CrunchLabs is a monthly subscription box created by Mark Rober, the former NASA engineer turned YouTube mega-star. If your kid has spent any time on YouTube (and let's be honest, about 80% of kids are using it either supervised or solo according to our community data), they've probably seen his elaborate videos featuring glitter bombs for package thieves or swimming pools filled with Orbeez.
Each month, subscribers receive a build-it-yourself toy that teaches engineering principles. Think: a catapult that launches ping pong balls, a mechanical claw that actually grabs things, or a marble run with physics-based challenges. The boxes come with all the parts, instructions, and access to build-along videos featuring Mark himself.
The hook? Kids are building functional toys while learning about gear ratios, potential energy, and other STEM concepts without realizing they're in "learning mode." It's positioned as the antidote to passive screen time—hands-on engineering disguised as play.
Mark Rober has 58 million YouTube subscribers for a reason. He's genuinely entertaining, his projects are legitimately cool, and he's managed to make engineering feel accessible rather than intimidating. When kids watch his videos, they're not just consuming content—they're watching someone build insane contraptions and thinking "I want to do that."
CrunchLabs taps directly into that desire. It's not just another toy—it's Mark Rober in a box. The parasocial relationship kids have with YouTube creators is powerful, and having a subscription that feels like a personal connection to someone they admire is incredibly appealing.
Plus, let's be real: the toys are actually fun. They're not educational in that "eat your vegetables" way. They're genuinely satisfying to build and play with.
Here's where we need to talk numbers. CrunchLabs costs $24.95 per month (or slightly less if you prepay for longer subscriptions). That's roughly $300 per year for one child.
Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your family's priorities and budget.
The case FOR it:
- Quality engineering education that's genuinely engaging
- Reduces screen time with hands-on building
- Teaches problem-solving and spatial reasoning
- Kids actually want to do it (motivation matters!)
- Better than many toys that get played with once
The case AGAINST it:
- That's $300/year you could spend on other STEM activities
- After the initial build, some toys collect dust
- The "subscription trap" concern is real—easy to forget to cancel
- Not all boxes are created equal (some kids love certain months, find others meh)
- If you have multiple kids, costs multiply fast
CrunchLabs markets to kids roughly ages 8-14, but there's significant variation in what works for different ages:
Ages 6-8: Likely needs significant adult help. The builds can be frustrating for younger kids with developing fine motor skills. If you're doing it together as a bonding activity, great. If you're hoping for independent play, wait.
Ages 9-12: The sweet spot. Most kids in this range can follow the instructions with minimal help and feel genuine accomplishment from completing builds.
Ages 13+: Some teens still love it, others find it too "young" or lose interest after a few months. Depends heavily on the individual kid's interests.
Important note: Kids who already love building (LEGO, Minecraft redstone, etc.) are much more likely to stay engaged long-term than kids who don't naturally gravitate toward construction activities.
The subscription model is designed to be sticky. Like most subscription services, it's easy to sign up and slightly annoying to cancel. Set a calendar reminder to evaluate after 3 months whether your kid is actually using the boxes or if they're piling up unopened.
It's not a screen time replacement—it's a screen time complement. Kids watch the build-along videos on YouTube, and many immediately want to show Mark Rober their finished project (which means more screen time filming and posting). That's not necessarily bad, but don't expect this to eliminate devices from the equation.
The educational value is real but not revolutionary. Your kid will learn genuine engineering concepts. Will it make them the next Elon Musk? No. Is it better than watching MrBeast videos for three hours? Probably. Learn more about active vs. passive screen time
.
Sibling dynamics matter. If you have multiple kids, decide upfront: one subscription they share? Individual subscriptions? Different age-appropriate options? The "it's not fair" battles are real with subscription boxes.
Before committing to CrunchLabs, consider:
- KiwiCo - Similar concept, multiple age tiers, slightly cheaper
- One-time engineering kits - LEGO Technic, Snap Circuits, etc.
- Local maker spaces - Many offer kids' classes for less than $300/year
- YouTube DIY projects - Mark Rober has free build videos; buy materials as needed
- Library STEM programs - Often free or low-cost
CrunchLabs isn't a scam or a waste of money, but it's also not magic. It's a well-designed, legitimately educational product that costs real money and works best for kids who already enjoy building things.
Consider CrunchLabs if:
- Your kid is genuinely into Mark Rober and building projects
- You have the budget without financial stress
- You're looking for structured STEM activities
- Your child is in the 9-12 age range
Skip it if:
- Your kid doesn't naturally gravitate toward building activities
- The monthly cost feels like a stretch
- You have access to other hands-on STEM options
- Your child loses interest in projects quickly
If you're considering CrunchLabs:
- Watch Mark Rober videos together - Gauge your kid's genuine interest level
- Start with one month - Don't commit to a year upfront
- Set a calendar reminder - Review after 3 months whether it's worth continuing
- Have the money conversation - Kids should understand this costs money and isn't unlimited
- Explore alternatives - Compare options before deciding
The real question isn't whether CrunchLabs is good or bad—it's whether it's the right fit for your specific kid and family budget right now. And that's a question only you can answer.