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The Best Toy Workbench


The best toy workbench is going to be sturdy, tough, and ready for playtime. It should have a wide variety of tools and plenty of ways for your child to be entertained. You can even find a toy workbench with sounds or lights for added fun.

Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for kids’ tool benches and a handy buyer’s guide if you aren’t sure what to look for. 

Best Toddler Workbench:
Best Realistic Toy Workbench:


Best Toddler Workbenches

CifToys Musical Learning Workbench

Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Birthday Gifts for Baby Boy Toy, Musical Learning Workbench Toy for Boys Kids Construction Work Bench Building Tools Sound Lights Engineering Pretend Play One Year Old Boy Toys
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The CifToys Musical Learning Workbench is a great choice for introducing younger kids to tools. It has engaging lights and sounds and is recommended for kids ages 18 months and older. 

As your child plays with this learning workbench, they can learn about colors, shapes, letters, and tools. The hammer, screwdriver, and wrench come off the bench and can be used for different activities. As your child interacts, they are learning important skills like hand-eye coordination and dexterity. In addition to the tools mentioned, this also has an electric drill, chainsaw, and bench clamp. 

One of the nice things with this set is that the screws are attached to the table. This is an advantage because it prevents the screw from being lost or choked on, but your child still gets the fun of playing with them and using them with the screwdriver and wrench. There is also a ball that your child can hammer and a shape sorting area. The shapes fall into a pull-out drawer where they can be stored until next time. 

To activate the lights and sounds, you’ll need 2 AA batteries to operate this toddler’s toy workbench. If you’re not satisfied, this comes with a 30-day guarantee for a refund. 

Something to keep in mind is that this is on the small size, especially since it’s designed for younger kids. It is about the size of a shoebox. Even though it’s highly interactive, some reviewers were disappointed about the size for the cost. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your child with the drawer because they can get hurt if they put their hand inside and close it. You can remove the drawer for playtime and still use the shape sorter if you’re worried about it. 

Pros

  • Screws are attached to the table
  • Colors, lights, and sounds are highly engaging
  • Several ways to learn
  • Fun activities including working with the tools and shape sorting
  • 30-day guarantee
  • Great for ages 18 months and older
  • Electric saw and drill light up and are fun to play with

Cons

  • Small size for the cost
  • Drawer can pinch fingers or hands when closed

Little Tikes Tough Workshop

Little Tikes Tough Workshop Beige
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The Little Tikes Tough Workshop is a kid-sized workbench with 11 accessories. In addition to hooks for hanging tools, there is also a sliding door with plenty of storage space under the workspace. 

This set comes with a built-in saw and vice clamp, nails, a hammer, and a wrench. While it doesn’t have as many tools as some others, it still has enough to hold a young child’s interest. The Little Tikes workbench also comes with wood boards that your child can pretend to cut with the saw. One downside is that tools like the wrench don’t actually work, so they can’t be opened and closed like with other sets. 

However, since this doesn’t have as many small pieces, this is recommended for ages 2 years and older. It’s the perfect size for a toddler to stand next to. This also has a more sturdy construction after assembled because the pieces are made of strong, thick plastic material. One downside is that assembly can be challenging- several users report the holes weren’t always drilled, so they had to do it themselves to put the workbench together. 

One of the nice things about the durability of this set is that you can buy more tools as your child gets older. With the storage cabinet, it’s perfect to add extra tools (like an electrical drill or working wrench) as your child gets older to keep them interested.

Pros

  • Storage cabinet has room to store more tools if you buy them
  • Sliding doors
  • Ages two and older 
  • Strong, durable plastic 
  • Wooden boards that can be “cut”
  • Hooks to hang tools
  • Perfect size for a toddler

Cons

  • Tools aren’t very interactive or realistic
  • Hard to assemble, holes aren’t always drilled

Master Workbench by Hape

Master Workbench by Hape | Award Winning Kid's Wooden Tool Bench Toy Pretend Play Creative Building Set, Height Adjustable 35Piece Workshop for Toddlers
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The Master Workbench by Hape features 35 pieces, including many creative parts used in the building process. There are screws, bolts, nuts, links, fake wood, and gears, as well as tools like a hammer, saw, vice, angle, screwdriver, and wrench. Something that is nice with this set is that the hammers actually pound the nails in. In many other sets, they just fall through. The back of the hammer can also be used to take the nails out. 

This wooden toy workbench is built sturdy and durable. It’ll last for years, which is a plus since it has a height-adjustable workbench that makes it easier for your child to work at their height. It could also be easily passed on to another family member.

There is plenty of storage space for the tools included with this set. Some are attached to the workbench and there is a storage shelf underneath the work area. 

The wood and paint used to make this are both non-toxic. It features several peg holes on the back of the workbench and the table. Your child can fix gears and links to the board using the screws and nails. Additionally, the gears spin together when they are close to each other.  

This toy workbench is easy enough to assemble, however, the holes are not always drilled where they should be. You could fix this by drilling the holes yourself if you are tech-savvy or ask for a replacement. The Hape Company has good customer service, so they should be able to help with any flaws. 

Pros

  • Lots of working parts to build things
  • Basic tools included 
  • Wood is very durable
  • Height-adjustable workbench
  • Wood and paint are non-toxic
  • Good customer service

Cons

  • Holes for assembly might be misaligned

Step2 Handyman Workbench

Step2 Handyman Kids Workbench – Includes 30+ Toy, Accessories, Interactive Features for Realistic Pretend Play – Indoor/Outdoor Kids Tool Bench – Dimensions 35.38
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The Step2 Handyman Workbench comes with 36 different pieces and several working tools to simulate real play. It also comes with wood things for kids to build. Because of the smaller pieces, this is recommended for ages three and up. 

This comes with a screwdriver, hammer, saw, and many other tools kids will love to play with. As an added bonus, this comes with wood pieces that your child can use to simulate building or sawing. 

Even though there aren’t any electrical tools in this set, there are still lots of engaging ways to play. Your child will love pretending to build with the wood. There are also gears on the table that interlink as your child turns them. 

Another nice feature of this is the built-in storage and a built-in measuring tape. Additionally, a tray that goes under the work surface goes between the legs, adding stability. There are also pegs and holders on the back of the workbench that hold different tools. 

Something else to note is that the Step2 company offers a 12-month guarantee with this product. If there are any broken parts or missing pieces, then you can contact them for a refund or replacement. 

Pros

  • Has 36 different places
  • Gears are fun to turn and play with
  • Tons of built-in storage
  • Wood pieces to simulate real play 
  • Pegs and storage tray to hold the tools
  • 12-month guarantee 
  • Fun and realistic colors

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any electric tools

Best Realistic Toy Workbenches

Step2 Big Builders Pro Workshop

Step2 Big Builders Pro Kids Workbench – Includes 45 Toy Workbench Accessories, Interactive Features for Realistic Pretend Play – Indoor/Outdoor Kids Tool Bench – Dimensions 34
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The Step2 Big Builders Pro Workshop is a big, sturdy toy workbench with plenty for your child to do. In addition to the wide variety of tools, this comes with pieces to build a birdhouse. There are also brushes that work with water to “paint” the birdhouse once it’s put together. 

One thing to note is that this only comes with enough pieces to build the birdhouse. The advertisement is a little misleading with the extra pieces shown under the bench. Even so, there are plenty of other parts of the tool set to use when your child plays with other kids. 

Once the birdhouse is assembled, it can be painted with the included paint brushes, paint roller, or spray bottle using water. Some of the other tools included with this set are a drill, screwdriver, wrench, handsaw, table saw, clamp, and pliers. There is also an overhead work light. Both the light and the drill require batteries. 

The Step 2 workbench requires adult assembly. It comes with screws to hold everything together and only requires a Philips head screwdriver. The top of the workbench has hooks and containers for holding tools and there are shelves and cabinets on the bottom. You’ll want to be careful when applying the stickers because they are very sticky and do not come back off easily. This is great for making the toy last longer, however.

Pros

  • Strong, durable design
  • Won’t tip over easily
  • Several ways to play
  • Can build and “paint” a birdhouse
  • Comes with working light and drill 
  • Tools are functional and fun to play with
  • Lots of storage space  

Cons

  • Only has one birdhouse included

Toy Choi’s Pretend Play Series Standard Workbench

Toy Choi's Toy Drill Electric Kid Drill Set Pretend Play Drill Toy, Kids Creativity Drill Screw Set, Construction Kids Tool Set Outdoor Preschool Gardening Lawn Toy Gift for Boy and Girl(Green)
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The Toy Choi’s Pretend Play Series Standard Workbench comes with 82 pieces, including a working drill. The carrying case unfolds into a tabletop and sits on top of the included legs, which makes it a great choice if you need something that can be packed away when playtime is over. 

The tools in this set are well-designed and mimic the look of real tools well, which makes them great for learning. Additionally, they are durable and have smooth edges so they are kid-friendly. This set is recommended for kids ages three and up. 

In addition to the tools, this set comes with pieces to make the tool case a workbench. This includes sturdy plastic legs for the base and tool hooks that can be put in the holes of the tool case. There are also plastic pieces that go across the legs to increase stability. While this makes it a little harder to tip over, you’ll still want to be sure your child does not climb on this and get injured. 

Some of the tools you’ll find in this kit include screwdrivers, a hammer, wrenches, a C-clamp, pliers, screws, nails, nuts, drill bits, and even a working electric drill. You’ll need batteries for the drill. Something to note is that you won’t have as many screws and bolts for your child to play with once the tool bench is assembled, because you’ll need them to keep the legs sturdy. 

Pros

  • Comes with a wide variety of tools
  • Electric drill and three drill bits included
  • Included pieces turn the tool case into a workbench, which adds to the fun 
  • Tools are smooth and safe to play with 
  • Can be used as a workbench or packed up to take playtime on the go
  • Tools have a realistic appearance

Cons

  • Still not as stable as some other options
  • Not as many screws to play with because you need them for the legs

TOMLEON Workbench and Tool Kit w/ 2 Trucks

Toddler Workbench and Tool Kit w/ 2 Trucks - 2 in 1 Construction Toy Set Plus Toy Power Tools, DIY Electric Drill, Nuts and Bolts - Stable, Interactive - Durable for Boys and Girls Age 3-5
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The TOMLEON Workbench and Tool Kit w/ 2 Trucks comes with fun trucks that your child can put together and take apart using their workbench. There are a total of 83-pieces to play with. Give this toy workbench to kids ages three and older. 

This set comes with two trucks your child can put together using the tools in the set. It also has a working drill that spins forward and backward. Some other tools included with this workbench are a hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, and more. There is also plenty of fake nuts and bolts for your child to build their own creations. The wide variety of tools included makes this a great toy tool bench, especially for the price. 

Even though this is designed for ages three and up, this toy workbench is not very tall. Many kids will have to sit on their knees or on the floor to play with it if they are over three. 

This requires adult assembly before giving it to your child. The included instructions mostly feature pictures, so they are not as easy to follow as they could be. Since the workbench is not overly complicated, however, it’s still possible to assemble without too much frustration. 

Add in some safe or fake wood and let your child learn how to become hand pretending to fix things. 

Pros

  • Assembly isn’t too hard
  • Lots of bins and trays to store tools on
  • Realistic details 
  • Great for bonding with parents
  • Has 83 different pieces
  • Sturdy construction
  • Working drill turns clockwise and counterclockwise 
  • Has two trucks to assemble and take apart

Cons

  • Workbench is short
  • Instructions are hard to follow

BLACK + DECKER Power Tool Workshop

Black+Decker Kids Workbench - Power Tools Workshop - Build Your Own Toy Tool Box – 75 Realistic Toy Tools and Accessories [Amazon Exclusive] 38 x 16.25 x 21 inches
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The BLACK + DECKER Power Tool Workshop comes with 75 tools and accessories. It features a durable, sturdy design and is recommended for kids ages three and older. 

Some of the parts included in the Black and Decker toy workbench are a kid-sized workbench with an accessory bin and storage trays. There are also hooks for hanging some of the tools. You’ll also find tools including 5 nails, 15 screws, 22 nuts, a toolbox, miter saw, phone drill press, hand saw, vice, and flashlight. One of the nice things about the work light is that it’s flexible, which makes it perfect for maneuvering as your child would when working at a real workbench. 

Many of these tools have realistic lights and sounds, which makes this more engaging for a child to play with. You will need a lot of batteries to power these individual tools, including 2 AA batteries each for the drill press and saw, as well as 2 AAA batteries for the flexible light that is included. 

This does require adult assembly. Additionally, many of the 75 pieces include the legs and screws/nuts that are needed to hold the legs together. This reduces the number of pieces that your child has to play with. Once together, the workbench is sturdy and doesn’t tip over easily. 

Something else to note is that sometimes the drill and/or saw might not work as it’s supposed to. This is frustrating because the company does in-house testing and then may send a replacement, but the process is long. It might be easier to return the whole thing through the website you purchased it from if there are any problems. However, this also means you’ll want to check out the battery-operated tools before you give it as a gift. 

Pros

  • Hooks for hanging the tools
  • Storage bins
  • Working tools with lights and sounds
  • Comes with a flexible flashlight
  • Variety of tools for different projects
  • Sturdy design doesn’t tip over easily 

Cons

  • Difficult to get replacement parts if they’re broken 
  • Many of the screws must be used to hold the workbench together

ToyVelt 68 Piece Workbench

ToyVelt® Kids Tool Set Toddler Workbench W Realistic Tools & Electric Drill for Construction Workshop Tool Bench, Stem Educational Pretend Play, Best Gift Toys for Boys & Girls Age 3, 4, 5, 6 and Up
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The ToyVelt 68 Piece Workbench comes with 12 tools and a total of 68 parts that mimic the design of real tools. It is recommended for ages three and up. 

Something nice about this kit is that it’s very portable. The tools all fold up inside the carrying case it comes in, so it’s easy to bring along for sleepovers or a play date. Once opened, the legs can come out and your child can use the nuts and bolts found in the kit to assemble their workbench. You may need to help younger kids, especially as they learn how to do it. 

The pieces included to make the base of this workbench are made of thin plastic. They are a little flimsy, so this will not withstand too much weight or being pushed against without tipping over. 

Some of the tools included in this kit include nuts and screws of different sizes, a saw, screwdriver, hammer, vice grip, clamp, wrench, and more. Something to note is that there are not very many nuts and bolts to play with, especially since most of them are needed to keep the legs together. 

Pros

  • Tools have a realistic appearance
  • Very portable 
  • Nuts and bolts are used to assemble the workbench 
  • Comes with a good variety of tools
  • Has 68 pieces 

Cons

  • Legs are made of a flimsy plastic
  • Not very many nuts and bolts to play with

Comparing Toy Workbenches

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


Toy Workbench Buyer’s Guide

Age and Safety

Toy workbenches are commonly recommended for ages three and up because of the small parts. If you’re looking for something for a younger child, you need something with a safer design like the CifToys Musical Learning Workbench. It has features like smooth, round edges and bigger parts that aren’t a choking hazard for younger kids.

Something else to look for in a baby-safe tool workbench is non-toxic materials, especially because younger kids put everything in their mouths. 

Another thing to consider with age is how easy/difficult the workbench is to assemble and play with. Most manufacturers recommend a toy for a set age range. You can also consider the number of parts; older kids might appreciate something with more pieces and realistic parts. 

Overall Design and Sturdiness

Toy workbenches usually need to be assembled before use. Breaking them down makes them less bulky and easier to ship and store. Some tool benches also need to be built with the nuts, bolts, and tools included for your child to play with.

Others are designed like a toolbox and turn into a workbench once they are unfolded. These are nice because they’re convenient to carry around. The carrying case also makes it easier to keep all the pieces together. 

The best toy workbench is going to be sturdy once it is assembled. It shouldn’t tip over easily, especially if it’s for a younger child that might get hurt if they are pinned under it. You also want to be sure it holds the different tools well so they’re easy to find as your child plays. Finally, be sure there aren’t pieces that could break off easily. A plastic or wooden toy workbench might become sharp if it is broken. 

Size

One of the things I’ve struggled with is narrowing down my kids’ toys. They have so many of them, especially those few larger items that take up a lot of space. You can find toy workbenches in all types of sizes. When designed for younger kids, they’re more likely to be smaller with fewer tools. A larger set is going to take up some space once it’s assembled.

You’ll also want to consider if you are going to be leaving the workbench assembled or taking it apart after playtime. There are some that are almost impossible to take back apart, while others are meant to fold back up so they can be taken for sleepovers or playdates. 

Variety of Tools

Most workbenches come with a variety of tools. Some of the most common include nuts, bolts, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, and pliers. An electric drill or saw might also be included. Having more tools makes the set more fun to play with, especially for older kids. You’ll want to be sure the tools are sturdy and well-designed to get the most use out of the toy workbench. 

Having a wide variety of tools also means a lot of parts. A quality workbench will have somewhere to store these tools, whether it’s on the workbench itself or in a storage case. Some also come with storage cabinets or trays that sit under the workbench. One of the advantages of choosing a workbench that has extra storage space is you can buy more tools and expand your child’s set. This is nice for adding tools as your child gets older, especially if they are interested in the set. 

Interactive Features

In addition to basic tools like wrenches and screwdrivers that kids can play with, some toy workbenches come with a drill, electrical saw, or other tools with real moving parts. While these aren’t as sharp (or dangerous) as real power tools, the noises and movements make them more realistic to play with. Some also have lights that are especially engaging for younger kids.

When you look for interactive features, consider your child’s age and if they’re going to appreciate something more visually stimulating (like lights and bright colors) or something more realistic. Younger kids prefer visually stimulating toys, while older kids might prefer realistic tools. 

Some workbenches also come with pieces that can be used to build toys or other structures. These add an element of fun and are great for exercising STEM skills and keeping your child engaged.  

FAQs About Toy Workbenches

What are some of the benefits of playing with a toy workbench?

With so many toys to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down which toys are best. Toy workbenches can be more expensive than some other options, but they’re great for creative roleplaying. Toy workbenches also make a great investment for several other reasons, including: 

  • STEM learning benefits- Mastering STEM skills will help your child in many career fields. In today’s technology-driven world, having an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is important. STEM skills also exercise your child’s critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which will help them as an adult and in their day-to-day life.  
  • Encourages creative play and role-playing- Buying interactive toys like a toy workbench helps keep your child entertained during their free time. It’s a great way to have fun away from screens. When your child assumes the role, they are putting themselves in someone else’s shoes. This teaches empathy and thinking of others. Additionally, as your child figures out how to use the tools and play different ways, they are using critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
  • Early introduction to a useful life skill- Working with tools around the home is an important life skill. From hanging pictures and tightening hinges to simple home repairs, being able to use tools is important for boys and girls. As you familiarize them with the names of different tools and what they do, you’re introducing your child to a skill they can use for the rest of their life. 
  • Social play- One of the nice things about bigger toy workbenches is the wide variety of tools makes it easy for more than one person to play. When kids play with parents, siblings, or friends, they’re learning how to share and work with others. This is important for working on a team (whether school, sports, or an organization) later in life. Social play also teaches empathy and taking others into consideration. 
  • Physical benefits- Playing with a tool bench requires your child to manipulate the different tools. As they do this, they’re improving their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. These are all skills that will benefit them through life, whether they are learning to write or playing sports. 

Are toy workbenches safe for kids? 

Children’s toys must follow guidelines regarding safety to be manufactured and sold. Generally, you can buy a safe workbench by following age recommendations. This is especially true for children under three since the smaller parts can be a choking hazard.

In addition to considering the size of the parts, be sure non-toxic materials including plastic, wood, and paint are used to make the toy. 

If you’re worried about your child’s safety, watch them while they play. Even older kids (around 4-5) might still put toys in their mouths. While they are less likely to choke than kids under three, they can still swallow small parts. If you’re concerned, you can take away the smaller pieces until your child is a little older. 

You’ll also want to consider the overall stability of a toy workbench. If the legs are flimsy, then it’s more likely the workbench will tip over. Not only will this send all the toys falling, but your child could also get trapped under it. You’ll also want to be sure your child doesn’t climb on top of the workbench. This could also make it fall or even break it if the workbench collapses. 

Is adult assembly required for a toy workbench? 

In the case of many of the larger workbenches, some type of assembly is going to be required. If you have an older kid, you may find a toy tool bench that uses the included tools for assembly. The ‘screws’ are used to hold wood or plastic pieces of the actual workbench together.

Even with instructions, you might need to help your child the first time or two. Once they can do it themselves, they’ll have fun putting together their workbench. It will also give them a sense of accomplishment. 

What are some ways my child can play with their toy workbench?

One of the best ways to encourage your child to play with their workbench is through role-playing. Your child can pretend the workbench is their shop and you can request they make you something specific.

To make this a STEM learning experience, you could also look up the steps to make that and talk about which tools are used. Another idea is exchanging pretend money for goods and services. This will teach your child about money and how the real world works. 

You can also use the workbench to teach your child about different tools and what they do. Ask them questions about the different tools and have them hand you the tool you’re asking about. For example, “Which tool is used to pound nails into the wood?”

As kids get older, it can also be useful to have them watch mom or dad use tools around the house. Seeing the real tools in action will teach them the significance of what they’ve learned. 

Final Word

Our most recommended toy workbench for a toddler is the CifToys Musical Learning Workbench. The bright colors, lights, and sounds are perfect for keeping a younger kid engaged during playtime. It also offers plenty of opportunities to learn about shapes, colors, tools, and more.

For kids older than three, we recommend the Step2 Big Builders Pro Workshop. It’s nice that it comes with a birdhouse for kids to “paint” and build. This can encourage your child to roleplay. 

As you look for the best toy workshop, be sure to look for something sturdy and with features that will keep your child engaged. It can also be really helpful to play with them and teach them about different tools. Hopefully, this article has helped you find the best option for your family. 


Samantha Davis is a part-time writer and a full-time mommy of two boys, Apollo (age 5) and Adrien (age 7). She has been working as a writer for seven years and loves the freedom it gives her to spend time with her boys and fiance.and do things like camping, swimming, and painting. She is also a parent to three fur babies- two dogs and a cat!



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