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 enhance 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 Flight! A classic! I do this box with my nine-year-old son, and I actually don't think we've ever built model planes before.
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, Tinker Crate has "Designer Gliders" as one of their "MAKE" activities in TinkerZine. As a bonus, they actually sent us the materials we need to make some really cool paper airplanes! I would like to point out that it was very thoughtful of Tinker Crate to provide these at the beginning of summer vacation - I don't want to get any calls from the Principal's Office when school rolls back around!
This month's big project is a set of three rubber band gliders! Cool!
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, and everything was included. We didn't even have to supply scissors!
Here are our three completed planes and the launcher we built. They look great!
Here is a closer look at the two airplanes. The one on the left is a "trick plane," and the one on the right is a Wright Brothers style model.
Here's a closer look at the space shuttle.
Of course, the true test was taking them outside and launching them. They worked well, too! The only thing I think we did wrong was applying too much clay to the nose, so they went down a little prematurely. That can easily be fixed!
The verdict: For seven months straight now, my opinion of Tinker Crate has been consistent: Tinker Crate rules! It's my older son's favorite subscription by far. It's super fun, the projects are cool, and it's really educational. Plus, they give you everything you need to do the projects, and they bring it all in for under $20 shipped! I really don't know what more you could want!
What do you think of Tinker Crate?
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