Aquabeads Vs PixoBitz – Which water beads should you choose?

My kids love crafting and one of the crafts they return to time and time again is water beads kits. What are these? I am specifically referring to Aquabeads and PixoBitz today. A quick intro on what they are, what we like (or don’t like) about them and why they are great crafting activities for kids (and adults!).

What are water beads?

Aquabeads and PixoBitz are both craft kits that allow children to create designs using colorful beads.

How do they differ from one another?

Lets look at their similarities and differences:

Similarities:

Beads are arranged on a specially designed tray or template create a 2D or 3D design creation.
Both Aquabeads and PixoBitz are made of a special material that allows them to stick together when sprayed with water. The beads fuse together, creating a solid design once dried.

Differences:

Aquabeads are small little rounded beads.
PixoBitz are 5 sided square cubes.

We like…

We like both craft kits, but in a different way.

Why we like and would choose Aquabeads is because:

They have many design templates and affiliation with different characters such as Mario, Pokemon’s, Disney etc
They are smaller in size and therefore can create more intricate designs with them.
They have a lot more colour options and refill packs to choose from.
There is also a lot of cheaper dupe or non Aquabead branded beads that are compatible with the branded stuff. Quality on some are really good, so its definitely something we buy as well.
They are mess free
Prices for branded kits range from £12-£40.

The only reason we sometimes don’t choose Aquabeads is because of it’s size. My 4 year old isn’t great with little beads rolling around everywhere, so it’s an activity that definitely needs supervision and a lot of picking up.

Why we like and would choose PixoBitz is because:

They are little cubes, they don’t roll around and make a huge mess.
They are easy to pick up and handle for small hands.
Can be played with independently by my 4yo.
They are mess free.

What let’s PixoBitz down is its limited variety and choice of colours, templates and kits. Currently in the UK, there is only the PixoBitz Studio, Pixobitz Creator and refill packs that come with a variety of colours, stickers and accessories.

The one kit that my kids go back to time and time again are the… PixoBitz. I think I’d because they are much less fiddly and easy for little hands to handle.

Why we love water beads

Not only are water beads an enjoyable and relaxing craft, they also:

Promote creativity and imagination: water beads allow children to unleash their creativity and imagination by designing and creating their own colourful bead artworks. They can create various designs, patterns, and pictures using the beads, promoting artistic expression.
Improve fine motor skills: Using water beads requires precise hand-eye coordination and manipulation of small beads. As children pick up individual beads and place them onto the design template, they enhance their fine motor skills and dexterity.
Safe and Mess-Free: water beads colourful design stick together with water, eliminating the need for heat or adhesive. This makes it a safe and mess-free craft activity for children to engage in, without the risk of burns or using potentially harmful substances.
No Ironing or Baking: Unlike other bead-based crafts, Aquabeads and Pixobitz do not require ironing or baking to fuse the beads together. This makes it a convenient and hassle-free activity, allowing children to enjoy their creations from beginning to end.
Non-toxic: Aquabeads and Pixobitz are made from non-toxic materials, ensuring they are safe for children to handle and play with.

However, it is important to note that every child is individual and their experiences and preferences may vary. Hence some children may find water beads particularly enjoyable and engaging, while others may prefer different craft activities. You may want to try the another quiet activity like the Lite Brite instead.