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.)
About Tinker Crate
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 and Canada, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and APO addresses. Free within the United States, $6.95 to Canada.
Tinker Crate March 2018 Review
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 "Burning Rubber"! I do this box with my twelve-year-old son.
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 drift motorcycle! My son was really excited to take this project on!
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.
This month, Tinker Crate included this little card with specific instructions on how to operate the battery pack. It may seem a little unnecessary, but I'll admit they are a bit tricky.
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. Sometimes Tinker Crate includes some supplies for the smaller projects in TinkerZine, too.
My son's first step was to assemble the front wheel carriage. This was done primarily with plastic dowels and bolts.
He then assembled the battery pack. He placed it inside the casing using sticky squares and then folded the sides up around it.
Then he attached the battery pack to the front wheel with another plastic dowel and bolts.
He then assembled the motor casing, again using sticky squares and a plastic bolt.
His next step was to assemble the rear wheel carriage, similarly to how he assembled the front wheel carriage. In this case, however, he had to include the motor assembly in the build and loop a rubber band through the wheel and bolt.
This is his completed motorcycle! His final step was to connect the front and rear sections of the motorcycles with a dowel, bolts, and rubber bands.
Here it is in action! So cool! Both of my sons completely love this!
We rarely have issues with our projects from Tinker Crate, but in this case, the motor kept torquing out of the casing (as seen here). My son and I decided to try strengthening the casing by putting electrical tape over the open side, and it worked just fine.
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was so fun! I really appreciate how it gets both boys interested in engineering. The ten-year-old ends up playing with the twelve-year-old's creations. I actually don't know how Tinker Crate comes up with such great project ideas month after month. They also send quality materials and provide 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 April box.
Coupon – Save 40% off your first month! No coupon required, just use this link
Check out all of our Tinker Crate reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
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What do you think of Tinker Crate?
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