Tinker Crate Subscription Box Review & Coupon – July 2015

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)

COUPON: 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, 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 Hands! What an esoteric theme! I do this box with my nine-year-old son, and he loves Tinker Crate!

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 big project is a biomechanical hand! WHOA!

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 except scissors. I didn’t know this when I took the picture, but some of the materials pictured (straws, card with the ship) are for the mini projects described in TinkerZine. I really appreciate that Tinker Crate has started including all these little extras! Another thing I’ve noticed lately is that when they include little items like screws or brads, they always include a few extras. It’s so easy to lose those little things!

Here’s the completed biomechanical hand! Looks kind of plain, right? Wait for it…

This is the reverse side of the hand where you can see the construction and moving parts. Wait for it…

Bam! Awesome, right? Here it is in action!

The verdict: My 9-year old son and I both absolutely LOVE Tinker Crate! It consistently delivers amazing projects plus a great magazine and bonus projects that my son actually undertakes himself! As time goes on, I can’t believe what they can deliver for $20. Plus we get to spend some fun quality time together, AND he really is learning about science and engineering! IN HIS FREE TIME.

What do you think of Tinker Crate?