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 Circuits! My nine-year-old son and I do this box together, and I was super excited to share this topic with him. It's one of my favorites!
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 was a little different than most, in that they included some supplies for an additional project - LED Robots! We haven't had time to make them yet, but we cannot wait to get them going!
This month's big project is paper circuits. We had no idea what that meant we were making until we read the instructions, but we were excited anyway.
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, plus the supplies for the bonus DIY robots. The only thing we had to supply this month was a pair of scissors.
This is our completed project - paper lanterns! We love making lanterns, luminaries, and anything that will light up the night around our house! Pictured are the three lanterns and one base. I think we will try to build two more bases so we can have them lit all at one time.
And here they are all lit up! Soooo pretty!
The verdict: If you ask my nine-year-old son what his favorite subscription box is, he will tell you without hesitation, Tinker Crate! All of their projects are fun, they all work as expected, they are great hands-on learning experiences, and they are impressive finished products! One criteria I use when evaluating children's (and adult's) DIY kits is whether the project is not only fun to make but also fun to own. Almost everything from Tinker Crate turns into something my kids play with regularly, or at least show off to friends and family. That's super cool!
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.