(Part 2) Best toy construction tools according to redditors

Is this too junior?
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Starter-Tool-15-Piece/dp/B00FKXRNHA/

I would be a little worried about what the keys are made of, although I don't really know if there's anything to be concerned about. B. Toys makes a pretty realistic set of toy keys. I've seen them at Target, here they are on amazon

I need to teach my son how to tie his shoes. He's 7, it's time. He has these awesome Converses he won't wear because he would have to tie them.

They look like the ones that came in the Fischer Price Drill set.


http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Drillin-Action-Tool-Set/dp/B00CQHZ0FU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

My kid loved that thing.

I've found that Step2 is pretty good about having gender neutral colors and themes for pretend play toys, like kitchen sets, tool sets, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Step2-Lifestyle-Custom-Kitchen-Black/dp/B00A2N867E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395184811&sr=8-2&keywords=step2+kitchen

http://www.amazon.com/Step2-762700-Real-Projects-Workshop/dp/B000FHQJLW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395184833&sr=8-3&keywords=step2+workbench

Melissa and Doug is another good source for sturdy pretend play items. And even using real-life items for pretend play, like an old set of pots and pans or used adult or big-kid clothing can be used.

Go buy a disposable flashlight, that uses the old school bulbs.. other find a kids toy flashlight.. throw a cheap .5 watt bulb in it and call it a day lol

my son has a craftsman toy flashlight that almost looks real.. it even has a battery pack that is changeable.. but has two aa batteries in it

https://www.amazon.com/My-First-Craftsman-Toy-Worklight/dp/B002Q6XKGC

I then replaced the krypton bulb (suprised to see that) with a 3000k .5 watt led bulb. Approx 25-30 lumens, which is slightly less then the original bulb put out (closer to 4000k).... while it's not exactly a moonlight, it has both a useable light for night, and it's not bright enough to worry about him blinding himself

https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32670599523.html?spm=a2g0n.search-cache.0.0.uz97oB

And I put cheap rayovac batteries in it since I can get 48 of them for 5$.... he lost his flashlight, and I finally found it, a week later.. behind the couch, still lit up.. now it's almost two months later with the same batteries in it..

There are some really awesome toy tools out there that actually work but pretty much are only useful in their own set and safe.

I could probably drive a nail with my daughter's hammer but it wouldn't be pleasant. She has https://www.amazon.com/Hape-Kids-Wooden-Tool-Accessory/dp/B0076O6G60/

I am amazed of how much more I've been getting done since my little one has this to "help":

Melissa & Doug Toolbox Fill and Spill Toddler Toy With Vibrating Drill (9 pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U4CUHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1hUJzbN80A6X3

I think the free night of sitting is an awesome idea. I have done it several times. I usually make something up in photoshop and print it out or you could hand-draw something. It wasn't awkward for me at all, but I think the parents felt a bit odd about using it (probably not all would, but mine did). Like when they asked me to sit, they were like "can we use the coupon?" I said of course. Then DB still tried to pay me at the end of the night..LOL. Plus they didn't stay out as late as they usually would, so I could tell they were trying not to take advantage. I have also had the kids pic put on an ornament.


8month old- Will be walking soon, so how about something they can play with now/push later? This one is out of the price range you said, but I know there are less expensive versions. I got my lil' one this activity walker and she loves it

She also likes the Little Tikes Mower

Or type "ball popper" into Amazon. Just about every company makes some version of a ball popper and the kids usually have fun chasing balls all over. She may be too young, but this is great too

For the 2.5: My son had this food set when he was little It is so much fun. by Melissa&Doug. It comes with a play knife and you "cut" through the velcro holding it together. Even I liked playing with it..lol

For unique instruments, how about something like this I had to look up the name. There are lots of versions

I thought of it because my son has this one you take the stick out and run it along the back :)

Other ideas for different instruments: maracas, xylophones, recorder or flutophone, ocarina, harmonica. I found a tiny Ukulele at the dollar store the kids couldn't get enough of it.

I suggested asking Black & Decker, but I just thought of possibilities.

1. Hole cutting bit of terrible design
   
   
2. Wire wheel or flap disc of terrible design (and .. not really common enough to warrant putting in a toy set)
   
   Edit: It's also in this set which doesn't say what it is
   
   Edit 2: Torx??

I'm in Australia too so I know the pain of trying to find those toys! This completely depends on your budget so I can give you a few suggestions and you can see fit on what to do with them.

I think buying the Morpher (its the gun looking one) http://www.amazon.com/Power-Rangers-Dino-Charge-Morpher/dp/B00PNJYS8I and a few of the charger packs (its the battery sized cylinders with a dinosaur figure) http://www.amazon.com/Power-Rangers-Dino-Charge-Charger/dp/B00PNJYSIS/ref=pd_bxgy_21_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GET67YE95ZVZF02VJ8D is a good place to start. Maybe ask him which colour ranger is his favourite and get him the action figure of that with their dinosaur figure with the charge packs. The dinosaurs are also colour coded to help with that selection.

If he says his favourite is the gold ranger than the sword morpher or this pack in the link http://www.amazon.com/Power-Rangers-Dino-Charge-Ranger/dp/B00Y8CWFBI/ref=pd_sim_21_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41IzIEOfYbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1HMRYNVW4QV1J8W0HXXZ might be better for him. If you want to be sneaky maybe just watch him play Power Rangers to see which one he is or watch for a reaction to a certain ranger when he watches them on TV. Good luck and I hoped this helped you