Which Tool or Workbench to Buy for Our Son?

Updated on November 21, 2007
D.H. asks from Lewisville, TX
6 answers

We are looking at getting our 21 month old son a tool bench for Christmas. We have looked at plastic workbenches that have tools that make noise and light up like the Black and Decker workbench, the Home Depot work bench, the Little Tykes workbench, and the Step 2 Workbench. We also looked at Wooden Toolbenches like the Deluxe Workbench on backtobasicstoys.com and the Workbench at highlights.com that have screws, nails, etc. but do not light up or make sounds ~ (Yes, I know that I am a CRAZY person :) ).

My husband originally wanted a wooden toolbench for our son and I thought we should get a plastic one. My main concern is that the wooden one won't hold our son's attention for long enough.

Again, I know I am thinking WAY too much about this (hello - he is 21 months old!) ~ but what do ya'll think? Does anyone have a plastic or wooden tool/workbench ~ do your kids still play with them? Any pros or cons to either type?

I really want to get one that he will play with now and be able to play with for a long time (they are fairly expensive).
Any advice would be welcome!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you all so much for your replies! After much debate, we decided to go with a plastic workbench. I really wanted to get the Little Tykes workbench but my husband was set on the Step 2 Real Projects Workshop. My parents decided to order it for my son for Christmas. I'm hoping that it won't be too old for him but I think he'll love it (and I know my husband will want to play with it :) ).
Thanks again!
D.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.

answers from Dallas on

We bought the Little Tykes workbench for our sons 3rd birthday and he loves it! He probably plays with the tools more away from the bench, trying to fix things all over the house. He does play with his dad though, fixing the engine that is on one side of the bench or hammering nails into the slots with his friends. He loves the lights and sounds that the tools make. He thinks he's a professional with tools that look and sound just like daddy's! Have fun with which ever you decide on! =)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I think both wood or plastic is fine. Our son LOVES his Craftsman tool box (Sears). They have a whole line of play tools that match the real ones. He got the tool set for his 1st birthday (he turned 2 last month), and those are still his favorite toys. He plays with the screw drives and wrenches - with teh nuts and bolts (so works on dexterity). His tool set is plastic, but he plays with a friends wood one when at their house. The only tool we have that makes noise is the drill, but he plays with them all equally (drill tends to be a big hit when other kids come over, so we go through a lot of batteries for that one). good luck finding the rigth one for you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Houston on

For my boys the tool bench held their attention for a very short time, and we had a couple different kinds. They loved the tools, but they wanted to work on "fixing stuff" not stand at the tool bench. So we finally just got a real tool box for the tools and lost the space hogging tool bench. That worked best both times we did it. My sons are 9 and 3 so we have been through a lot of things twice. Sometimes they are the same sometimes different, so I would say you know your son best.

Do you have a friend who has a tool bench? You might consider taking him there and see if he shows a lot of interest in it.

Hope this helps! Have a great holiday season!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Dallas on

As a mom of 7 (only 1 boy - the youngest) the first thing that popped into my head was that the wooden one would have nice sharp edges to bang his head on in an accidental fall. The plastic ones would be softer and easier on the head if an accident happened since he is so new to walking. One trip to the ER with a head gash was enough for my lifetime and that was 2 years ago (of course the boy) It was a day I do not ever want to repeat and wouldn;t wish on my worst enemy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Dallas on

We have - the little tikes small workbench (he's too big for that), the Elmo talking workbench that both my boys like, and just this weekend got the Black & Decker Jr. workbench with the birdhouse to put together that they both fight over.....my kids play wit tools all the time (normally mine..grrrr)

Teri

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from San Antonio on

We bought the deluxe work bench for our three year old sont his year from backtobasicstoys.com and he loves it. He uses the "tools" everywhere. If someone comes to the house to fix something, he goes to get his toold to "help." So, it certainly holds his attention.

My in-laws bought my oldest son (now 13) the Little Tykes workbench when he was two, and we kept it at their house becasue at the time, we did not have the space. Eleven years and 10 grandchildren later, that workbench is still as popular as ever. I would say whichever fits in with your budget and your space requirements will be your best choice. Maybe there willb e some good sales on Friday for you. Good luck!

A little about me:
Stay at home mom with four sons ages 13, 11 1/2, 3 and 7 months. I have been married to an amazing husband for 16 1/2 years and have my own Premier designs jewelry business.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches