The tools in this kit are extremely well made and durable, (the molds are flimsy but I think they need to be so you can get the mold out easily). That's all that this is.. a kit of tools and a book of experiments, using things out of your pantry. Some people may complain that this is an inconvenience but it's actually CHEAPER to buy your own cornstarch, oil, baking soda YADDA YADDA YADDA. That means your kids will NEVER run out of the stuff they need to make these experiments.. We have had (great) sets where they had a hidden name for the real name of the powder we would use.. not knowing what it was it was iffy to duplicate the experiments once our little baggies of contents ran out.. this set you can do them til you are blue in the face. ALL the items needed are easily found at any grocery store and are affordable. In fact they are so common that we almost had everything in our pantry. I also thought the experiments lived up to the name of Gross Science Lab. Is it immature.. yes.. but that's the whole reason for this set.. GROSS and FUN. My 4 (almost 5) year old little boy loves it! I even enjoy it!Here is a list of items you will need if you want to be prepared when you get your set:Please Note that not all these ingredients are needed for every single experiment.. It's just what you need for the entire book.Baking SodaFood ColoringWhite VinegarDry YeastSugarUnflavored GelatinLight Corn SyrupBorax (found in the laundry detergent section)White Glue (elmers etc)Garlic CloveLiquid Dish Soap (don't use anti-bacterial soap)Rubbing AlcoholBalloonsCorn StarchChocolate SyrupIvory Brand Bar Soap (no other brands will work)Cooking SprayApple SauceOatmeal or Raisin BranInstant Coffee or Unsweetened Cocoa PowderMulticolored Breakfast Cereal (like Fruity Pebbles)MarshmallowsButter or MargarineJuice (not pineapple juice)Orange or Yellow colored flavored JelloNONFAT Evaporated MilkMilkHoneyVegetable OilDisposable DiaperPurple or Red CabbageLemon JuiceCarbonated Water or Clear Soda like SpriteNavy Beans (the white ones)Egg