Best toys for 7-year-olds as recommended by parents

RRP: £24.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say

“My seven-year-old adores Junior Labyrinth and has just started to get to grips with the grown-up version too” Pansypath 

“I second Labyrinth - so great!” Seaswims

Our 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

RRP: £11.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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

What Mumsnet users say

“UNO. My two [children] play that for hours and make up new rules.” NeverTwerkNaked

“I play with my seven-year-old. We do LEGO, Hot Wheels, UNO, read and play board games.” autienotnaughty

Our 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.

RRP: £15 | Buy now from Amazon 

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say

“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.” NannyR 

“We love Bananagrams.” Notacottish

Our 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.

RRP: £17.20 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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

What Mumsnet users say

“[At Christmas my son] got some HEXBUGS and they’re still played with. Out of a large cardboard box we made a maze/challenges and let them loose - was fun.” Tabbypawpaw

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.

RRP: £29.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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

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 

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.

RRP: £14.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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

What Mumsnet users say

“Galt do some great science kits.” 17caterpillars1mouse

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.

RRP: £54.99 | Buy now from Argos

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say

“My son has found the Super Mario LEGO a good bridge between traditional toys and tech.” Tobypercy

“My seven-year-old son loves it. He is always building and rebuilding it in different ways. I don’t like the fact you have to use the app though.” Ilovechocolatetoomuch

Our 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

RRP: £11.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say 

“Galt does some great kits e.g foil art, mosaic art, beady key rings, mould and paint kits.” Mothersruin123

“Any of the Galt craft kits go down well here with [my] seven-year-old” Awumminnscotland 

Our 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. 

RRP: £45 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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

What Mumsnet users say

“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.” HintOfVintagePink

Our verdict

If you’re keen to encourage your child to spend more time outside, The Original Den Kit is an ideal choice.

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. 

RRP: £20.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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) 

What Mumsnet users say

“My seven-year-old would love a lockable diary that she could write in herself.” Evilharpy

Our 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.

RRP: £144.95 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say

“They are worth the money. We got a Maxi Micro Scooter for our oldest when he was three. He is now 12 and the scooter was passed down to his nine-year-old brother and now his three-year-old sister and it's still going strong - so nine years of use and three children! [The scooters] are very robust and you can get drinks holders or bags to attach to them too.” Aria20 

“We got ours the Maxi Micro and they are truly fab. Still going strong five years later.” Passthecake30

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.

RRP: £19.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say

“Lego Dots is good fun and quite crafty. A bit of a toy/craft hybrid. You can get a kit to make door signs and pen pots etc.” DaisyDando 

“We’ve been enjoying Lego Dots recently.” PuttingDownRoots

Our 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. 

RRP: £74.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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 

What Mumsnet users say

“Sylvanian Families is a great call. My 10-year-old daughter still likes a sneaky play of her younger sister's sets when no one is looking.” Lipsandlashes

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.

RRP: £298 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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

What Mumsnet users say

“My seven-year-old is getting a Switch and a few games for [it].” Curtains15

Our 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 Dance will 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

RRP: £49.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

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 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

What Mumsnet users say

“Melissa & Doug magic set for the seven-year-old.” SSOYS 

Our 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.