Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

If it's true that food always tastes better when you cook it yourself, then this old-fashioned build-it-yourself old-fashioned tank from Home Depot might be proportionately more fun than the average toy. Nearly everything is needed to complete the process as the kit comes complete with pre-cut wood pieces, wheels and rubber treads, wood screws, and a screw driver. Clearly explained instructions help you complete the job with relative ease. No paint is included with the set. One might wonder how good a job a tank made out of wood might actually perform on the battlefield but as a toy and a fun project, this is a great choice. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits   

Editorial Review

Flashy toys with bells and whistles and lasers that shoot aliens and robots that turn into helicopters are a lot of fun. But not all the time. Occasionally a kid needs to relax and enjoy the pastoral and time-honored hobby of constructing a nice birdhouse. This well thought-out kit from the handiwork experts at Home Depot provides nearly everything necessary to build a log cabin style birdhouse, including pre-cut wood pieces and hardware. You will need to provide a hammer as well as a Philips screwdriver in order to complete the construction process as well as any paint you care to apply. Given that the wood is largely untreated, a nice coat of paint or stain would help give the houses eventual tenants a more durable domicile. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

Flashy toys with bells and whistles and lasers that shoot aliens and robots that turn into helicopters are a lot of fun. But not all the time. Occasionally a kid needs to relax and enjoy the pastoral and time-honored hobby of constructing a nice birdhouse. This well thought-out kit from the handiwork experts at Home Depot provides nearly everything necessary to build a model dump truck, including pre-cut wood pieces, a screwdriver, and screws. Given that the wood is largely untreated, a nice coat of paint or stain would help give the houses eventual tenants a more durable domicile. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent model
This model was a lot of fun to put together.It's easy enough that it won't frustrate younger kids, but has enough pieces and is interesting enough that older kids -- even thirty-three year old kids -- will have fun.The wood and screw model is quite sturdy during the building process, but be aware that the final result more of a model than a toy.The wheels do turn and the dump truck bed raises and lowers, but not always smoothly.

The model can be painted, for added fun.The only caveat I have is, after buying two or three of these kits, you have a bunch of small screwdrivers collected (each kit comes with one small screwdriver).After awhile, you really don't need more screwdrivers! I think it would be reasonable to leave the screwdriver out, and let kids borrow a screwdriver from an adult's toolkit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Reviews (1)

Air Wrench sounds great
This is a great toy! It has spinning lights with really cool air wrench sounds. Comes with batteries. My son loves this toy!

Can be noisy, but is part of the fun for him! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

If it's true that food always tastes better when you cook it yourself, then this old-fashioned build-it-yourself old-fashioned fire engine from Home Depot might be proportionately more fun than the average toy. Nearly everything is needed to complete the process as the kit comes complete with pre-cut wood pieces, wood screws, and a screw driver. Clearly explained instructions help you complete the job with relative ease. No paint is included with the set. One might wonder how good a job a fire engine made out of wood might actually perform at a real live fire but as a toy and a fun project, this is a great choice. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Editorial Review

For kitchen, garage, hallway, or office, this small 12-by-12-inchmessage center kit will keep you and your loved ones organized. In the kityou'll find all the wood parts needed (precut, sanded, and drilled), the chalkand cork boards, screws, nails, and easy-to-read building instructions. All youneed to supply is a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver. There are decorating tipsincluded (for painting, staining, stickers, etc.), though the supplies for thoseideas, or chalk and tacks for the boards, are not included. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A great way to spend an afternoon!
This is one of several Home Depot pre-cut, pre-drilled child-focused project kits that can be assembled in less than an hour with a little adult supervision. This particular kit - a nice departure from the typical bird house - was assembled without the instructions, with my 9-year-old carpenter at the helm, in barely 45 minutes (and, in truth, probably not that long).

The kit, which measures roughly 8x11 when finished, comes with all necessary hardware pre-cut, two small panes - one slate, one cork; two wood screws, and a handful of finish nails. Assembly amounts to mounting the three vertical pieces into a dadoed bottom rail, sliding in the panels, and locking them into place with the dadoed, curved top. Finish nails on either side secure the top, and two slim backer strips snug the thin slate into place. Two wood screws from the bottom rail (pre-drilled) up into the sides, and three pegs across the front (again with holes pre-drilled) finish construction.

Parents can get the project off to good start by dry-fitting the parts together to show your youngster how the finished product will look, and also to determine which parts may not be cut or drilled as precisely as you might hope. For us, the middle rail tongue was not snug in the bottom rail, and the edge of the cork was slightly crumpled. But these were minor flaws. Although the box does not mention it, a small bottle of wood glue is advisable for all the wood-to-wood mating surfaces (especially the pegs on the front) in addition to the nails and screws.

When the project is completed, finish is a matter of personal choice. We sanded our project with 100-grit and then 320-grit paper before applying a coat of red acrylic craft paint.In retrospect, I'd recommend sanding the pieces before assembly, because it's hard to avoid scratching the slate with the sandpaper once it's already built. Note, too, that pine is notoriously thirsty wood, so two coats of paint might be desirable to achieve the desired finish.

Two keyhole-style hooks (which are not included, but would be a nice addition to the kit) could be attached to the back to allow the board to be hung on a wall. If the message center is truly used as intended, don't hang it with a single wire as you might a framed picture - the board will sway annoyingly any time you try to write on it.

The Message Center is a simple and fun project that any craft-oriented adult and child should have a marvelous time putting it together. It is highly recommended - not just because its a fun project, but because its a GREAT excuse to spend quality time with your kids :)!! And if you've never seen the pride your child takes in building something themselves, you're in for a great treat. My son was bounding down the hall to show Mom his great creation.

p.s. When finished, be sure to have you're youngster write your names in pencil somewhere on the back, with the date, so the memory of the project goes way beyond just the hammer and nails! Enjoy!

Home Depot Message Center
My son liked assembling the message center (he also painted it when it was complete).The instructions were easy to read and follow, but I did not enjoy it.The pieces did not fit well, and it was difficult to keep it together to nail or screw.

Don't waste your money
I bought this for my daughter for Christmas, when we received this the peices were not cut to fit the product, the product was so small, the picture I feel was bigger.My daughter was very disappointed. I wouldn't put the effort into ordering this product. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Flashy toys with bells and whistles and lasers that shoot aliens and robots that turn into helicopters are a lot of fun. But not all the time. Occasionally a kid needs to relax and enjoy the pastoral and time-honored hobby of constructing a nice birdhouse. This well thought-out kit from the handiwork experts at Home Depot provides nearly everything necessary to build a model bull dozer, including pre-cut wood pieces, a screwdriver, and screws. Given that the wood is largely untreated, a nice coat of paint or stain would help give the houses eventual tenants a more durable domicile. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Bull Dozer
It was a little hard to put together, my dad helped me.The tracks kept falling off.It is hard to move (play with) once it is together.I liked putting it together, overall it was fun.I'm 6 years old.

Nice model, but very disappointed with Toys R Us!!!!
BEWARE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!

I bought this model several months in advance of giving to my son.We opened the package to find one of the tracks was broken, appears to be dry rot.Because this is the last item to install, we put the remainder together and had a good time working together.

ToysRUs.com won't do anything because the item was purchased more than 30 days ago.Was given ToysRUs 800#.Called them, but they won't do anything.Suggested that the model be placed in the original packaging and take to the store with a receipt.Was advised that they 'might' exchange or refund the item.

Took model to the store, they refuse to assist.It was not purchased from brick & mortar store, was purchased more than 30 days ago.

Now I have a very disappointed 6yr old boy with a broken model, and no one at Toys R Us will do anything to assist.

Excellent wooden model
This model is a lot of fun to build -- easy enough for younger kids, but interesting enough for older kids. The end result, however, is a model and not so much a toy.The tread does move, but it slips off very easily.The dozer's front lifts and lowers, but isn't designed to actually push or pick things up.For a model, though, it's quite sturdy.

The model can be painted, as well.

The only drawback is that each of these kits comes with a screwdriver, so your collection of screwdrivers grows as you buy new models. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

Sure, squirrels don't often seem to have a huge problem finding enough to eat. Think about it: how many skinny squirrels do you ever see? But if they're going to be having a delicious meal, why shouldn't they have it at your place? This kit from Home Depot contains most everything a young builder needs to construct a simple wooden squirrel feeder: precut and predrilled wood, wood screws, nails, and a detailed instruction book. All you need supply is a hammer, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and some nuts. Maybe a little paint. And also a squirrel. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Rip Off
All I can say is that this product is an absolute rip off. The construction is shoddy at best, the directions ridiculous and after we wasted time and money staining it, what we have is a product that is so embarrassing I doubt that even the squirrels will touch it. My family was so disappointed with the 'finished' product, that we will now have to take a trip to Walmart and buy the feeder we saw there. After shipping costs, the feeder at Walmart will be a better buy plus a joy to look at compared to this thing. Trying to put it together with its uneven pieces is not only a exercise in frustration but futility as well. Don't waste your time and money buying this product.

Overpriced and rudimentary
It's hard not to like something pre-packaged like this that allowed my husband and 3-year-old son to complete a project together with little preparation.It took them about 15 minutes, and my son was pleased with the immediate results.

However, our first squirrel visitor could not figure out how to get to the food, so he gnawed through the lid.Now, I keep the lid up.So, what makes this design especially appropriate for squirrels is unclear to me.I find birds eating out of it as frequently as the squirrels do.

Another thing is that the feeder really needs to be painted or decorated, and if you're not inclined to do this, it is not that attractive because it is made out of plain and (seemingly) untreated lumber.

Overall, I think the feeder is overpriced given its rudimentary design and materials. At a $4-$5 price point, I might have been raving. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Reviews (2)

bird house
My son received this kit for christmas.He had a blast painting and putting it together all by himself.We hung it up outside with the hope a bird would nest in the house.After 2 days of rain I found it on the ground in pieces.The wood soaked up the rain and split in half on each side.It broke my sons heart to see his hard work ruined.With something that has the Home Depot name on it, I would think it would be better quality. I wouldn't recommend any Home Depot project that is for real use.Sincerely, Mrs. Witt

Better Home Depot kits out there
We've gotten several of the Home Depot kits for my son, who's 12.The first kit he did was at school.He's autistic and his special ed aide said he loved doing it.The directions are simple enough that he could read and follow them.He loved it so much we bought the locomotive for him for Christmas last year.It kept him busy for an hour to an hour and a half.We got him a dump truck this year and it was the same thing.We also bought this kit so that all the kids could do one.The problem with this kit, however, was that the pieces on the bird feeder didn't quite fit, which only frustrated my kids.This kit was easier to put together than the others which might be a plus for some.Generally I love the Home Depot kits, but I would recommend choosing a different one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits   

Editorial Review

All you need is a small hammer, a screwdriver, and a dab of bright paint (not included) to create a pretty home for the birds on your block. Lightweight pinewood is pre-cut and pre-drilled so kids can construct this Dutch windmill-themed bird house in an hour or less. Kids ages 8 and up should have no problem putting it together with a bit of inspiration from a grownup. Completed, the quaint abode is about 8 inches high and about 4.5 inches deep. Diane Beall ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

If it's true that food always tastes better when you cook it yourself, then this old-fashioned build-it-yourself old-fashioned semi truck from Home Depot might be proportionately more fun than the average toy. Nearly everything is needed to complete the process as the kit comes complete with pre-cut wood pieces, wood screws, and a screw driver. Clearly explained instructions help you complete the job with relative ease. No paint is included with the set. One might wonder how reliable a wooden semi truck would be hauling a heavy load on the open highway but as a toy and a fun project, this is a great choice. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

Why should Dad have all the fun of working with a good set of power tools? In this entertaining and impressively comprehensive set of gear from Home Depot, kids can get in on some of the hardware action. It features over 70 different pieces including circular saw, metal grinder, power drill, air wrench, screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, and a hammer. Each tool is soft and plastic so safety should not be a concern (although the set presents a great opportunity to have a talk about proper handling of tools). Many of the tools play sounds and flash lights, adding to the fun. A big plastic work bench in the set requires some adult assembly. This set is a bit of a battery hog, requiring 11 AA batteries, five of which are included. We liked the wide variety offered in this set, which is comprehensive enough to keep hardware-minded kids entertained for quite a while. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Lots of accessories, but bench is flimsy
My boys, ages 4 and 2, got this from their grandparents for Christmas. On the plus side: the boys really play together (pretending to work together) for quite awhile with it, there are lots of accessories included (power tools, hand tools, goggles) along with additional items you can get separately. On the minus side, the bench itself is not very sturdy being just thin pieces of plastic (not nearly as sturdy as a Little Tykes item), and the directions included were terrible. There were no written instructions, just pictures that were small and difficult to figure out.

Overall the boys love it, and they haven't destroyed it yet. However I'm glad someone else bought it for them.

Five Star Work Bench!
The Home Depot Work Bench delights our 3-year old grandson. The fun begins with actually assembling the workbench, using the tools that come with it.The toy and all the tools are sturdy enough to withstand light abuse typical of a 3-year old. Proper pressure is necessary for the battery operated tools to work and this didn't take long for him to master.Now when something around the house doesn't work he says "I'll fix it" or "I think it needs new batteries!"

Cool bench!
Santa brought this to our 2 1/2 year old twins to replace a small wooden tool bench that just fell apart. This is MUCH nicer. It's a good size for the younger set (though my kids are towards the top of the growth charts) and yet does seem that it will grow with them for the next few years.

It comes with a ton of tools, many with lights and/or sounds. There are separate bits for the electric drill, safety goggles, non-power tools, stationary tools... Anything you could want, and possibly more!

It's a pretty big set-up, so be sure you have room for it. Also, it is made out of plastic, and the assembly is from bolts and nuts that go with the set itself, so it feels just slightly more flimsy. I don't have much doubt that it will stay together, but don't expect metal bolts to keep it in place.

My boys are playing with it almost as much as their new train - the only thing they actually asked for - and so I consider it a success! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Reviews (6)

My boy loves these tools
These are all very durable and batteries last forever. Quiet, too!

Broken already
My son received this toy set for his birthday in August.It took about 2 weeks for him and his little friend to break the power screwdriver.We opened the toy to try to fix it and it's not fixable.We've had terrible luck with all the Home Depot toys.The plastic just doesn't hold up to little kids.

Lack of durability
My son was thrilled to get this terrific set of power tools and play construction man and fix it guys with his friends.

Unfortunately the tools did not last more than a week.The power saw broke with the little piece becoming a chocking hazard for a little one.The power drill just makes noise but doesn't turn or screw in.

It didn't stand the test of two 4 year olds playing with it for one hour.While it was cool to look at and made great sounds, it was too frustrating to have it break in a week. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Tools   

Editorial Review

This is a big (42-piece) set of plastic tools, enough to equipa comprehensive play workshop. Three battery-powered tools with soundeffects are included: a drill, saw, and sander. Then there's a plane,T-square, working plastic tape measure, pipe wrench, pliers, hardhat,tool belt, nuts, bolts, screwdrivers, and much more. The power toolsrequire two AA batteries each (not included). --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Non-stop fun!
I bought this for my nephew who is 2-1/2 and he just loves it!It's his favorite toy and has kept him engaged non-stop for the past 3 months and running.He takes the toys with him everywhere and even to bed each night and they're also the first thing he asks for in the morning.Because there are so many different tools, he never gets bored and because they look and sound real (some even work), he tries to figure out how things work and to fix things with them.

A Must Have For Every 'Bob The Builder' Fan!
This set is great! My 2-1/2 year old nephew has not stopped playing with it since Christmas morning. The only time he pays attention to the other toys he received is when he's 'fixing' them. You could not possibly ask for more out of a $20.00 tool set. I would make two recommendations if you buy this: 1)Go to your local K-Mart, Target, Walmart, whatever and pick up an inexpensive (but real) plastic tool box to store all the stuff in (I got one for $5.00) and 2) you absolutly want to take everything out of the packaging and get the batteries installed before presenting as a gift. The package is sealed like Fort Knox and the power tools all require a screwdriver to install the batteries.

needs a tool box
My son received this for his 4th birthday and loves it, especially the mechanical tools.One thing missing with this 42-set is the tool box.We have other home depot tool but now will need a tool box big enough for everything. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Pretend Play    3. Tools