Starting the hunt for the ideal STEM kit for your young inventor can be quite a journey. The world of STEM education is vast and filled with options, each offering its own unique experiences. 

In this guide, we'll explore the world of STEM education, highlight what makes CircuitMess special, and delve into all the important things to think about when picking the perfect STEM kit for your child. 

So, let's begin and make this journey an enjoyable one!

The STEM kit education landscape

The world of STEM education is a vibrant one, teeming with opportunities for young learners. As parents and educators, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the right tools to ignite our children's curiosity and nurture their STEM skills. 

In this diverse landscape, we’ll compare the 4 major players, each with its unique approach: CircuitMess, Mel Science, KiwiCo, and Creation Crate.

These brands have recognized the importance of providing young minds with engaging, hands-on experiences that make learning STEM subjects a joyful adventure. While their goals align — educating the next generation of innovators and problem solvers — the methods and offerings differ.

At CircuitMess, we pride ourselves on empowering kids to build, code, and tinker with electronic devices. Our kits are a gateway to the world of electronics and programming, where children explore technology through exciting hands-on projects. And the best thing is - each of our STEM projects is extremely cool — otherwise we wouldn’t even think about creating them. 

Mel Science takes a hands-on approach to STEm in general, offering captivating experiments delivered right to your doorstep. Their kits bring the wonders of the chemical world to life, allowing children to conduct safe and exciting experiments in the comfort of their homes. Besides chemistry, they offer several different DIY kits — one for each field — Math, Space, Physics, Chemistry, and STEM in general. 

KiwiCo is known for its comprehensive range of STEM-focused crates, each tailored to a specific age group and learning level. These crates encompass various subjects, ensuring that kids of all interests find something to pique their curiosity. From kits designed for newborns to engineering kits for high school students - they’ve covered it all. 

Creation Crate is all about electronics, engineering, and chemistry. Their kits provide an accessible entry point into the world of STEM, making it fun and educational for young tech and chemistry enthusiasts. Each of their kits includes access to an online classroom where kids can dive into video tutorials, challenges, and various learning resources. 

In the end, while these brands offer different products, they share a common goal: making STEM education engaging and enjoyable. It's not about dull textbooks or tedious lectures; it's about exciting hands-on experiences that awaken a love for STEM in children. 

We love all of them and deeply respect them for pursuing this wonderful mission of creating a new generation of innovators. But which one is the best pick for your kids? Let’s find out.

Why and how do we differ from other STEM kit creators?

As you’ve seen — there are several brands that offer STEM kits — just like we do. But what truly distinguishes us from the competition, and why might you consider our products for your child's STEM education journey? 

It's not solely about the kits themselves; it's the underlying philosophy, the massive value of our STEM kits, and the highest-quality tools, components, and educational materials. 

Let’s take a look at how we compare to different STEM kit creators! 

Different age categories

To make the right choice for your child, it's crucial to understand how different STEM kit creators cater to various age groups. Here, we'll provide a comparative look at how CircuitMess, KiwiCo, Mel Science, and Creation Crate address this aspect of STEM education. Each of these companies offers a unique range of kits tailored to different age categories. 

STEM exploration for young minds: Ages 5-8

For our youngest aspiring scientists and engineers, ages 5-8, CircuitMess, KiwiCo, and Mel Science all offer engaging kits designed to introduce fundamental STEM concepts in a playful and interactive manner.

While CircuitMess STEM kits are designed for somewhat older kids (Wacky Robots are designed for kids aged 9+, and STEM Box is designed for kids aged 11+), our DIY Batmobile is a STEM project perfect for kids aged 7 and above. And yes, it’s the real deal, at least Warner Bros says so! 

KiwiCo's Kiwi Crate is another excellent choice, offering a wide range of hands-on projects and activities that encourage exploration in science, art, and engineering. These projects may seem somewhat simple and maybe not as cool as our Batmobile — but it’s a great choice for introducing your young ones to STEM in easy mode. Also, KiwiCo Atlas Crate and Yummy Crate are great additions to teach your kids about geography, culture, and the science of cooking.

Mel Science stands out with its Mel STEM kit, designed exactly for kids aged 5-8. It includes many cool projects like — the microscope, a spring force, and even a hydraulic lift. With each project, you’ll get detailed video guides and even augmented reality lessons to explore these STEM kits in even more depth. 

It's never too late - join forces with the Caped Crusader and learn about AI, machine learning, and electronics with CircuitMess Batmobile. Get it delivered to your doorstep in just a few days. 

STEM adventures for growing minds: Ages 9-12

As children grow and their curiosity deepens, CircuitMess, KiwiCo, Mel Science, and Creation Crate all have tailored STEM kits for ages 9-12. These kits provide more in-depth explorations into STEM subjects while keeping the learning experience enjoyable.

Both our CircuitMess STEM kits are designed for this age group. Our Wacky Robots STEM kit is great for introducing kids aged 9+ into the world of STEM in a cool way — they get to build their own robots and learn about different technological concepts. The STEM Box, on the other hand, is designed for kids (and adults) aged 11+ and it features some of our coolest products that make it possible for your kids to take a deep dive into electronics, coding, and engineering. 

KiwiCo’s Tinker Crate is a STEM kit, brimming with exciting projects — from mechanical engineering to chemistry and astrophysics, all designed for kids aged 9-16. What you can be confident about is - with this STEM kit, your kids will be on a good track to master problem-solving skills and gain much-needed confidence to tackle any challenge.

Mel Science has almost all of its science kits designed for growing minds in this age category.  Their STEM, Math, Space, Physics, and Chemistry kits are perfect for getting your kids introduced to these advanced fields early on. Each kit includes all the tools, components, and instructions to craft these awesome projects — and there’s even a companion mobile app to help your kids immerse themselves in this learning experience. 

Creation Crate has its Engineering and Chemistry kits designed for kids aged 10+ and provides a ton of cool, advanced projects any kid will want to try out building. From building a mechanical leg you can control with a glove to learning about chemistry through clever and entertaining science projects - they offer great stuff for your younger kids aged 9-12. 

Introduce your kids to the world of electronics with our Wacky Robots. Easy to assemble and play with, they're the perfect teaching medium for your young ones.

Advanced STEM endeavors: Ages 13 & beyond

For budding scientists, engineers, and tech enthusiasts aged 13 and beyond, CircuitMess, KiwiCo, and Creation Crate present advanced kits designed to challenge and inspire. These kits are built to deepen their understanding of STEM subjects while nurturing their creativity and innovation.

CircuitMess offers the CircuitMess STEM Box, a comprehensive kit that takes your kids deep into the world of electronics, programming, and robotics. It's an ideal choice for teenagers looking to take their STEM skills to the next level. From building and coding a remote-controlled car to creating your own video game console — we’ve got tons of exciting projects.

KiwiCo's Maker Crate and Eureka Crate both great choices for your older kids. While Maker Crate includes more artsy DIY projects like macrame planters and terrazzo clay organizers — Eureka Crate offers a wide range of engineering projects where you’ll learn to build stuff from scratch — from electric pencil sharpeners to wooden ukulele. 

Creation Crate also has a few STEM kits prepared for your older kids. Their Electronics Beginner and Electronics Challenger STEM kits are knowledge-packed electronics kits designed to introduce your budding engineers to the world of electronics, coding, and hardware engineering. These kits include some awesome projects like the weather station, audio visualizer, electronic lockbox, and even a Bluetooth speaker. 

Lastly, Mel Science comes in with their Medicine kit, designed for kids aged 14 and older. They bring you the real medical science — in a box. This will serve your kids as a perfect introduction to surgery, dentistry, and even pharmacy. If your kids are leaning into the biology/medicine sphere - this one is the perfect kit for them! 

All in all, whichever STEM kit you choose - there’s no wrong pick. Each of these kits includes awesome projects that will teach your kids invaluable STEM skills and set them up for success. While on the outside, all of these companies may seem like competitors — we’re all fighting for the same cause — and that’s bringing high-quality, hands-on learning experiences to your homes.

And that’s something we wholeheartedly support! 

If you're looking to teach your middle schoolers (or yourself) about AI, electronics, and coding - there's no better place to start than with our STEM Box. At least, that's what more than thousands of our customers say! 

Educational content and learning objective

When choosing a STEM kit for your child, understanding the educational content and learning objectives is paramount. CircuitMess, KiwiCo, Mel Science, and Creation Crate all offer unique approaches to teaching STEM subjects through hands-on activities, but their focus and goals may differ.

CircuitMess: Building a foundation in AI, electronics and coding

Our kits combine the excitement of assembling and customizing real electronic devices, like smartphones and game consoles, with coding experiences that develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills. With our STEM kits, we aim to: 

Teach electronics, AI and engineering: CircuitMess kits introduce youngsters to electronic components, circuits, and how to assemble them, laying the groundwork for understanding modern technology.

Introduce kids to coding: Through hands-on coding tasks, children learn the basics of programming languages, fostering computational thinking and creativity.

KiwiCo: A multidisciplinary approach to STEM

KiwiCo takes a multidisciplinary approach, offering crates that explore various aspects of STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Their educational content focuses on:

Scientific concepts: KiwiCo encourages children to explore scientific principles through hands-on experiments, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for scientific discovery.

Creative problem-solving: Their kits often incorporate engineering challenges and art projects, promoting creativity and problem-solving skills.

Image source: https://www.kiwico.com/

Mel Science: Delving into the world of chemistry and physics

Mel Science is all about the world of chemistry and physics. Their kits provide hands-on experiments that make complex scientific concepts accessible to young minds. The educational content aims to:

Deepen scientific understanding: Mel Science kits aim to deepen children's understanding of chemistry and physics through interactive experiments and clear explanations.

Practical application: By allowing children to perform real chemical reactions and physics experiments, Mel Science encourages the practical application of scientific knowledge.

They do offer even STEM, Space, and Medicine kits — which only furthers their goal of deepening your kids’ understanding of the world around them. 

Image source: https://melscience.com/

Creation Crate: Focusing on electronics and complex projects

Creation Crate specializes in electronics and coding projects, making it one of the go-to choices for kids interested in technology. Their educational content emphasizes:

Tech skills: Creation Crate kits teach kids valuable tech skills, from building circuits to assembling robotic legs, Creation Crate is preparing them for a technology-driven future — they’ve got several STEM projects to level up your kids’ knowledge of electronics. 

Problem-solving: Through complex technological projects, Creation Crate promotes problem-solving abilities and logical thinking — both invaluable life skills you’ll certainly want your kids to master.

Each of these STEM kit creators offers educational content designed to cater to specific learning objectives, providing parents with a range of options to match their child's interests and educational needs. In the next section, we'll explore how these kits engage young minds and keep the learning experience captivating.

Image source: https://allfortheboys.com/

Interactivity and engagement

The interactivity and engagement levels of STEM kits play a vital role in nurturing a child's interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CircuitMess, KiwiCo, Mel Science, and Creation Crate all strive to make learning an exciting adventure, but their approaches vary.

CircuitMess: Learning through building and coding

At CircuitMess, we place a strong emphasis on hands-on engagement. Our kits involve assembling real electronic devices like mobile phones and game consoles. This tactile experience not only educates children about electronics — but also encourages them to take ownership of their projects. The interactivity and engagement elements include:

Building real devices: Assembling working electronic gadgets provides a unique and immersive learning experience. Once they’re built, you can easily use them in your everyday life.

Coding adventures: Children can customize their creations through coding, empowering them to explore and experiment. This offers unmatched flexibility and unleashes your kids’ full creative potential.

KiwiCo: Playful exploration across disciplines

KiwiCo understands the importance of play in learning. Their crates offer a variety of engaging activities that cater to different learning styles and preferences. KiwiCo's approach to interactivity and engagement includes:

Hands-on fun: KiwiCo's crates are designed to be hands-on and engaging, allowing children to explore STEM concepts in an entertaining way.

Diverse activities: With a wide range of crates covering science, art, engineering, and more, KiwiCo keeps learning fresh and exciting.

Mel Science: Exciting chemistry and physics experiments

Mel Science aims to make chemistry, math, and physics captivating for young learners. Their experiments are carefully crafted to combine education with awe and wonder. The interactivity and engagement elements involve:

Real chemical reactions: Children can perform experiments with real chemicals, witnessing exciting reactions in a safe and controlled environment.

Augmented Reality: Mel Science offers AR lessons that transport learners into the microscopic world, enhancing engagement and understanding.

Creation Crate: Tech-centric projects for inquisitive minds

Creation Crate's focus on technology-driven projects ensures an engaging experience for kids interested in electronics. Their interactivity and engagement features include:

Complex projects: Creation Crate challenges children with intricate electronic projects, promoting deep engagement. 

Practical application: By working on projects with real-world applications, children see the relevance of what they're learning.

While each of these STEM kit creators uses unique methods to engage young minds, the common goal is to make learning fun, interactive, and memorable. In the next section, we'll delve into the quality of components used in these kits and how they impact the learning experience.

Component quality

The quality of components within STEM kits can significantly influence the learning experience. 

CircuitMess: Premium electronics for young innovators

CircuitMess takes pride in the quality of the electronic components. Our kits feature real electronic parts, ensuring that children work with authentic materials. CircuitMess component quality can be seen in two ways: 

Durability: High-quality components are robust and less likely to break, allowing for a longer-lasting learning experience. They work just as imagined and go through rigorous testing before we even deliver them to your doorstep.

Real-world learning: Using genuine electronic parts mirrors real-life electronics, preparing kids for future endeavors. Each of the parts and components can be found in your everyday devices — and that’s exactly what you’ll be building with our STEM kits. 

KiwiCo: Thoughtful materials for creative exploration

KiwiCo carefully selects materials for its crates, focusing on safety and educational value. While these components may not be that durable, KiwiCo makes it up with its affordable pricing. KiwiCo’s numerous kits offer: 

Safe exploration: Their components are designed to be child-friendly, ensuring that kids can engage with the materials without concerns about safety hazards.

Varied materials: KiwiCo's kits often include a variety of materials, from lightweight wood to paper, which can expose children to diverse crafting and building experiences

Mel Science: Precise chemicals for safe experiments

Mel Science provides high-quality chemicals for its chemistry kits, prioritizing safety and educational effectiveness. They place a large emphasis on:

High-quality chemicals and equipment: They offer real scientific-grade materials, ensuring that kids can perform authentic experiments. This authentic experience is valuable for learning and understanding scientific concepts.

Comprehensive safety measures: They include clear safety guidelines and precautions in their kits to ensure that kids can conduct experiments safely.

Creation Crate: High-quality tech components

Creation Crate sources top-notch tech components for its electronic projects, offering authentic learning experiences. When describing their components, we can easily say they focus on: 

Reliability: Creation Crate's components are known for their reliability. They consistently perform well and withstand the rigors of experimentation, making them a dependable choice for young learners.

Comprehensive variety: Creation Crate offers an extensive range of electronic components in their kits, including resistors, capacitors, LEDs, sensors, and more. 

How much do they cost? 

When considering STEM kits, understanding their pricing and overall value is crucial for parents. Let's dive into the pricing structures and the value offered by CircuitMess, KiwiCo, Mel Science, and Creation Crate.

CircuitMess: Affordable education with a focus on electronics

Even though our products aren’t the cheapest (and that’s for a reason), our aim is to provide you with massive value and support along the way — from video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and constant online support to high-quality devices you can use in your everyday life after you build them. Need a phone? Why not make it yourself? Want to play a game? You can build your own game console! 

Since we offer 2 different STEM subscriptions, here’s how much they each cost: 

Wacky Robots subscription can cost you from $30.75/box to $37.99/box, depending on your subscription plan.

STEM Box subscription can cost you from $87.25/box up to $109.99/box, also depending on which subscription plan you choose. 

KiwiCo: Varied offerings for different budgets

KiwiCo offers a range of crates with varying price points. Their crates typically range from $23.95 to $43.90 per month, catering to different budgets. 

Most monthly subscriptions, like Koala Crate, Kiwi Crate, Atlas Crate, Yummy Crate, Tinker Crate, and Doodle Crate, will cost you $23.95 per month. 

Now, if you're into Maker Crate and Eureka Crate, those are $32.95 per month. 

And Panda Crate, which ships every two months, is priced at $43.90 per crate. 

However, if you're looking to save some bucks, consider a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription for a per-crate discount of up to almost 20%!

Mel Science: STEM education with affordable pricing

Since Mel Science offers 6 different subscription lines for different age groups — each of these DIY kits comes with a different price tag. 

If you’re looking to get one of the Mel Science kits, that will cost you anywhere from $29.90/box to $64.90/box. And this largely depends on the subscription you choose. 

The most expensive kit they offer is their Mel MED subscription (up to $64.90/box), while you can get their Math and STEM kits for as little as $29.90/box.

Creation Crate: High-quality tools and components for an affordable price

Creation Crate’s pricing works a bit differently. Since they offer 4 different STEM boxes, let’s go through each one: 

For start, you can get your hands on their Electronics Beginner kit for as little as $29.99/box (or $39.99/box if you’re paying monthly). 

Their Electronics Challenger, unlike the previous one, is more like a set of 4 individual projects you can choose at any time — and they each cost $49.99. Or, you can get all 4 of them at once for $159.96. 

Their Engineering kit is not really a subscription, but a 3-project course. You can choose to get 1 project per month for $99.99 + shipping or get all 3 at once for $299.99 with free shipping. 

Lastly, the Chemistry kit also has 2 different pricing options. The first option is to get 2 experiments per month for $39.99/month + 25 starter kit one-time charge + shipping. The second option is to get all 20 experiments at once for $359.99, including free shipping and a free starter kit. 

What’s the right STEM kit for your kids? 

As you navigate the vast landscape of STEM kits, you might find yourself wondering which one is the perfect fit for your child. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

The right STEM kit is the one that resonates with your child's interests and sparks their curiosity.

It's the kit that makes them jump out of bed in the morning, eager to tackle the next exciting project. It's the kit that turns learning into an adventure and transforms your home into a science lab, a coding studio, or an engineering workshop.

Whether your child dreams of building robots, conducting chemistry experiments, or coding their own games, there's a STEM kit out there waiting to inspire them. It's the kit that aligns with their age, skill level, and interests. It's the kit that makes learning fun, interactive, and memorable.

Start by exploring the options, considering your child's age and interests, and assessing the educational content, interactivity, and component quality. 

Think about your budget and what value you expect from the kit. Seek recommendations, read reviews, and involve your child in the decision-making process.

Remember, the goal is to ignite your child's passion for STEM fields, setting them on a path of discovery, creativity, and problem-solving. The right STEM kit isn't just a toy; it's a gateway to a world of endless possibilities, where learning is an exciting journey, and every experiment is a step toward a brighter future.