Unboxing the Creative Kit By CrunchLabs

If you're searching for a monthly subscription box that blends creativity, STEM learning, hands-on building, and fun for kids aged 6-10, the Creative Kit Subscription by CrunchLabs might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Created by former NASA engineer, YouTuber, and beloved science educator Mark Rober, the Creative Kit brings engineering, imagination, and storytelling right to your doorstep. In this review, we’ll dive deep into everything you get, what kids learn, and how this kit compares to other CrunchLabs subscriptions.

Why the Creative Kit Stands Out

Unlike typical craft boxes, the Creative Kit is built around one central idea:“Kids learn best when they build, create, and think.”

Each monthly box combines STEM, art, and exploration, making it a smart choice for parents who want their kids to develop:

• Creative thinking

• Problem-solving skills

• Early engineering intuition

• Hands-on confidence

• Imagination and storytelling

It’s a subscription that encourages kids to do more than follow instructions-they become designers, inventors, and creators.

Unboxing the Creative Kit: What’s Inside?

Every Creative Kit box follows a simple but powerful three-step process:

BUILD - Hands-On Construction

Each month includes materials for building one create-it-yourself toy or animal friend.The kit includes:

• Pre-cut components

• Stickers and decorative materials

• Illustrated instruction booklet

• Any specialty pieces unique to that month’s design

No tools are required beyond occasional scissors, making it kid-friendly and frustration-free.

These builds are intentionally designed to feel like a puzzle-interesting and rewarding while still manageable for kids ages 6 to 10.

CREATE - Design, Customize, and Imagine

This is where the Creative Kit truly shines.After the toy or character is built, kids are encouraged to:

• Color

• Decorate

• Add accessories

• Reconfigure or redesign components

For example, in the Squirrel Treehouse kit, the layout can be switched and redecorated endlessly, giving kids near-infinite creative expression.

This stage helps young builders feel like makers, not just assemblers.

THINK - Learn from Mark Rober

Each monthly box unlocks a kid-friendly companion video hosted by Mark Rober himself.These videos:

• Dive into creative problem-solving

• Share cool science concepts

• Encourage deeper thinking

• Add storytelling and humor

• Challenge kids to level up their project

All build instructions are in the booklet, but the video is where the “aha!” learning moments come to life.

Build time per kit is typically 30-60 minutes, depending on your child’s age and pace.

A Peek Inside Three Creative Kit Boxes

Here’s a small taste of what the Creative Kit offers:

Box 1: The Architect’s Treehouse

Kids design, construct, and decorate their very own treehouse.The cool part? Everything is modular-floors, walls, and furniture can move and transform any time.

Box 2: The Flavor Chemist’s Ice Cream Stand

Children mix colors, top cones, and invent imaginative ice cream creations-sort of like a dessert lab that blends pretend play with creative chemistry.

Box 3: The Paleontologist’s Dinosaur Museum

Your child builds dinosaurs, uses a light table to trace them, and sets up a museum exhibit-with them as the paleontologist.

These kits combine science, art, and storytelling beautifully.

The Platinum Ticket Challenge

A standout perk of the subscription is access to the Platinum Ticket Challenge, where kids can submit a mini-movie using their Creative Kit creation.The grand prize winner gets:

• A trip to CrunchLabs HQ

• A chance to create with Mark Rober

• A prize value of up to $4,500 USD

It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity for young creators to show off their imaginative builds.

Subscription Plans & Pricing (2025)

CrunchLabs offers three Creative Kit subscription options:

Annual - Pay Annually (Best Seller)

• $27.45/box

• $329.40/year (billed once)

• Save $101.30 (≈ 2 free months)

• Free U.S. shipping

Annual - Pay Monthly

• $29.95/box

• $359.40 total per year

• Save $32.95

• Discounted shipping

Quarterly - Pay Every 3 Months

• $32.95/box

• $98.85/quarter

• Discounted shipping

All plans auto-renew but can be canceled or turned off up to 3 days before renewal.

What If My Child Outgrows the Creative Kit?

CrunchLabs has a growth path that adjusts as your child develops new skills.

Creative Kit (Ages 6–10)

Focus: Creativity, imagination, early STEM

Best for: Kids who love crafts, building, animals, and storytelling.

Build Box (Ages 8–13)

Focus: Engineering, mechanics, problem-solving

Features: More complex builds like catapults, hydraulic machines, and chain-reaction devices.Good for: Kids who want engineering challenges with moving parts and physics.

Hack Pack (Ages 14–101)

Focus: Robotics, coding, electronicsFeatures: Microcontrollers, sensors, motors, and real programming tasks.

Best for: Teens, adults, or anyone who loves robotics and tech exploration.

In short: the Creative Kit is the gateway; Build Box and Hack Pack are the next steps.

Who Is Mark Rober? Why Kids Love Him

Mark Rober is more than a YouTuber-he’s a former NASA engineer who worked on the Mars Curiosity Rover, an inventor, and a global advocate for hands-on science education.

Kids love him because:

• His explanations are simple but brilliant

• He uses humor, storytelling, and amazing demonstrations

• He talks to kids in a way that makes science feel fun, cool, and possible

• He encourages failure and experimentation as part of learning

His approach is exactly what today’s kids need: science that feels like play.

Pros & Cons of the CrunchLabs Creative Kit

Pros

• Hands-on + creative hybrid (rare blend of STEM and art)

• Age-appropriate builds that challenge 6-10-year-olds without frustrating them

• Companion videos by Mark Rober, adding inspiration and deeper learning

• High replay value thanks to modular parts and customizable builds

• Screen-free activity that still teaches engineering and science concepts

• Kid-safe designs and clear instructions

• Exciting Platinum Ticket Challenge that encourages kids to share their creations

• Flexible subscription options with big savings on annual plans

• Great for siblings, especially if they like working together

• Helps build confidence, patience, and problem-solving skills

  
  

Cons

• Subscription only - you cannot buy individual past boxes

• Internet required to watch the Mark Rober videos

• Younger kids may need light parental guidance, especially during the Build stage

• Shipping outside the U.S. not currently supported

• Projects typically take 30-60 minutes, which some kids may finish quickly

• Auto-renewal can surprise users who forget to turn it off

• Kids who prefer pure engineering may outgrow the Creative Kit within a year and need the Build Box instead

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What age is the Creative Kit best suited for?

The Creative Kit is designed for kids ages 6-10. It combines simple engineering principles with open-ended creativity that fits this developmental stage.

How long does each project take?

Most builds take 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on your child’s age and comfort level.

Does my child need adult help?

The instructions are kid-friendly, but younger children (ages 6–7) may appreciate some help during the Build stage.

Is the content educational?

Yes! Each kit blends engineering, creativity, art, and critical thinking. The Mark Rober video that comes with each box adds fun STEM explanations.

Can I buy just one Creative Kit box?

Not at this time. CrunchLabs only offers subscription plans for the Creative Kit.

What if my child finishes it too fast?

Many kits offer modular, replayable designs, so kids can rebuild, redesign, and redecorate their creations in new ways.

What is the difference between the Creative Kit, Build Box, and Hack Pack?

• Creative Kit (6–10): Creativity + simple builds + art

• Build Box (8–13): Engineering-focused projects

• Hack Pack (14+): Coding + robotics + electronics

Do you need tools?

No special tools are required. Scissors may be helpful occasionally.

How do I cancel or pause the subscription?

You can cancel or disable auto-renewal via your CrunchLabs account or by emailing help@crunchlabs.com at least 3 days before renewal.

Does each kit come with a video?

Yes! Every Creative Kit includes access to a Mark Rober educational video that pairs with the month’s project.

Is it suitable for siblings?

Yes, but one kit per child is ideal to avoid sharing conflicts during the build.

Do the boxes require an internet connection?

Only for the video. The physical build instructions come in the booklet.

What if my child outgrows it?

CrunchLabs offers next-step subscriptions:

• Build Box for engineering-minded kids

• Hack Pack for teens who want coding and robotics

Are the kits good for homeschooling?

Absolutely-many homeschool parents use them as STEAM enrichment projects.

Is it messy?

Most kits are tidy, though the Create stage may involve coloring or decorating (manageable craft-level mess).

Is the Creative Kit Worth the Price? (Value Breakdown)

• Each kit provides 1 hour of structured activity + hours of imaginative play afterward

• Mark Rober videos add bonus educational value

• Annual plans offer up to 2 months free

• Materials are high-quality, durable, and often reusable

Compared to typical craft kits or STEM boxes, the Creative Kit delivers better storytelling, better learning, and higher-quality instructions.

What Kids Learn from the Creative Kit

• Early engineering concepts

• Spatial reasoning

• Artistic expression

• Problem-solving

• Design thinking

• Persistence and patience

• Following sequential instructions

• Creativity and experimentation

What Parents Are Saying

• “My 7-year-old waits by the door for his Creative Kit every month.”

• “The videos with Mark Rober make my daughter feel like she’s learning from a real engineer.”

• “We’ve tried other STEM boxes-this one is by far the most creative.”

  
  

Final Verdict: Is the Creative Kit Worth It?

If your child is between 6 and 10 and enjoys:

✓ Building✓ Crafting✓ Pretend play✓ Creative challenges✓ STEAM learning

…then the CrunchLabs Creative Kit is absolutely worth the investment.

It mixes creativity with education, offers hours of imaginative play, and builds foundational thinking skills that kids will use for years.

Plus, the chance to learn directly from Mark Rober is a huge bonus.

In a world full of screen time, this box gives kids something better-tools to create, think, and explore.