Kid's First Toolbox

Cut the two 1x4 sides to 19-1/2" and the two 1x8 end pieces to 9". Mark and cut a curved or angled top corner on each end piece with a jigsaw — this is what keeps small hands from catching a sharp corner.

About 1" down from the top of each end piece, drill a hole sized to your dowel rod, straight through both. Drill both ends before gluing anything — it's much easier to keep the holes aligned on flat, separate pieces than after assembly.

Cut the plywood bottom to 7-1/2" x 21".

Glue the dowel handle into the holes in both end pieces, then glue and nail the end pieces to the two sides. Glue and nail the plywood bottom to the assembled sides and ends.

Sand every edge and corner smooth — this is the step that matters most on a project meant for small hands. Let a kid help with this part; it's hard to mess up.