Seven-year-olds can be tricky to shop for. From LEGOs and action figures to books, Nerf Blasters, and more, elementary-aged kids are in the process of switching their preference from basic toys to more advanced designs. Kids this age are aware of what they like and what they dislike, making gift-giving harder than ever.
When you shop based on each child’s personality, loads of unique options well-suited to their personality can be found, but choosing the best toys and gift ideas for a 7-year old can be complicated. With so many options to consider, it can be a complex task. Balancing fun and education can be a good way to find the best toys and gifts at this age, so we’ve selected a wide variety of the best toys available, and there’s sure to be at least one on this list that your 7-year-old will love.
- Top 30 Best Toys and Gift Ideas for 7-Year-Old Boys 2023
- 1. Doinkit Darts - Magnetic Dart Board
- 2. Spikeball Net Game
- 3. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX
- 4. Insect Lore Butterfly Garden
- 5. 5,000 Awesome Facts by National Geographic Kids
- 6. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit
- 7. K’NEX Model Building Set
- 8. ThinkFun Gravity Maze
- 9. Spooner Freestyle Board
- 10. Klutz Make Your Own Mini Erasers
- 11. Proof! Math Game
- 12. Fuzion X-3 Pro Scooter
- 13. Cat's Cradle Book Kit
- 14. Fractiles Magnetic Tiles Game
- 15. USA Toyz Walkie Talkies for Kids
- 16. Blokus Board Game
- 17. Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life
- 18. Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator
- 19. Battleship Board Game With Planes
- 20. US Sense Foam Finger Rockets Slingshot
- 21. ThinkFun Rush Hour Jr.
- 22. Tedco Pet Tornado
- 23. Hog Wild Toys Air Strike Catapult
- 24. Zoob BuilderZ 250 Piece Kit
- 25. Harry Potter Complete Book Series Boxed Set
- 26. LEGO Star Wars Snowspeeder Toy
- 27. Hape Quadrilla Wooden Marble Run Construction
- 28. Brio World Smart Tech Engine Set
- 29. LEGO Marvel Avengers Quinjet Building Kit
- 30. GoSports Portable Pop-up Soccer Goal
- Final Thoughts
Top 30 Best Toys and Gift Ideas for 7-Year-Old Boys 2023
1. Doinkit Darts - Magnetic Dart Board
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
The classic game of darts is an appealing gift idea for many children, but parents often feel uneasy when it comes to the safety of conventional darts—and with good reason. These darts from manufacturer ‘Doinkit’ are specifically made to be child-friendly with a magnetic. The darts and the board can be used by both children and adults for a fun day indoors, without the worry of hurting people, walls, or furniture.
The magnetic board is easy to install and place on any wall around the home. With a bracket for hanging and a sturdy, plastic construction, it’s easy to put away, too.
The game is similar to a standard game of darts board with the same rules. The only difference is that it comes with a safer magnetic design. It’s perfect for a fun, family game night, although it’s a bit more boisterous than a game like Blokus, for example.
Pros
- Easy to set up and take down
- Perfect for children
- Magnetic darts are easy and safe to use
Cons
- Loud for small rooms
2. Spikeball Net Game
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 5+
Spikeball has been steadily growing in popularity, now seen all over at beaches, parks, and in back yards. With a net and balls, the game can be played by two to four players. Just as with volleyball, a team cannot return the ball, they lose a point.
The activity is fun when played with other kids. While it can easily be used indoors due to its compact size, the net is best placed in the backyard. Installation is easy as the net comes with foldable legs and it can easily be put into storage when not in use.
With a lifetime guarantee, the product featured on Shark Tank is one of the new toys which gets kids active. A typical game can be as long as kids want and it is a fun way to get to spend more time outside the house. If you struggle to find opponents, the game also comes with a dedicated app to show you people in your area who are also looking to play.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Compact for storage
- Comes with a dedicated app
Cons
- Kids need opponents to play
3. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 4-10
VTech has developed more than a simple watch for kids. This smartwatch comes packed with functions, which can be a good introduction to both timekeeping and modern tech. With motion detectors to get them off their feet and a calendar to keep track of the day of the week, it will help kids learn about responsibility.
The watch is integrated with a camera that can take photos and record videos of the most exciting moments of the day. There are 50 screen modes to customize the background, and the watch is available in multiple colors. It can be a great gift idea for both boys and girls as young as 4 or as old as 10, and at the end of the day, the device can also be used as a simple watch.
Like the idea of getting your 7-year-old a smart watch but don’t love this one? Check out our varied list of the best watches for kids of all ages.
Pros
- Made with various functions
- 50 screen modes
- Includes games
Cons
- Motion sensor can be improved
4. Insect Lore Butterfly Garden
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 4-15
If you want to teach kids more about the natural world, a dedicated garden meant to grow and attract butterflies can be a good place to start. Sold with 5 caterpillars (that ship for a separate processing fee) that your kid can observe throughout their lifecycles, the kit is recommended as an educational tool.
When the butterflies are ready to go, you can release them into nature, and with a bit of luck they’ll come back around someday to repopulate your garden with eggs and caterpillars that will start the life cycle all over again—just be sure to keep it out of the rain, or else your little one might be disappointed when the butterflies don’t emerge.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact for storage
- Can be reused
Cons
- Must pay to receive caterpillars
- Needs to be kept out of the rain
5. 5,000 Awesome Facts by National Geographic Kids
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7-12
With amazing facts about the surrounding world, this National Geographic book is perfect for excited learners. Many parents read the book together with their children, explaining various curiosities in our daily lives. With high-quality pictures and impressive facts that range across multiple topics, the book is a top gift idea if you want to spend time with your children while learning.
So what are a few examples of what your child can expect? Various facts, such as the amount of water composition in the human body or the size of whales, are presented in a graphic way in the book. Cool stats about animals are presented in a fun way so that they are easier to remember and enjoy. Do note, though, that the book doesn’t shy away from controversial topics, so you may want to look it over before presenting it to your little one.
If you like the idea of gifting your little one a book but think they’d prefer something else, check out our list of the best books for 7-year-olds too!
Pros
- High-quality pictures
- National Geographic facts
- Great for kids and parents
Cons
- Contains some controversial topics such as palm reading
6. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
Made with 33 LEGO pieces, the craft kit can be used to create up to 10 chain-reaction style moving machines. Kids can use them together with their LEGO pieces to create chain reactions. For example, you can create elevator ramps which can then be the platform for a rolling ball.
With an instructions guide, 6 plastic balls, string, paper ramps, and other components, it’s easy for kids to create their own project. If they want to learn about physics, the kit can be a good introduction, especially when the models are fully functional.
There are 78 pages of instructions which come with the kit and they serve as a detailed guide kids can follow when building the modules. They can also learn how to integrate various objects such as books, shelves, and stairs into their own models.
Pros
- Quality plastic pieces
- 6 plastic balls
- Detailed guide
Cons
- Needs additional LEGO pieces
7. K’NEX Model Building Set
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
The K’NEX Model Building set comes with 705 pieces that can be set up via millions of combinations Unlike similar building toys, it also comes with moving parts, meaning it’s great for designing vehicles like cars, boats, and planes. These parts are versatile, with over 70 models included and endless possibilities as your child learns to be creative with the pieces. The models take a few hours to assemble, meaning that the toys will keep your child occupied for months.
With wheels, rotors and wings, the set differentiates itself with its interactive approach. Since all the parts are small, it is recommended for kids who are at least 7 years of age. When playtime is over, all the pieces can be conveniently stored in the box which is included in the pack.
Pros
- 705 pics
- Included moving parts
- 70 models to build
Cons
- Building requires patience
8. ThinkFun Gravity Maze
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
This marble maze is an incredibly popular toy, selling millions of units worldwide. Why is it so popular? Easy: brain development. The toy is designed to be mentally challenging in a way that helps growing brains learn how to solve new problems in unique ways. And the possibilities are unlimited: the more your child plays with your toy, the more advanced your maze gets. The plastic construction can, however, degrade over time.
Pros
- Great for brain development
- Helps growing brains learn to solve problems
- Helps your child get more advanced over time
Cons
- Plastic construction can degrade
9. Spooner Freestyle Board
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 2-15
The Spooner Boards are a recommended freestyle toy for kids. Made with durable materials, the boards are easy to use and they can be a solution to use on their own or a tool to master for better skateboarding skills. Used indoors and outdoors, the board is great for mastering balance and strength.
Made to improve skills in any environment, the boards can be used on tile, hardwood or carpets. They can work with spins, twists, slides or wobbles. Even more, they represent an interesting solution for kids who are active and who need an outlet for their energy—just make sure they don’t go crazy and always wear a helmet if they’re playing on a hard surface, because falling is possible.
Pros
- Durable design
- Made for better balance
- Great for tricks
Cons
- Kids can hurt themselves if not careful
10. Klutz Make Your Own Mini Erasers
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
This mini erasers kit is a fun toy that allows kids to design their own erasers. As a gift idea, it can be recommended for kids who are keen to learn and those who have a creative edge. The kit comes with 8 colors of eraser clay. The clay can be used to create different animal or food shapes, which is an attractive way of ensuring your kids can erase what they draw with a pencil. The kit also comes with a 48-page instructional book recommended for the ultimate creative experience.
The mini erasers can be placed on pencils, just as the erasers which come from the factory. At the same time, the kit can make 25 complete erasers that kids love due to their funny and friendly shapes. With an included clay sharpening tool, the kit is recommended for various shapes, which are detailed in the included instructions book.
Pros
- Includes clay of different colors
- Easy to use
- Included sharpening tool
Cons
- Shapes take time to make
11. Proof! Math Game
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
Teaching kids math can be a chore, and Mobi can be a perfect solution to make math fun. The award-winning board game is recommended for arithmetic, communication, visual representation, sequential thinking, focusing on the skills of multiplication, di9vision, addition, subtraction, and square roots. Though targeted at slightly older kids, any 7-year-old with a burgeoning love for math will find it perfect for their skill level.
Pros
- Award-winning gameplay
- Improves basic math skills
- Great for adults and children
Cons
- Might be too difficult for some kids
12. Fuzion X-3 Pro Scooter
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
With an improved design and proven satisfaction, the scooter is one of the most fun gifts for kids. It comes with a safer and more durable design. Its aluminum deck is also lightweight, which means kids can enjoy better maneuverability, though it still might be a bit too heavy for younger kids to pull off tricks. With a design that includes V-shape bars, it draws inspiration from professional alternatives.
110mm wheels mean that the scooter is fast. But at the same time, it is made with fast drops, which make braking a simpler task. It is also one of the most durable designs as it combines aluminum and steel for a toy which will keep kids entertained for long periods of time.
Kids will also love it for its smooth performance. Part of this performance is based on the new IHC compression system with sealed bearings. This is why you can use the scooter on various surfaces, which include concrete, tile or wood. If you are looking for a gift idea, the scooter can be one of the solutions for active kids and also one of the recommended toys when it comes to keeping kids outdoors more, instead of on screens.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Pro-style design
- Kid-friendly maneuverability
Cons
- Hard to do tricks on
13. Cat's Cradle Book Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
The Cat’s Cradle Book Kit brings an old way of playing back. It is a fun and challenging string-based puzzle. If you have never tried string games, you might think they are easy to master. But many complex string games take time to fully master, and kids can come up with their own solutions and combinations for hours and hours of fun.
The kit comes with 35 pages of string games, enabling your patient little one to make everything from the classic cup and saucer, Eiffel Tower or Jacob’s Ladder in a matter of days. This means putting their mind to work towards a simple game with no screens and no batteries, which can even be played in a car while traveling.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No maintenance
- 35-page book to inspire
Cons
- Requires patience
14. Fractiles Magnetic Tiles Game
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
The compact and innovative toy can be a top gift idea for traveling kids. Since it does not require too much space in the luggage or a backpack, the toy can be among the top choices on weekends away from home. Its versatility and endless puzzle options make it a top tool for kids who love to exercise their imagination.
There are 192 pieces, together with a 12” X 12” magnetic board. Your kids can have fun assembling puzzles with endless solutions. The pieces are small and easy to handle, and the game is a great way to spend just a few minutes or several hours. The whole game can even be stored on the bookshelf once playtime is over. Its compact size and endless puzzle solutions make it a top choice for creative minds.
Pros
- Endless puzzle solutions
- Compact size
- Great for creativity
Cons
- Pieces can be easily lost
15. USA Toyz Walkie Talkies for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 3+
A reliable set of walkie-talkies is a great idea for any adventurous kid. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, stimulating creativity while playing. And they’re even practical, allowing communication at distances of up to 3 miles. With 22 channels and 99 subchannels, these walkie talkies are reliable and can be useful in many different situations.
Great to use during games such as hide and seek, playing outdoors, or even just playing pretend, they even come with built-in LCD screens which inform the kids on the strength of the signal and on battery life. With a built-in lamp, the walkie-talkies are multi-purpose. With an ergonomic design, they are hand-held, and they represent an inspired gift idea for active children.
Pros
- 3-mile range
- Built-in LCD screen
- Voice-activated control
Cons
- Battery life can be improved
16. Blokus Board Game
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 5+
The innovative game is easy to learn and it can be played by kids or by the entire family. It is a strategy game that uses simple principles. Each one of the players places the plastic pieces at the corners of the board. The idea is to block your opponents from placing more pieces than you. The catch is that each player needs to start in a corner, and the pieces need to be placed next to each other—though deceptively simple, it’s difficult to master.
The game can be played for hours. With the minimum number of players, it can take a longer time, but the game is quicker when played by up to 4 players. At the end of the game, when no pieces can be placed on the board anymore, the player with the lowest number remaining wins. Compact in size, the game can be used while traveling with the family.
Pros
- Durable plastic pieces
- Easy to learn
- Fun for up to 4 kids
Cons
- Requires at least two players
17. Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life
Editor’s Rating:
This clever, creative Play-Doh toy is great for kids who are also passionate about animals. Different stamps highlight the options of different animals that can be created. The process is easy. Kids first need to shape their creations, then they can add on different colors and Play-Doh layers to create the imaginary animal of their wildest imagination. After, kids can even play with their creations in a virtual world using a free app.
Pros
- Easy to mold
- Uses a dedicated app
- Endless creativity options
Cons
- A bit light on features for kids who don’t care about the app
18. Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 3+
Made with a safe design, the Nerf N-Strike Retaliator remains one of the true classics for kids. As a gift idea, it can be interesting, especially if kids have friends to play with. Even if it is a toy, the retaliator can fire up to 90 feet away, which makes it more of an outdoor than indoor toy. Each retaliator comes with 12 elite darts, and can be set up in four different fun configurations.
Pros
- Durable design
- Fires up to 90 feet
- Contains 4 configurations
Cons
- Better played with outdoors
19. Battleship Board Game With Planes
Editor’s Rating:
Battleship has been one of the true classics for many generations of kids. It is now back with planes and ships for the ultimate battle. Designed with durable pieces, the game plays the same as its classic alternative. Kids can make the most of the game and their imagination by placing the ships and the planes in a way in which they can create their own defensive tactics. It even comes with a compact carrying case, so kids can play wherever they want.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Made with ships and planes
- Can be played away from home
Cons
- Small pieces for some kids
20. US Sense Foam Finger Rockets Slingshot
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 5+
Finger rockets are niche toys that are mainly used outdoors. With a soft, foam construction, though, this specific model can also be used indoors. The best place to play with the rockets remains outside, as they can travel longer distances—just be careful to pick them up after flinging them far away. The rockets come with included LED lights which makes them fun to play with during the evening.
Powered by a battery for light-up action, they’re incredibly safe to use. As a physical toy, the rockets are recommended for improved hand-eye coordination. The best part is that they can be launched up to 80 feet in the air, blasting up and away from the earth’s surface.
Pros
- Made with LED lights
- Can be launched up to 80 feet away
- Available in sets of 6 or 21
Cons
- Easy to lose
21. ThinkFun Rush Hour Jr.
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 5+
The innovative game is a top choice when you want to stimulate creativity. Using a truck and a traffic jam scenario that changes every time the game is played, your kid needs to find a way to get out of the jam by moving the cars up, down, left and right.
Each traffic jam is different. There are various levels of play as a result. The simplest jams only require a few movements while the complicated traffic jams require complex movements to get out of the standstill. There are forty scenarios to choose, and with increasing difficulty, they can be used to challenge the creativity of your child.
Pros
- Four difficulty levels of play
- 40 cards with solutions
- Challenges childrens’ problem-solving skills
Cons
- Limited use once challenges are done
22. Tedco Pet Tornado
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
This maintenance-free toy “pet” is like a lava lamp, but instead of a volcanic eruption, it’s a twirling tornado. It’s great as a desk toy, and kids can get lost in the swirling and rollicking tornados created within. It also teaches about the concepts of density, motion, and gravity.
Best of all, it’s unbreakable and requires no maintenance. Kids who are interested in science and weather phenomena will love this toy—but some might get bored of it quickly, as it’s not very interactive.
Pros
- Great for an interest in tornadoes
- Educational
- Maintenance-free
Cons
- Limited use
23. Hog Wild Toys Air Strike Catapult
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
The ancient catapult has been made into various toys. Hog Wild has developed a design which works great to offer a safe and modern alternative. With the included squishy round projectiles, the catapult is great to whip out for backyard playtime. It even works with other light alternatives such as ping pong balls to make launching even more fun. With a portable design, the catapult can also be easily moved around or brought to the park.
The catapult can pivot on its base, which is anchored by suction cups, allowing for kids to learn about velocity, angles, and potential energy. Some kids might wish it was a bit larger and more exciting, but it’s still a fun mini-catapult.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Portable design
- 6 spiked balls
Cons
- Small for some kids
24. Zoob BuilderZ 250 Piece Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
With 250 plastic pieces, the set is phenomenal to challenge and develop your seven-year-old’s creativity. There are 5 different styles of pieces that come in the set. At their core, they are made to be versatile. They are well built, so kids can build toys with them that can actually be played with and not only used as decoration.
Kids can build various vehicles or animals to represent their ideas of the play. The set is so fun and creative that it has even gone on to win the Parents Award for creativity. Of course, the set also comes with instructions, but since the pieces are different, they can be hard to follow at times. Let your kid follow the included instructions, or let them follow their creativity.
Pros
- 250 pieces
- 5 different style pieces
- Great for creative freedom
Cons
- Instructions are hard to follow
25. Harry Potter Complete Book Series Boxed Set
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
There’s little doubt that the Harry Potter series is a hit with most kids. With hundreds of pages and months of exciting, magical reading to get through and impressive illustrations by artist Kazu Kibuishi, the books are a work of art.
The series from J.K. Rowling is an impressive gift idea which can represent a good solution if you want to read the stories with your kids before going to bed. With the artwork, the popularity of the fantasy series, and a lower reading level, these books are perfect for a seven-year-old bookworm—although by the end of the series, their reading level might be a bit too advanced until later.
Pros
- World-renowned children’s fantasy series
- Original artwork by Kazu Kibuishi
- High-quality printing
Cons
- Later books in the series may be too advanced
26. LEGO Star Wars Snowspeeder Toy
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 4+
Building your own Star Wars Snowspeeder is a blast, especially for kids who are into SciFi and LEGO. Seen in the Star Wars movies, this LEGO toy is especially great for young boys who are already fans of Jedi Knights and spaceships. Though it’s small, with 2 missiles and a mini cockpit, the toy is great for any child looking to win their imaginary, intergalactic war.
Pros
- Inspired by Star Wars
- Made with 2 flick missiles
- Designed with a mini cockpit
Cons
- Small for some kids
27. Hape Quadrilla Wooden Marble Run Construction
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
This marble run set is one of the most complex in its class. With 176 pieces, it offers endless design possibilities. Since it is quite versatile, it can also be easily used with other objects in the house as support. The versatility of the construction set also means that kids can play with their friends or with their parents. It’s large, which is great for playtime, but this also makes finding space to build it a bit harder.
Nominated for various toy awards, the marble run comes with pieces of different colors that are intuitive to use and which challenge the imagination of children.
Pros
- Parts in various colors
- Endless construction options
- Glow in the dark accents
Cons
- Needs space to build
28. Brio World Smart Tech Engine Set
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 3+
The decades-old company long famous for the calm, quiet world of wooden trains that roll along wooden tracks has just now introduced powered train wagons that start up and shut off as they pass under red or green arches that lay over the tracks.
The set includes two locomotives and two arches, everything compatible with any Brio toys you might already own. The only issue we have is the fact that the set doesn’t come with any existing track, so you’ll have to go without or buy some additional wooden tracks to create an expansive world for the trains to roam around.
Pros
- Two ‘smart’ locomotives are controlled wirelessly
- Smart arches lay over the track to control trains
- Compatible with other Brio toys
Cons
- No wooden track included
29. LEGO Marvel Avengers Quinjet Building Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 7+
The world of Marvel and the universe of LEGO have finally collided, this time featuring famous superheroes like the sneaky spy Black Widow, the marksman Hawkeye, goofy weapons-specialist Rocket, and the powerful Norse figure Thor. They all come together on a LEGO-constructed Quinjet, a hypersonic air and spacecraft equipped with all the latest super tech.
Let your seven-year-old enjoy the biggest and most exciting battles for the fate of the universe as the titans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe duke it out to save the world from evil forces. Watch out, as it doesn’t include superhero favorites like Ironman and Spiderman.
Pros
- Contains four cool superhero figures
- Loaded with the latest superhero technology
- Lego set is phenomenal for building and creativity
Cons
- No Ironman or Spiderman with this set
30. GoSports Portable Pop-up Soccer Goal
Editor’s Rating:
Recommended Age: 6+
Playing soccer can be one of the most fun activities for kids. They can play by themselves, with friends or with family members. A soccer goal set is great for kids who love to play or hone their skills. It represents an all-in-one solution for the world’s most popular sport.
Easy to install, the two nets and ball provide all you need for a game, and with 6 training discs, you can stake out to improve your soccer skills. It can be used at home, but it also works well in parks. Since the net is easy to install, your kids can even play alone, helping improve ball handling and discipline. The kit can be used by players of all levels.
Pros
- 2 portable soccer nets
- Easy to install
- 6 soccer cones
Cons
- Not easy to clean
Final Thoughts
Whether the seven-year-old in your life likes LEGO, soccer, sports, or board games, there are plenty of exciting options that will keep your boy occupied for hours. Make sure to think about his interests and the existing toys he has, as they’ll give you a good idea for what you should look out for.
Lastly, while some toys are great for education and development, make sure the toy you pick out is fun! And next year, don’t forget to check out our list of the best gift ideas for 8-year-olds!