Tinker Crate is a subscription box for kids ages 9-14 from the makers of KiwiCo. Like Kiwi Crate, it comes with everything you need to complete 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.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (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)
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Now through 11/27, use coupon code this link to save 60% off your first month of a Kiwi Crate, Koala Crate, Doodle Crate or Tinker Crate subscription! (Regularly $19.95 a month.)
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 and Canada, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and APO addresses. Free within the United States, $6.95 to Canada.
Check out all of our Tinker Crate reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your Wish List or Subscription List!
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 illuminating LEDs! The kids always enjoy light themes. I do this box with my eleven-year-old son usually, but this time my nine-year-old wanted to give it a try!
Here's a peek at the table of contents from this month's TinkerZine, plus a look at some of the pages inside. 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 color-mixing LED crystal! My son was completely thrilled!
Here's a peek inside the instructions this month. They may look a little intimidating, but they are always very clear, complete, and easy-to-follow.
These were the materials Tinker Crate supplied for the project. With Tinker Crate, sometimes you have to supply a few things, but they are always items you have at home, like scissors or water. This month they included everything we needed for the project except scissors. Sometimes Tinker Crate includes some supplies for the smaller projects in TinkerZine, too.
My son's first step was to attach the controls to the base with brads. The controls are connected on the inside to colored wires. The colors represent the colors of the LED lights they get attached to eventually.
The next step was to assemble the battery pack and attach it to a metal strip at the base with more brads.
His next step was to insert the cone and to put sticky squares at several key points inside the base.
He finished wiring the base by inserting the LED into the connector strip and wiring everything together. He used resistors between colored wires. We had a good talk about the function of resistors, so that was quality learning time!
This is his illuminated crystal, completed! I cannot tell you how cool this is! But, I can show you...
Here it is in action! So cool!
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was so fun! You really can't imagine how impressed my nine-year-old was with himself and his ability to create something so cool. He actually said, "I can't believe I made this." So exciting! He's going to take it to school this week and show his science teacher and classmates. He is really so proud. So am I, of course! Tinker Crate always picks out fun projects, sends quality materials, and provides loads of educational content. It's a huge value for $20!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, sign up now for the December box.
Coupon – Now through 11/27, use coupon code this link to save 60% off your first month of a Kiwi Crate, Koala Crate, Doodle Crate or Tinker Crate subscription! (Regularly $19.95 a month.)
Or, save 40% off your first month! No coupon required, just use this link
What do you think of Tinker Crate?
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