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
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Now through 7/31, use coupon code FREEMONTH to get a free month with an annual subscription!
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 June 2018 "Friction Climbers" 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 "Feel the Friction!" I usually do this box with my twelve-year-old son, but since he was at camp this week, my ten-year-old decided to give it a shot.
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 friction climbers! It was actually three mini-projects this time.
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.
Like my older son, my ten-year-old is getting more and more capable of doing these projects by himself, so sometimes I am a little late to the party in terms of capturing everything on camera. The first climber was a spider. He attached two strings to a spindle and then put the spindle between two spider body pieces. Under the top piece, he also put the cardboard spider legs.
His next set of steps was basically to wind the strings around the spindle in opposing directions, such that when one string lengthens, the other gets shorter.
This is his completed spider...
And here it is in action! When he pulls on the bottom string, it climbs the top string, and when he releases, it goes back down. Pretty cool!
The second climber was a sloth. My son's first step was to put the sloth sticker on the body. Pretty cute! We both love sloths.
He attached four limbs to the sloth body and attached the arms to each other with dowels. He also attached the legs to each other the same way. Then he wrapped some string through the dowels and attached the arms to the legs with rubber bands.
Here's the completed sloth...
And here it is in action! Each time he pulls the string at the bottom, the sloth inches up towards the top. Also pretty cool!
The final climber was a gecko. My son applied the stickers to the gecko body and the inserted the back fin.
He then applied the stickers to the head and assembled it, connecting it to the arms. Then he connected the head and body pieces.
He made the hanger for it with this string loop and wood piece.
Then he ran the long string through the hand and feet pieces and tied it at the bottom. This is the finished gecko.
Here's the gecko in action! I think this one was his favorite.
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was a little less exciting than what Tinker Crate usually sends, but my ten-year-old still enjoyed making the climbers and playing with them. I really appreciate how it gets both boys interested in engineering. 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 July box.
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Now through 7/31, use coupon code FREEMONTH to get a free month with an annual subscription!
Coupon – Save 40% off your first month! No coupon required, just use this link
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