Tinker Crate is a brand new subscription for kids ages 9-14 from the makers of Kiwi Crate. Like Kiwi Crate, it comes with everything you need to complete multiple 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.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (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 enhace children’s critical thinking and problem solving skills through activities that are exciting and fun!
Ships to: Anywhere in the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and APO addresses
Check out all of our Tinker Crate reviews!
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 Robot Art! My nine-year-old wanted to literally rip the box open as soon as he saw the theme! We had to do it right away!
Here's a peek at the table of contents from this month's TinkerZine. 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. There were fewer activities this month than usual, but the project this month more than made up for that...
This month's big project is building a drawbot! Yes, a robot that makes art! This might be the coolest project we have ever done!
The instructions for Tinker Crate projects may look a little intimidating at first, but they are usually very complete and easy to follow. This month was no exception.
These were the materials for the project. The only thing we had to supply was a pair of scissors.
It worked! I honestly cannot believe that my child, age 9, created a robot that created this artwork. This is his finished product!
Here's a closer look at the drawbot. It's basically three markers, a cardboard body, a motor, and some modeling clay. It took us about 30 minutes to complete.
Here's a view of the drawbot from the side. I took a bunch of pictures! Because this is too cool!
Verdict: Almost every month I think there's no way Tinker Crate can possibly outdo themselves, and every month they prove me wrong! I am completely blown away by this month's project! And I can't believe they provide all this for $20 - it's just incredible. I almost don't know what to say, except this: If you want a subscription service that makes your tween run to the mailbox and back into the house so that he can DO SCIENCE WITH HIS MOM, then this is definitely the subscription for you.
What do you think of Tinker Crate?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.