We bought lots of basic-skill type toys for our kids when they were very little: play tool sets, play kitchen sets, small gardening tools, etc.
My youngest is turning six tomorrow and my eldest is ten. The oldest and youngest enjoy cooking and they've all helped when we plant things and water the plants. The oldest is now able to use our real tools (saws, hammers, nails) and he's built a few basic things out of wood. He also did woodworking in school. The eight year old has done a little bit of sawing with close supervision.
We try to keep this stuff organic. By this, I mean no scheduled activities requiring driving. It seems more natural to do this stuff around the house as needed.
Val
