17 Best Play Tool For Kids In 2024, Expert-Approved

Best Play Tools For Kids of 2020

Image: MomJunction Design Team

From building blocks to doctor sets, we have grown up with amazing toys that kept us engaged and helped us learn new skills. If you are seeking such educational toys for kids, here’s our list of the best play tools for kids to help you choose the right one. Since children these days are intelligent and sharp, they can pick up skills quickly. These time-tested play tools are safe for use and help them learn while watching their parents fix things around the house.

With various tools in a set or single pieces, these tools allow your child to learn what each tool does and encourage curiosity. Our list includes multiple high-quality, best-selling options to help you find one that suits your child’s interests. So, scroll down to learn more and make an informed decision.

In This Article

17 Best Play Tools For Kids Who Love To Fix Things In 2024

1. Best Child-Safe: Steam Life Tool Set

One of the best play tools for kids, the Steam Life Tool Set comes with 19 pieces of practical play tools that are bound to interest and excite your kid. The toolkit is made for kids between the age of three and seven, and is certified child-safe. Take a look at this product testing video to learn more about this product that boosts stem skill.

Item Weight: 1.15 pounds

Pros

  • Safe and easy to use
  • Convenient storage
  • Realistic tool pieces
  • Also includes a friction drill and safety goggles
  • Certified child-safe

Cons

  • Might be less durable
My Personal Experience

"My child was thrilled that this toy set had almost all the tools he saw me working with. Learning how to use the drill took some time for my little man, but the overall set has been an excellent source of entertainment and learning."

2. Best Imaginative: Learning Resources Fix It

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4.6
Learning Resources Fix It Image: Learning Resources
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Do not miss out on this product that has earned 10,641 positive reviews on Amazon.

The toolkit that is specially designed for kids above the age of two is ideal for encouraging imagination. It includes 6 integral tools like a toy wrench, hammer, screwdriver, drill, and saw. The tried-and-tested toddler tools come in a play toolbox that makes it easy to store after playtime. Watch this review video to know more about the product.

Item Weight: 1.3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.1 x 4.5 inches

Pros

  • Safe for toddlers
  • Drill makes sounds when squeezed
  • Made from soft and durable plastic
  • Ideal size

Cons

  • The toolbox might not be big enough

Our Reviewer's Experience

"Thanks to these functional tools, my little ones can pretend to be a part of our DIY home projects. I would have liked the storage box to be larger, but the soft build is much appreciated as it keeps injuries at bay."


3. Best Safety-Teaching: Black + Decker Junior Tool Belt Set

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4.5

Realistic looking tools to encourage the fixer in your kids, the Black + Decker Junior Tool Belt Set is ideal for children above three years of age. It comes with a fabric tool belt and a set of goggles so you can teach your kid about safety too!. This video will give you more insights into this high-quality item.

Item Weight: 12.6 ounces | Product Dimensions: 15 x 2 x 12 inches

Pros

  • Ideal size
  • Popular tools
  • Tool belt included
  • Comes with 11 pieces

Cons

  • Tool belt cannot be adjusted
My Personal Experience

"I got this set for my kid's costume party, but the tools have quickly become a constant part of his playtime. Its plastic tools are very smooth, and the adjustable velcro belt, though not the sturdiest, does the job well."

4. Best Hands-On Learning Tool Set: Rexbeti Real Tools

For all those DIY projects that your kid might want to try, give them a chance to be ahead of the line with the Rexbeti Real Tools kit. It comes with a fabric belt with 10 pockets which make up ample space for the play tools.

Caution: The tools are real and not just play tools for kids. They are tools made for smaller hands and should always be used with adult supervision.

Material: ‎Nylon | Color: ‎Orange | Product Dimensions: ‎9.89 x 8.08 x 4.1 inches | Item Weight: ‎3.03 pounds

Pros

  • Ideal for 5+ years
  • 14 pieces of tools
  • Toy screwdrivers with magnetic tip
  • Durable

Cons

  • Always use with adult supervision
My Personal Experience

"Having had the pleasure of seeing my children play with this tool set, I can vouch for the joy it brings. And while some tools were bigger than expected, their variety compensated for that minor hassle."

5. Best Comprehensive: Kejih Toy Tool Set

With an array of choices, these play tools for kids come in a handy toolkit with 21 pieces. It is the perfect toy set to enhance your kid’s imagination and hands-on skills. This expert-approved set is recommended for children between the ages of three and thirteen.

Item Weight: 13.4 ounces | Product Dimensions: 8.46 x 5.12 x 4.33 inches

Pros

  • Smooth edges
  • Realistic tool functions
  • Environmental-friendly
  • Helps in intellectual development
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • Might be less durable
My Personal Experience

"From hammers and screwdrivers to drills and screws, all the tools have promoted imaginative play and brought a lot of joy to my little one. Plus, the storage box has kept the pieces from going missing."

6. Best Interactive: Kidzlane 20 Piece Deluxe Tool Kit

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Join the 5,635 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.

One of the best features of this play tool kit is the battery powered toy drill that makes real drilling sounds at the press of a button. Made for children from between the age of three to six, these play tools for kids are bound to excite your little munchkins.

Batteries: 2 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 1.13 pounds | Product Dimensions: 12 x 3.5 x 10.5 inches

Pros

  • Sturdy play tools
  • Portable tool kit
  • Child-safe
  • Extra durable
  • Drill comes with batteries

Cons

  • Might be expensive

My Personal Experience

"I was in search of a toy set to help develop my children's fine motor skills, and I'm glad I found this. It captivates my children with various tools and encourages imaginative and creative play. I would recommend this for children who are into all things construction."


protip_icon Quick fact
Play may enhance learning and help develop essential abilities like inquiry, expressiveness, experimenting, and cooperation, according to researchers and educators worldwide (1).

7. Best Realistic: Black + Decker Mega Tool Set

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 1,019 fine reviews on Amazon.

Suitable for kids who love to build things and help around the house, this tool kit comes with 42 plastic play tools and accessories. It has real-looking tools that are bound to get your kid interested.

Caution: Contains tiny pieces that could pose a choking hazard. Ensure children use it under adult supervision only.

Item Weight: 2.1 pounds | Product Dimensions: 20 x 2.5 x 14 inches

Pros

  • Includes 42 pieces
  • Made with soft plastic
  • Comes with a hat
  • Spinning drill

Cons

  • Might not be durable
My Personal Experience

"This tool set has been an excellent way for my little one to enhance his creativity. However, I would have liked it to come with a storage case. Nevertheless, its realistic design is much loved."

8. Best Educational: Battat Busy Builder Tool Box

This tool box can be used to learn various builder skills and mathematical skills. It comes with a great looking tool box that can be flipped to use as a work table as well. It has a pretend drill that makes realistic drilling sounds and a proper working tape measure.

Item Weight: 2.3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches

Pros

  • Innovative tool box
  • Realistic tools
  • Durable tool box
  • Front door opens to more work space

Cons

  • Older kids might not find them interesting
My Personal Experience

"My kid loves this realistic drill as it makes his playtime interactive and fun. However, I noticed slight issues with the stability of the top tray. Nevertheless, the set seems sturdy and has been helping with his motor skills."

9. Best Colorful Learning Tools: Gresdent Construction Toy Tools

Made with lightweight materials and attractive bright colors, these play tools for kids are great for boys and girls to improve their hands on skills. It can be used even to learn colors, body coordination, and operational practice.

Caution: The tool kit contains small pieces that can pose the threat of choking hazard. Should be used only with adult supervision.

Item Weight: 8.1 ounces | Product Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.69 x 2.76 inches

Pros

  • Non toxic plastic
  • Increases child curiosity
  • Easily portable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not suitable for kids below the age of three

My Personal Experience

"The tools' authentic hues make them look just like the real thing. They keep my child entertained for hours, and I have also used them for decor and gifted some to the little ones in my family."


protip_icon Quick tip
When buying toys for your child, ensure it has no toxic paint coating to make sure there is no risk of the paint chipping and being ingested by your child.

10. Best Kid-Friendly: Li’l-Gen Kids Tool Set

Engineered for small hands, this tool kit comes with 16 pieces of pretend play tools that can be easily cleaned up and stored in a portable tool box. It comes with a box that aims to educate and fuel your kid’s imagination.

Item Weight: 1.96 pounds

Pros

  • Battery powered pretend drill
  • Contains a tool belt
  • Safety goggles
  • Comes with an educational book

Cons

  • Tool belt might be loose

11. Best Skill-Building Playset: Toy Choi’s Tool Construction Set

Designed for toddlers to improve their hand-eye coordination, this play tool set is just what your child needs. The tool kit includes a toy drill, a toy hammer, toy nails and screws, and nuts. The toddler toy kit is made keeping in mind the safety of kids and does not have any sharp edges.

Item Weight: 2.66 pounds

Pros

  • Functional play tools
  • Superior quality
  • No color fading materials
  • Resistant to rough use

Cons

  • Might be expensive
Our Reviewer's Experience

"Accessories such as a functional drill and interchangeable parts have made this tool set a hit with my little one. Although some pieces were smaller than expected, the overall set has come in handy to facilitate imaginative play."

12. Best Age-Appropriate: Work Pro Tool Kit

Play tools for kids that inspire learning, creativity, and imagination, this toolkit encourages your kids to start DIY projects at an early age. The tools are not pretend tools but real ones tailor made to suit small hands. This tried-and-tested tool kit is suitable for kids of 6 years of age and above. The kit comes in variants of pink and blue for girls and boys.

Caution: The tools should not be used without adult supervision as they are real tools designed for small hands and could be dangerous.

Item Weight: 2.66 pounds

Pros

  • Uses green and safe materials
  • Helps develop creativity
  • Aids in skill development
  • Comes with a zip-bag
  • Cute pink colored tools

Cons

  • Needs adult supervision

13. Best Motor Skills Development: Fisher Price Drilling Action Tool Set

This safety-tested creative set of play tools for kids allows creativity training for kids who love hands-on activities. It includes goggles, noise-canceling headphones, tape measure, orbital sander, chainsaw, circular saw, and coping saw. It is the perfect tool for little landscaping projects.

Batteries: 2 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 2.08 pounds | Product Dimensions: 11.22 x 6.42 x 6.38 inches

Pros

  • Extremely realistic
  • Innovative design and application
  • Drill works in forward and reverse
  • Learn and develop skills

Cons

  • Might be small in size
Our Tester's Experience

"My daughter loves to go around the house pretending to fix things with this drill set. The set’s build is impressive, and the best part is the drill’s easy-to-use soft trigger."

14. Best Creative: Fun Little Toys Workbench And Construction Toy Tool Kit

It is designed to support a built-in toy saw, bench clamps, and an electric drill. The Fun Little Toys Workbench And Construction Toy Tool Kit comes with a storage drawer and three detachable hardware tools. It also has four different shape blocks— square, heart, circle, and triangle.

Item Weight: 1.52 pounds | Product Dimensions: 11.22 x 8.27 x 6.5 inches

Pros

  • Ability to learn shapes
  • Built-in storage
  • Flashing lights, realistic sounds
  • Easy grip for little hands

Cons

  • Batteries not included
Our Reviewer's Experience

"From pretend play to shape sorting, this tool kit has facilitated it all. It does feel small in my hands, but it is the perfect size for my child. Plus, the vibrant colors are a bonus."

15. Best Safety-Equipped: Joyin Construction Yard Tool Toy

This creative set of play tools for kids allows creativity training for kids who love hands-on activities. It includes goggles, noise-canceling headphones, tape measure, orbital sander, chainsaw, circular saw, and coping saw. It is the perfect tool for little landscaping projects.

Item Weight: 2.31 pounds | Product Dimensions: 11 x 2 x 4 inches

Pros

  • Realistic sound and action
  • Promote fine motor skill development
  • Enhances creativity
  • Educative tool toys
  • Non-toxic and child-safe

Cons

  • Battery not included
Our Tester's Experience

"The chainsaw is my kid's favorite tool as it makes realistic sounds. However, it does need batteries to operate. Nonetheless, the entire set is well-made and brings a lot of excitement."

16. Best Organizational Playset: Big Mo’s Toys Tool Set

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4.3
Big Mo’s Toys Tool Set Image: Bigmostoys

With an array of choices to choose from, the Big Mo’s safety-tested Toys Tool Set comes with 46 pieces to keep your kids engaged and excited. The tool box opens out into three layers of trays for ample storage and detailed organizing of the play tools.

Item Weight: 3.23 pounds | Product Dimensions: 14.02 x 7.01 x 7.01 inches

Pros

  • Suitable for kids to play pretend mechanic
  • Includes an air powered cordless drill
  • Portable tool set
  • Non-toxic and safe for child use

Cons

  • Might be less durable
Our Tester's Experience

"This kit's highlight is the multi-tier storage box that makes organizing the tools and accessories easy for my kids. The drill’s bit-changing mechanism was a bit tricky to learn, but the overall set has been delightful."

17. Best Skill-Boosting Handyman Set: Liberty Imports Little Handyman Repair Toy Tool Set

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

With 52 pieces to choose from, these play tools for kids are one of the most functional kid friendly toolkits. It inspires imagination and creativity among kids who can develop their skill set with these small-sized handyman tools, making it an amazing gift for birthdays.

Item Weight: 0.85 Pounds | Color: multicolored

Pros

  • Realistic and functional
  • Contains safety goggles
  • Educational
  • Increases learning abilities
  • Fuels imagination

Cons

  • Might break easily
Our Reviewer's Experience

"This toy tool set keeps my young kids entertained and engaged thoroughly. The hard hat enhances the fun quotient but could benefit from a redesign. However, the other tools have been the ideal size for my kids."

How To Choose The Right Play Tools For Kids?

You already know that there is a wide range of products to choose from depending on your kid’s needs. But the trick is to find that perfect tool kit that your son or daughter may enjoy the best. There are tools made for toddlers which include play tools that help with their color recognition, hand-eye coordination, mathematical skills, and other such interests. They are usually made of soft plastic and are safe for kids who are much younger. However, with older kids, there are some play tools that are made of plastic but others are made of steel to give your kids a different playing experience. These are designed to help your kids with their cognition, development of senses, skills, and interests. Therefore, the key factors to consider when you’re choosing play tools for your kids are the age range, main features, warning and cautions, and the toy materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the educational benefits of playing with play tools?

Apart from learning about various skills as a kid, play tools also help kids improve their creativity, imagination, and curiosity.

2. How do play tools enhance children’s development?

Because of the hands-on nature of these toys, they aid in motor development and improve dexterity. They also become better equipped to develop the skills they need as adults. They can also help develop their imagination and social skills as they engage in role-play.

3. Are play tool sets safe for children?

Toy tool sets made of non-toxic ABS plastic that have smooth edges and corners are safe for children. If the kit contains small pieces, parent supervision is a must to prevent choking hazards.

4. Can my child use a tool set if they don’t fit within the manufacturer’s age range?

It’s always best to adhere to the age recommendations suggested by the manufacturer. Otherwise, it could lead to choking hazards or other injuries.

5. Are the tools in play tool sets real or fake?

Most tool kits have fake child-friendly tool toys to facilitate independent playtime. A few DIY project sets could have real tools meant for older children subject to constant parental supervision and guidance.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Priti Bose specializes in children’s toys, games, and gifts. Her well-researched posts ensure quality products to help you find the right one. Her compilation of the best play tools for kids includes child-friendly, premium products to help improve your child’s learning and skills. Priti incorporates user reviews to offer you an unbiased opinion and help you decide. She has also included a buying guide for a better understanding before purchasing.

The Bottom Line

Toy tool kits encourage children to engage in role-playing, which helps develop their cognitive and language skills. The list of the best play tools for kids will help you choose according to your child’s age and interests. Toy tool kits with tool kit boxes for easy storage are a good option. So, we recommend the Learning Resources Fix It toolkit with a toolbox made from soft plastic. You may also consider the Rexbeti Real Tools with a fabric belt to store the tools, adding a fun touch to your child’s role-playing games. The Kidzlane 20 Piece Deluxe Tool Kit with a battery-powered toy drill is another trusted choice. For toddlers, toy tools made of soft materials such as soft plastic or rubber are the preferred choices. Further, ensure the pieces are child-safe and made of non-toxic materials.


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Jennifer Stalley
Jennifer StalleyToys entrepreneur
Jennifer Stalley is the founder and president of Meemzy Magic, a kids’ toys and DIY kits business. Through her venture, Jennifer aims to bring sensory play to children around the world and help moms take a load off.  She is a believer in the power of play, for all ages, on screen and off.

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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University and has qualified UGC-NET. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

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Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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