I’ve always been a fan of age appropriate real tools, but when my daughter sat on my lap and patiently took apart a DVD player at age two (I loosened the screws) while we watched a movie, that belief turned more into a dogma. Not only does it boost a childs confidence to be productively helping their parents, using tools at a young age (with appropriate supervision), is excellent for hand eye coordination. Unfortunately I’ve never found a decent “My First Toolkit” so unless you’ve found one (please leave it in the comments) we’ll have to build out own. Half of having the toolkit is literally (don’t you hate that… literally) just to have it while you work on something your kids have their own tools to work with.
You can probably just pick up a handful of age appropriate appearing tools at Wal-Mart and call it good, and this tool set is probably barely a step up from fake plastic toys… but it IS a step up and it comes in pink and black.
They’ll need a tool belt for out one the job with you, there’s a surprising selection of tool belts fit for kids, so shop around or get this one.
If you think they’re ready for some power tools, for the same price as plastic crap they can get a real electric drill. You can always take the bits away till they prove themselves responsible to not bore holes in drywall or other kids.
Now keep an eye out at thrift stores and garage sales, you can find some exceptionally good, if a bit rusty, tools for really cheap.
Naval jelly is the official product for removing rust.
Loctite 553472 16 Fluid Ounce Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver
Though soaking in vinegar for a few hours to a few days usually works well enough. I’ve heard an ol’ timer say apple juice concentrate is the best, he also said to be careful because apple juice concentrate is so acidic it can burn your skin. I don’t know where he was getting his apple juice, but as I don’t consume a lot of apple juice I haven’t tried it, let me know if you do!
(You’re a parent or responsible for a child. Or you have a relationship with a child and there is a person responsible for that child and you’re just giving a Radical Kids Toys gift. The person responsible for that child is the only one responsible for that child, trying to pass that responsibility onto someone else because you did something stupid and don’t want to take responsibility for your own actions is being a bad guardian and you should have someone else take over permanent responsibility for that child.
Tools can be dangerous. Be a parent. Be responsible.)
Radical Kids Toys 