Have a future builder or little whittler in your life? There are a lot of different woodworking kits for kids on the market these days, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for your child.
All the kits below will help you to introduce children to woodworking in a safe and fun environment. Here are ten of the best woodworking kits for kids. Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Best Woodworking Kits for Kids
- Stanley Jr DIY Bird House Kit – Best Woodworking Kit for Kids and Adults
- Toysmith Beetle & Bee Birdhouse Kit – Best Wood Building Kits for 10 year-olds
- Young Woodworkers Kit Club – Best Wood Building Kits for 12-Year-Olds
- Kraftic Woodworking Building Kit – Best Woodworking Kit for 10-Year-Olds
- SparkJump DIY Candy Dispenser – The Most Fun Wood Building Kit
- Lakeshore Build-It-Yourself – Best Woodworking Kit for Teens
- 5 in 1 DIY STEM Toys for Boys and Girls – Best STEM Education Wood Building Kit
- SparkJump Jr Birdhouse – Best Wood Building Kits for 13-Year Olds
- Hands Craft DIY 3D Wooden Puzzle – Best Nail and Glue Free Wood Building Kits
- Melissa & Doug Created Birdhouse – Best Woodworking Kit for Young Kids
10 Best Woodworking Kits for Kids Reviews
1. Best Woodworking Kit for Kids and Adults – Stanley Jr DIY Bird House Kit
- BIRD HOUSE KITS FOR CHILDREN - These fun and engaging ready-to-build bird house kits for kids enable children to create a bird-friendly environment, then observe and learn about the birds who come to nest inside!
- FUN FAMILY PROJECT - A great project for parents and kids to work on together! Each DIY bird house kit for kids includes pre-cut wood pieces, screws, and nails required to assemble your very own custom bird feeder.
- EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY - An appealing activity for children ages 5-12; kids can build and customize their very own DIY birdhouse with the included paints and brush, learning valuable skills and gaining a sense of accomplishment when they see their handy work in action!
This isn’t your average ready-to-build DIY birdhouse. One of the reasons this is my top pick because birds love this one!
The Stanley Jr Bird House is for kids 5-12, but a three or four-year-old could easily put this together. The birdhouse comes with hinges, a perch, screws, twine rope, and a hanger.
It’s also one of the few birdhouses pre-cut with dovetail joints and notches for extra strength. The wood is strong and should last for quite a while if you seal or paint it. I liked that this one has no nails, making it safe and easy for any age.
The illustrated instructions are easy to follow, and the materials are high quality. The Stanley Jr Bird House is my pick for the best woodworking kit for kids because it’s a great introductory kit.
What I Liked Most
- Solid materials
- Strong construction (dovetail joints)
- No nails required
- Clear instructions
What Could Be Improved
- Tools not included
2. Best Wood Building Kits for 10 year-olds – Toysmith Beetle & Bee Outdoor Wooden Birdhouse Kit
- Build and paint A classic 6" Tall bird house bungalow using the parts In this kit
- Welcome Birds to the backyard with a colorful new home
- Made using safe and high quality materials and FSC Certified wood products
The Toysmith Beetle & Bee is an easy wood craft project for kids. The kit has everything needed to build a classic 5x7x6-inch birdhouse, including a chain, four paint colors, a paintbrush, glue, and nails.
The predrilled holes make it easy for kids with tiny hands to put together. The kit also comes with a code for a free educational woodworking app to guide you through the building process.
It took my 7-year-old niece around 1 hour to put the birdhouse together, and she did most of the work. If you like to buy products from companies that share your values, you’ll be glad to know that Toysmith does its part to conserve the environment.
All the wood is FSC approved. While it’s not the sturdiest birdhouse on the list, it will last around a year unless you live in a place with extreme temperatures.
The Toysmith Beetle & Bee is a great value for the price and a fun way to help your little ones develop motor skills.
What I Liked Most
- Ideal for younger children (3 and up)
- FSC approved wood
- Removable roof for easy cleaning
- Great value
What Could Be Improved
- Paint is sticky after drying
- Not the sturdiest birdhouse
3. Best Wood Building Kits for 12-Year-Olds – Young Woodworkers Kit Club
The Young Woodworkers Kit Club is perfect for 13 year olds who have a decent attention span. This subscription service provides children with a monthly project, so your junior woodworker gets a new surprise each month.
There are dump trucks, candy machines, helicopters, racecars, and my favorite – the marshmallow launcher. All the woodworking projects come with new tools and tips to help your child learn new techniques.
What I love most about this one is that it’s a great way to bond with your child and watch them grow in confidence as they complete each project.
These kits can be a lot of fun, but they require patience and time to build. Many of the kits are for older children and teens, so expect them to take a few hours each to complete.
This can be a great way for them to learn about woodworking and create something they can be proud of. That said, my 7-year-old loves these, but we only work on them for 15-20 minutes at a time.
What I Liked Most
- Surprise factor with new mystery kits each month
- The wood and parts are well-made
- Gives children a great sense of accomplishment
- Projects come with different tools to add to your toolbelt
What Could Be Improved
- I would’ve liked some kits to come with scissors and glue
- Projects are too complicated for younger children
4. Best Woodworking Kit for 10-Year-Olds – Kraftic Woodworking Building Kit
- Kit Includes: 80 pieces of real wood, 2 pencils, a ruler, nails, sandpaper, glue, a storage bag, a hammer and Paint and Paintbrushes
- This DIY kit is the real deal! Not just putting wood together, but real hammer and nails woodworking!
- Includes everything needed to complete each woodworking project from beginning to end
The Kraftic Woodworking Building Kit is perfect for 10-year-olds. The projects don’t take too long to finish yet are challenging enough to exercise their problem-solving skills. With this kit, they can create their own wooden masterpieces.
The kit comes with 80 pieces of high-quality wood, two pencils, sandpaper, glue, a bag, and a hammer. There are enough pieces to make at least six different projects.
The projects are a pickup truck, coin bank, bird feeder, plane, train, and pencil holder. The hammer is better than most. I caught myself using it a few times. I would recommend this set for first-timers.
It’s a great starter set that won’t break the bank. And, if your kid is anything like mine, they’ll be begging to use it all the time. We all need that kind of leverage.
What I Liked Most
- Perfect for beginners
- Durable, high-quality wood
- The included app is handy
- Clear instructions
- Fast projects (you can finish in as little as 20 minutes)
What Could Be Improved
- Directions aren’t very detailed
- Nails are short
5. The Most Fun Wood Building Kit – SparkJump DIY Candy Dispenser
- Epic Family Bonding: Our young woodworkers project kit is a crafting adventure that'll forge unforgettable memories! Assemble the kids building kit and watch your family's bond grow stronger, one sweet moment at a time.
- STEM Enrichment for Kids: Our wooden building kit offers a perfect blend of STEM and creativity. Ideal for kids ages 4-8, 8-10, and even older, this kit encourages hands-on STEM learning.
- Quality Time, Spent Together: Say goodbye to screens! Our wooden crafts to paint sparks real conversations & laughter while building memories together. It's more than a gift; it's a chance to create lasting moments.
This is the best choice if your little one has a sweet tooth. Candy can be an excellent motivator for kids, so why not use it as a reward for completing their woodworking project?
This gift keeps on giving as long as you keep it full of your favorite candy. It comes with all the tools your child needs to create their very own working candy dispenser.
It took my son and me a couple of hours to put this together. The plastic mason jar is safe for younger kids and comes with starter candy (skittles). My boy felt like such a grownup afterward.
SparkJump recommends it for kids five and older, but I think it’s better for kids seven and up. Although the instructions are easy to follow and detailed, it’s tricky to put together.
Another thing I want to mention is the starter candy. You only get one pack of skittles, which my kid ate before she finished building the dispenser.
What I Liked Most
- Fun project!
- Clear instructions
- Sturdy and safe materials
- STEM – teaches kits engineering
What Could Be Improved
- Doesn’t come with wood glue
- Only comes with one skittles packet
6. Best Woodworking Kit for Teens – Lakeshore Build-It-Yourself
- Introduce kids to woodworking—with real tools and supplies
- Over 80 smooth pine pieces, including a lightweight hammer and nails
- Encourages creativity as kids strengthen problem solving and motor skills
The Lakeshore 2oodworking is a great activity for kids aged 4-11. Not only does it teach them how to use tools and follow instructions, but it also allows them to be creative.
The woodworking kit provides endless hours of fun and really lets kids practice cognitive skills. The kit is relatively expensive to others on the list but well worth the price.
Lakeshore Learning is known for high-quality products, and this is the best wood out of all the projects. The smooth pine pieces come in different shapes and sizes, so they can create all sorts of things.
It includes a wooden workbench, hammer, nails, screwdriver, and paintbrush. Lakeshore’s Build-It-Yourself kits are perfect for kids of all ages. My son got started right away.
I didn’t bother with the nails because the glue holds everything together well enough. I recommend this one for kids with a few projects under their belt.
What I Liked Most
- High-quality pinewood
- Includes 80 pieces
- Develops problem-solving skills
- Lakeshore Learning always has special discounts and offers
What Could Be Improved
- Instructions are kind of confusing
- Relatively expensive
7. Best STEM Education Wood Building Kit – 5 in 1 DIY STEM Toys for Boys and Girls
- 5 different kinds of model cars in one kit: This STEM kits for kids age 8-10 comes with all of the parts you need to build own engineering toys. Innovative STEM projects for kids ages 8-12 year old.
- Enhance children’s science knowledge: The endless fun building boys toys age 8-10 encourage kids learn and reinforce basic STEM, unique building kits for kids ages 8-12, great for educational and entertainment purposes.
- Develop practical ability and imagination: Assembling these toys for ages 8-13 will cultivate children's hand eye coordination ability and intellectual development, stimulate children’s interest and curiosity.
Poraxy’s DIY woodworking kits produce some of the coolest finished projects. Why? They are motorized, and they don’t look bad either. Analytical kids with a mind for engineering will go crazy for this one.
This kit includes a helicopter, mini tank, off-road vehicle, a racing car, and a wind-powered car. All the pieces are made of natural wood and are non-toxic.
It takes around 20 minutes to put each one together. It’s best for kids with strong fine motor skills because some pieces are tiny. Magnet screwdrivers will help with this problem.
This one is very safe for young ones because everything snaps or screws together. The wooden vehicles promote creative thinking, critical thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Kids who are into puzzles or cars will love this kit.
What I Liked Most
- Safe for all kids (no glue or nails)
- Comes with extra parts
- Clear instructions
- Excellent cognitive benefits
What Could Be Improved
- Tricky to connect motors
- Batteries not included
8. Best Wood Building Kits for 13-Year Olds – SparkJump Jr Birdhouse
- Build Memories Together: Bird house building kits for kids are a chance for real conversations, laughs, and memories that can last a lifetime. wood birdhouse kits are perfect for all ages.
- Foster Practical Life Skills: Unlike other craft kits, SparkJump has real wood for skills to build real things. Our diy birdhouse kits are designed for ages 5+ with adult supervision.
- Complete Crafting Set: Our wood birdhouse kit comes with 7 cedar wood pieces, a large 6-color paint set, 2 brushes, 30 nails, safe wood glue, 2 eye hooks, 1 perch, 3 sandpaper pieces, and clear instructions. Hammer not included.
Here is a good old-fashioned wood craft birdhouse by SparkJump. This one is a great woodworking project for kids because it’s easy and quick, and it takes only 20 mins to put together, which makes it a great first project.
The wood is my favorite thing about this birdhouse. The birdhouse is made of solid cedar and oak perch. We didn’t bother painting it because the finish is beautiful, and the birds seem to like it.
All I did was give it a light sanding. The paint is good quality if you choose to use it. I think a dark stain would also look nice. SparkJump makes some of my favorite products because they tend to last for a long time.
The birdhouse holds up for years with proper care. We’ve had ours for about two years now. I recommend using a glue gun to help hold it together. It also speeds up the process.
What I Liked Most
- Sturdy wood and good nails
- Beautiful finish
- Good for adults and children of any age
- Easy to follow instructions with pictures
- Finish in 15-20 minutes
What Could Be Improved
- Some reviewers complained about warped wood
9. Best Nail and Glue Free Wood Building Kits – Hands Craft DIY 3D Wooden Puzzle Bundle
- 【6 pc Puzzle Bundle Set】This bundle pack includes: Shark, Clown Fish, Sea Turtle, Dolphin, Octopus, and Seahorse. No tools or glue is required to build your very own sea animal puzzles!
- ✔️ 3D CLASSIC WOODEN PUZZLE BUNDLE – These 3D wooden puzzle sets come bundled with various shapes, from all types of animals to transportation vehicles, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Choose your favorite themes or collect them all! These wooden puzzles are DIY, so your kid gets to put it together as a fun hobby activity that is also mentally stimulating. Great for boys and girls ages 8 and up, including adults, this quiet do-it-yourself activity is perfect for the entire family.
- 😊 SAFE & NON-TOXIC – Made of high quality safe, environmentally friendly plywood materials that have grooved edges with smooth finish and no jagged edges to make it safe for children! The fact that our supplies are non-toxic and safe for the environment is an added bonus. It’s crafted with care to be long-lasting and durable. Each puzzle comes with easy-to-punch-out pieces from wooden sheets with easy to follow step by step assembly instructions. Keep your kids safe while letting them have fun!
Many woodworking kits for kids claim they are for adults too, but I don’t see myself enjoying any of the sets as much as this one. This woodworking kit for kids is ideal for little engineers in training.
They are fun to put together and a good mental workout. These puzzles are a great STEM tool for 5-10-year-olds. This set includes six assorted sea animals puzzles, so there’s a lot of value here.
If you’re looking for a gift that will keep kids entertained for hours, this is it. The animals are all less than 20 inches tall and 5 to 6 inches wide. Check the product page for exact dimensions.
Not all woodworkers use nails. Japanese carpenters are masters of this style of woodworking. The smooth plywood pieces are very safe, and there are no nails or glue involved.
You can paint the finished animals if you want or leave them natural. Hands Craft DIY woodworking kits are a perfect gift for kids who love animals, puzzles, or both!
What I Liked Most
- Makes a great gift
- Great cognitive benefits
- Safe (no glue or nails)
- Engaging
What Could Be Improved
- Challenging
- Pieces are delicate
10. Best Woodworking Kit for Young Kids – Melissa & Doug Created Birdhouse
- Build Your Own Wooden Birdhouse: This easy-to-assemble wooden birdhouse includes 10 wooden panels, screws, 4 pots of paint, and a paintbrush to add unique, personal touches to create a home-tweet-home
- High Quality Materials: Our Created by Me Birdhouse Wooden Craft Kit is made of high-quality materials, which ensures durability and safety
- Helps Develop Multiple Skills: This craft kit helps children develop hand-eye coordination, creative expression, and self-confidence
You’ve probably heard of Melissa & Doug if you have children. Their toys are everywhere, and they do a great job of putting out products kids love. This is my favorite choice for young children builders.
It’s a great way to introduce them to woodworking and help them learn how to use a screwdriver. The kit comes with real tools that are sized for small hands, and everything you want out of a basic birdhouse project.
Perfect for parents who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a hobby their kids may not stick with. The birdhouse is simple to put together but challenging enough to keep your little one’s attention.
You can expect to spend about an hour putting it together and painting it. The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including 210 pre-cut pieces, easy-to-follow instructions, and all the necessary tools.
The wood is nice and smooth, not plastic like you’d expect from Melissa & Doug. The kit is designed for children five and up, but I know from experience that three years olds can put these together with no problems.
Younger children love to paint the outlined leaves because they are easy to follow.
What I Liked Most
- High-quality wood (no need to finish)
- Easy for kids to paint
- Screws line up nicely
- Unique design
- Good quality paint
What Could Be Improved
- People complain about screws being loose
- Birds don’t seem to like it
Best Woodworking Kits for Kids Comparison Table
Education: What to Look for in a Woodworking Kit for Kids
There are a few things you should consider when looking for a woodworking kit for kids. Let’s explore a few key factors:
You’ll want to make sure the woodworking kit is appropriate for the age of your child. Kits are available for kids as young as three and up.
Skill level is another important factor. If they are just starting out, you’ll want to look for a kit that is geared towards beginners. Try to find instructions that are easy to understand and follow.
It will be frustrating for you and your child if they are not. There are more advanced kits for kids with experience. If your child is good with tools, consider whittling.
There are also a variety of woodworking projects to choose from. You’ll want to consider the type of project your child is interested in before purchasing. Some kits come with step-by-step instructions, and others allow the child to use their imagination.
How Can I Introduce My Child to Woodworking?
It’s a challenge in itself to get children interested in woodworking. The most important thing is to let them come to a decision themselves. Below are a few ideas to help you get your child interested in the art of woodworking.
Get them interested
If you have a woodworking project that you’re working on, let your child watch and help out when they can. Sanding and painting are two ways to do this that will show them the final product of their work and give them a sense of satisfaction.
Getting them a woodworking kit, a woodwork apron, and a toolbox are all ways to get them invested.
Teach them about wood
You can take kids to the hardware store or out hiking and teach them about different types of wood. Explain how wood is a natural resource that comes from trees.
Tell them about the different ways people use wood, such as to build houses or make instruments. Show them how wood can be carved or shaped into anything.
FAQs
Is woodworking good for kids?
Woodworking is a good skill for kids and can also be a great bonding experience for families. It teaches children patience, focus, and how to follow instructions. It also allows them to use their imaginations to create something unique. These are all essential skills that will help them succeed in life.
What can kids build out of wood?
There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to woodworking projects for kids. It depends on their age and skill level as to what kinds of things they can make. Some simple woodworking projects for kids include birdhouses, candy dispensers, picture frames, jewelry holders, hope chests, battery-powered wooden cars, puzzle pieces, etc.
How do you start off woodworking?
The best way to start is with a beginner’s woodworking kit. These kits contain all of the basic tools and materials you will need to get started, and kits also come with instructions on how to use the tools and complete the projects. Start with small projects and build up. Many professional woodworkers started with a simple cutting board or a box. Also, read more on how to begin wood carving.
How do I teach my child to use tools?
One of the best ways to teach your child how to use tools is to get a set of tools. This way, they can learn how to use the tools safely and correctly. Plus, it’ll be a lot of fun for them too! Always start with safety rules and then move on to how the tool works. Once they understand these basics, they’ll be able to use the tools with ease and confidence.
Related read: Wooden wedding gifts suggestions.
What Do You Think?
If you are looking for a gift for the budding woodworker in your life, any of these kits would be a perfect choice.
And if you’re unsure which kit to get, I’m happy to offer my opinion. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Happy woodworking!