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12 Gift Ideas for Kids Who Like DIY

Family HandymanFamily HandymanUpdated: Mar. 15, 2018

If you're looking for gifts to buy for a budding DIYer, future electrician, wannabe mechanic, dabbling woodworker, or would-be handyman, you've come to the right place. Check out these toys, books, and gear for kids that encourages the DIY mindset from an early age.

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A Workbench That's Just the Right Size

A Workbench That's Just the Right Size

If your child is in that phase where he or she wants to copy everything you do, it might be a good (and safer!) idea to buy this KidKraft Deluxe Workbench, which comes with its own set of tools. Now kids can work at their own bench, with their own tools while mom or dad builds in the shop. This workbench comes with four pretend tools, a collection of faux hardware, and even a buzz saw.

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Classic Children's Carpentry

Classic Children's Carpentry

This classic DIY book, Easy Carpentry Projects for Children, withstands the test of time. Featuring fifteen projects kids can make themselves, along with how-to instructions for basic woodworking skills and techniques, this book is built upon the premise that kids learn best by doing. Young woodworkers will love working their way through each project.
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Start Eye Safety Early

Start Eye Safety Early

What's unique about these child safety glasses is that they're not just a toy! Kids can help in the workshop on real projects with real tools without fear of damaging their eyes when they don these child-size glasses, made with a slightly smaller frame than the adult version. And they're inexpensive enough to use at play, too. Better yet? They come with real UV protection. It's a win-win.
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For the Budding Electrician

For the Budding Electrician

The littleBits Electronics Base Kit is a bit of an investment, but it's worth the price. Kids can safely play with and learn about electricity, all without wiring, soldering, or programming. This gift develops basic STEM principles that might come in handy in the future. You just might make a mini electrician or electrical engineer out of it!

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Their Own Take-Along Tool Kit

Their Own Take-Along Tool Kit

This Take-Along Tool Kit comes with play tools and hardware for the young handyman, complete with a kid-size carrying case. Kids can practice tightening bolts, screws, and nuts with a wrench and screwdriver. And the best part? It's all wood.
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A Book For Tinkerers

A Book For Tinkerers

Some of the best inventions are the result of tinkering. Encourage the pursuit in your kids with this book dedicated to the topic, published by Make. In Tinkering: Kids Learn by Making Stuff, kids learn science and DIY concepts with hands-on activities that make learning, building, and, well, tinkering fun. You might just get a kick out of it yourself. This book would make a great gift from a DIY enthusiast to a budding DIYer, especially if you're looking to faciliate some quality time.
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Pint-Sized Tape Measure and Level

Pint-Sized Tape Measure and Level

This tape measure and level set from The Home Depot looks almost like the real thing. Kids can practice measuring and leveling or help mom and dad on the job with their own miniature tools. The tape measure extends to 50 inches, and the level includes three compartments with beads to simulate the real thing (though you may want to rely on your own for use in home improvement projects!).

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Time to Get Building

Time to Get Building

Kids can get building with this Black & Decker Junior 14 Piece Toy Tool Belt Set. This tool belt and set sports the Black & Decker logo, just like the real thing, and the tools are some of the most realistic we've seen for kids. Children will love wearing this tool belt and having their tools on hand for handyman emergencies.
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Dress the Part

Dress the Part

While this toy construction hard hat is not approved for use on the job, kids will have fun pretending it is! Get your kids thinking about safety early by adding this to a gift of play tools or a workbench. This also makes a great addition to a handyman Halloween costume!
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For the Future Auto Mechanic

For the Future Auto Mechanic

For the future gear-head: the Battat Take-A-Part Toy Vehicles Roadster features 18 vehicle parts and a power screwdriver with three different bits. Kids can practice working on their own car and learn more about how cars and power tools work.
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Woodworking for Kids

Woodworking for Kids

Kids can build and paint their own woodworking projects with this Made By Me Woodworking For Kids kit. Encourage your child's interest in woodworking and carpentry with projects they can actually build safely and accurately themselves. With pre-cut wood pieces, glue, paints, and a wooden mallet, this kit comes with everything you need to start building.

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Mini Classic DIY Workbench for KidsFamily Handyman

Mini Classic DIY Workbench for Kids

If you've got the time, build something instead of buying! Give your child a chance to make projects on their own DIY workbench — a smaller-scale version of a classic design that's been in use for over a century. Check out these free plans for the mini classic DIY workbench for kids. It's just the right size!
Originally Published: December 19, 2016