KiwiCo product designer, Melissa, found her kids putting on a concert with their crates! To do the same, stand up your crates vertically and add some paper circles to make “speakers”. Then use string or yarn to connect the speakers to the DJ booth and create a turntable on top with plates! Turn on some music and have a dance party!
- Mini Foosball
(Ages 9-16)
Make your own mini-sized and portable foosball game. Create a whole set of players to complete your team!
Learn more: Mini Foosball
Gather up some spare crafting supplies and make a unique indoor garden. For this version, turn the box on its side, paint the flap, and fill it with handmade felt succulents and creatures made out of airdry clay. For a luminous touch, add fairy lights.
If you enjoy sewing, turn your crate into a sewing basket. With some assistance from an adult you can make holes in the cardboard and sew through them. Try adding various pockets and storage compartments. For an extra dash of color you can glue a layer of paper or fabric to the interior.
Mini Trampoline(Ages 5-16)
Use your crate to make this mini-trampoline and explore inertia – a physical property of all objects. Because of inertia, a thing will stay at rest (or keep moving how it’s moving) unless it’s pushed or pulled by something else. This slow-motion demonstration has way less potential for a plate-breaking mess, and it’s an amazing way to see inertia in action.
Learn more: Mini Trampoline
Whack-a-Groundhog(Ages 5-8)
This DIY whack-a-mole toy will teach kids about how levers work.
Learn more: Whack-a-Groundhog
DIY Guitar(Ages 3-8)
Try building this adorable guitar! All you’ll need is a few odds around the house and a love for music!
Learn more: DIY Crate Guitar
Conveyer Belt Cinema(Ages 9-16)
Make this small-scale conveyor belt to create a cinematic experience!
Learn more: Conveyor Belt Cinema
9 Creative Ways to Upcycle Your KiwiCo Crate
Cardboard is an awesome building material that is recyclable and biodegradable. It’s durable and protective, but it’s also easy to bend and cut. As kids (and cats) know, sometimes a cardboard box is as fun as the thing that came in it! Here are some creative ways you can reuse your crates.