Tinker Crate is a subscription for kids ages 9-14 from the makers of Kiwi Crate. Like Kiwi Crate, it comes with everything you need to complete projects based around a central theme. Unlike Kiwi Crate, however, these projects are less crafty and more based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning and enrichment.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Tinker Crate
The Cost: $19.95 per month (free shipping)
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 50% off your 1st month! No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: STEM-based crafts and DIY projects for kids, with supplemental learning kits, booklets, and activities. Projects are designed to enhance children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills through activities that are exciting and fun!
Ships to: Anywhere in the United States and Canada, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and APO addresses. Free within the United States, $6.95 to Canada
Check out all of our Tinker Crate reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
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Every box comes with a copy of TinkerZine magazine, which includes articles about that month's theme, as well as smaller projects and experiments. This month's theme is all about mirrors! I do this box with my ten-year-old son.
Here's a peek at the table of contents from this month's TinkerZine. In addition to the large project that Tinker Crate sends, the magazine has several articles plus smaller projects you and your child can undertake to gain a deeper knowledge of the scientific principles of that month's topic.
This month's big project is an infinity mirror! Fun! My son and I are almost always thrilled with Tinker Crate's project selections!
Here's a peek inside the instructions this month. They may look a little intimidating, but they are always very clear, complete, and easy-to-follow. With Tinker Crate, sometimes you have to supply a few things, but they are always items you have at home, like scissors or water. This month they included everything we needed for the project! Sometimes Tinker Crate includes some supplies for the smaller projects in TinkerZine, too.
The first thing my son had to do was build the basic structure for the "iris" of the mirror. There is a mirror in the center, and it can open and close.
He then attached a very short tube to the back and adhered a LED light strip around the inside of it. He put another mirror behind it, and then attached the battery to the back.
This is my son's completed infinity mirror! It's so cool! This project was really easy to complete, but the result is impressive!
Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was so cool! My eight-year-old is usually the beneficiary of the finished product, and he definitely loves playing with this mirror! It's very cool that this box is getting both boys inspired to explore engineering. Tinker Crate always picks out fun projects, sends quality materials, and provides loads of educational content. It's a huge value for $20!
What do you think of Tinker Crate?
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