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
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.
Tinker Crate September 2018 "Kinegram Cartoons" 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 "Kinegram Cartoons". We don't even know what that is! I do this box with my ten-year-old son.
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 kinegram machine! Again, we had no idea what we were in for, haha.
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.
My son's first step was to attach a handle to the crank.
Next, he attached a peg gear to the crank through a wooden piece of the body with plastic screws.
Next, he attached the "slider" with more plastic screws. He then attached the other wooden piece of the body to create a kind of housing around the slider and gear mechanisms.
He also attached the feet by sliding them into the slots on the bottom of the machine and securing with sticky foam. When the crank is turned, the slider goes side to side.
He then attached the viewing panel to the body and the screen to the slider, both with brads.
His last step was to insert the "cartoon" card into the viewing panel and fold the top closed. This is his completed kinegram machine!
And here it is in action! So cool! It came with three different cartoon cards: a shark, a spinning flat box, and a pair of gears that rotate. Of course, he picked the shark because he is a ten-year-old boy!
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was really fun and interesting! I really appreciate how it gets my children 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 October box.
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Check out all of our Tinker Crate reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
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