We craft a lot “from scratch” but we also do some crafting from kits. We prefer open-ended experiences but crafting kits save me prep time. Sometimes crafting kits even save some money if they provide materials I do not have on hand and would otherwise have to buy in bulk.
Wummelbox sent me one of their nutrition-themed project boxes to try with my kids and review.
As you can see, each box contains a lot of materials for making 3-4 themed projects. In fact, each box has everything you need, including staples like markers and scissors…so there is no searching for anything.
The projects are less “finished craft” and more toys and props for games and imaginative play. So, they can be used over and over again. The materials are excellent quality and most are eco-friendly–a huge plus! One of my favorite parts of the kit is that the box itself is part of the craft.
The first project we tried was the felt fruit for the grocery store. We chose the grocery store project to complete first because there were enough fruit pieces for both my older kids to participate. Some of the projects only have materials for one finished item. Essentially, these are felt pieces that the kids stitched together and then filled with batting.
I have some experience sewing with my kids so I knew to tape down one end of the string. There is also no needle provided so I wrapped a piece of tape around the end of the thread. We also weren’t sure which stitch to use and I am no expert. The illustrated instructions seemed to show a running stitch but, in retrospect, I think we should have used a back stitch or overcast stitch to better hold in the batting. The box could use a little more explicit instruction for some of these projects.
The stuffing sticks out a little and I had to be a little more hands-on to help the kids complete the project but they were both very happy with the results. They were proud they could make the play food themselves.
Our next step was to break out some markers and color in the money provided with the set.
My older two are always making play money so I knew they would enjoy this step.. I really liked that there was plenty to go around and even my toddler could participate in this step.
Perhaps because Wummelbox is a German company, the change values don’t entirely match-up to American currency. That would be a nice learning touch but you can always white out the numbers on the 2 cent piece and make it a 10 or 25 cent piece.
Finally, I turned the box into the cash register. With every Wummelbox kit, the box becomes part of the play. I had a little trouble opening the box so the edge is a little messy but the kids didn’t even notice.
The kids had fun buying and selling the fruit they made.
The projects are developed by experts and approach each theme from a number of angles. I would like to see more materials and suggestions for guiding play that explicitly tie the project into the nutrition theme.
The highlights of the Wummelbox are that it includes all the needed materials, the box is reused as part of the project, and the projects extend play and quality time beyond the initial craft.
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“Each high-quality WummelBox contains 3-4 themed-based projects (Nutrition, Sound, etc) and is designed to inspire children age 3-8 to learn and explore the world around them.” You can order a single Wummelbox ($34.95) or 3 ($24.95 per month) or 12 month subscription ($19.95 per month). Each box is a retail value of $35.95
I was really impressed with the sound Wummelbox kit we reviewed! I did have the same issue with it being hard to open the box.
@maryanne – It is a nice concept–like a lesson in the box. I’ll have to look at your review of the sound kit.