I hate craft kits

[athena1277]

My kids received several craft kits (and other assembly needed kits) for Christmas this year. I did not realize until this week just how much I hate them. If it requires more than coloring, painting, or stringing beads they can't do it without help. Between dh, my mom, and I we have made all kinds of crafts since Christmas. I realize that at 5yo, ds will need help with lots of things like putting together Lego sets. Dd, however, also needs help. Today, for instance, I had to help her make Sculpy (sp?) erasers. She could do it if it was just making whatever she wanted, but she wanted the items shown in the kit and didn't know how.

 

The absolute worst kits are Mic-o-mic toys. It talks like a kid should be able to assemble them by looking at the pictures. Not at all! They are so hard to get together, only dh has the strength to do it.

 

Tell me I'm not alone in my dislike of craft kits. I don't want to start the new year with the worst mom award. :(

[plain jane]

It doesn't make you a bad mom for not liking them. :)

 

Maybe it is the ages of your kids. I'm on my phone so can't see signatures but my oldest girls are 11 and 8 and can do most kits on their own and really enjoy them. Perhaps you just a need to give it a few years and then buy the kits. :)

[Mrs Mungo]

I bought my girls craft kits, which they *loved*. But, they are 14 and 17. My 17 taught herself to embroider. She has made some *adorable* embroidery with the book I bought for her. I think a lot of people just don't know what is or is not age appropriate. They are constantly buying things that are way too old for young kids and too young for older kids. It is frustrating.

 

For example, I made a fort kit for my 11 year old son. I had someone tell me it would be too young for their 11 year old and I should do it for a four year old. Uh, there is NO WAY I would gift a four year old with rope and clamps and sheets to make a fort. My teens loved helping my son build his fort! I think people just misjudge what kids like or can do at different ages.

We have never received anything like that crazy looking toy you posted.

[OrganicAnn]

While I don't hate them, I don't love them. I'm crafty and I find that they usually have bad instructions, turn out badly and aren't really that much fun for the kid. My DD has some fine motor skills issues, so she usually can't just do them herself. Sometimes I just put them together and have my DD do any additional decorating (gluing on sequins etc). Also the final product usually goes in the trash after awhile.

 

I would remember who gave the kids the kit and make sure that you give their kids kits next year. Or if they have no kids, wrap of the craft and include it as part of their present next year.