Backyard Safari Outfitters Butterfly Habitat {Review}

With so many gift options out there, it's hard to know where to begin shopping to find something that will keep my kids entertained, provide educational benefits, and is more unique than everything else that is found in the stores. There are just so many options, how do I know where to look or, more importantly, the quality that will be found there?

Fortunately, having had the opportunity to write a review for Backyard Safari Outfitters last year and then again for the new Backyard Safari Outfitters Field Gear this summer, I already knew that their items are perfect for exploration, adventure and play, while encouraging creativity and imagination.

So this holiday season, I couldn't think of a better way to appeal to my kids' love of nature, animals and science than with the Backyard Safari Outfitters Butterfly Habitat.

Allowing kids to experience the transformation of caterpillars morphing into beautiful butterflies, the Backyard Safari Outfitters Butterfly Habitat contains nearly everything you need for a safe and comfortable home for these magical creatures until they are ready to be released into the wild.

As soon as this innovative habitat arrived, I couldn't wait to check it out and see just how much my girls were going to love this experience.

Inside, I found the lightweight collapsible habitat, instructions, a mail-in coupon to send away for our live caterpillars and their food, and a Backyard Safari Outfitters Pop-Up Field Guide.

The 16" spring frame popped open extremely easily and it was easy to see that the fine, breathable mesh would create the perfect aviary environment for delicate flying creatures.

The easy-access closure is just right for reaching in and out without harming, or accidentally releasing, any of the butterflies.

With the included nylon strap with Velcro closures, the habitat can easily be kept collapsed when not in use and then double as a handle for carrying or hanging.

All that's left is to add caterpillars and watch what happens!

I like how easy it is to mail in the form to receive the caterpillars and their food by mail, however, I was a little disappointed to see that you also have to include a check for $9.99 to cover the shipping (particularly because the box advertises a "FREE butterfly mail-in coupon"). As the Butterfly Habitat itself retails for $14.99, I feel that is a reasonable price for the full set, but when the cost is $24.98 total, that makes it seem like quite a bit more.

However, I really do think that my girls are going to be thrilled when our larvae arrives and they get to watch them grow and flourish. This is one toy that is going to hopefully provide day after day of entertainment as well as educational possibilities. I'm looking forward to seeing their faces as they watch our future butterflies fly off into the world!

Backyard Safari Outfitters' unique items can be found in-store as well as online at Amazon and from Summit Toys. Backyard Safari Outfitters can also be found on Facebook and Twitter, so be sure to stay connected and never miss updates on their innovative gear.

(Other than the Butterfly Habitat that I was sent from Summit Toys in conjunction with my membership to Team Mom, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this unique product.)