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 [email protected].  

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.

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!

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.

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.

Here’s the bottom line: we’re doing our very best to deliver high quality products to you with the lowest shipping rates possible. Duties and taxes, along with other rates, will vary based on your location and subscription type so please see the total calculated during checkout.

If you'd like a more detailed explanation of international shipping costs, please read on:

For non-U.S. addresses, your total shipping fee will be shown to you during the checkout process.

Shipping internationally costs us a lot more, so we charge a little extra. We apply the value of free shipping within the US to your international shipping cost! Various extra taxes (including VAT) and duties may be collected upon checkout. 

Some countries are subject to Delivery Duty Paid fees of about 70% per box; all associated charges are calculated at checkout.

Some countries are subject to Delivery Due Unpaid fees but are exempted from VAT so these charges will not appear during checkout for regular subscriptions; however, bulk orders may be subject to VAT. Check out the VAT minimums noted below. To see if your order meets the threshold and is exempted from VAT to your country, please see the list and details below:

Hong Kong

• VAT de minimis: N/A
• VAT Rate: N/A

Japan

• VAT de minimis: $64.97
• VAT Rate: 10%

Singapore

• VAT de minimis: $293.90
• VAT Rate: 9%

South Korea

• VAT de minimis: $200.00
• VAT Rate: 10%