I had been hearing a lot about BabbaBox from many bloggers that I know, and so I was thrilled to get a chance to try out BabbaBox with my seven year old daughter (although she is just above the target market of the boxes). I knew it would be right up her alley, as she loves the chance to get hands on with activities, as well as to work on art projects.
If you’re not familiar with BabbaCo and their product, the monthly BabbaBox, here is how they describe their product:
A monthly subscription box for kids ages 3-6, delivered to your door filled with projects, activities, books, digital downloads and online content! It’s a theme-based box with ALL the physical materials plus know-how content to really engage with your kids!
Seriously – how fun does that sound, right?
Except, of course, many of us have had experiences with things of a similar nature that you spend the money on, receive, and then are sorely disappointed. So, I can understand if you’re hesitant about the concept. I have to admit, I was hesitant too. Since I was receiving the kit at no cost, I knew that it was worth a shot though. (This is also the luxury that one of you will have, as we’re going to be giving away one BabbaBox at the end of this post!)
Our BabbaBox Arrives
As soon as the BabbaBox arrived, we peeked at it, even though we weren’t quite ready to actually do the activities. It was then that my fears about it were calmed. This was a really cool set of items! Molly was thrilled and couldn’t quit asking, “When are we going to do the BabbaBox?” This was heightened by the fact that I grabbed out my iPhone, scanned the QR code about the month’s theme, and we got a video preview of all of the activities that awaited us. (There was also a written URL, so don’t worry if you don’t have a way to scan QR codes.)
(Oh, and yes, my daughter really did reference it by name. The name instantly stuck in her head.)
The themed box that we received was called “The Way I Feel,” and dealt with emotions. Inside our box, just like with each BabbaBox, there were activities for their four areas: Create, Explore, Story Tell, and Connect. I also liked that each activity included a QR code (as well as the link in written form) that would take you to even more activity ideas.
The activities that came with our box (not including other extra activities that you can go online and find on their site):
- We colored Feelings Faces that we made into magnets, along with an “I Feel…” frame to use them all on our refrigerator (in order to help
with expression of feelings) - Made a set of sock puppets and did a little acting out of emotions. (This also moved into the sock puppets eating all objects in sight. Yes, it did get quite silly.)
- Used spy glasses to seek out emotions that people around the house were showing and recorded them with feeling stickers in a journal.
- Molly read a storybook aloud (which was included) and we discussed ways to help other people and the emotions that different people may feel.
(The box also included free apps that we could get through the BabbaCo website.)
What I Loved About the BabbaBox
Not only were they really great activities, but I never had to go searching for anything to complete the activities. Every single thing we needed was in the box. I mean it — everything. I just needed to supply the kid.
The box included the activities, of course, but also things like scissors, glue (and not a knock off brand, either), magnetic tape, colored pencils, and more. We even used one of the bags that held ones of our activities as a trash bag. It was truly wonderful.
What My Daughter Loved about the BabbaBox
I asked her some questions while I was writing this review:
Mom: Did you like the BabbaBox?
Molly: Oh yeah, I really liked it. (pause) A lot!
Mom: Would you recommend it to other people?
Molly: Yeah, I think other people would like it a lot too.
Mom: What was your favorite part of the BabbaBox?
Molly: Making the sock puppets! I love to make things.
Final Thoughts
I think this would make a great gift for someone (even if it was just for one month). I also think it would be a fabulous addition to a homeschool preschool program. With all of the activities it comes with and extra activities available, it could be a fun unit study each month.
A BabbaBox Discount for The Homeschool Classroom Readers
I’m really pleased to be able to offer readers of The Homeschool Classroom a discount! (Thanks, BabbaCo.) Just use the code HSC20OFF for a 20% discount on your first BabbaBox.
A Chance to Win Your Own BabbaBox
Just use our Rafflecopter entry box:
We received our BabbaBox at no cost to use with my daughter. We also were able to pick a giveaway winner to receive one at no cost to us. BabbaCo currently has advertising running on The Homeschool Classroom. However, all opinions are our own. We were not asked to write about any specific thing in our post – just our honest opinions. Special thanks to my daughter for her participation and opinions. (Disclosure Policy)
love that everything they need is there!
This looks great!
Love that it has EVERYTHING you need at your fingertips!
Looks awesome!! Even if I don’t win it, I’m sure I’ll be buying it!!
Loved this idea when I first saw it a while back – unfortunately they don’t ship to Canada…. would love to win one for my niece in the US tho! Love that there is a theme to explore!
LOVE that I don’t have to go searching for supplies!
I appreciate that it is more than just a craft to keep little ones busy; it also helps begin a dialogue.
Sign me up! Looks like a lesson plan in a box:)
We would love to try this before we buy it. I love the emotion box. My 4 yr old daughter has a hard time expressing her emotions. This will help her. Thank you for the giveaway.
These look great!
How handy to have everything in the box. No more ‘Mom, can we make this cool project?’ ‘Not until we go to the store.’ ‘well, when can we go, when, Mom, when, WHEN?’ haha As much fun as that is!
I really love that it has hands on activities for my preschooler!!
I love how it is all together in one box!
I love that everything is there and there are ideas for activities. I want to do things like this with my 3 year old but it’s sometimes hard to get organized.
Most exciting for me would be having more stuff do with my preschoolers. I stink at finding great pre-school activities.
Such a cool product!
looks like so much fun, my boys would love this :)
I love that it comes with everything you need in the box. Looks like fun!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea. What a great way to teach my son while having fun. I love that it is a hands on lesson “in a box.”
I like the idea of doing the projects all together as a family. Thanks for the offer! :)
This would be wonderful for my younger kids.
Having educational activities all in one place is great. I’d love to try one with out little pumpkin- she is big on crafts/art enhancing learning! Thanks for such a great offer! :)
It looks so convenient with everything I need right there.
love the hands on activities
It looks fun. I like that there are several activities along the topic of the box.
I like how there seem to be several different types of activities included – and that everything is included!
I love that everything is all there and ready to go!
I want to do more hands on stuff with my kids, but it takes a lot out of me to get everything planned and gathered. This makes it so that for at least one set of activities, I can spend more time playing with my kids, enjoying them, and probably getting more sleep (as well as not having to go shopping for the supplies I might not have).
It will also help keep the craft supplies clutter down. Awesome!
Do you think this would work for special needs children?
My kiddos would LOVE making their own sock puppets!
I love how every box will be a mystery about what’s inside, yet everything that you need will be included.
What looks exciting about the box is how every one is different and enclosed is everything that’s needed. It’s so frustrating when trying to do a project, then to realize I forgot to grab something at the store.
my kids (and I) love anything hands on and with all the different activities it helps to bring the ideas home even better.
I love that it includes a book- it makes it complete for me!