As a parent, you want to provide your child with toys that not only entertain them but also help them develop important skills. That’s why playsets like play kitchens have been popular for years, but now, pretend play kids’ tool benches have joined the conversation. These workbenches allow children to engage in imaginative play while learning important scientific concepts like geometry, structure, and fundamental physics.
As you search for the perfect toy workbench for your child, you may be overwhelmed by the number of options available on the market. It can be challenging to differentiate between the various features, materials, and designs of toy workbenches. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. We’ve compared all the available choices, consulted with other parents and caregivers, and identified the best toy workbenches for your child’s playtime.
Our Top Picks
- Best For Toddlers: Little Tikes Tough Workshop
- Best For Older Kids: Step2 Big Builders Pro Kids Workbench
- Most interactive: Step2 Pro Play Kids Workshop
- Most Realistic: Black+Decker Kids Workbench
- Best Wooden: Melissa & Doug Wooden Project Workbench
- Best For Small Spaces: Step2 Handyman Kids Workbench
- Great Quality: Master Workbench by Hape
- Easy To Put Together: Toywoo Tool Bench for Kids
- Simple Design: KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Workbench
- Most Compact: EverEarth Toddler Workbench
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Toy Workbenches For Toddlers & Kids Picks
Little Tikes Tough Workshop – Best For Toddlers
- Easy to assemble
- No choking hazards or sharp/protruded parts
- The screwdriver actually works, is not just a fancy piece
- Comes with a storage area at the bottom with sliding doors
- If you use a power screwdriver, you can assemble this in half the time
The Little Tikes workshop is a great tool for young children ages 2 and up who are looking to explore their creative side.
This is the perfect size for any bedroom, playroom, or family room, and it provides ample storage space with its convenient sliding doors. Your children will have plenty of room to play together and develop their hand-eye coordination with the included hammer and “nails,” as well as the saw for cutting play wood planks.
The pegboard features hooks for hanging your tools, while additional storage is provided by the sliding door below. With 11 included accessories, this workshop is sure to keep your little ones entertained for hours on end.
Step2 Big Builders Pro Kids Workbench – Best For Older Kids
- The whole thing is very lightweight
- Many tools to play with
- The drill takes batteries for some real action
- Has an LED shop light
- The birdhouse is made of foam pieces that you put together like a puzzle
With 45 pieces of pretend tools, kids can easily pretend to be a carpenter or a woodworker. They can even assemble a birdhouse and use the brush, roller, or spray bottle included to paint it, and watch it change colors!
Moreover, the operating spring action vise keeps projects steady while young builders construct, and the toddler workbench includes electronic components like a drill, overhead work light, and an integrated fake table saw that mimics a real workbench. Plus, the accessories are made of flexible foam and are replicas of authentic wood with holes and cuts for easy installation. This is recommended for ages 3 and up.
Step2 Pro Play Kids Workshop – Most interactive
- Great size
- Easy to assemble
- Lots of interactive parts
- Very durable
- You need an electric drill to easily screw everything together
With plenty of room for several kids to explore carpentry together, this interactive workbench features a spacious design, a pull-out utility bench for added workspace, and a vast selection of included toy tools to keep imaginations running wild.
Using the lifelike foam wood pieces and functional spring-action vise, your little ones can let their creativity soar. Plus, with the realistic electric drill included in the toddler tool set, they’ll always have the right tool for any job.
When playtime is over, simply nest the utility bench beneath the workshop countertop and store the 70+ included toddler tool accessories in the jars, cupboards, and bins, or hang them on the pegboard for easy organization. This set is suitable for ages 3 and up.
Black+Decker Kids Workbench – Most Realistic
- The items are big enough to avoid a choking hazard
- Sturdy enough for a toddler, but light enough for a mom to move it around
- Has enough space to hang all the hand tools
- The table top has a lot of holes to play w/ the nails, screws/bolts, and nuts
- Requires 2 different types of batteries AA and AAA
With 75 different tools and accessories included, your child will have everything they need to get started on their next project. The battery-powered power drill even makes realistic drilling noises, just like the real thing!
Each tool is designed to look just like the ones you would find in a grown-up’s workshop, so your child can feel like a real handyman or handywoman. But don’t worry, there’s storage space beneath the work area to keep all 75 components organized and easy to find.
This set is not only great for encouraging pretend play and motor skills, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to teach your child about safety in a workshop. This is recommended for ages 3 and up.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Project Workbench – Best Wooden
- The build kits for toys are awesome
- The workbench is very durable
- Quite aesthetically pleasing
- Comes with storage
- It does take a bit of work to put together
Known for their exceptional toys, Melissa & Doug has created a standout toddler workbench with a working vise, tool rack, wooden tools, and hardware included. The high-quality timber used in its construction makes for a durable structure that can stand up to even the toughest play.
Plus, there’s a handy shelf for storing some of the accessories. While it may cost a bit more than other models and is a tad larger than some other workbenches, it’s a fantastic choice if you prefer wood over plastic. It’s perfect for children aged 3 to 6 and makes an excellent gift option.
Step2 Handyman Kids Workbench – Best For Small Spaces
- Compact design
- Very sturdy construction
- Comes with storage bins
- Easy assembly
- The parts that look like wood are foam
With a complete set of realistic tools, your kids can pretend to build forts, fix pirate ships, or even design castles! The tool set includes a hammer, saw, wrench, screwdriver, drill, nails, and screws – everything a little one would need for their next project.
The workstation is also fully equipped with a functional vise, an electric toy drill that makes realistic sounds, a ruler, a pegboard, storage containers, and an accessory package with over 30 pieces, including basic carpentry tools, storage bins, and foam wood-looking projects.
While it may be pricier compared to other options with more accessories, this particular workbench is a great pick if you’re in search of a more compact and streamlined version.
Master Workbench by Hape – Great Quality
- There is storage for the tools/pieces keeping all the pieces together in one place
- The bench is a nice height for a toddler
- The nails fit snuggly but not overtly that a toddler can’t get them out
- Compact design
- The screws/nails/bolts are made of plastic
Your young builder will love you forever for gifting them Hape’s 35 Piece Master Workbench, which provides them with the power to build anything they desire or attach pieces to it. The workbench offers your child the chance to learn about the names of tools, their functions, and how they can use them to create.
This 35-piece tool kit includes everything your child needs, including a hammer, saw, screwdriver, wrench, vice, angle, screws, nuts, bolts, gears, links, and other building materials. This tool set is recommended for kids aged 3 years and above and features a height-adjustable workbench counter that can accommodate growing builders.
Toywoo Tool Bench for Kids – Easy To Put Together
- Very well made
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy wood material
- Not bulky
- There are a lot of pieces which means more to clean up
Built to last, these toy workbench is constructed with top-quality materials that ensure they won’t warp or lose color over time. The set comes complete with an extensive list of additional components, including screws, nuts, bolts, gears, links, and more, allowing your child’s imagination to run wild. To keep everything in place, the pieces can be securely clamped using the bench clamp, and the workbench can be attached to the wooden block.
KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Workbench – Simple Design
- The vice works well. the action is smooth despite the fact this is wood on wood
- The hammer’s claw can be used to pull up the 4 provided nails when hammered into the table
- Quite easy to assembly
- Bold colors
- It is a small workbench
Your child will feel like a real woodworker with the impressive array of tools and features included in this set. The functional vise is pinch-proof and can securely hold pieces in place, while the pretend buzz saw features a rotating blade for added realism. Plus, the set also includes 4 pretend tools and 10 nuts and bolts to practice those motor skills.
But that’s not all! The workbench also includes two convenient storage bins to keep everything organized and tidy. This is recommended for children ages 3 and up.
EverEarth Toddler Workbench – Most Compact
- Very easy to assemble
- Well-painted
- Eco-friendly
- The wood is well sanded, and the paint colors are bright
- This isn’t made for interactive play for active and curious kids
If you’re short on space and looking for a workbench that won’t take up too much room, the EverEarth toddler workstation is a great choice. It’s compact and can easily be stored on a shelf. We love that it’s made of non-toxic, eco-friendly wood that’s safe for both your child and the environment.
The workbench comes with 5 tools, wooden nails, screws, and other accessories. But, if your little one likes to put things in their mouth, you might want to keep an eye on the smaller pieces and consider removing them. This set is recommended for children aged 3 and up due to the small parts.
How To Choose A Toy Workbench?
- Age-Appropriate: The first factor to consider when purchasing a toy workbench is the age range for which it is designed. Some workbenches may have small parts that can be a choking hazard for younger children, while others may be too simple for older children who crave more complexity.
- Durability: Kids can be rough on toys, so it’s essential to choose a toy workbench that can withstand some wear and tear. Look for sturdy construction with high-quality materials that won’t easily break or crack.
- Safety: Safety should be a top priority when selecting a toy workbench for your child. Make sure the workbench is designed with rounded edges, non-toxic materials, and a stable base to avoid tipping over.
- Features: Consider what features are important to your child. Do they want a workbench with a vise, a pretend saw, or lots of storage space? Choose a workbench with features that will keep your child engaged and interested in playing with it.
- Size: Think about the available space you have for the workbench and choose a size that fits comfortably in your home. If you have limited space, look for a compact workbench that can be easily stored away when not in use.
What Are Some Benefits Of Toy Workbenches?
- Develop fine motor skills which include hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and precision movements
- Encourage children to use their imagination and creativity to build and create (1)
- Introduce children to basic principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For example, children can learn about shapes, measurements, and simple machines while building and creating
- Build confidence in their abilities and accomplishments
- Teach children the importance of responsibility and safety
What Is The Best Age To Introduce A Toy Workbench?
Toy workbenches are generally recommended for children aged 3 and up. At this age, children have developed enough hand-eye coordination and motor skills to handle small tools and components safely. They also have an increased interest in pretend play and imaginative play, which makes a toy workbench a great addition to their playtime activities.
Are Workbenches Considered Educational?
Yes, workbenches are considered educational toys as they provide opportunities for children to engage in imaginative play, develop fine motor skills, and learn basic concepts related to engineering, physics, and math (2). Through play with toy workbenches, children can experiment with different tools, learn about cause-and-effect relationships, problem-solve, and practice critical thinking.
Does It Matter If The Workbench Structure Is Made Of Wood Or Plastic?
Wooden workbenches are generally considered more durable and long-lasting compared to plastic ones, which may crack or break over time. Additionally, wooden workbenches often have a more natural, classic look that many parents and children prefer.
However, plastic workbenches can be lightweight and easy to move around, making them a good choice for families with limited space. They may also come in brighter colors or with more modern designs, which some children may find more appealing.
