Thames & Kosmos Super Stunts & Tricks Engineering Kit, Ages 8+

This looks so cute from the picture, but don't be fooled. This is an absolute piece of junk. It's difficult to put together, and when you do have it together, it falls apart at the slightest touch. I so regret this purchase, and wish I had put it together in the time frame to be able to return it. If I could have given a negative -100 star rating I would have!

I bought this Candy Vending Machine Engineering Kit as a gift for my 9-year-old grandson, and it was a huge hit from the start. He loves building things, and this kit kept him fully engaged from assembly to playtime. The instructions were clear and easy for him to follow with just a little help, and he was so proud once the vending machine was fully built. Watching real coins get sorted, slide down the tracks, ring bells, and then dispense candy is endlessly entertaining. He especially enjoys loading it with gummy candies and testing different coins to see how everything works. What I really love as a grandparent is how educational this toy is without feeling like homework. It introduces basic engineering concepts, physics, and simple math using real money in a way that feels like play. He’s learning about gravity, motion, and even coin values while having fun. The machine feels sturdy, can sit on a table or hang on the wall, and the small key makes refilling the candy easy. This was such a thoughtful, interactive gift that keeps him learning and entertained at the same time. I would absolutely recommend this for curious kids around his age, it’s a gift that truly delivers fun and learning together.