You probably know by now that KiwiCo has a subscription line for just about every age, but did you know they also offer fun one-time boxes in their shop? They have interactive toys, educational kits that are similar to their monthly boxes, and even some fun holiday-themed boxes. As a mom, I am always intrigued by these boxes, but before I buy, I like to know exactly what I'm getting. This series will provide you with a review of some of these unique one-time boxes and hopefully help you make an informed decision about your own purchases. If there's a box you'd like to see reviewed from their shop, drop a line in the comments and we'll see what we can do!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This is a review of KiwiCo's Pop-Up Felt Play Mat (recommended for ages 3+) for $49.95.
First Impressions
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KiwiCo is always so innovative and their boxes are so detail-oriented, I really wanted to see how that translated to an actual product as opposed to a DIY project. This play mat was pricey, but I knew my 3-year-old would love it, so I decided to check it out and see whether it was worth it or not!
What's Inside the Pop-Up Play Mat Box?
In addition to the play mat, there were a few little pieces that came with it, all packaged up neatly.
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This booklet explained how our pop-up pieces worked and gave some ideas for imaginative play.
The Mat
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The main part of this box is the mat, which is a great size at 35 in x 28 in. It is made from 100% cotton and is spot-clean only, but it is nice and thick, perfect for playing on. It has several snaps that you can close up to help make folding it up easy and the handles make it easy to carry as well. A toy that folds up for storage and travel is always one that will get my vote!
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Here is a closer look at the surface of the mat. I love that it has roads and both water and grassy areas for playing on. We have tried road tape and road pieces that we've laminated, but none of them have the same staying power as a large fold-out mat like this. I love how sturdy the construction is.
There were three different pockets inside the mat where all of those extras could be stored and a snap at the top of each pocket ensures that most pieces will stay inside.
Felt Pieces
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The felt pieces are super thick and a little stiff, but it looks like all of the seams have been reinforced several times, so I think they are plenty sturdy. We received 8 buildings and some other fun felt pieces.
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Here's a closer look at some of the other felt pieces. There are a few trees, a stop sign, a go sign, a bridge, and even a little piece of playground equipment with a ladder and slide.
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I love that they fold up flat for storage, and then there are also little pieces of plastic to help make them stand up better when you pop them open.
Wooden Pieces
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They also included some wooden pieces for us. Four little peg people, a car, a truck, and a boat with a sail. My only concern is that they might slip out of the pocket (swipe through), although so far we've managed to keep everything together!
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My son was eager to get some of his cars and get started playing! My older son helped him unfold it.
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Soon, they had the whole thing set up and all three kids were playing together. My older son even brought down some of his animals to add to the fun. I love that you can really add any little toys to it for any type of play!
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $49.95 + free shipping
While this mat does sound like it is a pricier toy, I think it is probably pretty aptly priced from what I was able to find online. I've seen some beautiful handmade play mats similar to this and those are usually a bit smaller, and might even cost a bit more, so a mat that includes so many extras feels worth it to me. I am pleased with the quality of the mat and how sturdy it is, plus I love that it has storage pockets. You can really add any toys you wanted to the pockets too making it such a perfect prop for open-ended imaginative play!
Key Takeaways
My son loves to drive his cars around and this mat is perfect for that! I love that it folds up and can travel with us and while the mat is a good size, it could still fit on top of a table if the floor weren't an option. Overall, this is a great new toy that we have been having some fun with!
To Wrap Up:
Is this box still available? Yes, as of now the Pop-Up Felt Play Mat is still available!
Have you tried any of the boxes from the KiwiCo shop? Let us know in the comments below!
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