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)
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Today only! Save 50% off your first box with code TINKER2017
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 pulleys! I do this box with my ten-year-old son.
Here's a peek at the table of contents from this month's TinkerZine, plus a look at some of the pages inside. 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 a working crane! 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.
These were the materials Tinker Crate supplied for the project. 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.
My son's first step was to assemble the crane body and then secure it to the top of the box. I love when Tinker Crate puts the box to use!
The second step was assembling and attaching the crane arm.
The third step was to run the strings through the pulleys and attach the big hook.
This is my son's completed crane! His last step was to assemble and attach the little bucket. It works! The top crank moves the arm and sets its position. The lower crank is for pulling in the hook. So cool!
Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was really fun to do, and both of my sons have enjoyed playing with the finished product. 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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