of my daughters tried a spoonful and loved it, my other daughter was happy to eat the ingredients separately but wouldn’t try them mixed together:) the balls were still pretty loose so I’m hoping that they will firm up much more while refridgerated. Thanks for the recipe! We needed a new snack to try this afternoon:) as long as the balls firm up more, next time I would try dried cranberries in place of the raisins. By the way, I could care less whether this post was on KERF or BERF:)
KathEats says
Thanks for the feedback! I bet they will firm up when chilled. I think the dry powdered sugar in the original acted as a good binder, but I am eager to try them again with other ingredients too. Glad you liked them!
Mom says
Love those finger puppets! (and had such a good time helping with them).
To me this is a fine post for KERF (and not just because that’s my grandson). So many people have kids in their lives even if none of their own–neighbors, nieces and nephews, your boss’s children. It’s neat to learn what’s out there for them.
Molly says
I totally agree! I am not a mother yet, but I have two adorable nieces that would love this! Post your content where you want Kath!
Erica says
Totally making these cookies with Kay 🙂 Thanks for the great idea. Adorable post! I cannot believe how big he is getting! PS- I love that your Mom puts her name as Mom in her comments 😉
KathEats says
: )
Mom says
Ha! Thanks. Once the mom, always the mom!
Erin says
My mom used to make peanut butter balls for us growing up, but she used powdered milk to hold them together in place of the powdered sugar and oats instead of graham cracker crumbs. We always loved them and they held together well. Plus they aren’t as sweet that way and gluten free for those who need it! You would be chocolate chips or raisins in them. A tasty little treat!
Erin says
*You could put chocolate chips or raisins in them
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
Those pb balls look so amazing!!
Jessica says
How do you get watermelon stains out…I didn’t even know that it could stain 🙁
KathEats says
Oxiclean spray
Emily @ Life on Food says
I want to get this for my nephew. He is just about Mazen’s age. I think it would be perfect for his upcoming birthday.