Researched
KiwiCo Spinning Sand Garden 6940
Kids build and wire a motorized sand table where magnets drag steel balls into patterns.
$29.95 at KiwiCo · Price checked Oct 7
Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer
Our verdict
Key details
- Ages 7+
- STEM kits
- KiwiCo
- Available
More info
- Item number: 6940 (SKU SSPG-F2876)
- Age: 7+ (KiwiCo)
- Includes: Wood base (3 pcs), magnet gear set (4 pcs), sand plate, motor
- Power: Battery pack with 2 AA batteries, included
- Sand: 2 bottles of colored sand, dish, spoon, 2 rakes, 2 mini rakes
- Also: Metal ball set (4 pcs), 4 legs, 4 screws, illustrated instructions
- Topics: Magnetism, design, mechanical motion (KiwiCo)
Best for and who should skip it
Best for
- Kids 7 to 12 curious about motors, gears and magnets
- A calm desk project that keeps running after the build
- Gift givers who want batteries already in the box
Skip it if
- Loose colored sand at the kitchen table is a problem for you
- You want a toy with many builds or long-term play value
What we like and what to keep in mind
What we like
- Battery pack with 2 AA batteries is included
- Shows gears and magnets working through a clear sand plate
- Owners say the instructions are clear and the build is satisfying
Keep in mind
- Owners say the sand level needs fiddling before the magnets drag well
- One owner says the rough sand makes the ball judder
- One child wanted more sand than the 2 bottles included
How we reviewed it
What owners say.
- 1 positive
- 2 mixed
Paraphrased from public owner reviews. Each one links to where it was posted.
A parent of kids aged 7 and 11 calls the set nearly ideal and good to assemble, notes the sand-to-magnet balance can be tricky, and says the kids were proud to show friends.
An owner says the sand is a bit rough, so the ball judders as it moves, but found it fun to build and watch.
A parent says their daughter liked it less than she expected and wanted more sand, while the parent enjoyed it a lot.
Sources.
What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.
- 01 KiwiCo. Spinning Sand Garden
- 02 KiwiCo. Spinning Sand Garden customer reviews
How it compares.
This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.
| Detail |
This reviewKiwiCo Spinning Sand Garden 6940
|
Thames & Kosmos Magnetic Science 665050
|
KiwiCo Flex & Fly Plane Launcher 5907
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.95 | $24.95 | $44.95 |
| Maker’s age | Ages 7+ | Ages 8+ | Ages 9+ |
| Category | STEM kits | STEM kits | STEM kits |
| Pieces | – | 42 | – |
| Good for | Kids 7 to 12 who like gears, magnets and patterns | Kids 8 to 12 curious about how magnets work | Kids 9 and up who like flight and outdoor play |
| Stock | Available | Available | Available |
Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.
