When shopping for the best monthly subscriptions boxes for teens, a lot of ideas come to mind. Beauty supplies, snacks, entertainment items–like books, movies, and collectibles–can all be found in available boxes. But, it’s the middle of summer, and I’m watching my kids’ brains ooze out of their ears. On a mission to find something with more educational value, I discovered MakeCrate. I received three months of these fantastic STEM boxes and compensation to facilitate these posts, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Best Monthly Subscription Boxes for Teens
MakeCrate challenges teens to make things. They’ll learn how to code, understand electricity, and so much more. We began with the Starter Kit–as the name suggests, this is necessary for all future projects.
Along with everything that comes in the box, your subscription also includes online education software that is needed to complete each project.
Starter Kit
The starter kit fits into the category of educational electronic kits. My daughter is twelve and a half, and she was able to follow the instructions successfully with only a couple suggestions from me to keep her on the right track. In total, we spent around 45 minutes on the project. You could easily finish in 20 minutes if you’re more experienced, or take your time and delve deeper into the coding.
The goal is to build basic circuits and install two lights and a buzzer. Using Arduino software online, you plug into your computer to use coding (easy copy and paste from the MakeCrate website) to communicate with your circuit board. While there, you can see how the code works and play with writing your own.
I was thrilled to see her so focused and using fine motor skills–something she’s struggled with tremendously in the past. The instruction book offers step-by-step guidance with photographs. Then, it’s awesome to see your codes in action.
5 Benefits of MakeCrate
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- Age appropriate. (Recommended for ages 13+)
- Uses super fine motor skills.
- Teens learn useful information.
- Can build off of all the knowledge obtained.
- Fun and engaging.
Any homeschoolers out there need to take a look at MakeCrate. Even if you don’t homeschool your kids, this is an awesome way to keep teenage minds fresh and occupied during the summer months. Anything that gets them ahead in the world of computer science is priceless.
Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time and learning with my daughter. I’ve been wanting to teach myself how to code for a while and haven’t known where to even start. This MakeCrate subscription is catapulting me into a world of learning that is just so wonderful I can’t even express my excitement. This is time well spent enriching our minds as a family.
Up Next:
We’ll be putting together the Soil Moisture Monitor Kit. Check back soon for more posts on this subscription box for teens.
Rust says
This is one of the best ideas in subscription boxes I’ve seen. MakeCrate is something my kids would have really enjoyed when they were younger.
Maryann D. says
These educational electronic kits seem so interesting. This is great for the summer and to keep teens entertained.
Dana Rodriguez says
This looks like a great subscription box. I think they make one for everything.
Sarah L says
This is a great concept for a subscription box. Start slowly and build up your experiences.
Marcie W. says
As the mom of a teen, I really appreciate this review. Finding a subscription box for my oldest that is age appropriate and educational seemed nearly impossible. I definitely plan to check out MakeCrate!
Alicia says
This subscription box looks so cool. I can’t wait to work on it with my oldest!
Scott says
Hadn’t heard of Make Crate, but it does look like something my girls would enjoy. Definitely showing this to them!
lisalisa says
My teen daughter & grandson would love this! I’ve never heard of the Make Crate subscription box before, I have had a few STEM boxes but this one I may look into for both the kids. They love anything pertaining to science.
Melanie says
Coming up with gift ideas for my nieces and nephews can be tough. Normally I go gift card which can seem impersonal. This is such a great idea! They’re engaging and educational.
ellen beck says
I really like the idea of this. Kids are naturally curious. Finding good projects like this are sometimes tough- something to challenge yet fun to do. This would be great to get more interested in STEM related activities,
Jo-Ann Brightman says
This sounds like a wonderful educational subscription box for teens. I shall have to remember then name of MakeCrate.