Tinker Crate is a relatively 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 Polymers! My nine-year-old son and I do this box together, and neither of us really knew what that meant. We do now!
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. This month's issue had an excellent article about the origin of Silly Putty! The only thing that makes science more fun is when they mix in a little history!
This month's big project is all about slime! Gross!
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 this month was water!
This month was a little different from previous months. Usually, we have one big project to complete (aside from the optional activities described in TinkerZine). This month, there were four smaller projects, all about making polymers of different types. From leftto right, we made slime, putty, and a bug! They are all made of the same basic components - borax, water, glue, and/or cornstarch. And by the way, the slime and the bug both glow in the dark! Awesome!
Verdict: I've said it before, but it bears repeating - Tinker Crate rules! The only thing that was kind of boring about this month is that the fourth mini-project was supposed to be making a bouncy ball, but the kids have made three or four bouncy balls in subscription boxes recently, so I didn't make my son do it again this month. Of course, that's not Tinker Crate's fault. Otherwise, we had loads of fun with this stuff! As soon as I showed the kids how you could pretend to sneeze and then open your slimey hand, they were SOLD!
What do you think of Tinker Crate?
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