KiwiCo Tinker Crate review

KiwiCo runs the largest set of lines on this list: Panda Crate for 0 to 36 months, crates for ages 3 to 6 and 6 to 9, Tinker Crate for 9 to 12, and Eureka and Maker crates for ages 12 and up. Tinker Crate is the line most parents mean by a STEM box. KiwiCo calls it a laboratory for hands-on STEM projects, and each crate includes instructions, ways to play, bonus challenges and the parts for one build, with videos and activity ideas online. Example projects on the page include a Mega Hand whose jointed fingers move when you gesture and a remote control Delivery Bot. The regular price is $30 per crate with free US shipping, and KiwiCo often runs codes that lower the first crates, so the price you pay may differ. You can switch lines or cancel anytime. It ranks just behind CrunchLabs because the regular per-crate price is higher, but no other brand lets one family stay with a single service from the toddler years to the teens.

Who it is for

families who want one brand from toddler crates to teen engineering

Price

$30 per crate at the regular price, with free US shipping; KiwiCo promo codes often cut the first crates.

Start for as low as $19.20/crate (reg. $30)
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Tinker Crate is designed for ages 9 to 12 as a lab for hands-on STEM projects
• Each crate includes instructions, ways to play, bonus challenges and the materials for the build
• Example projects include a Mega Hand with jointed fingers and an RC Delivery Bot
• Free shipping on any US order for subscribers, plus 10% off store orders
• Sibling lines cover 0 to 36 months, ages 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12 and 12 to 100

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Widest age coverage of any brand here, from 0 to 36 months up to adults
• Strength: Switch or cancel anytime, according to KiwiCo
• Strength: Free US shipping on subscriptions
• Weakness: Regular price of $30 per crate is above CrunchLabs and Little Passports on long plans
• Weakness: Prices on kiwico.com change with frequent promo codes, so check the checkout total
• Weakness: Tinker Crate alone covers only ages 9 to 12

Key facts

• Ages: 9 to 12 (Tinker Crate)
• Price: $30 per crate regular price
• Delivery: Monthly
• Shipping: Free for US subscribers
• Other lines: Panda, Koala, Kiwi, Atlas, Doodle, Eureka, Maker

Where it ranks

KiwiCo Tinker Crate is No. 2 in our Best STEM Subscription Boxes verdict.