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 April 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 "Art + Machines"! 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 sketch machine! My son was actually a little less enthusiastic than usual at this project selection, but I don't think he really had a good grasp of what the finished product would be like.
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 assemble the drawing board. He inserted a series of pegs and pulleys through the bottom of the board, and then put some sticky foam rectangles around the frame to hold the notecards (the drawing surface) in place.
He then turned the board over and attached some thick sticky foam circles to the bottom to act as feet for the machine.
Next, he had to thread the pegs and pulleys with some string. He attached the strings with little cord binders instead of simply tying them off, which allows you to tighten the string later if needed.
His last step was to create and attach them pen mount. To do this, he attached tubes to the mount with double-sided stickers and zip ties, then inserted the dowels through the tubes so that they are free-moving. He then attached the ends of the dowels to the strings with zip ties. Finally, he trimmed all the zip ties. This is the completed sketch machine!
Here it is in action! So awesome! It's basically like an etch-a-sketch, but with real paper and markers! Both my sons really enjoyed playing with this after it was complete.
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 May box.
Coupon – Save 40% off your first month! No coupon required, just use this link
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