Thinking about getting it for my twins' birthday but the subscription model has me hesitant. Is it actually worth the money or just overhyped? They're into dinosaurs and space stuff mostly.
Got the Mel Science kit for my 9yo last year and honestly? The dinosaur box was solid but the space one felt underwhelming. They did like the hands-on experiments but after 3 months the subscription felt like a waste. Might be better to just buy a couple individual kits instead of committing to monthly.
My twins are 9 and did the Mel boxes for 4 months. They're super into space and dinos too. The actual educational value is there but the wow factor wore off fast. I'd say spend the $60-80 for 2 boxes as a gift, see if they actually engage with the experiments, then decide on subscription.
Skip Mel Science, get them a good telescope + dinosaur fossil dig kit from Amazon instead. Way cheaper, they'll actually use both, and no recurring payment nagging you every month.
lol the subscription model is exactly why I didn't pull the trigger. For twins you're looking at doubling the cost and they'll probably want different boxes anyway. Check if your library has any STEM kits you can test drive first?
The problem with Mel is they're making you pay for pretty packaging and a story when what your kids actually want is to blow stuff up or dig stuff up. Honestly a monthly budget for materials from a science supply store would go further.
We did Mel Science for a bit. Honestly? The first 2 boxes were awesome, kids went nuts. Then novelty wore off and it was just sitting there. For dinosaurs specifically, you might get more mileage out of a fossil dig kit or something one-time instead of the subscription trap.
Dinosaurs and space nerds will probably dig it. The experiments are solid for that age group. HOWEVER - the subscription is designed so you feel locked in. Do 3 months, see if they're actually doing the stuff or just looking at the pictures. If they're engaged, it's worth it. If it piles up unused, cancel.
the fact that you're already questioning the subscription model means you'll probably use it more intentionally than most people. A lot of parents just let them accumulate. If you actually sit down and do the experiments WITH them it's worth the money. If it's meant to be solo entertainment, skip it.
Mel Science is legit for the science part but yeah the subscription model is annoying. If your twins are into dinosaurs and space, check what those specific monthly boxes are? Some months are way better than others. Might be worth doing like 3-4 months instead of committing long-term.
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We got it for one kid and he loved it for exactly 2 boxes then wanted video games again. Total waste. But I know other families swear by it so really depends on your specific kids I guess.