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)
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 spinning! I do this box with my eleven-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 spin art machine! Amazing! 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 except scissors. Sometimes Tinker Crate includes some supplies for the smaller projects in TinkerZine, too.
My son's first step was to adhere the motor to the inside bottom of the box. I love when the projects use the box!
The second step was to attach the gear to the bottom of the disc and then attach the disc to the motor. He also placed little foam pieces on the disc to hold the paper in place.
The third step was to put the paint guard on the inside top of the box.
The next step was to insert three resistors into a small bread board. This was the first time my son has worked with bread board! Exciting!
He then attached the bread board and the battery pack onto the mounting board...
...and the mounting board onto the side of the box.
His last step was to attach the wires to the motor wires and to the bread board.
Here is his machine in action!
This is some sample art from the spin art machine! It works perfectly! So cool! My husband and I both remember these machines from carnivals and fairs when we were young. I can't believe my eleven-year-old just built his own!
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. I have to admit that my husband and I also had to take a turn! 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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