Create Craft
Here’s a colorful sneak peek into KiwiCo’s awesome recycling and upcycling craft ideas—perfect for turning everyday waste into playful creations!
KiwiCo’s Favorite Recycled Crafts
1. From 12 Ways to Get Crafty With Recycled Materials:
- Paper Tube Snake – A fun, bendable snake made from cardboard tubes and yarn. Great for ages 5–8. KiwiCo
- Cardboard Castle – Transform a box into a mini fortress with a working drawbridge. Ages 5–16. KiwiCo
- Box Toss Game – Play corn-hole–style tossing using cardboard or KiwiCo crates. Ages 9–16. KiwiCo
- Toppling Turtles – Stack plastic bottle caps to create a fun balancing game. Ages 3–8. KiwiCo
- Tilt-to-Win Arcade Game – DIY arcade-style challenge with cardboard. Ages 3–8. KiwiCo
- Dry Erase Coloring Book – Reusable drawing activity from an old CD case. Ages 3–11. KiwiCo
- Snack Cup Jellyfish – Create charming jellyfish from cups and tissue paper—perfect for mobiles. KiwiCo
- Coffee Can Drums – Make a musical drum from recycled coffee cans. Ages 3–8. KiwiCo
- Cork Stamps – Stamp artwork using corks—great for little hands. Ages –1 to 5 (likely toddler focus). KiwiCo
- Egg Carton Penguins – Craft a family of penguins from painted egg cartons. Ages 3–5. KiwiCo
- Brown Paper Bag Owl Puppet – A hoot of a craft using paper bags. Ages 3–8. KiwiCo
- Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars – Use rolls, string, and stickers for imaginative exploring. Ages 3–4. KiwiCo
2. Extra Creativity from KiwiCo:
- Cardboard Tube Octopus – Turn a toilet paper roll into a cute, curly octopus puppet. Homeschool Giveaways
- KiwiCo also highlights extensive collections like “71 Fun Recycled Projects for Kids” and “91 Awesome Recycled Craft Materials Projects” for endless inspiration. KiwiCo+1
3. Upcycling Holiday Wrappers & Boxes:
- Confetti Launcher, Marble Maze, Kaleidoscope, Cardboard Elevator, Monster Automaton, Feelings Friend, and more creatively DIY games and toys from holiday waste. KiwiCo
Quick Idea Snapshot
| Material | Craft Ideas |
|---|---|
| Cardboard/Boxes | Castles, box toss, arcade games, elevator, automaton |
| Paper Tubes | Snakes, binoculars, octopus puppet |
| Bottle Caps/Cups | Turtles stacking game, jellyfish mobiles |
| CD Cases | Reusable dry-erase coloring book |
| Coffee Cans | DIY drums |
| Egg Cartons/Bags | Penguins, owl puppets |
| Holiday Wrap | Mazes, launchers, mood dolls, kaleidoscopes |
Would you like help choosing a project that fits the materials you have—or help picking based on age, theme, or skill level? I’d be happy to help you plan your next upcycled craft adventure!
Shipping to any location in the US, including Hawaii, Alaska, and military (APO, FPO, and DPO) addresses, is free for all active subscription memberships. Additionally, monthly subscription crates can be supplied to many foreign nations. Additionally, members who buy individual items from the KiwiCo Store receive free shipping inside the United States. For purchases of $74 or more in the United States and $125 CAD or more in Canada, non-member customers receive free shipping on items from our online store. Please go here to learn more about free delivery on Store orders.
2. Trackable Shipping
“Trackable shipping” means a delivery method where you can monitor the progress of your package using a tracking number.
When a seller ships an item with trackable shipping, you usually get:
- A tracking number – unique code linked to your shipment.
- Online tracking page – shows the package’s current location, transit updates, and estimated delivery date.
- Delivery confirmation – proof that the package was delivered, often with date and time.
It’s often used for valuable or time-sensitive items so both the buyer and seller can see where the package is at any point.
Do you need me to also explain the difference between trackable and non-trackable shipping?
3. United Kingdom
KiwiCo must charge 20% VAT (Value-Added Tax) at checkout for any orders going to the UK due to modifications in UK import levies. As part of these new tax revisions, KiwiCo is in charge of collecting the tax and sending the money to the UK government.
4. European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership between 27 European countries that work together on common laws, trade, and policies.
Key points about the EU:
- Purpose – To promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe.
- Single Market – Goods, services, money, and people can move freely between member countries.
- Shared Laws & Standards – Member states follow certain common rules, especially for trade, safety, and the environment.
- Currency – 20 of the 27 countries use the euro (€) as their official currency.
- Institutions – Includes the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Court of Justice.
- Membership – Countries must meet certain democratic, legal, and economic criteria to join.
It’s like a large club of European nations working together for mutual benefits, while still keeping their own governments.
If you want, I can give you a simple map of all EU member countries so you can visualize it.
5. International Store Shipments
International store shipments means when a store sends products to customers in other countries.
Key points:
- Cross-border delivery – Items are shipped from one country to another.
- Customs process – Packages often go through customs checks and may require import duties or taxes.
- Longer delivery times – Because of distance, border checks, and possible delays.
- Shipping options – Stores may offer economy (cheaper, slower) or express (faster, more expensive) international shipping.
- Tracking – Many international shipments have tracking so buyers can follow the package’s journey.
It’s basically how online and physical stores send goods worldwide, whether it’s clothing from Europe, electronics from Asia, or crafts from the U.S.
6. Soap Dispenser
Prepare yourself for some hands-on experimenting… with clean hands! Use switches and pumps to their full potential and set up a button-operated mechanical soap dispenser. Before delving deeply into the history of human hygiene, both good and terrible, learn about the science behind peristalsis.
7. Deluxe Subscription Books for Kids, Teens, and..
Deluxe Subscription Books for Kids, Teens, and Adults
8. KiwiCo Cash Back Offers & Discounts
KiwiCo was founded on the conviction that cultivating creative confidence is crucial. We think that this self-assurance encourages children to think creatively and act as producers rather than consumers. There is no “right way” for creatively confident kids.
Put on your engineering shoes and create a gear-powered, tiny, mechanical ice rink! Create a unique winter wonderland scene with festive characters after learning how to experiment with gears and set up a motor. Watch as your snowman, penguin, and gingerbread man spin around and “skate” on the ice after turning on the engine to cause the gears to rotate!
10. Hotel Hasa Ice Stadium
Professional skaters and ice hockey teams practise at Hotel Hasa Ice Stadium, which is also accessible to the general public on weekends. This enormous (60 x 30 m) indoor rink is prepared and smoothed by specialised equipment prior to each practice.
- The closest tram stop is Nadrazi Vrsovice; tram numbers 2, 4, 6, 7, 17, 19, and so on. Location: Sámova 1, 101 00, Prague 10.
- Opening Hours: October 16, 2024–March 1, 2025; primarily on weekends and all days during Christmas week, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Tickets: two-hour session admission Ice skates are available for rent for 130 CZK per session (or you may bring your own), and adults and children cost 100 CZ.
11. Ice Arena Letnany
The smaller, 60 by 30-meter rink at Ice Arena Letnany is utilised mostly as a stadium for professional ice skating and ice hockey, although it also hosts public ice skating sessions during certain hours. You can combine your visit with some shopping or swimming because the location is close to the Letnany Lagoon aqua park and shopping centre.
- Location: Ice Arena Letnany, Tupolevova 669, 199 00 Prague 9; “Letnany” is the closest subterranean station.
- Open weekends: Saturday 10–12, 2-4, 8–10, and Sunday 11 am–1 pm, 2-4 pm (as well as on public holidays and during the period between Christmas and New Year) Opening hours: September 1, 2024–April 30, 2025
- Tickets: 150 CZ for the session, 100 CZK for children under 10, 90 CZK for adults or 60 CZK for children under 10 (with a 500 CZK refundable deposit) for the session, 50 CZK for ice-skating aids, 40 CZK for a helmet, and 20 CZK for lockers.
12. Strizkov Ice Rink
Although Strizkov located outside of Prague’s downtown, it is easily accessible by subterranean because the rink is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre. This rink is the only round ice rink in Prague, which is why I truly adore it!
If you don’t skate frequently, that might not matter much to you, but it’s fantastic that there aren’t any corners to negotiate, unlike on regular ice rinks. The rink was built around a park fountain, and it’s really fascinating to see coloured lights lighting on the ice after dark.
With a diameter of 25 meters, the Strizkov ice rink is likewise enormous. Refreshments, ice-skating rentals, lockers, restrooms, and lounging places are all provided at the ice rink. This year, there are also heated tents for non-skaters.
- Location: Prague 9, Park Pratelstvi; the closest subterranean station is “Strizkov,” which is a short stroll away.
- Opening Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., December 1, 2024–February 18, 2025
- Admission is 140 CZK for the entire day, 90 CZK for children under 15, 130 CZK for adults to rent ice skates for an hour, or 90 CZK for children under 15 (or bring your own), 50 CZK for ice-skating aids, 50 CZK for a helmet, and 20 CZK for lockers.
13. Arkady Pankrac Shopping Mall
Located in front of a retail centre, this sizable outdoor ice rink (30 x 20 meters) offers all you need to begin ice skating, including heated areas, snacks, and skate rentals.
- The closest subway station is Pankrac, which is roughly 20 minutes from the centre. The address is OC Arkady Pankrac – Shopping Centre – Prague 4. In front of the shopping centre stands the ice rink.
- Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November 24, 2024, until February 25, 2025
- Admission is 100 CZ for adults, free for children under six, and 80 CZK for ice skate rentals.
14. Park Grebovka
Another temporary outdoor ice rink would be a terrific addition to Vinohrady’s well-known Grebovka Park. This huge (20 x 25 m) ice rink is located adjacent to the Grebovka restaurant.
- Location: Havlíčkovy Sady, Grebovka Park, 120 00 Prague 2-Vinohrady; closest tram stop: “Krymska” numbers 4, 13, 22
- Open daily from December 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (including public holidays).
- Tickets are 80 CZK for adults (per session), free for kids under six, and 80 CZK for adults or kids to rent ice skates (or bring your own).
15. Na Frantisku
In the centre of old Prague, close to the Vltava River and the St. Agnes Monastery (now an art gallery), is an outdoor ice skating rink called Na Frantisku. You’ll see a lot of schoolchildren during the day who come here with their schools because this is more of a local ice skating rink than a tourist destination.
Everything you need to go ice-skating is available here, including warm changing rooms, lockers, ice skate rentals, ice skating aids and a bar with hot beverages. The rink is large (40 x 20 meters), so there is always enough of room.
The location is Kozi 847, Old Town, Prague 1, which is around ten minutes’ walk from Old Town Square and the closest tram stop is “Dlouha,” which is served by tram lines 15, 6.
Opening Hours: Monday through Sunday, November 15, 2024–February 15, 2025 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (some times may overlap with scheduled ice skating lessons); the ice is re-rolled and smoothed by specialised equipment approximately every three hours, therefore patrons must leave the rink for ten to fifteen minutes.
Admission is 120 CZK for the entire day, 60 CZK for children under 15, and 60 CZK for seniors (who enter free between 8 am and 4 pm). Adults and senior people can hire ice skates for 100 CZK each hour, while children can bring their own.
16. Pretend Play Doctor’s Kit – KiwiCo
Here’s a visual preview of the KiwiCo “Pretend Play Doctor’s Kit” — a hands-on pretend-play set that encourages imaginative role-playing, empathy, and early learning through fun doctor-themed activities.
What’s Inside & How It Helps
According to KiwiCo:
- Comes with a sturdy canvas carrying bag.
- Includes toddler-sized doctor tools: stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, syringe, silicone cold pack, bandages, and a medicine bottle.
- Includes an interactive checkup board to help children learn body parts while treating pretend patients.
- Also includes a grown-up guide to support adult involvement. KiwiCo
This kit is a part of KiwiCo’s Panda Crate collection aimed at ages 2+, perfect for toddlers beginning to explore imaginative play. KiwiCo+1
Why It’s Awesome
- Fosters empathy and social skills through pretend caregiving.
- Builds bravery: familiarizing children with medical tools can help reduce anxiety about real doctor visits. KiwiCo
- The design is thoughtful and durable — reviewers praise the high-quality materials like sanded wood, thick canvas, and thick silicone. KiwiCo
- Reviewer highlights: “Helped a lot with anxiety about going to the doctor… the fabric is all thick canvas or felt material.”
“A huge thumbs up… all the wood pieces are sanded down very nicely.” KiwiCo
Price, Age Range & Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | US $59.95 KiwiCo+1 |
| Recommended Age | 2 years and older (part of Panda Crate) KiwiCo+1 |
| Learning Themes | Pretend play, language development, empathy, familiarity with medical situations KiwiCo |
| Subscription Option | Available as part of KiwiCo’s subscription service — Panda Crate Plus — $80 per crate with free shipping KiwiCo |
Summary
The Pretend Play Doctor’s Kit by KiwiCo is a beautifully designed, developmentally enriching pretend-play toy. At around $60 USD, it’s a bit of an investment but offers long hours of imaginative play, confidence building, and emotional learning—all backed by positive reviews and thoughtful craftsmanship.
If you’d like suggestions for similar kits—say, veterinarian or astronaut-themed playsets—just let me know!
17. Shamrock Slime
Here’s a glimpse at a Shamrock-themed slime kit—a festive, St. Patrick’s Day–inspired slime featuring vibrant green hues, clay elements, and themed toppings.
What Is the “Shamrock Slime” Kit?
This type of slime kit (such as the one pictured) is a limited-edition, DIY slime set designed with shamrock motifs and a minty scent:
- Shamrock Scoop by Dope Slimes includes everything needed to make your own “clay sundae”: a bright shamrock-green butter slime base, green clear slime on top, a clay scoop, and fun St. Patrick’s–themed toppings. It’s scented like mint-chocolate shamrock. Dope Slimes LLC+1
- This kit was offered at a discounted price of $9.99, down from $19.99, but is currently sold out. Dope Slimes LLC+1
DIY “Shamrock Slime” from KiwiCo
If you’re into crafting your own slime, KiwiCo offers a DIY “Shamrock Slime” project with clear instructions and materials you likely have at home:
- Recommended for ages 5 to 16, and takes less than 30 minutes to make. KiwiCo+1
- Materials needed:
- Mixing bowl, liquid starch, clear glue
- Measuring cup, popsicle sticks
- Green sequins, green liquid watercolor
- Plastic bags for storage KiwiCo+1
- Steps:
- Mix ~¼ cup of liquid starch with green sequins and watercolor.
- Add just over ~¼ cup clear glue.
- Mix by hand until stringy (~5 minutes), then seal in a bag to rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Knead before playing. Store in a sealed bag to prevent drying. KiwiCo+1
Summary
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Shamrock Scoop kit | Festive, pre-made slime kit with themed accessories; sold out. |
| KiwiCo DIY Shamrock Slime | Homemade recipe using household materials; great for sensory play. |
Let me know if you’d like help finding where to buy one of the kits, more slime recipes, or alternative festive slime ideas!
18. Make Slime With Cornstarch
Getting your hands messy and playing with sticky, gooey slime is so much fun! Here’s how my son and I used cornflour to make slime. My son picked neon green was the ideal colour for his cornflour slime because green is his favourite colour.
Do you want to enjoy slimey science even more without having to gather materials? Use KiwiCo Store’s Color-Changing Slime to learn about thermochromism!
Hooray! We decided to make golden pirate slime because we’ve been thinking about pirates, hidden treasure, and high-seas adventures lately! Make a fantastic, oozing concoction of ingredients that promotes enjoyable sensory play. Who doesn’t enjoy slime? Don’t worry about getting a little messy. Dig out the small riches you’ve hidden inside your golden slime!
Here’s a visual peek at the festive Valentine’s Day Flubber project from KiwiCo. It’s a playful and sensory-rich DIY that kids (and adults!) can enjoy crafting together.
Valentine’s Day Flubber: What It Is & How to Make It
Transform Valentine’s Day into a tactile adventure with this DIY flubber recipe from KiwiCo, designed to be fun, colorful, and a bit messy—in the best way!
Fun Facts:
- Recommended age: 3–8 years
- Time to make: Under 30 minutes
- Creative level: Slightly messy but loads of fun!
KiwiCo
Materials you’ll need:
- 1½ cups warm water
- 2 cups white glue (PVA-based)
- Food coloring or liquid watercolor (choose red, pink, or purple for Valentine’s vibes)
- A separate bowl with 1⅓ cups warm water
- 3 teaspoons borax powder
KiwiCo
How to make it:
- In one bowl, stir together warm water, glue, and coloring until well-mixed.
- In another bowl, dissolve borax into warm water.
- Slowly pour the glue mixture into the borax solution, stirring gently. The liquid will start to turn rubbery.
- Once it begins to solidify, scoop the flubber out and knead by hand (over a sink) until it reaches a stretchy putty-like consistency.
- Store in an airtight container when you’re done playing.
KiwiCo
Why It’s a Great Valentine’s Activity
- Sensory fun: Stretch, squish, and shape—kids love the tactile, springy texture.
- Customization ready: Add glitter, scented oils (like lavender or peppermint), or heart-shaped cookie cutters to make it more Valentine-specific. newswithnaylors.blogspot.com
- Science learning: Demonstrates a classic chemistry reaction—PVA glue polymers cross-linking via borate ions, forming a non-Newtonian gel that’s part-solid, part-liquid. Wikipedia
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Theme | Valentine’s Day (think pinks, reds, hearts) |
| Materials | Warm water, white glue, borax, color |
| Time Needed | Under 30 minutes |
| Ideal Age Range | 3–8 years old |
| Why It Works | Sensory play meets chemistry + creativity |
Would you like ideas for custom variations—like scented flubber, glitter options, or ways to package it as a cute Valentine’s gift? Or maybe alternative non-borax recipes? Just say the word!