08 Dec 9 Quality Toolsets for Kids That Are Great for Gift Giving
Here are our top 9 favorite quality toolsets for kids that make great gifts for the apprentice-to-be in your life.
When clients welcome us into their home it’s hard not to become “a part of the family” for the duration of the project. From kids to pets to family and friends, we often get acquainted with all of our client’s most important people while working on their most important space: their home.
On more than one occasion we joked about starting a social media account dedicated to our client’s kids and/or pets because, well, kids and pets are funny creatures.
We’ve had toddlers who prefer to hang out at home in the nude — hey, you do you — to pups that get so excited when we arrive for work they pee a little.
Our client’s kids have even asked where we are long after we wrap up a project!
Adorable.
But the coolest part about meeting our client’s children is their immediate fascination with our tools. Power drills seem like magic wands. Paint is irresistible. And saws are scary yet exciting.
The First Time We Gave a Tool to Kids
Never ever did our hearts melt more than the time we were around for the birthday of one of our mini-clients.
Nick and I knew we wanted to join in on the celebration and purchase a gift. We fell in love with a kid-friendly measuring tape that could be personalized by writing the kid’s name right on the tool.
We were so right!
It was such a great feeling to be apart of the celebration but it was also special to share our passion for home improvement with a child.
So, I spent some time scouring the internet for my favorite kid appropriate tools and tool accessories by age group. There are a ton of options out there – but sometimes overwhelm can make shopping stressful.
If we were kids, this is what we’d love to have in our tool room.
Plastic or “Fake” Toolsets for kids age 3-5
Green Toys
I came across Green Toys and thought this would be a great addition to my list. It’s the only green-friendly toolkit I could find at a great price.
Green Toys make most of their products out of milk jugs – how cool is that?! It’s a great way for kids to see how recycling can directly affect them. These tools are non-toxic and contain no BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings – I had to Google a couple of those things but quickly learned it’s all stuff you definitely don’t want hanging around your kid’s toys.
Additionally, the name of each tool is labeled directly on the toy. It’s a quick and easy way to learn proper names.
Theo Klein
This one stopped me in my tracks because it looks just like one of OUR tool belts. So, if you want something authentic-looking without having to commit to real tools, this is the perfect starter toolkit for young kids. Right now, you can score this belt on Amazon for around $28.
I also love the story of the toymaker, Theo Klein. They partner with brands like Bosch, Miele, and Braun, just to name a few, and provide kids with educational toys.
Land of Nod
If you’re looking for something bigger than a tool chest or belt, how about a workbench? Land of Nod has a great kid’s workbench that comes with 41 wooden pieces and a sturdy bench for kids to tinker and fix anything their little minds can imagine.
Again, these tools aren’t *real* so they’re safe for young kids. This toy gets great reviews and at $99.00 it’s not a bad price for something that’s sure to last for years.
Real Toolsets for Kids 5+ (at parent’s discretion)
Lowes
Yep! One of my favorite kid’s toolkits comes from an actual home improvement store.
The tools in this kit are real! They’re smaller – perfect for little hands that are ready to learn and actually help mom and dad tighten that screw on the doorknob or the kitchen cabinet handle. This kit gets great reviews and can be found on Amazon or Lowes for anywhere between $15 and $32.50 (depending on shipping options).
This set is complete, it even comes with protective gloves and goggles. How cool?! I want this set! 🙂
Grip
This toolset by Grip is a great option if you don’t want to buy a complete collection of tools. This kit is simple, basic, and still comes with real working tools.
I like the soft bag and it comes in a few colors. At approximately $35, this 9 piece kit is getting good reviews on Amazon. You’ll get more pieces for the same price with the Lowes option, but totally another good “real tool” option for kiddies.
Highland Woodworking
Talk about complete – this real toolset has almost everything – even comes with two great kid’s carpentry books. The books alone get awesome reviews on Amazon. What it doesn’t have is a toolbelt or workstation, but the tools look quality and you get a lot for your money.
If you think your kid is more into carpentry than basic around the house tools, this kit might be a better fit. Think less screwdrivers and wrenches and more sandpaper and coping saw. I think this is a great deal at $99.
SAFETY
Some of these kits come with gloves and goggles, but regardless, do not skimp on safety, even if you’re purchasing the plastic tool sets. I don’t think you can start practicing safety habits too early.
Remember, if you’re buying any child a toolset, real or not, do not forget eye protection, gloves, ear protection, and maybe even a mask if they’re going to be doing any sanding or painting.
Especially with the real toolkits for kids, even though these tools are smaller, they’re still tools. For goodness sakes, my 36-year-old contractor husband still hurts himself with his tools!
He’s a special case, but you get the idea.
🙂
FOR THE YOUNG APPRENTICE
I wanted to include a couple bonus gifts that I found in my search. They’re a bit more of an investment, so perhaps they’re perfect for kids who are a bit older and have had a long-time interest in home improvement.
Monogrammed Tool Belt
How cute is this monogrammed tool belt I found on Etsy?! Personalizing it with their initials makes this such a special gift that could probably last them well into their teens. This could be the first step in someone showing the child how much they believe in them and their craft.
The reviews are wonderful. Once your order is placed it looks like it’ll be ready to ship to you in 3-5 days. Pricing starts at $42.
Real Honest to Goodness Workbench
Once the kids have outgrown the small workbench from Land of Nod, invest in this honest to goodness handmade real workbench! This is an actual place for kids to store their actual tools – so many things are happening.
This space can help teach children the importance of a clean workspace. Everything should be tidy, clean and unplugged when they’re done “working” for the day. It’s so much easier when they can take pride in their own workspace.
Plus, it’s also a great way to teach kids the importance of staying organized. Tools are expensive so kids need to learn how to care for them and how to store them properly.
The lead time on this custom made bench is 2-3 weeks and is a $250+ investment – so it’s really only for kids who are obsessed with their tools and learning a trade.
Supporting Trades
I’ve seen first hand how amazing knowing a trade can be. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall — they’re all great ways to work with your hands, create something you can be proud of, learn discipline, and a skill that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Nick put himself through college working with drywall. He made a great living. Instead of going out with all his co-workers all the time he made sure to have meaningful conversations with the home builders, architects, and real estate investors that were always on-site.
My point is – I think tradespeople can get a bad rap and they shouldn’t. It can be an honest, reliable, and great paying career.
Support your young apprentice. Introduce them to tools, building materials, and opportunities that aren’t always taught in schools.
Is there an awesome kids toolkit I didn’t see? Have any additional thoughts on kids and tools? Let us know in the comments below.
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