We’ve been fans of Kiwi Crate for some time now, and love their craft boxes for a lazy Sunday or even an after preschool activity (though certainly they are awesome and perhaps better for slightly older kiddos). Their summer collection in particular is super super fun and a perfect way to fill a few hours on a long warm day, or even to take on a family vacation.

I (hey, it’s Kristina!) had a chance to try out their camping box, the first in their summer adventure series, and thought we’d share some photos of my older son making and playing with his creations.

A camping theme could not be more perfect for our family right now as we prepare for our first big camping trip as a family of four in a few weeks. I’ve been an enthusiastic camper since I was my son’s age, but this will be his first real experience and he’s literally bursting with excitement. As with any big adventure or experience, we’ve been talking about what we’ll do and see and eat while we’re in the mountains for months. Play is the key for understanding and looking forward to something new, if you ask me.

Enter the most perfect Saturday activity! He was thrilled to build his own campfire (with help from mama, of course), using the simple, tactile materials in his Kiwi Crate.

Once we had our fire roaring (there’s even a little light inside to make the campfire glow), he cooked his marshmallows until they were toasty and golden. It’s a really fun activity in the evening when it’s darker too.

I also made a quick set of quilted “graham crackers” and a piece of brown felt “chocolate” so he could practice making and eating his first s’mores using the “marshmallows” from the kit. If you’re not down with sewing, you could easily just use a few squares of tan felt for the crackers too. Super simple play food at it’s finest!

He may or may not have actually tried to take a bite. And coated his tongue in cotton ball fuzz.

The backpack project was even easier for his little hands to complete on his own, though it was a little messier so I wasn’t able to capture process photos. Sun prints are so magical for little people!

We’ll definitely be practicing our hiking through the backyard so we’re ready for the real thing when we hit the trails in July.

The even more genius part of Kiwi Crate is that if you sign up for a subscription, you’ll receive a box every month without even having to think about it. How exciting when the new box arrives in the mail each month, right? There’s something to be said for automation when you’re raising small children.

If you’d like to try it out (you totally should!), use the code CAKE25 for 25% off your first month in a new subscription. They have 3, 6, and 12 month options available, or you can pay as you go. Low pressure is always good too.

And if you love this camping box, be sure to order the Summer Adventure series before June 17th. After that you’ll receive the next in their summer adventure series… Beach!