KidArtLit is a literature and art based subscription designed for kids ages 3-8 by two longtime educators and moms. Each month is carefully curated to include a hardcover picture book, two different art experiences with enough supplies for two children, two lit-inspired art guides, and expert tips to help you spark curiosity and creativity.
Good to know: Not only does this subscription benefit our children, but each KidArtLit box is packaged by CSS, a non-profit group that provides employment and job training to adults with developmental disabilities. The boxes are made from 100% recyclable, and they also partner with dozens of women-owned companies!
There are multiple subscription options available including the Spark box for $35.95 a month, the Deluxe box for $51.95 a month, and the Digital box for $14.95 a month. As of November 2018, the Digital membership is included in the Spark and Deluxe boxes! All kits can be customized to include supplies for up to 8 children!
This is the review for the Deluxe Box which is $51.95 per month plus $8.95 shipping.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About KidArtLit
The Subscription Box: KidArtLit Deluxe Box
The Cost: $51.95 a month + $8.95 shipping. Save with longer commitments.
ACTIVE DEAL: $10 off new memberships
CODE: BOOKISHFAM
The Products: A specially curated box containing a gorgeous hardcover picture book, (brand new release, or from boutique or international publishing houses) enough high quality art supplies for two children to complete 2 different art projects to coincide with the included book, art guides, and expert tips to enhance the entire experience and bring the joy back into family time.
Ships to: Spark kits ship for $7.95 and Deluxe kits are delivered for $8.95 in the US. Canadian subscriptions ship for $18.95, while all other international orders ship for $25 a month.
January 2019 KidArtLit Deluxe Subscription Box Review
This is the first time I've received KidArtLit and I must say, I am in love with it! My 3 and 6-year-old boys are huge into reading and crafts so a box that incorporates both of these into a monthly curation is our dream! This month included the book Hello, Mister Cold, a special note from Carles Porta (the author of the book,) 2 yarn-wrapped snowflake projects, and 2 sewn winter scene kits, and fun info cards to enhance each experience.
This box came with a nicely organized Content List, featuring a photo and information of the included book, the contents of the Ready-Set-Go! Art Pack, and the contents of the Deluxe Process Art Kit.
On the back of the contents card is a sweet letter from the Co-Founders of KidArtLit. This note explains a little about each activity and why it was chosen. I really enjoyed this added information!
Hello, Mister Cold by Carles Porta (2018) - Retail Value $17.95 (found here for $12.29)
The Hardcover Picture book featured this month is called Hello, Mister Cold: Tales from the Hidden Valley and it includes several fun characters including Maximus Cold, Yula, a pixie onion-headed ballerina, and other woodland critters that enjoy music and friendship in the Hidden Valley. It has beautiful illustrations and held the attention of both of my boys with the captivating story and art!
And just to make this whole experience a little more special, the author Carles Porta has included a little note and drawing about the book! I feel this really adds to the thoughtfulness of this box! I’m very impressed!
Since the craft activities pertain to the book, we read the book first. While I read the book to my boys first, they wanted to look at it one more time before starting the crafts! Aren’t they sweet when they get along! 🙂
Activity #1
The first craft activity we did was the Ready-Set-Go! Pack. This craft is considered the quick project, and I have to agree as it only took about 10 minutes from start to finish. Included in the kit were 2 wooden snowflakes, yarn pieces, liquid glue, clear gemstones, and written instructions. I liked how they didn’t include a finished project photo, so the child can take the directions and interpret them their own way. To complete the project it said to tie yarn on the snowflake and wrap it around however you would like, then add gemstones. Not only did these snowflakes turn out adorable, but being able to engage in a little book review during this project was great, it really helped bring the book alive!
You can never use enough glue!!
Activity #2
The Deluxe Process Art Kit was a sewn winter scene. We did not receive an instruction card for this project, but I was able to look at their website for a glimpse at what others had made, and we went from there. This kit included two 8” Wooden embroidery hoops, cotton fabric, lacing needles, iridescent snowflake sequins, lace and rick rack, and cotton embroidery thread. I have to say my boys LOVED this! Hank embroidered a heart onto a dish-towel as a Christmas gift for his great-grandma, so he wanted to go a little fancier with his initials. Charlie has never embroidered before, and he did a great job! He wanted to keep going even after we used all the embroidery thread! It was really fun to watch these rough and tough little boys do something I do as a hobby! Like the snowflake craft, we were able to incorporate scenarios from the included book into our conversations about this craft, and we really enjoyed it. And when all is complete we have beautiful winter wall decor!
Note: These activities were perfect during the recent “polar vortex” with temperatures close to -30 below!
And here is all our hard-work complete! I would estimate we spent close to 2 hours working on everything in this box and enjoying every single second!
The Verdict: This KidArtLit box was so much fun! I always am trying to incorporate reading and crafts into our everyday lives because I feel they are so important in young kids’ development. That being said, I sometimes feel like I am spinning in circles trying to come up with ideas. This box took out the endless hours of scouring Pinterest, the shopping for random craft supplies, and the time it takes to put it all together! I appreciate the way these women have put together a box that is based on literature but takes it to another level with engaging activities and crafts. We are definitely fans of this subscription and can’t wait to see what they send next month!
The KidArtLit Deluxe box costs $60.90 a month ($51.95 + $8.95 shipping), so between a hardcover book, and a total of 4 completed projects, it costs about $12.18 for each completed piece. I feel that is pretty high considering I can find the book on Amazon for less than $13. On the other hand, I have to remind myself it also educated and entertained us for 2 hours, taught my kids new skills, gave us some beautiful new decor, and we have a few leftover craft supplies for other projects. Because it is a high monthly price, I can see myself ordering this for special occasions, but I would have a hard time affording it every month.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No. If you sign up between the 1st and 15th of the month, your shipment will be sent on or around the 15th. If you sign up after, your box will ship within 3 business days. If the current delivery sells out, you will receive a past box as their inventory allows.
ACTIVE DEAL: $10 off new memberships
CODE: BOOKISHFAM
Check out all of our KidArtLit reviews and the Craft Subscription Box Directory to find other craft boxes.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of this month’s KidArtLit? Who did you share your project with? Tell us in the comments!
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