When the kids were younger, I made it a point to keep a wide variety of art supplies stocked throughout the year. We never ran out of the basics, like crayons, markers, map pencils, watercolors, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, colored chalk, glue, scissors, construction and copy paper, card stock, popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners.
When I caught a sale, I picked up extras like felt, clay, string and beads, ink pads and stamps, glitter, pom poms, googly eyes, sequins, as well as sets of different shaped scissors and hole punches. If you are interested in building your own base of supplies, and want some ideas, there are a number of basic art and craft supply lists available online.
However, there are times, especially in the summer months, when time and storage are an issue. Many families sell/buy homes and move – so they may be living out of suitcases, navigating rental properties, and/or living in relatives’ homes. Other times, Summer vacation brings about much-coveted time with grandparents, aunts or uncles, or friends of the family who might not otherwise stock craft supplies or activities for young children. And of course, there are summer road trips and vacations.
Over the course of the last year, I have reviewed a number of different activity and craft kit manufacturers. Surprise Ride is the most recent theme-based, hands-on, personally curated, activity box of goodies I have discovered and want to share with you.
SURPRISE RIDE
First, Surprise Ride was born of the desire of two sisters to find unique, hands-on learning activities to foster creativity in their two sons’ lives outside of the latest toy or video game. The company’s carefully curated monthly activities are based on three principles: 1) Kids are brilliant; 2) Creativity fuels success; and 3) Everyone loves getting a surprise in the mail.
Each kit includes the necessary supplies to complete the project. Each month’s “ride” is based on a theme, and also includes “Carry-Ons”, which are extras – like a book, a gadget, stationary, a snack, etc…, as well as a “Travel Guide”, a booklet with information about the theme, interesting facts, and different ways parents can help their children continue absorbing and exploring the month’s theme.
The Surprise Ride I received explored the world of Vincent van Gogh. Included in the box were several supplies to inspire a child to create their own masterpiece, as well as explore the life of Vincent van Gogh.
» 8×8″ canvas
» 6 acrylic paints
» paintbrush with natural wood handle
» foam brush
» paint palette
» a plastic apron
» paint spill puzzle
» bag of gourmet popcorn
» Vincent van Gogh greeting card (blank inside)
While many of the craft kids are designed for Pre-K and early elementary aged children, Surprise Ride creates projects for children ages 6-11.
Though each month’s ride is unique, check out the recently delivered themes for a feel of the fun and learning built into each subscription.
Price: $24.99/month (6-month subscription) to $39.99/month (1-time box)
Special Offer for PW Readers: Use the code TPWSummer for $10 off the first month.
PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED ACTIVITY & CRAFT KITS
ARTTERRO “PAINT WITH WOOL” KIT
My Review: Artterro “Paint with Wool Kit” Review.
Manufacturer’s Description: “This kit is a perfect introduction to the art of needle felting. Very satisfying and easy to do, simply poke colorful roving wool into the base shape with a felting needle to paint pictures of anything you can imagine!”
Price: $19.95
Related Review: Artterro – Bookmaking Eco Art Kit
DISCOVERLIT KIT
My Review: DiscoverLit Review
Manufacturer’s Description: “Each DiscoverLit Kit contains literacy activities that build knowledge about, reinforce, and also extend learning in six literacy areas: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics/Word Study, Fluency, Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Writing. In addition to literacy, our Kits include activities in Science, Math, Art and/or History, to extend learning.”
Price: Starting at $9.00 (monthly payment) for starter 12 month Subscription.
GREEN KID CRAFTS – DISCOVERY BOXES
My Review: Green Kid Crafts Kit Review
Manufacturer’s Description: “Our craft kits for kids pack a lot of fun into convenient, earth friendly packages, perfect for giving or enjoying on a rainy day. Developed with experts to support key developmental skills for ages 3-8, each project celebrates creativity and boosts confidence while giving kids a fun and delightful experience.”
Price: $5.95 – $24.95 (Subscription program begins at $19.95/month.)
KIWI CRATE
My Review: Kiwi Crate – Kids Crafts & Activities
Manufacturer’s Description: “Guided by our design principles and inspired by our kids, our crates are designed around fun themes and filled with all of the materials and inspiration for hands-on projects. Explore with arts and crafts, science activities, imaginative play, and more.”
Price: Monthly subscriptions start at $16.95.
I hope this little trip down “Review Lane” here at The Pioneer Woman’s Homeschooling blog has been helpful. While there are a number of ways to supplement the summer months with engaging crafts and learning activities, kits that include everything and anything you need are an efficient way to provide kids with interesting projects without any of the fuss.
Do you have any crafty suggestions or pre-made kits to add to the list above? If so, please list them in the comments below.
Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.