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Why we LOVE this product!
Kids are fascinated by vending machines, and this kit lets them see exactly how one works by building it. Turning the handle and hearing a capsule drop is satisfying, and it's a natural lesson in how simple mechanisms control movement.
Once built, it becomes a pretend-play shop, and parents can refill it with notes, stickers or treats.
Two things to weigh: the capsules and erasers are small parts, and it's a newer kit with no reviews yet. For a curious five- to eight-year-old, it's a fun build with lots of play after.
Description
SKU:
7092
The KiwiCo Surprise Prize Vending Machine is a build-it-yourself wooden vending machine that really works: kids insert a play card, turn the handle and a prize capsule drops out. It comes with 12 capsules and 12 mini erasers to load inside.
What's inside
- Wooden machine pieces (7), 4 corner supports, a handle, shaft, lever and card reader
- 4 hinge clips, 10 screws, 2 T-nuts and an O-ring
- 12 capsules and 12 mini erasers
- A play credit card
- Illustrated instructions
How it works
Kids assemble the machine from the illustrated instructions, fill the capsules, then use the card and handle to vend a surprise. The capsules can be refilled with anything small, like notes or treats.
What kids learn
- Simple mechanisms: how a lever, handle and card reader work together to release one item at a time
- Following instructions: a step-by-step build with real screws
- Early money and pretend play: playing shop with the card and prizes
- Fine motor skills: screwing parts together and loading capsules
Good to know before you buy
- Age: 5 and up; younger builders will want a grown-up for the screws.
- Small parts: mini erasers and capsules are small, so keep them away from toddlers.
- New and limited: KiwiCo lists it as new with limited stock at the time of writing.
- Shipping: KiwiCo offers free shipping on orders over $75 at the time of writing, and orders ship in about 2 business days.
- Value: $29.95.
Who it's for
Kids who love gumball machines and surprises, young builders, and families looking for a project that turns into a toy.
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About
KiwiCo
KiwiCo was founded in 2011 by Sandra Oh Lin, an engineer, mother, and entrepreneur who wanted to make creative, hands-on learning easier for families. As a parent, Sandra appreciated projects that encouraged children to explore and invent, but found it difficult to consistently find ideas, research activities, and gather all the necessary materials. She created KiwiCo to make those enriching experiences more accessible.
The company began as Kiwi Crate, offering activity boxes designed to help children learn through making and experimenting. As the range expanded to serve more ages and interests, the business adopted the name KiwiCo in 2017 to reflect its broader collection of projects and educational experiences.
KiwiCo develops activities across science, technology, engineering, art, geography, and other subjects, with projects designed by a team of educators, designers, engineers, and makers. The company also gathers feedback from children to help ensure that its projects are engaging, age-appropriate, and fun to complete.
KiwiCo's mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators by helping children build creative confidence and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on discovery, it encourages kids to become active creators, experiment with ideas, and learn by doing.
