By the age of seven, most children know what they like and dislike. While your child probably has plenty of toys at home, there will be some activities they’ll enjoy doing more than others at this age – from building LEGO to doing crafts, engaging in complex role play or battling it out over a board game with friends.
At age seven, your child will have drastically refined their balance and coordination, so toys that encourage gross motor skills will be very welcome at this age. Think ‘grown up’ scooters and kids’ bikes.
There’s no shortage of toys for all budgets and interests. But to help you work out which ones will provide plenty of learning opportunities as well as playtime for your seven-year-old, we consulted parents on the Mumsnet forums for the toys their seven-year-olds rated most highly. We also took note of toys that appeared on bestseller lists as well as other trusted review sites.
Here are the best toys for seven-year-olds you can buy right now.
While you’re here, why not check out our other age-related guides on the best toys for eight-year-olds, nine-year-olds and 10-year-olds? We've got lists of the best kids’ tablets and books for older children too.
The best toys for 7-year-olds: at a glance
Read next: Looking for a homework-friendly tablet for your kids this summer? Check out our review of theAmazon Fire HD 8 Kids and Kids Pro.
1
Labyrinth Board Game
Overall best toy for 7-year-olds - now 20% OFF
Buy now from Amazon Buy now from John Lewis Buy now from Argos
What we like
Fun gameplay
Easy-to-understand instructions
Suitable for two to four players
Relatively short duration
Different game experience each time you play
What we don't like
Beginners may take a while to fully grasp the logical element of the game
Key specs
Price on writing: £20 | Age: 7+ | Size: 35.56 x 25.4 x 5.08cm | Weight: 1.03kg | Material: Paper and plastic | Number of pieces: Unspecified | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Problem solving skills, social skills, patience and persistence
What Mumsnet users say
Seaswims · Recommended I second labyrinth - so great!!! See PostOur verdict
Board games are a great way to bond with your seven-year-old. They can also teach children important life skills such as logic and problem-solving as well as behaviours such as persistence and resilience when things don’t go the way they planned.
Labyrinth is a fun puzzle game for two to four players, with a unique experience every time you play. With simple, easy-to-follow instructions and a quick set-up, players must find the shortest route through the labyrinth maze. But be warned: every time your opponents place a card, the walls will move and your course will change.
Read next: The best board games for the whole family
2
Best budget toy for 7-year-olds - LESS THAN HALF-PRICE
Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Very Buy now from Argos
What we like
Good travel toy
Great for playing with friends and family
Fast-paced and exciting play
Durable plastic cards
What we don't like
Can’t be played alone
Games can finish a bit too quickly
Key specs
Price on writing: £5 | Age: 7+ | Size: 2 x 9.3 x 14.6cm | Weight: 159g | Material: Paper/card | Number of pieces: Unspecified | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Social skills, colour matching and counting
What Mumsnet users say
autienotnaughty · Recommended I play with my 7 yr old. We do LEGO, Hot Wheels, Switch, UNO, read and play board games. See PostOur verdict
Just like the original card game but even more fast-paced, UNO All Wild will keep your child entertained both at home and on the go.
The pack of cards can be easily popped into their backpack for trips away and is great for bringing the whole family together. The aim is to get rid of your cards the fastest, but there are no matching colours or number cards like in classic UNO - every card in the pack is a Wild Card forcing players to miss a go, swap cards and pick up cards which can quickly change the direction of the game.
Whether your seven-year-old is new to the game or wants to try this new twist, UNO All Wild is good value for money and so fast-paced and exciting that it will keep the whole family on their toes.
Read next: Boost your child's learning with the best online tutoring according to Mumsnetters.
3
Bananagrams
Best educational toy for 7-year-olds - 20% OFF
Buy now from Amazon Buy now from John Lewis Buy now from Argos
What we like
The pouch makes this game suitable for playing on the go
Encourages literacy and language skills
Good value for money
What we don't like
The quality of some of the tiles isn’t great
Gameplay can feel quite fast-paced which some children may struggle with
Key specs
Price on writing: £12 | Age: 7+ | Size: 22.9 x 7.6 x 7.6cm | Weight: 381g | Material: Cloth bag and plastic tiles | Number of pieces: 144 | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Spelling, word recognition and memory
What Mumsnet users say
NannyR · Recommended Bananagrams is a bit like Scrabble but faster and more portable! Lots of fun for playing with different ages as you play your own game rather than one board in the middle. See PostOur verdict
Similar to Scrabble, Bananagrams is a fun word game that helps to develop your child’s literacy skills.
Players shout ‘split’ and then race to create their own word grid using the letter tiles. It’s suitable for two to six players, but children could play it alone too to help them practice their spelling. The first player to use all their tiles is crowned ‘Top Banana.’
As it comes in a banana-shaped pouch, it’s a great game for travelling. Though similar to Scrabble, it’s much faster, which some seven-year-olds may find a bit too challenging.
Related: The best remote control cars for kids of all ages
4
HEXBUG Fire Ant
What we like
Small robot that moves at high speed
Wheels allow it to manoeuvre around objects
Unique design elements to help children think about science
Controlled via a remote control
You can play with another Fire Ant or other creatures in the collection
What we don't like
Reviewers say it’s quite fragile, so may break easily
Key specs
Price on writing: £15 | Age: 8+ (but we think it's suitable for 7-year-olds) | Size: 10.16 x 5.72 x 3.05 cm | Weight: 40g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 2 | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: 5 x LR44 batteries | Educational objectives: Numeracy, spacial awareness and social skills
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A robot toy with a difference, this small robotic bug scuttles about at high speed, just like the real thing. Combining science with mechanics, the HEXBUG Fire Ant moves around at high speed on six custom wheels, lighting up as it whizzes round and manoeuvre past obstacles.
Children will love setting up challenges and battling it out against friends, racing against other Fire Ants or HEXBUG creatures, such as the spider and scarab.
HEXBUGS have been designed to help children think about science and engineering whilst having fun, improving their fine motor skills and learning about cause and effect.
5
Meccano Junior 150-piece Bucket
What we like
Aids STEM learning
Comes with 150 parts and tools
Instructions for making three models
Can be disassembled to make their own creations
Aimed at young engineers
What we don't like
Some seven-year-olds may want a more advanced build
Users have found the bolts don’t hold tight enough
There don’t seem many parts when compared to the size of the bucket
Key specs
Price on writing: £25 | Age: 5-7 years | Size: 29.46 x 29.46 x 20.07cm | Weight: 1kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 150 | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Construction and engineering
Our verdict
If your child likes building but is new to Meccano, this 150-piece bucket is a great introduction for budding engineers.
The set comes with two tools and instructions for making three models, with parts that snap, lock together and are secured with bolts. The great thing about this set is that the models can be taken apart and rebuilt and then, as your child’s confidence grows, they can create their own designs.
Meccano sets have been around since the 1800s and are designed to aid STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning, with their Junior range aimed at children aged five and above. When they’re ready, your child can move on to trying other more advanced sets in the range, such as the Deluxe Pull-Back Buggy.
6
Galt Space Lab
Best science toy for 7-year-olds
Buy now from Amazon Buy now from John Lewis Buy now from Bargain Max
What we like
Aids STEM learning
Includes instructions for 12 experiments
Tools and accessories for assisting scientific learning
Notepad for recording results
What we don't like
You’ll need to check what other items you need at home to complete the experiments
Children may need help from parents
Key specs
Price on writing: £15 | Age: 6-12 years | Size: 30.9 x 7 x 22 cm | Weight: 0.52g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: Unspecified | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: STEM learning and creativity
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Children can make glow-in-the-dark constellation models, build a telescope and launch their own rocket with the Galt Space Lab.
Galt science kits are compatible with the National Curriculum and are well-loved by Mumsnet parents for encouraging STEM learning, with consistent mentions on our forums. With the Space Lab, children can also experiment with shadows, mix up galaxy slime and create a solar system following the instructions in the 24-page full-colour lab book.
The kit also includes tools and accessories to aid scientific discoveries, including glow stars, telescope lenses, a constellation guide and fun glow planet stickers. There’s also a lab notepad for recording results, just like a real scientist!
Sets like this not only encourage scientific thinking but also promote creative problem-solving and help to inspire young imaginations.
7
LEGO 71360 Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Set
What we like
231-piece set
Interactive course with action blocks, sounds and music
Mario figure responds to movement
Combine with expansion sets for even more fun
What we don't like
Pricey
Mario can sometimes give a wrong response
Key specs
Price on writing: £55 | Age: 6+ | Size: 26.2, 31.7, 9cm (boxed) | Weight: Unspecified | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 231 | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: 2 x AAA batteries
What Mumsnet users say
Ilovechocolatetoomuch · Recommended My 7 year old ds loves it he is always building and rebuilding it in different ways. See PostOur verdict
Fans of Super Mario Brothers can play with their favourite characters in this fun, interactive Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Set. Just like the video game, your child can create their own course for Mario to run and jump over, collecting coins and touching action bricks as he goes.
Connect the Mario figure to the app via Bluetooth and he uses colour sensors and LCD screens in his eyes, mouth and belly to respond to movement with over 100 different reactions. There’s also a speaker that plays sounds and music that children will recognise from the video game.
The set can be combined with other expansion sets and power-up packs for even more construction play. LEGO is great for building concentration, inspiring creative thinking and encouraging hand-eye coordination and, if your child loves playing the Super Mario Brothers video game, this set will offer a great alternative to screen time.
Read next: The best games consoles for kids
8
Galt Flower Lights Craft Kit
What we like
The kit includes accessories for making 10 flower lights
Children can add their own colours and design
Encourages creativity and helps to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
What we don't like
Some users say the flowers don’t stay on the lights very well
Children may need help completing this set
Key specs
Price on writing: £12 | Age: 6-12 years | Size: 28 x 5 x 20 cm | Weight: 258g | Material: Paper and LED lights | Number of pieces: 10 lights | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: 2 x AA | Educational objectives: Creativity, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination
What Mumsnet users say
Awumminnscotland · Recommended Any of the Galt craft kits go down well here with 7 yr old and as presents for 5 to 9 yr olds. See PostOur verdict
At seven, your child will enjoy a variety of craft activities. With this set from Galt, they can make a string of flower lights to show off in their bedroom.
The set comes with instructions and accessories for making 10 LED lights, with pre-cut paper flowers, leaves and pens so your child can add their own colours and design. Some reviewers say that the flowers don’t stay together well and sometimes fall off, so you may need to use your own tape or glue to secure them.
This set is part of Galt’s huge range of Creative Cases that have been designed for children aged five to eight, including painting, pottery and sewing to encourage them to learn a number of new skills.
9
The Den Kit Company's The Original Den Kit
What we like
Waterproof materials
Bag can be machine- or hand-washed
Materials have been ethically sourced
Encourages outdoor play
Inspires imaginations
What we don't like
Some users claim the quality of the materials isn’t great
Not very big
Expensive
Key specs
Price on writing: £45 | Age: 6+ | Size: 240 x 180cm | Weight: Unspecified | Material: Cotton, wood and tarpaulin | Number of pieces: 16 | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Spacial awareness, creativity and problem-solving
What Mumsnet users say
HintOfVintagePink · Recommended One of my nieces is the same age. She is quite outdoorsy and would love a den-making kit or pretty lights to hand in the garden or out around her own window. See PostOur verdict
A great alternative to screen time, this khaki haversack satchel includes everything your child needs to make a den or hide out in the garden, woods or local park. With a large camouflage tarpaulin and groundsheet, a handmade wooden mallet, rope and tent pegs, plus an enamel mug and face paint to add to the excitement, there's a lot of open-ended play to be had with this affordable set.
It doesn’t come with many instructions, but this leaves children free to use their imaginations and problem-solving skills to bring their den creations to life. We like that this kit comes from a small UK business and the parts are ethically sourced, where possible, from the UK.
10
VTech Secret Safe Notebook
What we like
Lockable/passcode-secure journal
Small enough to fit in a backpack
Encourages writing, reading and maths skills
Fun voice recordings and effects
What we don't like
Notebook could fill up quickly (although can be replaced with other A6 notepads)
Key specs
Price on writing: £15 | Age: 6-11 years | Size: 3.1 x 16.9 x 19.8cm | Weight: 580g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: 3 x AA batteries | Educational objectives: Literacy, numeracy and creative writing
What Mumsnet users say
Ricekrispie22 · Recommended [When she was 7] my DD used to like writing and drawing in her lockable secret diary See PostOur verdict
Available in a choice of pink and blue, the VTech Secret Safe Notebook is the ideal first journal. Featuring an A6 notepad and pen housed inside a plastic lockable casing, your child can use it in accessible ‘normal’ mode or set a four-digit passcode to keep their secrets safe.
With the option to listen to a variety of melodies while they write, your seven-year-old can also record up to 10 voice recordings, with a choice of disguising and altering their voice with a range of fun effects.
While the notepad is likely to fill up quickly, we like the built-in ‘guess my number’ maths game that can test their counting and numerical skills. They can even personalise the front of their diary with a photograph of their choice.
11
Micro Scooters Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter
What we like
Adjustable height handlebar to grow with your child
Easy to steer
Copes well with varied terrain
Choice of bright colours and styles including LED and folding versions
What we don't like
Costly compared to other scooter brands
Key specs
Price on writing: £130 | Age: 5-12 years | Size: 30 x 11 x 26 cm | Weight:2.49kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 1 | Assembly required: Basic | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Physical development, coordination and balance
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Most seven-year-olds love spending time outdoors and a high-quality scooter is a great way to help enhance their balance and coordination as well as keep them active and boost those all-important gross motor skills.
Mumsnet users can’t speak highly enough of Micro Scooters and while they don’t come cheap, parents on our forums feel they are worth every penny. The Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter performed well when tested by Mumsnet writer and mum of three Rachel, who thought that it was a high-quality scooter that would grow with her children.
Aimed at children aged five to 12 years, this tall, easy-steer, three-wheeler scooter is lightweight and speedy, while being robust enough to tackle a variety of terrain. It comes in a choice of bold and bright colours and is made from rust-resistant aluminium, ensuring that it will stand the test of time.
Read the full Micro Scooters Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter review.
12
LEGO Dots Creative Animal Drawer
What we like
Creates a useful storage drawer for jewellery or stationery
Children can create a variety of different designs and express their personality
Easy-to-follow instructions
Compatible with all other LEGO sets
What we don't like
Small pieces can get lost easily
Needs to be stored away from younger children
Key specs
Price on writing: £20 | Age: 6 years+ | Size: 26.2 x 19.1 x 7.2cm | Weight: 440g | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: 643 | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Construction, creativity and fine motor skills
What Mumsnet users say
PuttingDownRoots · Recommended We've been enjoying LEGO Dots recently. See PostOur verdict
Parents love toys that allow children to express their personalities, get creative and use their imaginations. LEGO is ideal for curious and creative minds, with the more recent LEGO Dots range offering the ideal balance of construction and craft.
This particular set (one of a wide range of LEGO Dots kits) allows children to create a unique storage drawer for storing their favourite jewellery or stationery. The small, multi-coloured ‘dot’ tiles can be used to add one of six different animal faces, from a cute cat to a magical unicorn, or your child can even create their own.
13
Sylvanian Families Red Roof Country Home
Best imagination toy for 7-year-olds
Buy now from Amazon Buy now from CostCo Buy now from The Entertainer
What we like
Cute animal figures
Two-storey house
Lights that turn on and off
Removable parts for designing own layout
Inspires imaginary play
Even more imaginary play when added to other sets
What we don't like
Expensive
Furniture and figures need to be bought separately
Key specs
Price on writing: £76 | Age: 3-12 years | Size: 21.5 x 58 x 34.5cm | Weight: 3.45kg | Material: Plastic | Number of pieces: Unspecified | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: 2 x AA | Educational objectives: Creativity, imagination and role play
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A toy that you may remember from your own childhood, Sylvanian Families are cute animal figures and sets that inspire imaginary play, and we think the Red Roof Country Home would make a great addition to any toy collection.
The two-floor house can be opened up for play, with a removable roof to make accessing the contents even easier. The things that makes Sylvanian Families toys stand out are the detail and accessories. The house’s coloured walls and lights that turn on and off give it a homely feel.
Children can design their own layout and, when added to the Red Roof Cosy Cottage, it turns into a large three-storey house. It’s a great toy for a range of ages so it can be shared with both friends and siblings.
The downside to this set is that it doesn’t come with any furniture or figures so you’ll need to buy these separately.
Related: The best dolls for kids, as recommended by Mumsnetters
14
Nintendo Switch OLED
What we like
Colourful OLED seven-inch screen
Can be played with at home or on the go
Child-friendly controls
Parental controls to ensure online safety
Up to eight people can play at one time
Encourage social interaction
What we don't like
Very pricey
You may want to limit screen time
Users claim the latest upgrade isn’t hugely different from the original (and cheaper) Nintendo Switch
Key specs
Price on writing: £291 | Age: 6+ (but there are games suitable for children aged 3+) | Size: 10.5 x 26 x 20.8cm | Weight: 1.45kg | Material: Not specified | Number of pieces: Unspecified | Assembly required: No | Batteries required: 3 x Lithium-ion batteries | Educational objectives: Teamwork, focus, critical thinking and problem-solving
What Mumsnet users say
curtains15 · Recommended My 7 year old is getting a Switch, a few games for the Switch. See PostOur verdict
You may find that your child has their sights on a Nintendo Switch OLED, the child-friendly games console that can be played anytime, anywhere.
The latest model comes with a seven-inch OLED screen and an adjustable stand for playing on the go. When your child is at home, they can play games through the TV with the removable Joy-Con controllers.
With the choice to connect up to eight controllers, the Nintendo Switch OLED is great for bringing the family together and encouraging social interaction. You can choose from a huge variety of games, including the popular Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon and Minecraft and, with motion sensors on the controls, games like Just Dancewill get the whole family showing off their moves.
It has 64GB of internal storage and the Switch’s parental controls will give you peace of mind when it comes to your child’s online safety. With so many fun games to play, the only problem you may have is getting them off it!
Read next: The best games consoles for kids
15
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set
What we like
Wooden toy
Instructions for 10 classic magic tricks
Box doubles up as a prop and storage
Promotes imaginative play and creativity
Can help build up self-confidence
What we don't like
Some reviewers say the parts break easily
Tricks may be a bit flimsy
Children may need help with following the instructions
Key specs
Price on writing: £22 | Age: 8+ (but we think it’s a great toy for seven-year-olds) | Size: 9.65 x 24.38 x 35.81cm | Weight: 1.36kg | Material: Wood and plastic | Number of pieces: 10 tricks | Assembly required:No | Batteries required: No | Educational objectives: Hand-eye coordination, creative thinking, concentration, motor skills and problem-solving
What Mumsnet users say
SSOYS · Recommended Melissa and Doug magic set for the 7yo. See PostOur verdict
Your child can channel their inner magician with the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set. From a disappearing ball and magic coin box to the great escape and magic number prediction, this kit comes with tools for performing 10 classic tricks.
The box opens up to be used as a prop for the performance and then stores everything away when the show is over. As we’ve come to expect from any Melissa & Doug toy – which are well-loved by Mumsnetters and their children - the box and most of the accessories are made of wood which makes this set stand out from many others on the market.
Children will have hours of fun putting on a show and wowing you with their new magic skills, which not only helps inspire their imaginations and creativity but can help build up their self-confidence and critical thinking skills too.
How do I choose the best toy for a 7-year-old?
Safety
Make sure to check the manufacturer’s age recommendation to ensure the toy is age-appropriate. Also look at how solid and sturdy it is so that it doesn’t break easily during play.
If the toy has the CE symbol this means that it meets all the relevant regulatory requirements. Some toys also have the British Toy and Hobby Association’s (BTHA) Lion Mark which shows that it has met all the safety requirements to be a member.
Interests
Seven-year-olds know what they like and dislike so this can be really helpful when you’re shopping for a new toy. If you want to make sure that it gets plenty of playtime, look for a toy that caters to their interests. Do they like learning about science? Do they enjoy craft play or building things?
Make sure it offers something different though. Consider a toy that encourages a new interest or skill or advances a skill they already have. Seven-year-olds are very sociable, so toys that can be shared with friends will be a big hit.
Milestones
While they still depend on you for a lot of things, your seven-year-old is becoming much more independent. Now speaking in full, complex sentences, they can fully articulate their own thoughts and feelings.
At seven, your child is very sociable and wants to spend time with their friends, so think about investing in a toy that they can share as well as play with on their own. They’ll be asking lots of questions about the world so a toy that helps them to expand their learning in some way will also be really beneficial.
They’re now also developing their reading and maths skills, so they may enjoy toys that help to extend their learning at school, such as STEM sets.
Read next: Read our review of Dobble, the family-favourite card game everyone's talking about.
How many toys should a 7-year-old have?
There is no set amount, but research has found that children who have too many toys can find it harder to focus and concentrate on learning a new skill.
Rather than having lots of the same thing, aim to have a good variety of toys that encourage different skills and cater for different interests. If you feel you have too many at home, try decluttering your child’s toys and getting rid of any they no longer plays with. You can also store some away and rotate the toys so they don’t get too overwhelmed.
What is the best toy for 7-year-olds?
When it comes to keeping children entertained, we think Labyrinth is a great toy for entertaining seven-year-olds while also being a game that the whole family can enjoy together. After a day at school, there’s nothing better than a family games night for lots of laughter and fun. With simple instructions, a short game duration and a unique experience each time, this is a game they’ll be asking to play regularly.
How we chose our recommendations
When compiling our list of recommendations, our trusted and experienced parent journalists spend hours researching each product category, using a variety of sources to evaluate which products are the best. Many of the recommendations for toys for seven-year-olds came from Mumsnet parents themselves whose children have spent hours of their time putting the products through their paces in everyday situations.
We searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about which toys Mumsnetters really rated and then consulted expert review sites and retailers, such as Argos, Amazon and Smyths, to help us whittle down our list of tried-and-tested products. During our research, we vetted each toy, considering the quality, safety, value for money, extra features and material to ensure each one performed well across the board.
About the author
Gemma Wilco*ck is a freelance writer and copywriter. She has 15 years of experience working for national magazines and online publications, and has been researching and writing about baby and child products for Mumsnet for over six years - reviewing everything from buggies to baby bouncers.
As a busy mum of two young children, now aged eight and six, she knows just how important first-hand parenting knowledge can be, and she draws on her own experiences when writing about baby essentials, toys, health, money and lifestyle. She has also written for Prima Baby, Woman’s Own and Bella.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
