Best Toy Toolkits
Creativity + tools = a winning combo for kids with big imaginations and budding independence.
By Babylist Team
Young kids love to show off their creativity and independence, and that’s what play tools are all about. So it’s no wonder toolkits are always a hot commodity in the toy chest. (We’re pretty sure the term DIY was inspired by toddlers and preschoolers long before headlining Pinterest farmhouse-table tutorials.)
From hammers and nails to wrenches and bolts, these classic toys give kids the tools (literally) to build hand-eye coordination as well as gross and fine motor skills. With each fix-it job, your resident handyperson will use role playing to learn problem solving and flex their creative-thinking muscles.
Toolkits are also a great way to practice counting, sorting, matching and even object and color recognition. Most are designed for ages two and up, but one-year-olds have tool banging down to a science. And speaking of which, you may want to start with a lightweight, plastic set.
These are our favorite toolkits:
The Very First Tool Kit
If your little one is just starting to take an interest in manipulating tools but doesn’t quite have the dexterity for something more complex, this set of basics is the perfect starter set for building those oh-so-important fine motor skills (which will come in handy when it’s time to upgrade to a bigger set). This set doesn’t come with nails and screws like most others, but that just means more opportunity to focus on the handheld tools themselves, plus lots of imaginative play with imaginary screws.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
| Includes | Saw, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, drill and toolbox |
Sturdy Wooden Set
Being a leader in children’s wooden toys, it’s no surprise that Melissa & Doug would have such a cute and functional tool kit. The tool box includes a whopping 14 holes for the nails and screws to fit into using the hammer, wrench or screwdriver. It even comes with plates so your little one can feel like a real tinkerer!
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
| Includes | 24 pieces: 2 nails, 6 screws, 6 nuts, 6 plates, 1 hammer, 1 wrench, 1 screwdriver, 1 tool box |
Best Eco-Friendly Set
Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, this eco-friendly set is strong and durable—perfect for indoor or outdoor play. There are four holes on each side that work with the included 2-hole connectors, bolts and nails. Parents can rest assured it’s free from BPA, phthalates and PVC. Plus, it meets FDA food contact standards, should your tot need a meal on the job. And just in case things get messy, it’s dishwasher safe. At the end of the day, your jack-of-all trades can easily pack up this 15-piece set by storing all of the pieces right inside the tool box.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
| Includes | Tool box, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, hammer, saw, wrench, pliers, 2 two-hole connectors, 2 nails, 2 bolts and 2 nuts |
Smart Tools
You can always count on VTech to bring educational technology to classic kids toys, and their tool kit is no exception. Each of the included nails and screws fit right into the electronic tray using the hammer, wrench or working drill (it actually spins!). The set also includes two double-sided insert cards that teach colors, numbers and more, and the colorful light-up buttons make tool sounds, play songs and even challenge your little one on their new skills and knowledge. It’s everything the tech-savvy kiddo could want out of a tool box!
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2-5 years |
| Includes | 4.9” x 10.9” x 5.7” |
Space Saver
Once your kiddo has a good grip (pun intended) on their fine motor skills and is ready for some bigger projects, a tiny toolbox may just not cut it anymore. But if you don’t have the space for a full-sized tool bench, this table top version is a happy medium. It’s got a work surface that toolboxes don’t typically have (along with a couple bonus tools like a table saw and a vice clamp), yet the footprint is about half of a larger tool bench.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
| Includes | Nails, screws, nuts, plates, cogs, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, saw, drill, blackboard |
| Dimensions | 16.5” x 10.2” x 19.3” |
The Splurge
If your child’s fix-it phase has turned into a major obsession, they’ll be right at home in the BLACK+DECKER Power Tool Workshop. This is the ultimate hub for all things handy (just look at all those power tools!), and they can stay busy tinkering for hours on end. There’s plenty of storage bins and hanging space to keep all the essentials organized. And we love that these power tools make realistic noises. Adult assembly and batteries are required before tool time can begin.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
| Includes | Workbench with storage trays, miter saw, phone drill press, accessory bin, vice, hand saw, screwdriver, hammer, wrench, 15 screws, 5 nails, 22 nuts, tool box, flashlight |
| Dimensions | 38” x 16.25” x 21” |
Luxury Work Surface
If your kiddo needs a workbench for their ever-growing projects but you’re limited on space, this solid-wood option is sturdy and fully stocked yet keeps a small footprint. Everything your preschooler could need for a project is included, so they can get down to the nuts and bolts of building (literally).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
| Includes | Workbench, hammer, saw, wrench, screwdriver, ruler, nails, screws, bolts, nuts |
| Dimensions | 25” x 13” x 18.35” |
