Most people probably recognize that arts and crafts, as well as other creative pursuits, are remarkably important to human development at any age. Actively engaging in a creative endeavor encourages brain development, hones problem-solving skills, builds confidence, relieves stress, benefits fine motor skills, and more. In fact, a recent study performed at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK, found that “Engaging in CAC [creating arts and crafting] significantly predicted increased life satisfaction, a sense that life is worthwhile and happiness, above and beyond known sociodemographic predictors.”

Vigdee’s mission is to bring creativity to life through its educational craft kits. The company’s Africa Safari Collection lets individuals 10-and-up flex their imagination muscles while learning about the world around them. Each kit has everything the recipient needs to craft a beautiful diorama featuring a wild animal, such as a cheetah, a giant pangolin, or a Nile crocodile. While you can purchase kits individually, the best value is to sign up for a subscription, which delivers a new project to your door each month.

Vigdee packs so much into each and every project. Beyond championing creativity, the company encourages innovative thinking and ingenuity by challenging individuals to discover new uses for common household items and recycled materials. While every kit is a learning experience that teaches crafters about nature, the company also seeks to raise awareness of endangered species. To accomplish these goals, every Vigdee kit includes the following items:

  • A toolbox: This contains all the tools you’ll need to complete your project, such as scissors, paintbrushes, and tweezers.
  • Materials: The materials are mostly common, found, or household items, such as hair clips, pinecones, and paper cups, but also include the animal figurine.
  • A frame: This is the display for your project. It includes a base and a backdrop.
  • A pamphlet: The illustrated pamphlet helps you learn all about your safari animal.
  • Mounting materials: If you’d like to mount your finished work, you can use the included adhesives and hook-and-loop fasteners.
  • A keyring: The bonus keyring features sounds associated with your chosen safari animal.

Africa Safari Collection

African Elephant

Did you know the African bush elephant’s ears are filled with blood vessels that release heat to help regulate the elephant’s body temperature? These elephants also spray water on their ears and flap them to cool and circulate blood so their entire body stays cooler. It is estimated that there are only 100,000 to 170,000 of this endangered species remaining. With this kit, you can build your own African bush elephant in its natural habitat using household and eco-friendly materials. 

Giant Pangolin

The giant pangolin is a shy African mammal that is covered in scales and uses its powerful claws to dig for ants and termites. When threatened, this endangered species rolls into a tight ball and depends on its scales for protection. It is said this curious creature resembles a walking pinecone, and that’s exactly what you use to help you craft the animal in this ingenious kit.

African Wild Dog

There are only about 6,600 African wild dogs (painted wolves) left on the planet. These beautiful creatures feature a coat as unique as fingerprints — no two are the same. They are also a highly social species that make decisions through what appears to be a democratic system which counts sneezes as votes. The more sneezes a pack delivers, the more likely some action will be taken (going on a hunt, moving to a new location). Your kit includes four African wild dogs and all the tools and materials needed to complete the craft.

Lappet-Faced Vulture

The lappet-faced vulture is Africa’s largest and most powerful vulture. It stands nearly 4-foot tall and can have a wingspan of up to 9 feet. This aggressive bird of prey has folds of skin (lappets) on its neck that change color depending on the animal’s mood, temperature, or location. The threat to this vulnerable species comes from pesticides and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This craft kit includes three lappet-faced vultures and common household items that you fashion into bones and trees.

Cheetah

Despite being the fastest land animal — able to run faster than 60 mph — the survival of the cheetah is uncertain. This is due to multiple factors, such as human expansion, poaching, and humans reducing the cheetah’s food source (gazelles, impalas). Build your cheetah habitat using common household items, as well as upcycled materials, such as old paint brushes.

Nile Crocodile

The bite force of a Nile crocodile is approximately 5,000 PSI. This is significantly more powerful than both hippopotamuses and lions. It is strong enough to crush bone. Gustave, a legendary Nile crocodile that roams East-Central Africa, is reportedly over 20 feet long and estimated to weigh over 2,000 pounds. The Nile crocodile you build is peacefully sunning itself on a rock on a riverbed.

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Vigdee kits are available individually or as a subscription (best value).