Tinker Crate is a subscription box for kids ages 9-14 from the makers of KiwiCo. 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 craftsy 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.)
About Tinker Crate
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.
Tinker Crate February 2018 Review
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 "on the wing"! I do this box with my twelve-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 mechanical bird! So awesome!
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 build the wings. This was basically connecting four parts with sticky foam and dowels.
He then assembled the stand. He connected four gears to the base on the front and back via axles that go through holes and bolts. He slid the stand piece up through the base so it can stand. He also put sticky foam donuts and dowels at the top to connect other parts later.
He then had to connect the wings to the dowels on the stand and on the gears. His final step was to insert the tail into the bird body and insert the body into the stand.
This is his completed mechanical bird!
Here it is in action! So cool! Both of my sons completely love this!
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was so fun! I really appreciate how it gets both boys interested in engineering. The nine-year-old ends up playing with the eleven-year-old's creations. I actually don't know how Tinker Crate comes up with such great project ideas month after month. They also send quality materials and provide loads of educational content. It's a huge value for $20!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, sign up now for the March box.
Coupon – Save 40% off your first month! No coupon required, just use this link
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