Engineering projects, delivered monthly.
CAKE Kit is a monthly subscription box of real engineering projects for kids in grades 1 through 5. Four projects every month — all the materials, step-by-step guides, and video walkthroughs from our DFS instructors, shipped to your door.
Real projects. Real kids. Real engineering.
Watch how DFS's Engineering Inventors program works — the same curriculum that powers every CAKE Kit.
Everything your young engineer needs
Every box is packed with four weeks of real engineering — materials, guides, and videos to build with.
Four weekly projects
All materials pre-sorted and labeled. Kids build one project per week.
Printed guides
Kid-readable visual instructions for every project in the box.
Video walkthroughs
QR codes link to short tutorials led by real DFS instructors.
Three steps from sign-up to showcase
Subscribe
Pick a plan that fits your family — from monthly to a full year of projects.
Build
Each month a box arrives. Kids complete one project per week using the included materials and video guides.
Share
Kids show off their finished inventions at home or with friends — celebrating what they built.
Projects that grow with your kid
Pulled directly from DFS's Engineering Inventors curriculum, already taught in schools across California. Difficulty scales across the year.
Circuits, motion, and structure
Foundational builds that spark confidence. First electrical circuits, first machines, first bridges.
- Magic Wand
- Night Light
- Slingshot Car
- Straw Towers
- Catapult
Motors, force, and flight
Bigger builds that introduce hydraulics, robotics, and aerospace design challenges.
- Paddle Boat
- Hydraulic Claw
- Stomp Rocket
- Robotic Arm
- Electromagnetic Train
Real-world engineering
Advanced inventions. Kids combine everything they've learned to build like real engineers.
- Makeshift Synthesizer
- Pinhole Camera
- Drone
- Electric Hovercraft
- Wind Tunnel
Project lineup may vary slightly each month based on curriculum updates and seasonal themes.
Pick your plan
All plans include four engineering projects per month and full access to the video library. Shipping is a flat $12 per month.
- Four projects per month
- 3-month commitment
- Full video library
- Four projects per month
- 6-month commitment
- Full video library
- Four projects per month
- Best value
- Full video library
Give the gift of engineering
A subscription gift that brings hands-on learning home. Great for birthdays, holidays, or any month of the year.
- Personalized message
- Scheduled announcement email
- No auto-renewal
- Partially tax-deductible
Every subscription supports free STEAM programs
Dreams for Schools is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs K–8 STEAM programs in schools, libraries, and community sites across California. Revenue from CAKE Kit directly funds our free and reduced-cost programs for under-resourced students.
Replace with actual DFS impact numbers.
Questions, answered
What ages are CAKE Kits designed for?
Grades 1 through 5, roughly ages 6 to 11. Projects are adaptable across skill levels, and each box includes a parent tip card for younger kids who need extra guidance.
How many projects are in each box?
Four per month, one for each week. Every project includes all materials, a printed guide, and a linked video walkthrough.
Can I cancel anytime?
The monthly plan has no commitment. The 3, 6, and 12-month plans require completing the minimum term. After the term, the subscription continues at the same rate unless cancelled.
When will my first box arrive?
Boxes ship within 5 to 7 business days of your order. You'll receive tracking when it leaves our fulfillment center.
Is this tax-deductible?
Partially. 80% of the subscription represents fair market value and is not deductible. The remaining 20% is a tax-deductible contribution to Dreams for Schools. Shipping is not deductible.
Can I gift a CAKE Kit?
Yes. 3, 6, and 12-month gift packages are available. Choose a start date, add a personal message, and we'll send a gift announcement to the recipient.
Do you ship outside California?
Yes. We ship throughout the United States at a flat rate of $12 per month.
What if my child finishes a project early?
Every box includes a stretch challenge — an extra design twist that lets kids modify, improve, or personalize their build.
How does my purchase support Dreams for Schools?
Subscription revenue directly funds our free and reduced-cost STEAM programs in under-resourced schools across California.
Ready to start building?
Join the families giving their kids a monthly engineering adventure.