When choosing toys for 7-year-old boys, you have to go right to the source. Ask them! Often, they are influenced by what their friends are into at school — one day they are into Legos, the next they are begging for a stack of Pokemon cards.
“Toys for 7-year-old boys should really reflect their personalities,” says Marissa DiBartolo, the senior editor of the Toy Insider. “Do they love adventure? Movies? Music? Creativity? Think about all of these things, and let what you buy mirror what they already love. It’s also important to keep kids in this age group on the move, letting them stay active and healthy while they play.”
While many toys make promises to bolster child development, enhance intelligence and promote learning, the key is to give kids toys that encourage creativity and socialization. “Creativity is an essential problem-solving tool for children, giving them the ability to ‘think outside the box,’ and enabling new solutions to be imagined,” says Cassie Krygsman, the founder of Curiosity Box. “This tool will help with later teenage years when they face difficult challenges and how to solve a problem in different ways.”
If you don’t have a 7-year-old to ask, check out this list of kid-approved toys:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser
The shelled heroes are typically a big hit with 7-year-old boys, and kids can’t get enough of them. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are so cool because they are fighting ninjas. They fight the bad guys and have a cool secret lair. And they love pizza!” says Ethan G. of Philadelphia.
- Jurassic World Dinosaurs
Your kids are going to want to collect all the Jurassic World dinosaurs. “These dinosaurs are so awesome because they have these secret spots that you can pop off and see inside the dinosaurs,” says Benjamin L. of Boston.
- Air Hogs Zip Wing
Boys have a lot of energy to expend at this age, so it’s important to keep them moving. Kids will love the Air Hogs Zip Wing because they take it everywhere they go — the park, the beach, your backyard! “You can fly this airplane in the sky and make it do tricks like loop-da-loops,” says Colin B. of Cleveland.
- Spy Gear Night Vision Goggles
What boy doesn’t like to play spy? Spy Gear has a whole line of spy essentials, like these night vision goggles. These vision-enhancing goggles use a combination of lights and lenses to deliver visibility in the darkest of conditions. “I love Spy Gear because I can spy on my sister and parents,” says Justin G. of Seattle.
- Zuru Bunch O Balloons
Nothing expends energy and keeps kids cool all summer long like an old-fashioned water balloon fight. But there’s nothing old fashioned about Zuru’s new Bunch O Balloons. “You can fill 100 water balloons in less than one minute using a garden hose! And you don’t have to ask your parents for help!” say Cole P. of Newark, Delaware.
- Battroborg Warriors
This is the modern day version of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots that kids can enjoy with their parents! “I love fighting my friends with Battroborg. I can control my robot warrior with the wireless remote and can customize his armor,” says Nolin W. of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
- Gravity Maze
With over 60 challenges that require visual perception and reasoning skills, boys won’t get bored with Gravity Maze. Players arrange colorful and translucent towers in a variety of ways, but only one design will successfully carry the marble to its target. “I like that I can play this game by myself. You can also make up your own designs,” says Dominick D. of Orlando, Florida.
- Hot Wheels Street Hawk
Hot Wheels Street Hawk is not only a remote-controlled car, but it’s also an aerial plane! It’s durable and lightweight so it will withstand any rough and tough 7-year-old boy. “It is very easy to fly and goes really high. It’s really sturdy and handles crashes well,” says Shawn W. of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
- Kurio Xtreme Tablet
There’s no getting around your child begging for a tablet, so give them one that is made just for them. This 7-inch Andriod tablet comes loaded with eBooks, music, apps and, most importantly, kid-safe social content, including email. “I like that I have my own tablet that I don’t have to share with my parents,” says Julian D. of New York.
- Minecraft Core Survival Pack
Get the kids off the tablet or TV with their favorite friend, Steve. “I like Minecraft Survival Packs because I can make a house for Steve and protect him from the Enderman,” says Nate B. of Pittsburgh.
- Hexbug Vex Robotic Kit
Hands-on construction toys encourage STEM learning while kids construct and program their very own Hexbug. “These are so awesome! After I build it, I love making it crawl around and scare my mom!” says Joe D. of Chicago.
- K’Nex Supernova Roller Coaster
Construction sets, such as the K’Nex line, will always be popular with kids! “I can build my very own space roller coaster at my house! I just have to keep my little brother away so he doesn’t break it,” says Archer B. of San Jose.
Find more great toy ideas by checking out Top 10 Gifts for Boys.
Stephanie Glover is the writer and photographer behind A Grande Life. When she doesn’t have her camera in her hands, you’ll find her with a cup of coffee.
