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 October 2018 "Fantastic Flying Discs" 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 "Fantastic Flying Discs!" Awesome! 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 flying disc machine!
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 install the motor into the board. He used sticky foam and short plastic bolts.
Next, he attached a spinning wheel and a plastic guard. This is ultimately what will propel the discs. He used more plastic bolts and some spacers as well.
He attached legs to the underside of the board, and the ones in the back are taller than the ones in the front, so the board tilts upward.
Next, he loaded the battery and installed the battery pack to the underside of the board with sticky foam. He attached the battery pack to the motor by joining like-colored wires.
His last step was to attach the disc guard with more platic bolts.
This is his completed flying disc machine!
And here it is in action! So cool! The first video shows it launching the discs and the second shows it flying into the wall. Awesome! The kids loved it! My husband even loved it!
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was super fun! 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 November box.
Coupon – Save 60% off your first month! No coupon required, just use this link
Check out all of our Tinker Crate reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
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