Best Toys for 7 Year Olds 2025

9 min read

Last Modified 4 July 2025 First Added 4 July 2025

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Author hasina

Finding the best birthday gifts for a 7 year old can be difficult, as their own tastes and interests play a bigger factor than ever before. 7 year olds have a much broader, more active imagination than when they were younger and have developed many skills as they grow, meaning it takes more for them to be entertained and stimulated.

Will they want craft kits or a toy focused on the latest Disney characters? What will help them grow? What do they really want? Our guide will help you navigate the best toys for 7 year olds, answering many questions you might have, highlighting different types of toys that they will love and explaining the best things to consider when trying to choose the perfect toy.

What do 7 year old kids like to play with?

Kids at this age have a growing sense of understanding and independence. They can participate in games with more complex rules and bigger ideas to match their expanding imagination. As they better understand the world, they open up to more family-oriented and team-based activities, like board games.

As they develop a greater social circle and gain more friends, they become more open to playing with others, meaning they’re happy playing with toys that promote teamwork. They use their imagination to build and create amazing stories with the toys they play with—whether they like active, outdoor toys or the latest action figures, their minds are becoming more open to complex toys that can help stimulate their growing minds.

What does my 7 year old need?

For a 7 year old, toys need to expand on the skills they’ve already developed. They need opportunities to boost their confidence and learn to play with others. The right toys and games can help them practice many essential skills, from emotional regulation (learning how to lose gracefully is a vital lesson!) to fine-tuning their motor skills and solving puzzles and games using complex thinking. STEM education is significant for kids who enjoy learning as they play, and discovering their interests can help them lean into their creative side, keeping playtime fun and engaging as they get older.

Should my 7 year old still play with toys?

The short answer is a resounding yes! Playing with toys doesn’t just get children away from screens; it’s an interest that grows and develops with them as they get older. It’s how they process their day, build their identity, and make sense of the world. From complex construction toys to imaginative arts and crafts, play can help them express themselves as they find out more about their interests and personalities. At this age, there are still many skills that playing with toys can help them develop and hone – more reason to find toys that engage and entertain them as well as teach them such valuable abilities.

Best STEM Toys for 7 Year Olds

The best educational toys for 7 year olds build on their curiosity and discovery, finding enthusiasm in their desire to learn. Developing their STEM education revolves around identifying what topics they already know and what they’re passionate about. After all, you don’t want the time they’re playing with STEM toys to simply feel like more homework for them–there has to be fun in the education, which is where these toys and games come in.

For example, the best science toys for 7 year olds spark a love for experimenting, asking “why?”, and finding the answer. Science toys could be a great option if your child loves science or is curious about the world. STEM learning toys are designed to empower your child by teaching them more about the subjects they love in creative and versatile ways.

Our Top Picks

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • STEM toys can teach them valuable facts as they play. This can help them learn more outside of school.
  • Playing with STEM toys can help teach them new skills or find new interests, leading to more enjoyable and fulfilling playtime.

Cons

  • When picking a STEM toy, remember to choose wisely. Picking a STEM toy based on a subject they dislike can feel like a waste, as they may not want to engage with it.

Best Construction Toys for 7 Year Olds

The best construction toys for 7 year olds are about more than just stacking bricks. At this age, they will be ready to take on more complex builds, focusing on skills they’ve already developed by working on sets that challenge and enthral them. Kids use their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and sense of spatial awareness to gradually build these sets over a prolonged period. They are also an excellent avenue for family playtime, as family and friends can work together to finish the build. Furthermore, these construction toys also give them the freedom of independence through their imagination – after all, they don’t just have to build what is shown on the box!

Our Top Picks

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Construction toys can help with valuable skills, like problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.
  • These toys can easily be used to build teamwork skills as they learn to play with others.

Cons

  • Ensure they clean up after playtime. You don’t want to be treading on rogue plastic pieces scattered around the house!

Best Outdoor Toys for 7 Year Olds

The best outdoor toys for 7 year olds build on their desire to explore the outside world and find unique ways to embrace it. Outdoor play is great for them as it lets them develop their imaginative play skills, play with others, and find new activities they love. It allows them to burn off excess energy and can help them develop physically as they play fun games and activities outside. Playing outside can also be a breath of fresh air for the entire family – mixing up where you play can give games a new lease of life and teach you more about your kids as they grow.

Our Top Picks

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Outdoor toys help them embrace the new environment and find an entirely new avenue of playtime.
  • There are many different types of outdoor toys, from ride-ons to scooters and bikes, so there are always options for them to explore and learn to enjoy being outside.

Cons

  • Make sure to measure your child before buying any scooter or bike, as you don’t want to buy one that is too big for them. To learn more, read our bike size guide and scooter size guide.
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Best Creative Toys for 7 Year Olds

The best creative toys for 7 year olds are about honing their creative skills – teaching them how to express themselves so they create something truly unique that gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Craft kits and arts and crafts supplies give kids endless possibilities to explore their own feelings and ideas. It can also be a great way to teach them how to control their emotions, expressing them through a creative outlet instead of them becoming angry or frustrated. Creative play gives them confidence and teaches them that they are free to express themselves in endless ways, whether painting, model-making or playing with some colourful sensory toys.

Our Top Picks

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Creative toys aren’t just fun – they teach kids how to express themselves and can lead them to find an activity they are interested in.
  • Many different types of creative toys exist, meaning that you can easily tailor playtime to your child’s passions and interests.

Cons

  • Without proper supervision, these toys can get quite messy. It’s best to supervise children to avoid pieces being dropped on the floor or paint getting everywhere!

Best family toys for 7 year olds

While you can still play with your child using toys centred on solo play, such as craft kits, family toys offer a more natural fit for team play. Family board games and card games can entertain them as they learn how to play as a team and how to lose (and win!) gracefully. At this age, they are more adept at understanding and adapting to rules, meaning games like UNO are a perfect fit for them – the bright colours and simple rules helping them feel included in a fun, entertaining game that offers them a different opportunity to learn valuable skills.

Our Top Picks

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Playing games like this can teach them how to play with others.
  • Playing family games like this can make playtime more versatile and engaging for your child and the entire family.

Cons

  • As they learn to play, frustration at losing or not understanding the rules could lead to a few tantrums!
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How do I pick the best toy for my 7 year old?

What are the best toys for 7 year olds? Ultimately, the answer is knowing their interests and what drives their creative spark. Do they love telling stories, or do they prefer building sets? Do they like physical activities, or do they enjoy solving puzzles? Look for toys and games that challenge them but also work within their growing interests. You can use toys they already play with to determine what would be right for them. You can also identify toys that could help teach them specific skills, such as hand-eye coordination and even programming concepts, if they enjoy electronic toys.

View our range of toys for 7 year olds to learn more.

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About the Author

hasina

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