If your kid is looking for a little more authenticity than a plastic workshop playset, try this Young Builder's Tool Set—a functioning tool kit designed for kids. Inside the tool box you'll find safety goggles, a tape measure, level, hammer, sanding block, hand drill, and even a mini saw. ForSmallHands; $55.00

Don't buy a playhouse—have your kids build their own! With this MakeDo guided kit, all you'll need to provide is the cardboard; everything else is provided. MakeDo; $25.00

Sometimes dinnertime can get tough. But with construction-inspired dinnerware, like a forklift fork, a frontloader spoon, and a bulldozer pusher, your littlest builder can make eating and playing one and the same! Daily Grommet; $32.95

The best way to instill a do-it-yourself spirit in your youngster is by getting started early. With this wildly popular Build-It Book: 12 Things You Can Make from Junk , your child will be upcycling and repurposing in no time! Barnes and Noble; $16.40

The newest rage in building toys are the highly versatile KEVA Structures. Stack them to create staircases, houses, monuments, or whatever your little architect desires—no glue or connectors required! Mindware; $49.95 and up.

Do you remember how exciting gardening was when you were little? How seeing a seedling you planted burst out of the ground seemed like magic? Give the gift of wonder to the budding gardening in your life with this Sunflower Kit. Amazon; $16.70

Building a bird house is as American as apple pie—and one of the first woodworking projects that most kids tackle. With this Build A Birdhouse Kit, all you need to worry about is whether or not your child is old enough to hold a hammer. Amazon; $9.30

By the time your children are grown up and living in the future, everything will be powered by corn and sunlight. Give your kid a head start with this 6-in-1 Solar Kit. They can snap together different parts to build a solar-powered puppy, car, windmill, or airboat—no tools required. Alternative energy made fun! Mindware; $22.95

From gorillas to pandas, raccoons to dalmatians, Areaware is sure to have a pillow of your child or preteen's favorite animal. Turn their bedroom into a zoo or just give them a little flair. Areaware; $18.00+

2D board games got you down? Go for this dimensional Konexi Gravity-Defying Word Game, stacking letters high into the air—an ideal gift for any budding bookworm. Take that, Scrabble. Amazon; $16.59

For more holiday gift guides, consider: 

For the Woodworker

For the DIY Mom

For the Gardener