I’ve got a crafty household, and my kids like crafting, too- especially my 5-year-old daughter, who put Bendaroos at the top of her Christmas list. I wasn’t so sure this would be a successful product for a pre-Kindergartner, but as it turns out, the are AWESOME. Let’s discuss, shall we?
Despite my hesitancy, we got these for my then 4-year-old. I got them from a national drugstore chain- I can’t remember which one- but the kit included the multi-colored Bendaroos & some project sheets.
For those who are uninitiated, Bendaroos (and Wikki Stix, too, for that matter)Â can best be described as wax-covered yarn. They don’t dry out, don’t have an adhesive, and stay pliable and soft. You’re biggest risk is getting pet hair and dust bunnies on them- make sure you’ve got some zip-lock plastic bags ready!
So, in our house there are some “guided” crafting experiences- i.e., Mommy sets things up for you and we craft together, and then there are the “Ok, Mommy’s-got-to-get-this-article-written-so-you’re-on-your-own” types of crafts. Bendaroos have been my go-to for THOSE kinds of days.
And, that, being said, my girl has gleefully pulled out the project cards, some scissors, and made the following things all on her own:
I love the fact that she started with the 2-D projects- some using the project cards, some of her own design (you should have seen the “rainbow” on her bedroom door and how she spelled her name) and is now branching out into sculptures!
Yes, there is a little “mess” factor- but so far she’s stuck the Bendaroos to her wood door and painted wall surfaces, and the wax has not left any sticky residue.
So far she’s spent some happy hours self-entertaining with this product (and given mommy some blessed quiet-time) while learning to follow step-by-step visual directions and engaged her imagination, as well. Despite the annoying TV commercials, Bendaroos is a winner for us!
I would think that these would be a big hit for home schoolers and teachers too… have you used them for educational or therapeutic benefit? Leave me a comment and I’ll do a follow-up post about it!
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Dana Kashubeck says
Thanks so much for the review! My kids have been begging me for these for months and I’ve been hesitant thinking maybe they were cheap or wouldn’t work as advertised. Good to know that they worked out for you.
Sonya says
I agree! Bendaroos really are the coolest toy! my 6 year old daughter got them for Christmas from my in-laws, and her creations are now adorning everyone’s bedrooms!
Jennifer says
I prefer Wikki Stix. They’re US made and non-toxic. Bendaroos are made in China and have a BBB rating of “F” for poor customer service, overcharging, shipping issues. Wikki Stix has more variety and lots of educational/craft ideas on their website.
Jenny says
Jennifer- thanks for your comments and thoughts. We bought Bendaroos because it’s what was locally available at a brick-and-morter store. Wikki Stix aren’t in our local stores, but Bendaroos are everywhere. That was the sole deciding factor in our purchase.
Elle says
What is the source of the wax? What are ALL the ingredients, including yarn. Is it wool? It’s hard not to be suspicious when testing companies as well as the mftr omit this info.
Jenny says
Elle- this really doesn’t surprise me. After all, if they gave you all of the ingredients it’s giving away their “secret recipe.”