The Builder
Encourage your little builder to nail together something really cool with one of these pretend-play building sets. From tools made for lil one's hands to workbenches ready for big kids, this collection of construction sets can manufacture hours of fun. Along with hammering, cranking, and making lots of building noises, tool sets promote fine-motor skills and hand-eye coordination and introduce logic and spacial concepts. And playing with these building sets is tons of fun for the whole family!
Real Projects Workshop
Made from durable floating foam, this building set has parts with interlocking notches and holes made from construction. An electric drill and plastic hammer and saw make things even more exciting for pretend play.
To buy: Target, $60
Work Bench 'n' Box
Made from rubber wood and strictly nontoxic paints, this toy does double duty as a toolbox and a building set. Your kiddo can carry all his tools then flip the box over to create a work surface.
To buy: Toys 'R' Us, $30
HaPe Master Workbench
Here's a 32-piece set that looks like a professional work station but made just for kids. Features shelves and a tool wall perfect for keeping everything organized.
To buy: Wayfair, $98
30 Construction Set
Here's a building set made for the smallest in mind. Introduce the hand movements of twisting, turning, and hammering with this compact wooden construction set.
To buy: Yoyo.com, $27
If I Had a Hammer
From Land of Nod, here's a building set full of exciting construction potential. With 41 pieces, your little one will love being able to work all the way around this flat table, which has a working vise as well as wooden tools.
To buy: Land of Nod, $99
Wooden Project Workbench
This pint-size workbench has tons of useable parts, including a functioning vise, wooden tools, and hardware. Made with durability in mind, the set also comes with ideas to spark your little builder's imagination. Due to its small parts, this set is not recommended for tots under 3 years of age.
To buy: Melissa & Doug, $100
My Practical Tool Set
This building set is loaded with educational value, with a ruler to introduce measurements; nuts and bolts to encourage fine-motor skills; and a working vise for honing coordination. This set is serious fun for everyone.
To buy: Educo, $50
