Mousetrap Vehicle Car Kit for Kids

A fun and interactive car kit that lets kids build and create their own mousetrap vehicle.

Cars 2 Adventure Vehicle Set

Our Rank:
The Mattel Disney and Pixar Cars Vehicle Set of 5 Collectible Character Toy Cars & Tool Cart sparks creativity and storytelling in kids aged 3 and up. This delightful pack not only features beloved characters like Lightning McQueen and Mater, but it also encourages fine motor skills through imaginative play and role-playing scenarios. By using the fold-out Porto Corsa scene and interactive pieces, children can enhance their cognitive development and social skills as they share their adventures with friends and family. 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, imaginative play, storytelling, social skills, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Cars 2 Adventure Vehicle Set includes five collectible character toy cars, making every play session a thrilling storytelling journey full of creativity and fun with friends.

Creative Wooden Vehicle Craft Kits

Our Rank:
The Melissa & Doug Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Craft Kits Set is the perfect blend of creativity and hands-on learning for kids aged 4 to 8. This bundle includes a Plane, Train, and Race Car, allowing children to not only assemble their own working vehicles but also express their artistic flair with paints and stickers. Engaging in this kind of craft play enhances fine motor skills, sparks creativity, and fosters imaginative storytelling. It's a fantastic way to encourage screen-free play, making it a go-to gift for nurturing creativity and engineering skills in young minds. 4-8 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, creativity, problem solving, imaginative play, engineering skills
Why we love it:
Creative Wooden Vehicle Craft Kits come with a Plane, Train, and Race Car, allowing kids to build and decorate their own vehicles, blending hands-on learning with artistic expression.

LEGO Creative Vehicle Building Kit

Our Rank:
The LEGO Classic Creative Vehicles Building Kit is a fantastic adventure for kids ages 5 and up! This vibrant set offers a delightful assortment of construction bricks for little builders to create everything from a whimsical ice cream truck to an adventurous police car. As educators and parents, we love how it not only nurtures fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities but also encourages imaginative play and creativity through customization. With special pieces and easy-to-follow instructions, children can learn the basics of engineering while having a blast, making it a perfect gift for any young vehicle enthusiast! 5+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, engineering basics, spatial reasoning
Why we love it:
LEGO Creative Vehicle Building Kit includes a delightful assortment of construction bricks, turning every play session into an engineering adventure that sparks creativity and imaginative play.

Melissa & Doug Rescue Vehicle Carrier

Our Rank:
The Melissa & Doug Wooden Emergency Vehicle Carrier Truck is an exciting way for preschoolers to explore the world of rescue missions and imaginative play! With its vibrant colors, sturdy wooden design, and two-level tractor trailer that extends to nearly 2 feet long, this play set encourages children to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they roll the four included emergency vehicles on and off the ramp. Perfect for ages 3 to 6, this toy promotes problem-solving and storytelling, allowing kids to create their own thrilling rescue scenarios while engaging in screen-free fun with their friends and family. 3-6 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, imaginative play, storytelling
Why we love it:
Melissa & Doug Rescue Vehicle Carrier, with its vibrant wooden design and four emergency vehicles, brings thrilling rescue missions to life, sparking creativity while strengthening critical skills.

NASCAR Crash Circuit Vehicles: Race & Rebuild!

Our Rank:
NASCAR Crash Circuit Vehicles (Pack of 2) are the perfect blend of speed and creativity that our kids will absolutely love! These electric powered cars not only zoom around the track at incredible speeds, but they also take racing to the next level with thrilling crashes that kids can rebuild in no time. As a fellow parent, I appreciate how these vehicles encourage hand-eye coordination and critical thinking as kids learn to strategize their racing techniques and rebuild their cars after epic wrecks. Plus, with the compatibility to expand into other Crash Circuit sets, the learning and fun multiply as they explore different terrains and challenges! 6+ years
Develops skills:
hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, strategic planning, problem solving, creativity, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
NASCAR Crash Circuit Vehicles: Race & Rebuild! zoom around the track and encourage kids to strategize and rebuild after thrilling crashes, making creative play a fast-paced adventure.

Meccano 10-in-1 Racing Vehicles Kit

Our Rank:
Meccano 10-in-1 Racing Vehicles STEM Model Building Kit is a fantastic way for our kids to dive into the fascinating world of engineering and design! With 225 durable parts and real construction tools, children ages 8 and up get to build, customize, and race their very own high-speed vehicles. Not only does this kit spark imagination and creativity, but it also helps develop vital skills like problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor abilities. Plus, the excitement of bringing their creations to life is an unforgettable thrill that we can all share together! 8 and up
Develops skills:
problem solving, fine motor skills, engineering, creativity, teamwork, hand-eye coordination
Why we love it:
Meccano 10-in-1 Racing Vehicles Kit includes 225 durable parts, turning construction into a thrilling race, sparking creativity and collaboration in every tiny engineer's heart.

PAW Patrol Wooden Vehicle Craft Kit

Our Rank:
The Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Wooden Vehicles Craft Kit invites children to build and personalize their very own vehicles with beloved characters like Chase, Marshall, and Skye! This all-inclusive craft kit encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and teamwork as kids paint, decorate, and play. Not only does it provide a screen-free creative outlet, but it also sparks imaginative storytelling, building social-emotional skills and confidence through the fun of crafting and role play. Perfect for rainy days or birthday parties, it's a playful adventure your little ones won't want to miss! 4-7 years
Develops skills:
creativity, fine motor skills, teamwork, storytelling, social-emotional skills
Why we love it:
PAW Patrol Wooden Vehicle Craft Kit includes beloved characters for a personalized crafting journey that inspires imaginative play and builds confidence through hands-on fun.

Creative Wooden Vehicle Painting Kit

Our Rank:
Melissa & Doug's Created by Me! Paint & Decorate Your Own Wooden Vehicles Craft Kit is a fantastic opportunity for kids aged 4 and up to unleash their creativity! This engaging 2-pack features a charming wooden train and a powerful monster truck, both waiting for little hands to assemble and decorate. As kids glue the wheels, paint their designs, and apply stickers, they're not just crafting; they’re enhancing their fine motor skills, boosting their artistic expression, and sparking imaginative play. Ideal for rainy days or party fun, this kit encourages not only creativity but also patience and problem-solving as they see their masterpieces come to life. 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, creativity, artistic expression, problem solving, patience, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Creative Wooden Vehicle Painting Kit includes a wooden train and monster truck for little hands to assemble and decorate, turning crafting into a delightful adventure filled with self-expression.

HUMVEE Off-Road Vehicle Building Kit

Our Rank:
HUMVEE 1:12 Scale Off-Road Vehicle Model is not just a building kit; it's a journey into the world of engineering and creativity! With 1380 meticulously crafted pieces, this kit engages young minds in STEM learning as they build their own authentic HUMVEE model. As educators and parents, we know that assembling this detailed vehicle enhances fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial awareness, all while sparking imaginative play. Plus, the eco-friendly materials ensure that we’re making a responsible choice for our kids’ future. 8+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial awareness, creativity, engineering principles
Why we love it:
HUMVEE Off-Road Vehicle Building Kit with 1380 pieces invites kids to engineer their imagination while developing essential skills—who knew building could be this much fun?

Creative Vehicle Crafting Adventure

Our Rank:
The Melissa & Doug Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Craft Kits Set - Race Car and Monster Truck Bundle is a fantastic way for kids aged 4 to 7 to unleash their creativity while developing fine motor skills. By assembling these working vehicles, children engage in hands-on learning through problem-solving and construction. Each kit invites imaginative play as they customize their creations with vibrant paints and exciting stickers. This product isn’t just a fun pastime; it’s an educational experience that combines art, engineering, and self-expression into a delightful package! 4-7 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Creative Vehicle Crafting Adventure includes vibrant paints and exciting stickers, making it a fantastic way for kids to customize their own vehicles while developing essential skills through play.

LEGO Technic Jesko Absolut Hypercar Kit

Our Rank:
The LEGO Technic Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Grey Hypercar is an exhilarating building experience for kids ages 10 and up. As young builders assemble this stunning model, they’ll dive deep into engineering concepts like articulated V8 engines and sophisticated steering systems. It's an engaging way to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while sparking a passion for vehicles and mechanics. With the unique features like the dihedral synchro-helix door system, this set merges creativity with real-world engineering, making it an exceptional gift for aspiring motor enthusiasts! 10+ years
Develops skills:
engineering concepts, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
LEGO Technic Jesko Absolut Hypercar Kit showcases articulated V8 engines, making engineering concepts exciting and approachable, turning young builders into miniature mechanics.

Spin Cyclone Car Wash Adventure

Our Rank:
The Matchbox Spin Cyclone Car Wash Playset invites kids to discover the thrill of vehicle care and imaginative storytelling. By engaging with the spinning wash tunnel and the interactive launch system, children develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities as they learn to recognize different vehicle conditions—dirty, soapy, or clean. This playset is an imaginative and practical choice, encouraging creative exploration and nurturing critical thinking in your little ones. 3-8 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, imaginative play, critical thinking, vehicle recognition
Why we love it:
Spin Cyclone Car Wash Adventure features a spinning wash tunnel that makes vehicle care a delightful hands-on experience, turning chores into fun storytelling adventures.

Mini Die-Cast Vehicles for Kids

Our Rank:
The Driven by Battat 10-Pack Mini Die-Cast Metal Vehicle Set is a delightful collection that sparks creativity in children aged 3 and up. Featuring realistic replicas like construction trucks, an airplane, and city cars, this set encourages imaginative role-play and storytelling. As kids navigate their miniature world, they're also developing crucial skills like fine motor coordination, problem-solving, and social interaction. It's not just play; it's a rich educational experience wrapped in fun! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, imaginative play, social interaction, spatial reasoning, storytelling
Why we love it:
Mini Die-Cast Vehicles for Kids includes ten realistic replicas, turning every play session into an exciting adventure while helping little ones master coordination and creativity.

Spidey's Dino Vehicle Adventure

Our Rank:
The LEGO Marvel Spidey and His Amazing Friends Spin and Electro Dinosaur Vehicle Chase brings dynamic storytelling into the hands of our little builders. As they construct a colorful stegosaurus car and an engaging dilophosaurus motorcycle, kids not only develop fine motor skills but also delve into imaginative play that cultivates problem-solving abilities. With features like a hidden crystal element and a large spider-web motif, this set encourages collaborative play and creativity. It’s perfect for sparking excitement in our young superheroes while reinforcing early STEM learning in a playful context. 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, imaginative play, collaboration, early STEM learning
Why we love it:
Spidey's Dino Vehicle Adventure features a colorful stegosaurus car that turns building into a thrilling chase, fostering creativity and teamwork while sneaking in some important STEM lessons.

Soft & Fun Pull-Back Vehicle Set

Our Rank:
The Melissa & Doug K's Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set is a delightful collection of soft vehicles designed for babies and toddlers. This colorful set includes a school bus, family car, fire truck, and police car, all crafted to engage little ones in imaginative play while developing essential skills. As parents and educators, we appreciate how these lightweight, easy-to-handle toys promote fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and sensory exploration. Perfect for fostering social-emotional development through shared play, this vehicle set is sure to provide hours of joy and learning for our little ones! 6 months - 3 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, imaginative play, sensory exploration, problem solving, social-emotional development
Why we love it:
Soft & Fun Pull-Back Vehicle Set includes a colorful school bus, family car, fire truck, and police car that transform playtime into a sensory-rich adventure for little hands.

McLaren F1 Race Car Building Set

Our Rank:
The LEGO City F1 Driver with McLaren Race Car Toy Kit is an exhilarating way for kids aged 6 and up to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing! Not only does this kit spark creativity through hands-on building, but it also enhances fine motor skills as young builders assemble their aerodynamic vehicle and driver minifigure. With engaging digital instructions in the LEGO Builder app, kids can explore 3D views while developing problem-solving skills and spatial awareness—all while having a blast pretending to race! This set is an ideal gift for birthdays, combining fun, education, and a dash of competition. 6+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial awareness, creativity, teamwork, imaginative play
Why we love it:
McLaren F1 Race Car Building Set includes engaging digital instructions that turn complex building into a fun adventure, proving education and excitement go hand in hand!

Wooden Vehicles for Creative Play

Our Rank:
The Battat Wood Cars For Kids 6-Piece Toy Vehicle Set is a delightful collection that brings joy and imagination to playtime for little ones aged 3 and up. This vibrant set features a cement truck, ambulance, helicopter, tow truck, police car, and excavator, all designed to enhance fine motor skills through engaging hands-on play. As parents and educators, we appreciate how these classic wooden vehicles encourage imaginative scenarios, helping children to develop social skills and creativity while they dive into their own world of construction and rescue adventures. 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, imaginative play, social skills, creativity, problem solving
Why we love it:
Wooden Vehicles for Creative Play includes six vibrant toy cars that inspire little ones to craft their own thrilling adventures while developing essential skills—all without a screen in sight!

Barbie Off-Road Adventure Vehicle

Our Rank:
The Barbie Off-Road Vehicle is an exciting, purple convertible designed for thrilling adventures! This two-seater car not only sparks imagination as kids set off on off-road excursions or leisurely drives, but it also encourages storytelling and role play, essential for cognitive development! As little ones buckle in their favorite Barbie dolls and push the car to roll, they enhance their fine motor skills and creativity through active play. It’s a fabulous gift for ages 3 to 7 that opens the doors for endless exploration and fun! 3-7 years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, storytelling, fine motor skills, role play, creativity
Why we love it:
Barbie Off-Road Adventure Vehicle is a thrilling purple convertible that fuels imagination and invites kids to craft their own adventurous stories while enhancing fine motor skills.

Pocket Fleet Fun: 20 Mini Vehicles

Our Rank:
Driven by Battat – 20-Pack Pocket Fleet Mini Toy Vehicles is the ultimate collection for sparking creativity and adventure in our little ones! These beautifully detailed mini vehicles not only captivate young imaginations but also promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as toddlers grasp and maneuver them. With a variety of vehicles from race cars to cement mixers, children can explore themes like construction and transportation, enhancing their storytelling abilities while they play. Whether in the living room or on a road trip, this set ensures that every journey is an exciting educational experience! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, imaginative play, storytelling, problem solving
Why we love it:
Pocket Fleet Fun includes 20 beautifully detailed mini vehicles that transform any playtime into an imaginative adventure, making learning feel like a thrilling race towards creativity.

61-Piece Vehicle Adventure Playset

Our Rank:
The Driven by Battat 61-Piece Pocket Playset is an incredibly exciting way for our little ones to explore the world of imaginative play! This colorful set, complete with 15 mini cars, tracks, and ramps, encourages creative thinking as children construct their own roads and pathways. As parents, we appreciate that it's more than just play; this set supports fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving as kids navigate their vehicles around the various tracks. Plus, the vibrant details and realistic features of each car spark a love for learning through hands-on exploration. 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, creative thinking, spatial reasoning
Why we love it:
61-Piece Vehicle Adventure Playset comes with 15 mini cars and customizable tracks, making it an imaginative playground where kids learn through hands-on exploration and construction.

Creative Wooden Train Set Vehicles

Our Rank:
The SainSmart Jr. Wooden Train Set Accessories Toy Cars inspire imaginative adventures for little ones aged 3 and up! This delightful 10-vehicle pack includes an array of exciting vehicles, from a fire truck to a plane, bridging storytelling and play in a way that makes learning effortless. As educators and parents, we love how these beautifully crafted cars enhance color recognition and hand-eye coordination skills while promising countless hours of fun. Safety is our priority, and with certified wooden construction, we can rest easy knowing our kids are engaged with a product built for durability and joy. 3+ years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, color recognition, hand-eye coordination, storytelling, fine motor skills, problem solving
Why we love it:
Creative Wooden Train Set Vehicles includes 10 beautifully crafted vehicles that make storytelling feel effortless while engaging kids in hands-on learning and endless imaginative adventures.

Black Panther Adventure Vehicle Set

Our Rank:
Jada Toys Marvel Black Panther & Lykan Hypersport Die-cast Car is the perfect blend of exciting play and educational exploration! This engaging die-cast vehicle encourages imaginative play and storytelling, allowing our little ones to dive into the vibrant world of Marvel characters while developing fine motor skills through interactive features like opening doors and an adjustable spoiler. The 2.75” Black Panther figurine adds an extra layer of fun, enabling kids to enact their favorite scenes or create entirely new adventures. We love how it fosters creativity and sparks curiosity about engineering and design, making it a fantastic addition to any child's toy collection. 4+ years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, fine motor skills, storytelling, engineering concepts, creativity
Why we love it:
Black Panther Adventure Vehicle Set features an adjustable spoiler that invites our kids to not just play, but to engineer their own action-packed stories in the Marvel universe.

Furious 7 Nano Die-Cast Vehicle Set

Our Rank:
Jada Toys & Furious 1.65" Nano 3-Pack Wave 4 Die-cast Cars Toys is not just a collector's dream, but it's also a fantastic way to spark creativity and imaginative play in our kids! Featuring iconic vehicles like the Toyota Supra, Lykan Hypersport, and Ice Charger from Furious 7, these sturdy die-cast cars invite kids to explore storytelling and pretend play. As they race their cars and create high-speed adventures, they develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and even social skills when playing with friends. Plus, for us parents and educators, it's a great opportunity to share a love for cars and movies while fostering learning through play! 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, imaginative play, storytelling, social skills
Why we love it:
Furious 7 Nano Die-Cast Vehicle Set includes iconic vehicles like the Toyota Supra, sparking creativity and bonding opportunities while racing down memory lane with our little speedsters.

Smart Learning with Go! Go! Vehicles

Our Rank:
The VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Cool Vehicles 2-Pack turns playtime into an exciting journey of learning! Designed for children aged 1 to 5 years, these charming little cars not only fit perfectly in tiny hands but also spark curiosity through engaging music, sounds, and responsive phrases. Your little ones will explore letters and vehicle themes while rolling over Smart point locations, activating delightful responses that enhance their cognitive skills and encourage imaginative play. It’s the perfect blend of fun and education, allowing us parents to feel great about the screen-free playtime our kids are enjoying! 1-5 years
Develops skills:
cognitive skills, imaginative play, fine motor skills, language development, auditory processing
Why we love it:
Smart Learning with Go! Go! Vehicles includes delightful sounds and phrases that turn learning about letters and vehicles into an engaging adventure for tiny hands.

Balloon Cars: Ignite STEM Creativity

Our Rank:
Teacher Created Resources STEM Starters: Balloon Cars is an exciting way to ignite your child's love for learning! This hands-on kit empowers young scientists to explore the engineering design process, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking while they create their very own balloon-powered vehicles. With 60 essential pieces, kids can experiment with different designs, gaining practical skills in creativity and experimentation. It’s more than just a project; it’s a journey of discovery where mistakes are stepping stones to success! 8-12 years
Develops skills:
engineering design, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Balloon Cars includes 60 essential pieces that transform failure into fuel for curiosity, turning every attempt into a thrilling mini-engineering adventure for young minds.

Interactive Magnetic Vehicle Playset

Our Rank:
The MAGNA-TILES Dashers 6-Piece Magnetic Construction Set is the perfect gateway to engaging, hands-on learning! With three colorful vehicles and figures, this set encourages our little ones to explore the exciting world of motion and STEAM principles. As kids build and experiment, they'll develop key skills like cause and effect, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination—all while having tons of fun! It’s a delightful way to inspire creativity and problem-solving in car-loving children aged 3 and up. 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, cause and effect, spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination, creativity
Why we love it:
Interactive Magnetic Vehicle Playset includes three colorful vehicles, making it a vibrant way for kids to explore motion and spark their creativity hands-on.

Batwheels Launching Vehicle Adventure

Our Rank:
The Fisher-Price DC Batwheels 1:55 Scale Toy Car Bam The Batmobile Launching Vehicle is every little superhero's dream come true! Designed for children aged 3 and up, this engaging toy promotes imaginative play and storytelling as kids launch their Batwheels character into thrilling races and imaginative scenarios. With the intriguing crash accessory, children learn about cause and effect while fostering fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We love how it encourages our little ones to create their own adventures in the vibrant world of DC's Batwheels! 3+ years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, storytelling, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cause and effect, problem solving
Why we love it:
Batwheels Launching Vehicle Adventure features a crash accessory that sparks creative storytelling while helping little hands develop dexterity and coordination—perfect for future superheroes!

Engaging Emergency Vehicle Rescue Set

Our Rank:
Battat – Wonder Wheels – Toy Emergency Vehicles brings a delightful rescue adventure to your little one’s playtime! With an ambulance, police car, and fire truck, this set sparks imagination while encouraging collaborative play as kids act out various scenarios. Each vehicle features movable parts that allow children to open doors, raise ladders, and roll into action, promoting fine motor skills and creativity. Plus, made with recyclable materials, it’s a great choice for environmentally conscious parents who want to combine fun and learning with a touch of responsibility. 1+ years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, fine motor skills, collaborative play, problem solving, environmental awareness
Why we love it:
Engaging Emergency Vehicle Rescue Set includes an ambulance, police car, and fire truck that launch little ones into heroic adventures while fostering teamwork and a sense of responsibility.

Mazda 787B Hot Wheels Collectible Car

Our Rank:
The Hot Wheels Premium Car Culture Collectible Die-Cast Mazda 787B is the perfect addition to any young car enthusiast's collection. Designed with incredible attention to detail, this 1:64 scale vehicle promotes fine motor skills and spatial awareness as kids engage in imaginative play and turn their imaginative worlds into reality. As a collectible item, it also introduces the concept of valued collections while encouraging responsibility and care for treasured items. Plus, its premium features, like Real Riders tires, offer a firsthand glimpse into automotive design and culture. 8+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, spatial awareness, imaginative play, responsibility, care for collectibles
Why we love it:
Mazda 787B Hot Wheels Collectible Car features incredible attention to detail, making collecting fun while teaching kids the value of responsibility and imaginative storytelling.

Epic Hot Wheels 5-Pack Vehicle Bundle

Our Rank:
The Hot Wheels Toy Cars or Trucks 5-Pack Bundle is a thrilling collection that every child and collector will adore! Featuring 15 unique 1:64 scale vehicles divided into three fun themes, this bundle sparks imagination, encourages independent play, and inspires creative storytelling. As we race these vibrant cars and conquer challenges on tracks, our kids develop essential skills like spatial awareness, coordination, and hands-on problem-solving. Beyond just play, this educational toy nurtures a love for collecting and sharing experiences, making it a fantastic choice for play that blends learning with excitement! 3+ years
Develops skills:
spatial awareness, coordination, problem solving, imaginative play, storytelling
Why we love it:
Epic Hot Wheels 5-Pack Vehicle Bundle offers 15 unique cars in three themes, turning ordinary playtime into an imaginative racing adventure that builds essential skills.