*** Update: contest is now closed, winner to be announced on the next post

First things first: this is a sponsored post, in that a company sent me something to review and paid me to do so. Sponsored posts aren’t my usual thing, but in this case I was super-interested in the product and thought it sounded like a fun opportunity. If you’d like to skip it, no hard feelings — I recommend checking out the fascinating ongoing craziness between The Oatmeal and FunnyJunk.com. Or maybe this mesmerizing teaser for The Master, which I am inexplicable addicted to watching over and over (”How would you yourself rank your overall health?” “Strooooooong“).

Okay! So I got a chance to check out a BabbaBox from BabbaCo. BabbaCo was founded by Jessica Kim, who I do not know personally but seems to be a very cool lady with enviably shiny hair, and the idea behind the company is to provide a monthly subscription of fun crafty activities to do with your kids (target ages 3-6).

Basically, the idea is that you subscribe to BabbaCo’s service (U.S. only, at the moment) for $29.99 a month, and every month you get a box of activities (and all associated materials) that’s centered around a particular theme. Each box comes with 2-3 hands-on projects/supplies, an ‘explore’ project which encourages kids to engage with the world, a book, and a prepaid download.

(BabbaCo has a “What’s in the Box?” section with more info. Also, are you able to see the words “What’s in the box?” without instantly thinking of this scene? Man, me either.)

I got my BabbaBox a couple days ago, and here’s what it looked like:

box

The interior packaging was great, which I think is a big plus for something like this. Part of the fun of this would be opening it up together, so it’s nice that they clearly gave a lot of thought to the presentation.

Here are the contents of the box, unpacked:

boxcontents

The theme for this box was “gratitude,” and I’m not gonna lie — my initial feeling was that I wished it was “dinosaurs” or “killer robots” or “super obnoxious things that make pshew pshew pshew sounds” because, well, that’s what my kids are mostly into. I wasn’t immediately convinced the boys would be interested by the activities, but once I started digging into them, I could see that they had a pretty universal appeal.

The three main crafty projects involved paint, stickers, pens, and other fun/messy things, and the kids were delighted by the influx of new materials. The first thing we made were thank-you cards:

thankscards

Another activity was a hot pad (painting words on a cork pad), a third was a plastic serving tray (finger painting, creating handprints, stenciling letters). Again, everything’s included — the washable paint, stickers, brushes, etc.

The included book was called Giving Thanks, and it’s a nice one. I like the artwork quite a bit, and the message (a father walking with his son, giving thanks to nature) worked really well for us — Riley said it reminded him of walking in the woods near the cabin with his dad:

book

Although you should take note that according to this amusing Amazon review, it’s a PAGAN book full of dirty PAGANISM and you might want to be careful because it could possibly turn your child into an animal-worshiping heathen OH MY GOD BURN HIM WITH FIRE.

“This is not a book about being thankful for nature. It is about being thankful TO nature. The book teaches children to be thankful to animals, and inanimate objects of nature – not God. It would be helpful to the consumer if this book was labeled somewhere as a book of Paganism as this is not clear from the cover.”

(Hooooooooooo boy.)

There was a “gratitude camera” and journal for posting the developed photos of the things you’re thankful for (I plan to send the camera with Riley to his day camp this week and make a journal of that instead):

camera

Also, a free code to download the Cookie Doodle app, which Dylan was a big fan of:

dylanipad

Decapitated cow! Where’s the severed head? IT’S IN THE BOX!

(BabbaCo, at this point: “Holy shit, this is the worst blogger review *ever*.”)

Lastly, there was a little gift for mom in there:

tea

All in all, I thought this was a very, very nice collection of things. It seems like BabbaCo really puts a lot of effort into assembling items that are engaging and strike a good balance between offering lots of opportunity for education — and just being plain old fun. It feels pretty flexible, like you can either laser-focus on the provided theme, or treat it more loosely to fit your own preferences.

As for the value ($29.99/month, and there’s an annual membership that’s available as well), I think it’s particularly well-suited for parents like me. Meaning, I’m not naturally creative when it comes to activity ideas, and I don’t have a ton of materials at all times. It’s nice to have a bunch of pre-defined things to do, and not have to run out and buy a bunch of supplies for one particular project.

I easily spend $30 every month on dumb crappy things to distract the kids. I mean, EASILY. On the other hand, committing to $30/month is a different sort of purchase decision, but I think the fact that the box isn’t something that’s instantly used up and forgotten makes it a decent investment. Plus, there’s the value of having someone else hand-pick the contents — you’re gambling that you’ll like them, of course, but it saves time and makes for a fun shared surprise each month.

Conclusion: I like the BabbaBox, and I think some of you with kids in the 3-6 range might like it too. I also like that this is an independent business run by a big-dreaming woman with little kids of her own, and I am not EVEN going to call her a mompreneur.

BabbaCo gave me a couple deals to pass along to you. One is a coupon code, which you can use to get 50% off your first box if you buy a subscription. Here’s the code, which is good for the next 7 days:

SUN50OFF

They’re also offering a giveaway of one BabbaBox to a randomly-chosen winner. To enter, leave me a comment (be sure to include your email address!) and I’ll do the integer-generator webamajig, and if you win — to be eligible, they’d like you to have signed up for their newsletter, and the good news about that is it automatically gives you another chance to win — a box will be mailed your way ASAP.

(Unfortunately, they only ship in the U.S. right now.)

Okay, if you’d like to throw your hat in the free-box ring, please do leave a comment — you can tell me whether or not this service sounds interesting, what you’d like to see them add/change, or just say hi, it doesn’t matter. I’ll announce a winner by Friday, June 22nd. Good luck, and if you actually read this far down, I AM REALLY SORRY I USE SO MANY WORDS.

*** Update: contest is now closed, winner to be announced on the next post

Comments

210 Responses to “BabbaBox review and giveaway”

  1. Mona on June 19th, 2012 7:16 am

    I would love to try it out because I need all the help I can get to distract the kids, besides netflix’s just for kids section.

  2. Nikki on June 19th, 2012 7:22 am

    I’d love for someone else to figure out activities for my children to do! Great idea!

  3. Shawna on June 19th, 2012 7:22 am

    I love all your posts! this sounds interesting. Would like to try.

  4. JennB on June 19th, 2012 7:27 am

    Throw me into the ring, even though crafts and things involving creativity make me want to curl up into a ball and disappear. Especially if it involves glitter because then it’s everywhere and I cry.

  5. Sarah Lena on June 19th, 2012 7:28 am

    Okay, I love this and would love to win it but may buy it anyway because I AM SO TIRED AT NIGHT AND ON WEEKENDS, but the kids? The kids are always WANTING TO DO SOMETHING.

    This is IDEAL, is what I’m saying here. (From a fetal position.)

  6. Justin Allen on June 19th, 2012 7:28 am

    Looks like a great idea. Hopefully I can trade all the containers of disorganized “craft supplies” for this. Also, please don’t worry about the sponsored post. For the entertainment you have provided us over the years, you deserve to be compensated. It’s the least we can do. Keep up the good work and I am glad to hear the move is working out.

  7. Lydia on June 19th, 2012 7:29 am

    I’d like to win one so I could see if my nephews would like it. This could possibly cement me as THE GREATEST AUNT EVER in their books (besides the fact that I am their ONLY aunt). They love activities like this, and without the experience of kids of my own, I’m sometimes at a loss as to what we can do together that is age appropriate and fun.

  8. Krista Lyon on June 19th, 2012 7:32 am

    I think this is a great idea for non-creative Moms looking for inspiration. This little box of awesome may help Mothers spin off their own themes, it is such a great concept! I would love to try.

  9. jen on June 19th, 2012 7:32 am

    This seems like something I would like and if I were staying at home still I would LOVE it. I’ll have to go see if they have an every other month box because that would be perfect for the amount of time we are actually home.

  10. Teralyne on June 19th, 2012 7:32 am

    I would like tpo try it out with my grand kids. they come to my house every Sunday. They are ages 4 and 6. We like to do things together when they come over. They 6 year old little smarty girl reads my Nook all the time and enjoys it cause at the moment I only have the books she learned to read with for her brother.

  11. abp on June 19th, 2012 7:34 am

    I’m def going to get a box for july and august to bring on our weeks down the Cape. thanks!

  12. Emma on June 19th, 2012 7:34 am

    It’s like my BirchBox for the kiddos – sounds great. Worth trying for at least a few months anyway, as you’re right – we drop that cash on a few hours at the movies anyway with much less residual effect.

  13. Kona on June 19th, 2012 7:35 am

    So, it’s kind of like Birch Box for kids? I like it!

  14. Trina on June 19th, 2012 7:36 am

    Sounds just up my alley. I am not a crafty person on my own, but, I love to do it when I have instructions and my kids love doing projects also. This could be a fun summer thing around here.

  15. Wendy on June 19th, 2012 7:36 am

    This sounds interesting. My son hasn’t been super interested in crafts but maybe that is because I’ve been lazy about offering things beyond painting.

  16. shari zychinski on June 19th, 2012 7:37 am

    yes! someone ELSE figuring out the whole gig is worth it. and a book that shows my boys the beauty of “paganism”? SCORE!

  17. Megan on June 19th, 2012 7:38 am

    Oh boy, would my kids LOVE to get this every month! I am crossing my fingers that I win!

  18. Liz on June 19th, 2012 7:38 am

    I do think this sounds interesting and useful, particularly over summer months or long breaks. Not sure if I’d pay $30/month for it, but worth considering. Possibly a nice gift for someone.

  19. Kim on June 19th, 2012 7:38 am

    Love your blog! If any of the authors I follow genuinely likes a product I never mind sponsored posts. I like learning about new products!

    The BabbaBox sounds full of win. My 6 year-old daughter is creative and always looking for some sort of craft project to do. While $30 sounds like a lot to commit to per month, it sounds like the materials and thought put into the box are worth it. If I don’t win I think I’m going to sign up anyway! Might be nice to order around the holidays, wrap the first one, and tell her that her gift is that they’ll keep coming.

  20. Terri on June 19th, 2012 7:40 am

    I love that you did this review! I saw this product on a site and wasn’t sure if it would be worth it for my girls!! I’m definitely considering it now. Like you said, I’m not as good at putting together activities as I’d like to be!! Throw my name in the hat please. We’d love to try this out!!

  21. alexa on June 19th, 2012 7:41 am

    I would love to try this out. I have a 3 yr old who NEEDS activities besides squishing her 1 yr old sister.

  22. Michelle K. on June 19th, 2012 7:42 am

    I don’t have any kids, so I’m not interested in winning anything free, but I wanted to say I think it’s a pretty cool idea. I always felt bad for the young children I watch during the summer when we aren’t doing something SUPER cool. Going to the museum, or park, etc but having something fun and inside makes a world of difference. Especially when its just TOO HOT to go outside.

  23. Deanna on June 19th, 2012 7:42 am

    What a neat idea!
    I wonder if there is a section when you order some if you can see past boxes and order from those. (to use up leftovers on thier end and to have some choices on our end – surprises scare me)

  24. Linda on June 19th, 2012 7:43 am

    Sounds like fun though i wish the age range was a little older — I have a 6 and 8 year old.

  25. Becki on June 19th, 2012 7:45 am

    My 5 year old would LOVE this!

  26. Yogamomma on June 19th, 2012 7:46 am

    Structured fun – just what this momma needs! I feel lucky : yogamomma@cox.net!

  27. Jen B on June 19th, 2012 7:47 am

    I’ve never heard of this service before, but it is absolutely GENIUS!! Perfect for busy parents!

  28. Angella on June 19th, 2012 7:51 am

    I may be Canadian, but we have a place in Washington that we get stuff shipped to. This looks GREAT, and my kids would love to try it out.

  29. meanliving on June 19th, 2012 7:52 am

    YES PLEASE!

  30. Nichole on June 19th, 2012 7:54 am

    I am bad at creative things. Please consider my hat tossed into the ring.

  31. aimee @ smilingmama on June 19th, 2012 7:58 am

    I LOVE this concept! Perhaps like you, I desire to do artsy stuff with my kids but generally fail at the execution of it. Or, I get out the paint once and then not again for 6 mos. I also really like the idea of sending a box to a far-away cousin as a birthday present.

  32. Crystal on June 19th, 2012 7:58 am

    This looks like fun, and hello! :)

  33. Suzanne on June 19th, 2012 8:10 am

    I can’t even read the phrase “WHAT’S IN THE BOX?” without my brain automatically making it ALL CAPSY.

    I think this is the perfect solution for wanna-be crafty moms like me who can easily drop $100 at Michael’s only to come home and stare at a giant pile of glitter and glue and feathers and wonder WTF was I thinking?!

  34. Katie on June 19th, 2012 8:12 am

    I LOVE this concept so much. And I even do some crafty things but my daughter loves the mail and would just adore this.

  35. Jessica McCanse on June 19th, 2012 8:13 am

    I think this is a brilliant idea and I so would love to do this for my son! And word ^^ to Suzanne; I can easily drop gobs of $$ on random crap at the craft store, then get it home and look at it helplessly.

  36. Rachel on June 19th, 2012 8:13 am

    I love this idea and think I would enjoy it as much as my son. I easily spend over $30 a month trying to find creative fun things for him to do, and this would be great.

  37. Kerry on June 19th, 2012 8:20 am

    Whoa. When I saw it was a sponsored post, I was like, ROLLEYES. But this is something I might actually buy.

  38. Sarah on June 19th, 2012 8:23 am

    Very cool! Looks like something my kids would love!

  39. Jas on June 19th, 2012 8:25 am

    Great idea, I think. Like you, I am not the “dream up a great activity to do and magically have all things on hand to do it with” type. Pinterest is where I get a lot of my ideas. I’d love to have a box shipped to me with materials and a plan in it, so that I can just enjoy doing something with my kid, and leave out the conceptualize phase.

  40. Susan on June 19th, 2012 8:29 am

    Oh, I love this. I’m thinking it would be a perfect wintertime treat when I’m too cold in the wilds of Chicagoland to even think about going outside.

  41. MuthaTeresa on June 19th, 2012 8:31 am

    What an AMAZING idea!! I’d love to do stuff like this with the little man, but not being a crafty-type person myself? I’m lost beyond play-doh and water colors.

  42. anniea on June 19th, 2012 8:32 am

    I’m in!

  43. cindy on June 19th, 2012 8:34 am

    I am not very crafty, but my kids enjoy crafts. I think I would like this.

  44. Rebecca D. on June 19th, 2012 8:38 am

    This sounds awesome, and your review was informative and amusing!

  45. ememby on June 19th, 2012 8:39 am

    I saw this somewhere else too… perhaps a FB ad, but I was super interested but like you – committing to always paying $30 a month is well, a commitment. But I love the idea of having no excuse for doing crafty things. I cop out and leave the crafty stuff to daycare for the two days a week they are there but if it was delivered to my door I supposed I wouldn’t have an excuse. And oh my, I just wrote a short story instead of a comment…

  46. carol on June 19th, 2012 8:40 am

    I love doing activities like these with my grandkids, and like you don’t often have the creativity to come up with “cool ideas”.

  47. katalia on June 19th, 2012 8:42 am

    My step-daughter and her mom would LOVE this … I may have to get them a subscription. Thanks for reviewing!

  48. Feisty Eats on June 19th, 2012 8:42 am

    I think this sounds like a great idea for young kids. I’d love to gift this to my godson. Thanks for the review.

  49. Nicole on June 19th, 2012 8:45 am

    This sounds great to me. I am soooo not good at coming up with activities. Having someone else do it for me works out great.

  50. telegirl on June 19th, 2012 8:46 am

    You’d think with a graphic design background I’d be all “I don’t need this, I can do something much better on my own…” But, no. When it comes to stuff like this, I am just not all that creative. Please. send. help.

  51. Valeta on June 19th, 2012 8:51 am

    This sounds interesting. I currently have a subscription to kiwi crate and they only send a few crafts. No presents for mom! I want presents too!! Heh.

  52. Sarah on June 19th, 2012 8:52 am

    I like it! We currently subscribe to another monthly box (geared towards babies) so my 3-year old would love to have one of his own.

  53. SJ on June 19th, 2012 8:54 am

    Sounds like an interesting concept, one that would help tremendously in my house considering I’m always looking for new and exciting things to do with my two boys, but always fail miserably. Love that they include a gift for Mom too!

  54. Gleemonex on June 19th, 2012 8:57 am

    Fantastic! My kid loves crafts and the US Mail, so this seems like it was invented just for her. Thanks for the review — and btw, I don’t care if it’s sponsored. You’re honest about your opinion, and you disclosed up front, and now we’ve got a discount and a potentially great product. Rawk!

  55. Gina on June 19th, 2012 8:57 am

    Love this idea! Great for other distracted, work at home moms…. great business idea for her, great support for the rest of us. Thumbs up!

  56. tired on June 19th, 2012 9:07 am

    Count me in–would like to give it a go. Would like to see them expand the age range to around 10yrs old or 3rd grade-ish.

  57. Keli on June 19th, 2012 9:07 am

    Paganism? Sign me up.

  58. Valerie on June 19th, 2012 9:10 am

    My 5 year old is really in to crafts. I would love to supplement our weekly Michaels run with this! It sounds great.

  59. tehamy on June 19th, 2012 9:17 am

    WOW! This is a great idea! I’m always looking for new stuff to do with my boys. I’m decidedly uncreative when it comes to this type of stuff. This would be a huge help.

  60. Mim on June 19th, 2012 9:17 am

    This sounds fun! Not sure if I wanna buy, but definitely sure I want to be in the running for the free box prize!

  61. Josh Barrow on June 19th, 2012 9:20 am

    I would also love to try this idea. I’m extraordinarily bad at figuring out crafty things to do with the kids, having it prepackaged would be a win for me and the kids.

  62. agirlandaboy on June 19th, 2012 9:20 am

    Okay, this sounds cool. I love doing crafty-type projects, but I never seem to get around to assembling all the pieces within the span of a year.

  63. kakaty on June 19th, 2012 9:22 am

    Oh man, my kids would love this since I usually just throw down some paper and markers and call it a craft.

  64. Katie on June 19th, 2012 9:23 am

    Would love to try this out. I’m always looking for ways to keep the kids entertained!

  65. jana on June 19th, 2012 9:25 am

    I would love to win this, but only if one of the months the box actually contains Gwynnie’s head.

  66. Donna D on June 19th, 2012 9:27 am

    I used to be subscribed to a Magic School Bus montly activity thing, when I was a kid. It’s definitely not a new concept, but with the spark of Pinterest and all things DIY I think mom’s will jump on this. I’d love to try it out for my neice and nephew!

  67. Nicole on June 19th, 2012 9:28 am

    Definitely sounds like something we’d have fun with at our house!

  68. Cassie on June 19th, 2012 9:29 am

    This looks awesome! I have an almost 3 year old and a 5 year old and it’s hard trying to keep them both occupied.

  69. Ariel on June 19th, 2012 9:29 am

    I suddenly have a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old to entertain occasionally and I would love to check this out. Thanks, Linda!

  70. cassie on June 19th, 2012 9:29 am

    this sounds like an awesome product, and one we’d enjoy at my house

  71. Christy on June 19th, 2012 9:35 am

    I love that sponsored posts aren’t really your thing. Honest to god, I thought this exact thing the other day… Your blog is always my favorite because it’s not plastered with ads or reviews as it seems most blogs are nowadays. THAT SAID, thank you for posting about something that I care about as I have a 6-year old on summer vacation that I need to keep somewhat entertained. And the review was really fun to read. :)

  72. Casey on June 19th, 2012 9:38 am

    Summer is sucking the life out of me. Please sign me up, I will take any distraction I can get.

  73. Rachel on June 19th, 2012 9:40 am

    I would love a free box! But it looks so cool, I might just sign up and pay for it. This is a fantastic idea.

  74. Amy K on June 19th, 2012 9:42 am

    Sounds fun! I have a 3 year old and my idea of craft is, “Here’s a roll of Scotch tape, kid. Go nuts,” so it would be nice to have some crafty stuff to do with her that a crafty person chose.

  75. autoclave239 on June 19th, 2012 9:50 am

    Oh hell to the yes. That looks like so much fun.

  76. Lauren on June 19th, 2012 9:51 am

    I would love to have one of these boxes to try out for my godchildren, who are 3 and 4.

    I think the best selling point you made to me was that you easily, easily spend that much on random junk for your two throughout the month.

    At first $30 seemed hard to swallow (I’m a grad student), but I homeschool my godkids, and I like the idea of a variety of activities based around a theme – especially if they are cohesive, yet flexible. I also like knowing the cost of those activities won’t EXCEED $30.

    Thanks for the review info, sponsored or not!

  77. Tatiana on June 19th, 2012 9:51 am

    Sounds really interesting,and it sounds like $30 bucks worth of stuff, but I’m unsure on jumping in. Your review helps.
    I’ve been eyeballing this one for a while: http://www.kiwicrate.com/

  78. Amy on June 19th, 2012 9:55 am

    My kids love getting packages and art projects – win win!!

  79. Nicole S on June 19th, 2012 9:57 am

    This is great…especially as I am not crafty in the least. And I love free things :)

  80. Chrissy on June 19th, 2012 10:03 am

    I agree with the above comments … I love your blog and don’t mind the occasional sponsored content because I know it’s genuine. You’re not going to blog about Levi’s if you’re not into the brand, and you’re not going to recommend a product that sucks. (At least, I hope not.)

    My 2 and 4-year-old boys would love this. And after they lost interest in the crafts, they’d probably find a way to use the box as a weapon.

  81. Laura on June 19th, 2012 10:06 am

    My son is always complaining he doesn’t get mail, and while I consider myself fairly crafty.. I’m not the best at putting together crafty things for my kid to do. This sounds like an awesome deal, hoping I win to check it out, but just might buy it even if I don’t.

  82. Deb on June 19th, 2012 10:06 am

    Huh. That actually looks pretty cool. The pagan thing WOULD bother me, but it’s probably a one-off.

    Here’s to hoping there are some killer robots at some point.

    so – are you going to subscribe?

  83. Mel on June 19th, 2012 10:13 am

    A kit of things to do with all supplies provided? Sign me up. Or, I should say, sign my 3 yr old up.

  84. Shana on June 19th, 2012 10:13 am

    I would love this for my 4 year old. Maybe it would keep him from beating the crap out of his older brothers for a few minutes.

  85. Karen on June 19th, 2012 10:17 am

    I have a 4.5 year old and this looks pretty awesome for her. (Though she’d like a Dinosaur theme, too) :)

  86. Shelly on June 19th, 2012 10:17 am

    This would be really neat to try — I should do something because we’ll all going slowly mad this summer already, so we need a guided tour through craft-land.

  87. NancyB on June 19th, 2012 10:25 am

    What a great idea that is! I wish they had it for older kids – I have a 10 year old “little brother” I mentor and sometimes I just cannot think of what to do when we get together.
    So don’t include me in the contest but ya know what? I’m going to take what crafty things I have and research crafts to do with him once a month.
    Thanks!

  88. Miranda on June 19th, 2012 10:25 am

    Man, I wish I had an extra $30 a month to spend on this because it sounds awesome!

  89. Kristin in Mobile on June 19th, 2012 10:33 am

    What a neat idea – I’d love to win it to “try it out” with my girls! Thanks – and you even made a sponsored post a good read! :) Bravo!!

  90. Ailly on June 19th, 2012 10:34 am

    This sounds like an interesting service. I have 3 little ones under the age of 8 and I’m always looking for activities to do with them. Love that I wouldn’t have to run out to the store to buy anything extra. Would love to try it out!! :)

  91. Christine on June 19th, 2012 10:36 am

    Sounds awesome. I try to be “creative” with our crafts, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little help.

  92. Alyssa on June 19th, 2012 10:39 am

    Sounds fun! I get Birchbox for myself and love the surprise every month. I think my kids (5 and 3) would LOVE this.

  93. Amy on June 19th, 2012 10:39 am

    Great info – thanks Linda!

  94. Emily on June 19th, 2012 10:40 am

    I love this idea! Great way to kick off summer too. I would love a way to pick your theme a bit more, like this box would be something I would pick for November, whereas I would like something more summery now, but whatever, surprise is good too!

  95. Gretchen in HB on June 19th, 2012 10:44 am

    1) Reading the comments, I feel 100 times better that I’m not the only Mom out there that owns 3,631,982 popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners and glue with NO CLUE what the hell to do with them?!

    2) (BabbaCo, at this point: “Holy shit, this is the worst blogger review *ever*.”)<-This? Dying laughing!

  96. Dana on June 19th, 2012 10:45 am

    At first I balked at the price, but then I realized I spend way more than that on crap crafts for my kid to do every day and realized that the price is actually pretty reasonable.

  97. Erin Draeger on June 19th, 2012 10:51 am

    At first I thought, wow, $30 a month? And then you made the comment about putting together and buying craft supplies… and yah, I probably spend $150 a month at Jo-Ann’s on crafts we don’t even do… $30 a month on something put together is WAY nicer. Thanks for the post and I hope I win! Hee, hee!

  98. Nicole R on June 19th, 2012 10:52 am

    What a great idea. Wish I could add an expense like that would be great for my girls.

  99. Judy on June 19th, 2012 11:02 am

    I think this sounds marvelous, and only regret that my grandchildren are too old for it. Years ago there was a craft club (may still exist, for all I know) which sent a different craft every month and I absolutely LOVED it, I was excited every month to see what they would send. This is all that and more, I think it’s a terrific product.

  100. Sarah on June 19th, 2012 11:06 am

    It looks like a really cool service. I wonder if the excess supplies from one month relate at all to the projects for the following month.

  101. Julie on June 19th, 2012 11:06 am

    This looks really cool. I think my kids would love it.

  102. Amy N on June 19th, 2012 11:06 am

    That is the coolest idea ever!! Unfortunately, my boys are now 7 and 10 so it is probably a bit young for them. However, I think I will sign up for their newsletter to see if they ever come up with the next level :) Thanks for sharing!

  103. Christine on June 19th, 2012 11:23 am

    I have one three-year-old and one six-year-old, and it’s summer vacation and I am not even a little bit crafty. This sounds like it would be good for me, especially if it was, you know, free.

  104. Lori on June 19th, 2012 11:24 am

    I’ll give it a try. It sounds similar to something I saw on shark tank?

  105. Cara Mosier on June 19th, 2012 11:25 am

    I love this idea! I work full time outside the home and my husband is a full time student (for 6 more weeks, Squee!) so we don’t have a lot of time to plan for and purchase materials for activities. Plus, what kid doesn’t like to get mail?! I know my 5 and 6 year old would love these.

  106. Jen Johnson on June 19th, 2012 11:27 am

    I agree that the sponsored stuff doesn’t bother me, especially when it’s interesting, so keep using “so many words”. And I’d love to win a free box!

  107. simon on June 19th, 2012 11:28 am

    Set me up, yo, my kid needs something more than Yo Gabba Gabba and the closet under the stairs.

  108. Em on June 19th, 2012 11:31 am

    This sounds like it would make a nice gift for someone too (maybe from grandma or something). I haven’t looked at the website yet but I want to see if it has shorter than 1 year terms (3 mos for the summer? Or the dreary winter? Maybe 6 mos might be a more doable monthly commitment). I love the idea though!

  109. Jennifer on June 19th, 2012 11:43 am

    WHAT’S IN THE BOX?!?!?!

  110. Felicia on June 19th, 2012 11:43 am

    Thanks sounds fun and I would love to win and check it out. Thanks.

  111. Kristin P on June 19th, 2012 11:51 am

    What a fun idea! Would love to try this with my boys (4 and 6).

  112. laura on June 19th, 2012 11:53 am

    Often at birthdays and Christmas relatives will ask what to purchase for my kids and I’ll draw a total blank because the last thing they need is more toys. I think i’ll start telling them about these boxes…they look so cool!

  113. juliloquy on June 19th, 2012 11:54 am

    My kids would be all over this. We did a bunch of Magic Tree House activities that sound similar to these. Thanks for the contest.

  114. Mary on June 19th, 2012 11:57 am

    In July, I’ll be home with my daughter half the week and at the day job the other half. I have no idea where to begin with activities, so this sounds awesome. Wondering if you have to “subscribe” or can just purchase individual boxes after you use one up? I’ll go look and see… We wouldn’t go through them as quickly as full time at-home kids might.

    bmaryk8@gmail.com

  115. Emily on June 19th, 2012 11:59 am

    I WANT A BOX. (dirty)

  116. Kristina on June 19th, 2012 12:01 pm

    I think this sounds fun. I think I would rather purchase individual boxes, than go in for a full subscription. I can picture them piling up on me, with undone projects getting forgotten. I think $30 a month sounds reasonable, but paying $360 for a year is a budget buster for me.

  117. Courtney on June 19th, 2012 12:18 pm

    It seems like an interesting idea, but I’m not crazy about having to subscribe. If you can get a box one-off as you want them, then that would be much more appealing.

  118. Lisa May on June 19th, 2012 12:20 pm

    We’re only a week into summer vacation, and so far we’re surviving, but something tells me that those last three summer-camp-free weeks of August are going to be, um, trying. And as it gets into the 90s regularly around here this time of year, afternoons are generally about being in the air conditioning whenever possible. So bring on the crafty shit! I deal with glitter all over everything much more calmly than I deal with a bored 4 year old.

  119. Courtney on June 19th, 2012 12:25 pm

    I’d like to check it out for sure, I like to get my craft on as much as the next person. Since I’m already paying so damn much to send the kids to daycare every day while I’m working, I’m not sure I would subscribe to it.

  120. Lisa on June 19th, 2012 12:45 pm

    Summer staying home all day with a 3 and 5 year old??? Um, YES! I WANT!

  121. Vicki on June 19th, 2012 12:49 pm

    This is a great idea! I’d love to try it out.

  122. Julie on June 19th, 2012 12:50 pm

    Sounds intriguing! I’m not sure if I’d spend $30 every month on this, but having something like over the summer months would be great!

  123. Katie on June 19th, 2012 12:58 pm

    Considering that I don’t blink at spending $20 for lunch for 4 at McDonalds, I think I would love this service! My only worry is that I’m on the outer edges of the target age range (3mths, 2, 8, 12). In a year or so? I’ll definitely subscribe.

  124. Rochelle on June 19th, 2012 1:02 pm

    Holy wow! My little guy is almost 3 (month and a half!) and I spend some days struggling with what we should do. This is perfect! I’d love to get him one of those boxes!

  125. Beth on June 19th, 2012 1:03 pm

    Sounds great!

  126. Kristen on June 19th, 2012 1:15 pm

    I’d love to try it! I have three boys 3, 5 and 8 home 24/7 right now – I think I should win based on that alone. ;-)

  127. Hannah on June 19th, 2012 1:40 pm

    I have five nieces (ranging from 1-8) and this box might save their lives (and mine) in a babysitting emergency. Sounds like an Auntie’s dream :-)

  128. rachel on June 19th, 2012 1:48 pm

    looks cool! thanks for the info.

  129. Jenna on June 19th, 2012 1:48 pm

    This looks great, a good idea to tell grandparents for my daughters upcoming birthday.

  130. T on June 19th, 2012 1:50 pm

    Love this idea! Think I’m going to give it a try.

  131. Sarah on June 19th, 2012 2:13 pm

    Looks like fun! I love that everything is included (like paintbrushes etc) because you know someone’s (my) child would be painting with a toothbrush if they didn’t do that. *ahem* Not that I would be too lazy to go buy a paintbrush for her.

  132. Kelly on June 19th, 2012 2:24 pm

    Sounds fun! Creativity for the not-so-creative (me)

  133. Jen on June 19th, 2012 2:36 pm

    I have to be honest, at first blush I was thinking that there was no way I was going to spend $30 a month on something like that. Honestly though, by the time I got to the end of the post I not only realized that I already DO spend $30 a month on that kind of stuff and that I don’t do nearly this good of a job at it. In other words…your post was a success and I’m probably going to give it a try!

  134. JennyA on June 19th, 2012 2:37 pm

    SO, ah, don’t enter me in the thingamajig. I just wanted to say that I *may* have read the whole post, even though I dont’ even have kids, because I like your posts. BUT! I’m not completely useless, because I MIGHT ALSO be forwarding this to some friends of mine who DO have kids.

  135. Robbie on June 19th, 2012 3:00 pm

    This is right up my 5 yr old daughter’s alley

  136. Crysty on June 19th, 2012 4:41 pm

    That would rock for me and my girls, they are about the same ages as your boys! I would like to try one month and check it out before I commit to a subscription.

  137. Jessica on June 19th, 2012 4:46 pm

    I would love to win a box. Sometimes I just run out of ideas. Tried to sign up for a box and use the coupon code today, but the website wouldn’t let me. Maybe the code is broken?

  138. Andrea on June 19th, 2012 4:53 pm

    man, I love how you can joke about Seven whilst talking about KID CRAFTS! Ahahaha! even if I wasn’t interested in the product, which I AM, that was a good laugh. Really like the idea of this, truly, because I feel like a deer in the headlights at Michael’s.

  139. Amy on June 19th, 2012 5:20 pm

    Best reviewer ever. My kids would love this.

  140. Jen on June 19th, 2012 5:31 pm

    I’m always down with an honest review. Thinking my 3 year old would probably love this!

  141. Amy on June 19th, 2012 5:40 pm

    My 3 and 6 year old would love this!

  142. Annabelle on June 19th, 2012 6:12 pm

    We’d love this. I was wishing a few years ago for just such a company, and though it might make a great start up. I’m so happy to see that someone did!

  143. Brianna on June 19th, 2012 6:13 pm

    This is a great idea! I have basic craft ideas, but I’m no good at getting the right stuff and executing the idea.

  144. Melinda on June 19th, 2012 6:17 pm

    This is such a fantastic idea! I will pass it on to my friends with children of the appropriate age.

  145. Nancy on June 19th, 2012 6:21 pm

    This sounds like fun — I don’t think I’d commit $30 in an ongoing way, but it’d be a lot of fun to try!

  146. deb on June 19th, 2012 6:23 pm

    What a great idea – hope the company is successful:)

  147. Melissa on June 19th, 2012 6:44 pm

    Sounds like a great product!

  148. CK on June 19th, 2012 6:45 pm

    Holy lands – I think this is brilliant!! I struggle with ideas to do with my kids – and I always have the best plans that fall more than short, because the planning, shopping, keeping all items together… AYE! But knowing that everything is in a box…. WAYYY cool. Even if I don’t win the box, might consider it regardless. The mom that thought of this gets TWO thumbs up! And I love that I discovered this through you – otherwise I would have never known!

  149. Kim Brown on June 19th, 2012 7:04 pm

    I’d like to try it! I also think this would be a great gift from a grand parent, maybe they should look into marketing that way?

  150. Jodie on June 19th, 2012 7:08 pm

    Great ideas!

    As far as your “what’s in the BOX?” comment, all I could think of is this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhwbxEfy7fg

    Warning: LANGUAGE

    Warning: HILARIOUS

  151. elz on June 19th, 2012 7:40 pm

    I’ve seen a few of these craft boxes and they really intrigue me. I’ve never signed on though. I’d love to try this one out. Changes?- how about instead of the gift for mom they just throw in some good chocolate?! Or a margarita mix, I’m not picky.

  152. Candace on June 19th, 2012 7:53 pm

    This sounds like possible fun. Though it would be nice if they had an every other month subscription.

  153. jodie on June 19th, 2012 8:12 pm

    Ohhh pick me, pick me!! My five and three year olds would LOVE a package full of projects! What a cool idea.

  154. Celeste on June 19th, 2012 8:49 pm

    Sounds like fun – but I’ll momentarily need one for bigger kids.

  155. BabyKMama on June 19th, 2012 8:50 pm

    My son is almost 3-1/2, and loves doing “projects”! This would be great to have during the summer, until he starts preschool (and they can clean up the mess!)

  156. sara on June 19th, 2012 8:54 pm

    Love this idea! And that it comes with a book. Library building helps make it worth it.

  157. Katie on June 19th, 2012 9:06 pm

    This is a great idea! When I get my boys at home (since I work full-time, that’s the weekends for me) I find that they lose interest in Lego’s and movies quickly, yet love to create things. And I’m not creative, so this is something I’m very interested in.!

  158. Andrea on June 19th, 2012 9:29 pm

    Can I just say that I adore the book, “Giving Thanks.” The Amazon reviewer was way off base. I think Riley hit the nail on the head if he was reminded of time spent with his dad.

  159. Christina M on June 19th, 2012 10:24 pm

    I am so down with this concept. I have a four and a five year old and I spend a metric butt ton on craft supplies each month sometimes with absolutely no project or *clutches pearls* theme in mind… just flying by the seat of our pants. So, yeah. This would be neat.

  160. Bethany on June 19th, 2012 10:43 pm

    After spending a week on a car trip with my BFF and her two kids, I want to win this to give to her and to celebrate her awesome mom skills! I cannot believe she deals with them every day – I have still not recovered after over a week at home!

  161. Kirsten on June 19th, 2012 11:20 pm

    This is perfect for me! I’m surrounded by crafty people and always wishing for “help” in this matter.

  162. jennifer merz on June 19th, 2012 11:39 pm

    Sounds awesome!

  163. Stacy on June 20th, 2012 1:34 am

    My niece and nephew would love this!

  164. Sheila on June 20th, 2012 3:56 am

    I would love this! My 5 year old likes crafts, and pre-defined ones would help a lot! Fingers crossed!!

  165. kelly on June 20th, 2012 4:24 am

    This sounds like fun!

  166. Valerie on June 20th, 2012 4:32 am

    I am the same way – not too creative but have already wasted so much money on crafty supplies with no fricking clue what to do with it. Not very satisfying! I also agree that wasting 30$ a month is easy but committing to spending 30$ every month is something different. This might a be a good gift idea for grandparents or other family members looking for ideas.

  167. Ter on June 20th, 2012 4:34 am

    I nominated you for the sunshine award. Please see your blog listing at http://suburbancreampuff.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/a-bit-behind-but-worth-it/

    Really cool idea, btw. We don’t have kids yet ::pout:: but something to squirrel away for later!

  168. Stacie on June 20th, 2012 4:50 am

    This concept sounds like great fun! I love the mix of activities. Just what we need for long summer days… :)

  169. Susan S. on June 20th, 2012 4:54 am

    Day 2 of summer vacation and I’m already thinking “How do I keep these kids occupied?” This sounds like a great idea!

  170. shannon on June 20th, 2012 5:15 am

    Sounds awesome- would subscribe and try this definitely if only they delivered to Canada (sigh).

  171. Kristin H on June 20th, 2012 5:35 am

    Throwing my hat in the ring because it sounds neat!

  172. Carol on June 20th, 2012 5:41 am

    This sounds like a great idea.

  173. Melissa A. on June 20th, 2012 5:57 am

    Looks like a good idea. Thanks for the review.

  174. Marty St Laurent on June 20th, 2012 6:01 am

    This would be great for “the grandchildren are visiting for a week” box!!

  175. Melissa Anderson on June 20th, 2012 6:09 am

    This is a great idea, although I think the cost is a bit steep. I could see maybe doing a summer subscription, to keep them entertained for those months, but it’s a bix expensive to do all year round. I’d love to win a free box here or their annual subscription now that I’m subscribed as well. Pick me!

  176. Kelly on June 20th, 2012 6:11 am

    Great idea. I am a working mom and don’t have time to run and buy supplies for each project I want to do with my kids…or think of a project for that matter.

  177. Sara on June 20th, 2012 6:44 am

    Single Mom. Two boys (ages 3 and 6, whad’ya know). This sounds PERFECT for us!

  178. Tessie on June 20th, 2012 6:57 am

    I’m sort of loving the “grab bag” subscription trend. Count me in to win!

  179. adequatemom on June 20th, 2012 7:11 am

    What a neat product. I am not eligible to win, being Canadian, but just wanted to applaud the concept. Hooray for crafty kids and big-dreaming moms!

  180. Heather on June 20th, 2012 7:55 am

    I can see why you would want to participate in that, it looks like a wonderful product.

  181. zig on June 20th, 2012 7:55 am

    its sounds interesting. my kids like getting things in the mail

  182. Tia on June 20th, 2012 8:51 am

    I signed up for a cheaper version alot like this years ago. This one looks alot nicer so I’d would love to try it out. My son would love getting something like this in the mail.

  183. Nikki B on June 20th, 2012 9:04 am

    This is an awesome concept – would love to try it out.

  184. bessie.viola on June 20th, 2012 12:57 pm

    This is way cool – I struggle with finding fun things to do with my daughter, and I think she’d like this a lot.

    Also, HI!

  185. Jessi on June 20th, 2012 1:13 pm

    Looks like fun, my son would love this. Thanks!

  186. Tammie on June 20th, 2012 1:20 pm

    I guess it’s a good idea in the sense that it gives you the tools to do something creative, I think I might buy it once or on a one off. Not sure I would want something coming to me every month… things would start to pile up and this would stress me out.

  187. Jenny on June 20th, 2012 1:24 pm

    I want this! Er, I mean, may I please have this, please. :-)

  188. rebecca c on June 20th, 2012 3:45 pm

    OMG yes- sign me up for this box. I am craft-challenged and am often shown up by the preshcool teachers who send my kids home with all kinds of cool handmade stuff. My claim to fame are two felt Moose and Zee puppets that are now missing assorted eyes and ears. I need a box!

  189. Melanie on June 20th, 2012 6:25 pm

    I’d love to try this out – I wish they had different boxes geared towards younger kids though! My daughter is only 1.5 but I still need activity ideas!

  190. Erin on June 20th, 2012 6:25 pm

    Very cool idea. Going to check it out now. Chalkboard painting cans was last kid project here that went awry all over our sunroom carpet.

  191. Cori on June 20th, 2012 6:44 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try something like this f

  192. Deb on June 20th, 2012 6:48 pm

    A great idea for activities to do with my grandaughter when she visits.

  193. Masha on June 20th, 2012 7:00 pm

    This sounds amazing and actually very reasonable given the range of activities. I think I’d like to try it. My 3.5 year old loves “projects!”

  194. Heather on June 20th, 2012 7:06 pm

    I love this concept and want to be thrown in the ring for the givaway!

    I have to say though, I love the Se7en reference. My husband and I say it all the time.

  195. Sharon on June 20th, 2012 7:46 pm

    I would love a service like this! I have shelves of art stuff all given to my kids at various birthdays, etc, but I never know what to DO with the stuff! “Here, put stickers on paper, kids. No, it’ll be fun, just like it was every day last week.”

    Anyway, would love this service. Can’t afford it. But pick me randomly pick me!

  196. Marisa on June 20th, 2012 7:46 pm

    I’d love to try this because I am severely lacking in the creativity department.

  197. Windi on June 20th, 2012 8:16 pm

    This would be awesome to have when my 4 year old nephew visits, especially since I’m now a little distracted with our 7 month old.

  198. Jessica on June 20th, 2012 8:18 pm

    I love the idea of this box, but for me it’s a bit too much to spend on a monthly basis. Mostly because I think Jacob is still too young to enjoy it but it’s something I would try out in a year or so when I know he could do everything in the box!

  199. Ashley on June 20th, 2012 8:37 pm

    This is brilliant! Even though my oldest is almost 8, he would dig this :)

  200. Laura on June 20th, 2012 8:52 pm

    Very cool idea!!! I shudder to think of the multiples of $30 that I’ve wasted trying to figure out activities to do with my son…this is a great solution. Thanks for the review!

  201. Frema on June 20th, 2012 8:59 pm

    I’m with Jodie – when you asked about “What’s in the box?” my first thought was JT’s “D!ck in a Box” video from SNL, too. (Apologies to Mr. Pitt.)

  202. Jaime on June 20th, 2012 9:31 pm

    I’d love to try it out. My daughter is a tad bit older than the targeted age range- she’s 7, but she loves arts and crafts.

  203. Sarah on June 21st, 2012 3:39 am

    Nice! Sorry. I have a 3-month old. That’s about as eloquent as I get right now.

  204. Liz on June 21st, 2012 5:07 am

    What a neat idea! Would love to try it out …

  205. Ashley Garrett on June 21st, 2012 10:40 am

    Love! Want! NEED!!! (Got a 5 yr old who likes to glue stuff together)

  206. April G. on June 21st, 2012 2:46 pm

    This is such a great idea!

    (I subscribed to their newsletter too!)

  207. nanann on June 21st, 2012 3:52 pm

    Really, one of the few things the girls love better than crafting is mail. It is like a 2-in-1! Would certainly love to try this out.

  208. danish on June 21st, 2012 5:16 pm

    Ooh! my sons would love something like this!

  209. Phoebem on June 21st, 2012 8:50 pm

    Who wouldn’t like pre-selected and shopped for crafts.

  210. Charlise kindsfather on June 21st, 2012 10:39 pm

    Hi!
    Oh gosh, well I was diagnosed with Lupus a bit back and could use some creative intelligence right about now. I NEED to win.

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