Skip to product information
Video of Mark Rober Introducing Build Box
Solo Build Box (Opened)
All Build Boxes
Boy Assembling Build Box
All Components of a Build Box
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
824 Reviews
Reviews

Build Box Subscription

Pick your plan
We're sorry, limit 5 Crunchlabs Box Subscriptions per order, Contact help@crunchlabs.com for Bulk orders.
This subscription automatically renews annually AND you can turn it off prior to renewal.
<p>Free Shipping (in US, Discounted Intl)</p>

Free Shipping (in US, Discounted Intl)

<p>New DIY Toy Every Month (for YEARS!)</p>

New DIY Toy Every Month (for YEARS!)

<p>Exclusive Mark Rober Video w/ Every Build</p>

Exclusive Mark Rober Video w/ Every Build

<p>Win Platinum Tickets to CrunchLabs!</p>

Win Platinum Tickets to CrunchLabs!

What's included
  • A new build-it-yourself toy each and every month
  • Unlock a fun and educational 15-30 minute video from Mark Rober with every box to become an engineering superhero
  • Each box contains a chance to win a Platinum Ticket - a trip to CrunchLabs to meet & create with Mark Rober*

*No Purchase Necessary. Ends 5/31/25. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. See Official Rules.

We're sorry, limit 5 Crunchlabs Box Subscriptions per order, Contact help@crunchlabs.com for Bulk orders.
This subscription automatically renews annually AND you can turn it off prior to renewal.
<p>Free Shipping (in US, Discounted Intl)</p>

Free Shipping (in US, Discounted Intl)

<p>New DIY Toy Every Month (for YEARS!)</p>

New DIY Toy Every Month (for YEARS!)

<p>Exclusive Mark Rober Video w/ Every Build</p>

Exclusive Mark Rober Video w/ Every Build

<p>Win Platinum Tickets to CrunchLabs!</p>

Win Platinum Tickets to CrunchLabs!

What's included
  • A new build-it-yourself toy each and every month
  • Unlock a fun and educational 15-30 minute video from Mark Rober with every box to become an engineering superhero
  • Each box contains a chance to win a Platinum Ticket - a trip to CrunchLabs to meet & create with Mark Rober*

*No Purchase Necessary. Ends 5/31/25. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. See Official Rules.

We're sorry, limit 5 Crunchlabs Box Subscriptions per order, Contact help@crunchlabs.com for Bulk orders.
This subscription automatically renews quarterly AND you can turn it off prior to renewal.
<p>Free Shipping (in US, Discounted Intl)</p>

Free Shipping (in US, Discounted Intl)

<p>New DIY Toy Every Month (for YEARS!)</p>

New DIY Toy Every Month (for YEARS!)

<p>Exclusive Mark Rober Video w/ Every Build</p>

Exclusive Mark Rober Video w/ Every Build

<p>Win Platinum Tickets to CrunchLabs!</p>

Win Platinum Tickets to CrunchLabs!

What's included
  • A new build-it-yourself toy each and every month
  • Unlock a fun and educational 15-30 minute video from Mark Rober with every box to become an engineering superhero
  • Each box contains a chance to win a Platinum Ticket - a trip to CrunchLabs to meet & create with Mark Rober*

*No Purchase Necessary. Ends 5/31/25. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. See Official Rules.

Pick your plan
  • A new build-it-yourself toy each and every month
  • Unlock a fun and educational 15-30 minute video from Mark Rober with every box to become an engineering superhero
  • Each box comes with a chance to win a trip to the CrunchLab to hang out with Mark Rober. Ends 5/31/24. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. No purchase necessary. See Official Rules
  • Free shipping in the US & discounted international shipping
  • Purchase this annual subscription upfront and get 2 months free, a $60 USD value (discount already included; no code needed)
You pay:
$299.40 $359.40 (Paid each year)
We're sorry, limit 5 Crunchlabs Box Subscriptions per order, Contact help@crunchlabs.com for Bulk orders.
  • A new build-it-yourself toy each and every month
  • Unlock a fun and educational 15-30 minute video from Mark Rober with every box to become an engineering superhero
  • Each box comes with a chance to win a trip to the CrunchLab to hang out with Mark Rober. Ends 5/31/24. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. No purchase necessary. See Official Rules
  • Free shipping in the US & discounted international shipping
  • Commit to an annual subscription (paid monthly) and get 1 month free, a $30 USD value
You pay:
$27.45 $29.95 (Paid each month)
We're sorry, limit 5 Crunchlabs Box Subscriptions per order, Contact help@crunchlabs.com for Bulk orders.
  • A new build-it-yourself toy each and every month
  • Unlock a fun and educational 15-30 minute video from Mark Rober with every box to become an engineering superhero
  • Each box comes with a chance to win a trip to the CrunchLab to hang out with Mark Rober. Ends 5/31/24. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. No purchase necessary. See Official Rules
  • Free shipping in the US & discounted international shipping
  • Commit to 3 months, pay quarterly
You pay:
$89.85 (Paid every 3 months)
We're sorry, limit 5 Crunchlabs Box Subscriptions per order, Contact help@crunchlabs.com for Bulk orders.

Peek Inside Your First 12 Boxes

Box 1

Disc Launcher

Disc Launcher

STEM Principle: Flywheel

SEE MORE

Box 1

Disc Launcher

Flywheel

A flywheel is a mechanical device that stores rotational energy. Basically, it stores energy by spinning. Your Disc Launcher uses the rotational energy (spin) of the flywheel to launch its discs. When a disc touches the flywheel, the flywheel gives some of its stored energy to the disc.

Peek Inside Box 1
SEE LESS

Box 2

Coin Spinner

Coin Spinner

STEM Principle: Ratchet

SEE MORE

Box 2

Coin Spinner

Ratchet

A ratchet is a device that allows rotation in only one direction. Basically, it only turns one way. It uses special teeth to lock a wheel in place. For the Coin Spinner, when you pull the ratchet back, the teeth lock to store the energy of the rubber band until you release it with the trigger. Then, it transfers stored energy to the coin.

Peek Inside Box 2
SEE LESS

Box 3

Trip Wire

Trip Wire

STEM Principle: Momentum Transfer

SEE MORE

Box 3

Trip Wire

Momentum Transfer

Momentum transfer is motion passing between objects. Basically, one thing bumps into something else. When the Trip Wire is triggered, the kicker lever swings into the foam ball. The energy transfers from the kicker to the ball, just like kicking a soccer ball. Energy is never lost!

Peek Inside Box 3
SEE LESS

Box 4

Drawing Machine

Drawing Machine

STEM Principle: Linkages

SEE MORE

Box 4

Drawing Machine

Linkages

A linkage uses pivoting bars to guide a machine’s movement. Basically, linkages help things move. The Drawing Machine uses linkages to guide a pen in complex but predictable patterns. The arms are connected to wheels that spin at different speeds. The arms also pivot in difference places, changing where the pen goes.

Peek Inside Box 4
SEE LESS

Box 5

Domino Catapult

Domino Catapult

STEM Principle: Projectile Motion

SEE MORE

Box 5

Domino Catapult

Projectile Motion

Projectile motion is the curved path of a launched object. Basically, it’s the science of tossing stuff. Domino Catapults can launch balls to the same spot over & over due to projectile motion. The motion of a projectile is affected by the angle (trajectory), the force (velocity), and gravity. Keep those the same each time you launch to predict where the ball will land.

Peek Inside Box 5
SEE LESS

Box 6

Strobe Light

Strobe Light

STEM Principle: Light Refraction

SEE MORE

Box 6

Strobe Light

Light Refraction

Light reflection is light hitting an object and then bouncing off of it. Basically, it’s light changing directions. The squirrel animation is made by etching tiny scratches into clear acrylic. The light wants to pass through the acrylic, but when it hits the scratches, it gets reflected out the front. That’s why the squirrels appear to be glowing!

Peek Inside Box 6
SEE LESS

Box 7

Mirror Bank

Mirror Bank

STEM Principle: Mirrors

SEE MORE

Box 7

Mirror Bank

Mirrors

Mirrors are smooth surfaces that reflect a clear image. Basically, it’s light changing directions. Your Mirror Bank uses the reflective surface of a mirror to create an illusion of an empty box. The box is only half empty, but because the mirror reflects the empty half perfectly, your eye is tricked into seeing one entirely empty box.

Peek Inside Box 7
SEE LESS

Box 8

Boomerang Car

Boomerang Car

STEM Principle: Worm Gear

SEE MORE

Box 8

Boomerang Car

Worm Gear

A worm drive is a gear that changes the axis of rotation 90°. Basically, it’s a gear that turns a corner. Worm drives are often used to change the orientation of gear. Notice that the Boomerang Car uses a worm drive to flip vertical rotation from the motor into horizontal rotation of the red & blue switch. As a result, the Boomerang Car’s motor, wheels, and switch all move as one.

Peek Inside Box 8
SEE LESS

Box 9

Duck Game

Duck Game

STEM Principle: Belts

SEE MORE

Box 9

Duck Game

Belts

A belt is a loop of material used to carry objects or transfer energy. Basically, belts move stuff along. The belt on your Duck Game carries the ducks in an endless loop. The rollers drive the belt forward, bringing the ducks along for the ride...

Peek Inside Box 9
SEE LESS

Box 10

Air Ball

Air Ball

STEM Principle: Coanda Effect

SEE MORE

Box 10

Air Ball

Coanda Effect

The Coanda Effect is the tendency of air to follow an object's curvature. Basically, air can wrap around things like a net. The Air Ball game takes advantage of this effect. As the ball enters the airstream, air “wraps” around the ball suspending it in a bubble of air pressure. That bubble of pressure acts like a magnet and keeps the ball centered in the stream.

Peek Inside Box 10
SEE LESS

Box 11

Airplane Launcher

Airplane Launcher

STEM Principle: Springs

SEE MORE

Box 11

Airplane Launcher

Springs

A spring stores mechanical energy through elastic deformation. Basically, springs store energy by stretching. The spring in your Airplane Launcher stores energy when you pull your string back and releases energy when you let it go. Your spring returns to its original shape after being stretched due to elastic deformation.

Peek Inside Box 11
SEE LESS

Box 12

Rocket Revolver

Rocket Revolver

STEM Principle: Compressed Air

SEE MORE

Box 12

Rocket Revolver

Compressed Air

Compressed air holds a greater pressure than the atmosphere. Basically, it’s tightly-packed air. The Rocket Revolver is powered by compressed air. When you stomp the pump, you're pressurizing the air inside. That air wants to escape back into the lower-pressure atmosphere. The only way for the air to escape back into the atmosphere is by shooting the rocket out of the way.

Peek Inside Box 12
SEE LESS

How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

OK that’s two questions, but here goes. We design each toy to be a little bit challenging for kids 8-12+, in the same way a good puzzle is challenging. But ours comes with a step-by-step illustrated instruction booklet along with a video of Mark Rober walking kids through each step. We test with 8-12 year olds extensively and prototype for months to make sure each toy is a smooth and enjoyable build. With the help of the video, the instruction booklet, and a dash of tenacity, tons of kids are nailing it and successfully and independently building and playing with Build Box.

CrunchLabs Build Boxes are designed for kids ages 8-12+, but plenty of other kids and adults have enjoyed them too! We know some 30 year olds around here who can’t stop sneak attacking each other with disc launchers. We test every product with third-party testing agencies to ensure the products comply with US and EU safety standards for kids ages 8-years and older. Parents and guardians can gauge the appropriateness for their kids, but we have worked hard to ensure that they’re a blast for the intended age range.

Nope! We think we thought of everything! All the stuff you need to make the toy is included in the Build Box, even batteries. You will need an Internet connection and a kid-safe device to watch the Mark Rober video episode, but you don’t need the video episode to complete the build! In the booklet, we do offer ideas for additional games and challenges that may require other materials – but those are supplemental and not required for the main build and play.

BUT, sometimes in engineering, stuff goes wrong. If on the off chance there are parts missing, go to your account dashboard and visit the webpage for your Build Box. Fill out the form to request missing parts. If you have further questions contact help@crunchlabs.com.  

It depends! We try to make each build 30 to 60 minutes on average for an 8-12 year old. If your kid likes to take a lot of snack breaks , or there’s a pesky sibling, or they can’t stop laughing cause the dog fell off the couch, or they just need to clear their head by running around in circles, they can always come back later to finish.

Currently, we don’t offer an option to purchase individual Build Boxes (though that may come down the road). We have crafted MULTIPLE years of engineering fun and learning, so we think a subscription is the best.

If you want to be the first to hear about what we’ve got in store, join our mailing list!

Of course! We test every product with third-party testing agencies to ensure the products comply with US and EU safety standards for kids ages 8-years and older. The safety standards check to ensure the toy is safe and sturdy for its intended play and that unsafe chemicals haven’t been used in the toy production.

Each Build Box contains a chance to win a Platinum Ticket*, not unlike the Golden Ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. How’s it work? One Build Box is selected at random and a little extra piece of hardware goes inside. The lucky winners visit the real life CrunchLabs to meet & create with Mark Rober. 

*No Purchase Necessary. Ends 5/31/25. 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. See Official Rules.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For it!

Photo of a Boy Showing Off his Build Box

Best gift! He had the box open and was building within moments of receiving it. Then he showed his siblings and his neighborhood friends just how cool it was!

Kristen

Verified Reviewer

Photo of Girl Showing Off CrunchLabs Diploma

My daughter LOVES building these. It really is something she looks forward to every month.

Taylor

Verified Reviewer

Photo of Girl at a Science Fair

From CrunchLabs boxes to National Invention Convention! I cannot thank CrunchLabs enough for fostering a love and passion for building and STEM in my kids.

Jennifer

Verified Reviewer

Photo of Boy Assembling a Build Box

I just completed Year 1! And I was awarded the Most Passionate Engineer last year in 6th grade. Thanks for making engineering fun.

Justin

Verified Reviewer

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 824 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 744 Total 4 star reviews: 34 Total 3 star reviews: 21 Total 2 star reviews: 12 Total 1 star reviews: 13
Customer-uploaded media carousel. Press left and right arrows to navigate. Press space or enter to open more details.
Slide 1 selected
824 reviews
  • T
    Teresa
    Build Box Subscription
    Reviewing
    Build Box Subscription
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 weeks ago
    Grandson loves his Build Box

    We have been getting Build Box for 2 years now. My grandson’s eyes light up when he visits and sees another one waiting for him to build. He is getting better at problem solving when it doesn’t work quite right. He is able to figure out which step he missed and corrects the problem. Well worth the investment!

  • KJ Profile picture for Kelly J.
    Kelly J.
    Verified Reviewer
    Build Box Subscription
    Reviewing
    Build Box Subscription
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 weeks ago
    Love this for my son!

    My son love building and tinkering with things all the time. When we got this subscription for him he was so excited to show us what he was building and what he accomplished each month. He loved being able to explain how it worked. He has had this subscription for about 2 years I believe and just loves everything about it. I highly recommend this for any child who loves building and playing.

  • S Profile picture for Sarah
    Sarah
    Build Box Subscription
    Reviewing
    Build Box Subscription
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Gyroscope Walker

    "1 out of 100? I give it 100!"

Reviews LoadedReviews Added
Hack Pack Subscription

If Build Box looks a tad too simple, please check out Hack Pack, designed for teens & adults!

Kids Love Us!