ThinkFunMaker Studio - Gears Building Kit

I got this for my 7 year old daughter as she enjoys making devices and being able to use general boxes sounded like fun. Unfortunately we quickly discovered that this really only works with fairly specific box sizes. We did find some boxes to use this with, but it was more hassle than we expected. The rubber band 'motor' is also a bit finicky - you really need to be sure you have everything in perfect alignment or it will not turn very well. Even when all the stars aligned, the wheels would not roll on anything but carpet as they tend to spin on tables and tile. A nice concept, but just a bit more effort than we were expecting.

As I've stated before, I want to encourage kids to know how to color without lines, to think without electricity, and to play without screens. ThinkFun makes sturdy, thought-provoking, and connection-building kits.

Listed for ages 7 and up but I think anyone under 10 is probably going to need a little help with assembly. Some of the parts can be a little hard to fit together. With that being said I like spending the time with my son so maybe it isn't a bad thing that he still needs dad some. But if you are expecting to hand this to a 7 year old and try and get your own stuff done- think again

This is a great product to buy for your kids if you hate yourself and love to waste time building something that is marginally impressive. Your kids certainly won't be able to follow the directions or cut in the precise spots required. Save your sanity... Buy something else!

After all the fun of putting it together, my son was disappointed that the gears slip, fall apart, all in all it barely works. The premise is good, but the materials these gears are made with make it difficult to tighten or keep together. Wouldn't buy it again.

I bought this as a gift for my grandson. He loves wheels and gears.

I Actually bought both Gears and Winches sets....not for a child but for an year old Alzheimer's patient. He LOVES them!!! IT keeps both hands and mind busy without being too stressful or complicated. He loved working on cars for years and building things so these were EXACTLY what I have been looking to find for quite awhile.Kim Bradley

I wouldn't recommend this project for a child much younger than nine, and they definitely need some adult help at their disposal when cutting the box & putting it together. It also didn't stand up to much play. Still, a nice recycling project that involves hands-on teaching about how gears work!