Gardening offers your child a chance to connect with nature, understand where food comes from, and get a little messy in the process. It is a hobby that nurtures patience and responsibility.
However, handing a toddler a heavy, sharp metal shovel isn’t safe or practical. You need tools sized for their hands and capabilities. We have gathered the best gardening sets for kids to help you cultivate their green thumbs safely.
- Durable tools
- Easy to store
- Comes with convenient carrying case
- Durable tools
- Spray bottle helps avoid water spills
- Apron, gloves & hat are machine washable
- Functional tools with wooden handles
- Bright colors that will appeal to kids
- 12-piece set
- Designed for child hands
- Zero-waste packaging
- 100 percent plastic-free
- Includes seeds & soil discs
- Made from recycled materials
- Phthalate & BPA free
- Parts come in 10 different colors
- Teaches different flower parts
- No dead plants to cause upset
- Child size tote to transport tools
- Metal watering can
- Gardening gloves are thick
- Rounded handle protectors for safety
- Includes a leaf rake & hoe
- Cap loop for hanging tools
- Lightweight tools for smaller children
- Spray bottle rather than watering can
- Tote is surface washable
- Better quality than some adult tools
- “Grown-up” pattern on the tote
- Handy for occasional adult use
Is Gardening Good for Children?
Gardening is accessible for kids of all ages and abilities. You do not even need a sprawling backyard. A sunny windowsill is enough to grow a plant and reap the rewards.
Benefits Of Gardening
The benefits of getting your kids into the soil are extensive. Here are my top four reasons to start planting today:
Fosters a Love Of Nature
Gardening forces kids to slow down and observe the ecosystem. They see worms aerating soil, bees pollinating flowers, and seeds sprouting. This hands-on experience builds a permanent, respectful connection with the environment.
Creates Learning Opportunities
A garden is a living classroom. It teaches biology, weather cycles, and nutrition without a textbook. Kids who might struggle with traditional learning often thrive when they can touch, smell, and see science in action.
Provides Physical Activity
Gardening is a workout. Digging holes, carrying water cans, and pulling weeds improve gross motor skills. It gets kids off screens, into the fresh air, and moving their bodies in a productive way.
Encourages Healthy Eating
Kids are notoriously picky eaters. However, they are much more likely to eat a vegetable they grew themselves. Planting cherry tomatoes or snap peas is a proven trick to get fresh produce onto their plates.
Things to Consider
The market is flooded with toy tools and real miniature tools. Here is how to pick the right set for your little grower.
Product Reviews
Here are our top 10 gardening sets to get your kids digging in the dirt.
Born Toys Kids’ Gardening Set
Best Metal Gardening Set for Kids
The Born Toys Gardening Set balances functionality with dress-up fun. It is an excellent choice if you want your child to feel like a professional gardener while actually having the tools to do the work.
The set features a pointed trowel, square trowel, and hand rake. These have metal heads and wooden handles, making them durable enough for real soil. Beyond the tools, the kit includes a spray bottle, a sun hat, gloves, and an apron with pockets.
The apron is a standout feature. It fits children aged 3 to 7 comfortably thanks to an adjustable neck strap. The large pockets let kids carry their tools around the yard, keeping their hands free. Everything packs away neatly into the included tote, helping you keep your shed organized.
Pros
- Metal heads withstand real digging.
- Apron and hat provide sun and stain protection.
- Spray bottle is easier for kids to manage than heavy watering cans.
- Textile items are machine washable.
Cons
- A hand fork would be more useful than a second trowel style.
Product Specs
| Age range | 3 years and older |
| Tool materials | Wooden handles, metal heads |
| Good for: | Real gardening, imaginative play |
| Number of pieces | 7 |
Our Ratings
Kinderific Gardening Tool Set
Safest Gardening Set for Kids
If safety and cute aesthetics are your priority, the Kinderific set is a strong contender. It is designed to be visually appealing to kids while remaining functional enough to help with potting mix and loose soil.
The tools mimic adult versions but are scaled down perfectly for smaller hands. You get a trowel, fork, and hand rake. They feature metal heads painted in bright colors to match the tote and gloves. The wooden handles are smooth to prevent splinters and include lanyard loops for hanging storage.
The included tote bag is robust with multiple pockets, encouraging your child to take responsibility for their gear. The gloves are standard grip-palm style, offering protection against thorns and rough surfaces.
Pros
- Color-coordinated set looks great.
- Tote bag is durable and practical for storage.
- Rounded edges on tools improve safety.
- Tools are lightweight but sturdy.
Cons
- Tools might be too large for very small toddlers.
- Metal heads require supervision with younger children.
Product Specs
| Age range | 18 months and older |
| Tool materials | Wooden handles, metal heads |
| Good for: | Real gardening, imaginative play |
| Number of pieces | 6 |
Our Ratings
Play22 Kids Gardening Tool Set
Best Wooden Gardening Set for Kids
The Play22 Gardening Tool Set captures the vibrant energy of childhood with its bright primary colors. It is a comprehensive 12-piece kit that works well for active play and light gardening tasks.
This set leans heavily into the “starter kit” vibe. It includes four hand tools with splinter-free wooden handles and colorful metal heads. It also comes with a plastic watering can, which is usually the most popular item for toddlers who love to pour water.
Beyond the basics, Play22 includes a flower pot so your child can start a seedling immediately. The canvas tote keeps the clutter contained, and the washable apron ensures their clothes stay relatively clean during muddy adventures.
Pros
- Smooth wooden handles are comfortable for small grips.
- Includes a watering can and flower pot for instant planting.
- Bright colors make tools easy to find in the grass.
Cons
- Gloves tend to run large for the target age group.
Product Specs
| Age range | 3 years and older |
| Tool materials | Wood, plastic, metal |
| Good for: | Real gardening |
| Number of pieces | 12 |
Our Ratings
Green Toys Indoor Gardening Set
Best Kids’ Indoor Gardening Kit
City living or cold winters shouldn’t stop your child from learning how plants grow. Green Toys offers a fantastic eco-friendly solution designed specifically for indoor windowsills.
This set is unique because it provides the entire planting ecosystem. You get three small pots, a tray to catch water runoff, a trowel, and soil discs. The soil discs expand when watered, which is a fun science experiment in itself. It also comes with seeds for basil, zinnia, and sunflowers.
True to the brand’s mission, the plastic components are made from 100% recycled milk jugs. It is safe, non-toxic, and dishwasher safe. It is the perfect low-mess introduction to botany for kids without a backyard.
Pros
- Made from recycled, food-safe plastic.
- Includes everything needed to start growing immediately.
- Perfect for apartments or classrooms.
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Cons
- Tools are limited to just one trowel.
- Pots are small and plants will eventually need transplanting.
Product Specs
| Age range | 5 years and older |
| Tool materials | Recycled plastic milk bottles |
| Good for: | Indoor gardening |
| Number of pieces | 11 |
Our Ratings
FunzBo Flower Gardening Set
Best Gardening Set for Toddlers
Sometimes you want the fun of flowers without the dirt, waiting, or potential for dead plants. The FunzBo Flower Gardening Set is a construction toy rather than a gardening tool, making it perfect for creative toddlers.
The concept is simple but engaging. The set comes with green bases and various stem, leaf, and petal pieces. Kids snap them together to “grow” their own vibrant plastic garden. They can mix and match colors and shapes to create unique floral arrangements.
This set helps develop fine motor skills and color recognition. It creates zero mess and can be used in the living room on a rainy day. It also includes a small watering can for pretend play.
Pros
- Zero mess and no dirt required.
- Encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
- Teaches parts of a flower (stem, pistol, petal).
- Parts are durable and washable.
Cons
- Not for actual gardening; purely a building toy.
Product Specs
| Age range | 3 years and older |
| Tool materials | N/A |
| Good for: | Imaginative play |
| Number of pieces | 99 |
Our Ratings
Taylor Toy Children’s Gardening Set
Best Kids’ Gardening Kit With Gloves
The Taylor Toy set is a straightforward, budget-friendly option for getting kids equipped for the yard. It covers the basics without overcomplicating things.
You receive a fork, trowel, and hand rake, along with a tote bag and gloves. There is also a metal watering can, which is often more durable than the plastic versions found in other sets. The tools have metal heads, making them functional for light digging.
However, parents should be aware that these tools are quite rigid. While the manufacturer suggests a low age range, the metal edges can be sharp. I recommend this set for preschoolers (ages 3+) rather than toddlers, and always with supervision.
Pros
- Includes a sturdy metal watering can.
- Gloves are thick and protective.
- Tote bag is perfectly sized for the tools.
Cons
- Metal edges may be too sharp for toddlers.
- Heavier than plastic alternatives.
Product Specs
| Age range | 18 months and older |
| Tool materials | Wooden handles and metal heads |
| Good for: | Real gardening, imaginative play |
| Number of pieces | 6 |
Our Ratings
JustForKids Kids’ Garden Tool Set
Best Tall Tool Kids’ Gardening Set
Most kids’ sets only offer hand tools, requiring children to crawl on the ground to help. The JustForKids set changes the game by offering long-handled tools that allow children to rake leaves and hoe soil while standing up.
This is closer to a real gardening experience. The set includes a shovel, rake, hoe, and leaf rake. The handles are made of solid wood, and the heads are sturdy metal. They are built to endure actual chores, not just play.
Because of their size and weight, these are best suited for children around age 5 and up who have the coordination to wield longer tools safely. It is a great bridge between toys and adult equipment.
Pros
- Allows gardening while standing up.
- Includes a leaf rake and hoe, which are rare in kids’ sets.
- Sturdy construction lasts for years.
- Leather loops for hanging storage.
Cons
- Harder to store than compact hand tools.
- Handle lengths vary slightly between tools.
Product Specs
| Age range | 7 years and older |
| Tool materials | Wooden handles, metal head, plastic handle cap |
| Good for: | Real gardening |
| Number of pieces | 4 |
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Tote Set
Best Cheap Gardening Set for Kids
Melissa & Doug is a powerhouse in children’s toys, and their Giddy Buggy tote set brings their signature charm to the garden. This is an affordable, cheerful option ideal for younger children or casual play.
The design features adorable bug eyes and bright stripes that appeal instantly to toddlers. The set focuses on safety and ease of use, utilizing plastic handles and plastic tool heads. While this means they won’t dig through hard, compacted clay, they are perfect for loose soil, potting mix, or sand.
Instead of a watering can, this set includes a spray bottle, which is often more fun and less messy for little ones. The tote is wipe-clean and durable, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros
- Cute bug design appeals to toddlers.
- Plastic construction is lightweight and safe.
- Spray bottle reduces water spills.
- Very affordable price point.
Cons
- Not durable enough for heavy digging or hard soil.
Product Specs
| Age range | 3 years and older |
| Tool materials | Plastic |
| Good for: | Imaginative play and light gardening |
| Number of pieces | 4 |
Our Ratings
Bo Toys Kids’ Gardening Set
Best Gardening Set for Older Kids
As kids get older, they often reject items that look “babyish.” The Bo Toys set ditches the neon plastics and cartoon characters for a mature, professional look.
These tools feature varnished hardwood handles and enameled blue metal heads. They look exactly like high-quality adult tools, just scaled down. This makes them perfect for an older child (6+) who wants to be taken seriously as a helper in the garden.
The set is robust. The metal won’t bend easily, and the wood is smooth and comfortable. The included tote has a more reserved, classic pattern, reinforcing the “grown-up” feel. It is a great choice for long-term use.
Pros
- Realistic design appeals to older children.
- High-quality materials withstand real work.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Online photos can make them look larger than they are.
Product Specs
| Age range | 3 to 8 years |
| Tool materials | Hardwood handles, enameled steel tool heads |
| Good for: | Real gardening |
| Number of pieces | 4 |
Our Ratings
Fun Little Toys Kids’ Garden Wagon Set
Best Plastic Gardening Set for Kids
If your child views gardening as a major expedition, the Fun Little Toys Wagon Set is the answer. It is less about serious horticulture and more about hauling gear from point A to point B.
This massive set includes hand tools, long-handled tools, pots, a watering can, and a spray bottle. The star of the show, however, is the plastic wagon. It allows your child to pile everything in and pull it around the yard, which is often half the fun for toddlers.
The tools are all plastic. They are great for soft dirt, mud pies, or sandbox play, but they won’t survive heavy-duty gardening. This is a playset first and a toolset second.
Pros
- Wagon adds a fun transportation element.
- Huge number of pieces keeps kids entertained.
- Great for beach or sandbox use.
- Lightweight and safe for toddlers.
Cons
- Plastic handles can snap under pressure.
- Not suitable for hard soil or planting bulbs.
Product Specs
| Age range | 18 months to 5 years |
| Tool materials | Plastic |
| Good for: | Light gardening, pretend play |
| Number of pieces | 16 |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Age range | Tool materials | No. of pieces |
| Born Toys Kids’ Gardening Set | Metal Set | 3 years & older | Wooden handles, metal heads | 7 |
| Kinderific Gardening Tool Set | Safest | 18 months & older | Wooden handles, metal heads | 6 |
| Play22 Wooden Gardening | Wooden | 3 years & older | Wood, plastic, metal | 12 |
| Green Toys Indoor Gardening Set | Indoor | 5 years & older | Recycled plastic milk bottles | 11 |
| FunzBo Flower Gardening Set | Toddlers | 3 years & older | N/A | 99 |
| Taylor Toy Children’s Gardening Set | Gloves | 18 months & older | Wooden handles, metal heads | 6 |
| JustForKids Kids’ Garden Tool Set | Tall Tool | 7 years & older | Handles, metal head, handle cap | 4 |
| Melissa & Doug Giddy Buggy Tote Set | Cheap Set | 3 years & older | Plastic | 4 |
| Bo Toys Kids’ Gardening Set | Older Kids | 3 to 8 years | Handles, enameled steel tool heads | 4 |
| Fun Little Toys Kids’ Garden Wagon Set | Plastic | 18 months to 5 years | Plastic | 16 |
How Do I Get My Kids Into Gardening?
Gardening can seem slow and boring compared to video games. Here is how to spark that interest.
Give Them Ownership
Allocate a specific corner, pot, or raised bed that belongs entirely to your child. Let them choose what to plant. When they own the space, they care about the outcome.
Embrace the Mess
Gardening is a dirty job. Dress them in old clothes and let them dig, make mud pies, and get grimy. If you constantly worry about stains, it becomes a chore rather than play.
Choose “High Speed” Plants
Kids have short attention spans. Avoid plants that take months to show results. Instead, plant radishes, sunflowers, or bush beans. These sprout quickly and grow visibly day by day, keeping excitement high.
Make It whimsical
Gardening does not have to be just about plants. Build a fairy garden with old toys, create a “dinosaur jungle” with ferns, or paint rocks to use as plant markers. Add elements of fantasy to keep them engaged while the plants grow.
Safety Tips for Gardening with Kids
Gardens are generally safe, but there are hidden hazards to watch for.
Skip the Chemicals
Pesticides and strong fertilizers are dangerous for developing bodies. Switch to organic compost and natural weed control. If you must use chemicals, apply them when kids are away and store them in a locked shed (1).
Check Immunizations
Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure. A small cut from a rusty tool or a thorn can introduce the bacteria into the bloodstream (2). Ensure your child’s DTaP vaccinations are up to date before they start digging deep.
Sun Protection
Time flies in the garden. Apply baby sunscreen and use hats to prevent burns. Try to garden in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak UV radiation.
Know Your Plants
Some common plants, like Foxglove or Oleander, are toxic if eaten. Inspect your yard for poisonous varieties before letting a toddler roam free. Teach children never to eat anything from the garden without asking you first (3).
Watch Out for Bugs
Spiders, bees, and ants call the garden home. Gloves are the best defense against accidental stings or bites. Teach kids to look before they reach into dense bushes.
FAQs
Sowing the Seeds
You don’t need a green thumb to enjoy gardening with your kids. Whether you have a massive backyard or a few pots on a balcony, the goal is connection, to the earth and to each other.
Start small, keep it fun, and don’t worry about the mess. With the right tools in hand, your child might just surprise you with what they can grow.






















