37 gifts for the 7-year-old who’s ready to take on the world
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The best toys and gifts for 7-year-olds help them write stories, draw detailed pictures, build and create.
Seven-year-olds are noticeably better at fine motor skills that help them write and create than they were at age 6, said Dr. Amanda Gummer, founder of Fundamentally Children in the United Kingdom.
Crafts, sports equipment and building materials are among the top toys for 7-year-olds, noted Susan Kambrich, head of the Woodland Hill Montessori School in Rensselaer, New York, and treasurer of the Board of Directors for the American Montessori Society.
At age 7, kids are also becoming more confident readers, ready to explore the world through graphic novels, nonfiction books and more sophisticated chapter books — though they will still get plenty of satisfaction from picture books, too. Here, we've found the best gifts to help your favorite 7-year-old hone their developmental skills while also having fun.
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Bestselling gifts from this article:
Bestselling gifts for 7-year-olds
1. Klutz Lego Chain Reaction Kit
Klutz Lego Chain Reactions
Klutz Lego Chain Reactions $16.51 at Amazon
Klutz Lego Chain Reactions $18.99 at Walmart
Klutz Lego Chain Reactions $23.31 at QVC
"Building can engage children in higher-level thinking and creative problem solving through hands-on design and construction," said Kambrich. Any Lego kit will be a hit for 7-year-olds, but this one promotes STEM skills along with construction.
2. National Geographic Geode Kit
National Geographic Geodes Kit
National Geographic Geodes Kit $24.99 at Amazon
Break open 10 geodes to discover the cool world inside and learn about rocks and the earth.
3. Donkit Darts Magnetic Dart Board
Marky Sparky Doinkit Darts
Marky Sparky Doinkit Darts $25.00 at Amazon
A magnetic dart board is great for motor skills and competition, without the danger of real darts.
4. Style.Lab Magic Sequin Reveal Pouch
Magic Sequin Pouch
Magic Sequin Pouch $10.82 at Amazon
Flip sequins are all the rage. Give them something to keep art supplies or collectibles in.
5. Crayola Color Chemistry Lab
Crayola Color Chemistry Set
Crayola Color Chemistry Set $14.97 at Amazon
Crayola Color Chemistry Set $14.97 at Walmart
Crayola Color Chemistry Set $24.99 at Target
This kit includes 50 different colorful experiments, from an erupting volcano to "rubber goo."
Best crafts for 7-year-olds
1. Make a Fox Friend Craft Kit
Make A Fox Friend Craft Kit
Make A Fox Friend Craft Kit $20.00 at Pottery Barn Kids
Seven-year-olds are ready for more intricate crafting, including sewing or knitting.
2. Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit
Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit
Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit $17.99 at Target
Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit $17.99 at Walmart
Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit $17.99 at Kohl's
From pom poms and fuzzy sticks to tons of googly eyes, this chromatic craft kit has everything your colorful crafter could ever want.
3. Lulu Jr. Illustory Bookmaking Kit
Lulu Jr. Illustory Bookmaking Kit
Lulu Jr. Illustory Bookmaking Kit $29.95 at Amazon
Lulu Jr. Illustory Bookmaking Kit $29.95 at Barnes and Noble
Put them on the path to their first Pulitzer Prize with this bookmaking kit.
4. Ooly Oh My Glitter Notebooks
OOLY, Oh My Glitter! Notebooks, Amethyst and Rhodolite
OOLY, Oh My Glitter! Notebooks, Amethyst and Rhodolite $11.99 at Amazon
These journals are the perfect place to write stories, practice drawing or start a diary.
5. Ooly Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens
OOLY, Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens 2.0
OOLY, Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens 2.0 $9.95 at Barnes and Noble
OOLY, Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens 2.0 $9.60 at Blick Art Materials
Try these sparkly, scented pens for art projects (and homework assignments) that are good enough to eat.
6. Cool Maker KumiKreator Friendship Bracelet Maker
Cool Maker KumiKreator Mermaid and Dream Fashion Pack
Cool Maker KumiKreator Mermaid and Dream Fashion Pack $19.99 at Amazon
Cool Maker KumiKreator Mermaid and Dream Fashion Pack $29.36 at Walmart
Friendship bracelets are great for building social networks and fine motor skills.
7. Elmer's Snow Slime Kit
Elmer's Snow Slime Kit
Make slime that has the texture of snowballs with this new kit from Elmer's.
8. Klutz Sew-Your-Own Unicorn Bunny Slippers
Klutz Sew-Your-Own Unicorn Bunny Slippers
Klutz Sew-Your-Own Unicorn Bunny Slippers $21.99 at Amazon
Klutz Sew-Your-Own Unicorn Bunny Slippers $21.49 at Walmart
These cozy slippers are a fun craft project and a nice way to stay cozy during remote learning.
9. Grandparent Pen Pal Kit
Grandparent Pen Pal Kit
Grandparent Pen Pal Kit $30.00 at UncommonGoods
What better way to get a 7-year-old (and their grandparents) excited about writing?
Best games for 7-year-olds
1. Twister Ultimate
Twister Ultimate
Get the whole family in on the fun — and the twisting and turning and bending and snapping.
2. ThinkFun Laser Maze
ThinkFun Laser Maze
ThinkFun Laser Maze $30.79 at Amazon
This logic game promotes STEM skills. Try the junior version for kids who might appreciate a more approachable challenge.
3. Uno Card Game
Uno Color and Number Card Game
Uno Color and Number Card Game $4.97 at Walmart
Uno Color and Number Card Game $4.99 at Target
Uno Color and Number Card Game $9.99 at The Paper Store
This classic game appeals to a 7-year-old's sense of competition and fair play. "Learning to lose and win is an important skill to gain," Gummer said.
4. Bananagrams
Double Bananagrams Word Game - For Up To 16 Players
Double Bananagrams Word Game - For Up To 16 Players $19.99 at Amazon
Double Bananagrams Word Game - For Up To 16 Players $24.99 at Kohl's
Double Bananagrams Word Game - For Up To 16 Players $29.52 at QVC
Like an entry-level Scrabble, Bananagrams is fun and helps with spelling.
Best toys for 7-year-olds
1. Everest Toys Crazy Forts Glow in the Dark Set
Everest Toys Crazy Forts, Glow in the Dark
Everest Toys Crazy Forts, Glow in the Dark $53.07 at Amazon
Everest Toys Crazy Forts, Glow in the Dark $59.99 at Kohl's
Kids can create their own one-of-a-kind play space with this award-winning kit. Coolest of all, it glows in the dark!
2. Plus-Plus Go! Street Racing Super Set
PLUS PLUS - GO! Street Racing Super Set
PLUS PLUS - GO! Street Racing Super Set $49.99 at Amazon
Plus-Plus connecting tiles give Lego lovers a new way to build, and this set allows for both instruction-following and open-ended play.
3. Lottie Doll
Doll by Lottie
Doll by Lottie $24.99 at Amazon
These diverse dolls include accessories such as cochlear implants and hobbies like star gazing or fossil hunting.
4. Lego "Harry Potter" Quidditch Match
Lego Harry Potter Quidditch Match
Lego Harry Potter Quidditch Match $39.99 at Target
Lego Harry Potter Quidditch Match $61.95 at Amazon
Combine Lego love with "Harry Potter" love and you might get magic.
5. Binoculars
Kidwinz Shock Proof Binoculars
Kidwinz Shock Proof Binoculars $26.99 at Amazon
Gear like these binoculars, backyard tents and walkie talkies encourage outdoor play and exploration.
6. Pop-Up Soccer Goal
Pop Up Soccer Goal
Pop Up Soccer Goal $38.99 at Amazon
Sports are becoming more rewarding to 7-year-olds as they gain strength and stamina. "Gifts that help children gain confidence in their abilities can really help this age," Gummer said.
7. Rock and Roll It
Rock And Roll It Rainbow Piano
Rock And Roll It Rainbow Piano $57.99 at Amazon
Rock And Roll It Rainbow Piano $59.99 at The Paper Store
Rock And Roll It Rainbow Piano $59.99 at BuyBuyBaby
This rainbow keyboard rolls up for easy storage.
8. Mudpuppy Amazing Insects Glow in the Dark Puzzle
Mudpuppy Amazing Insects Glow in The Dark Puzzle
Mudpuppy Amazing Insects Glow in The Dark Puzzle $11.99 at Amazon
Mudpuppy Amazing Insects Glow in The Dark Puzzle $11.99 at Walmart
Puzzles help with fine motor skills and problem-solving, and this one includes a geography lesson, too.
Best books for 7-year-olds
1. "Dog Man: Grime and Punishment," by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment: From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment: From the Creator of Captain Underpants $6.49 at Amazon
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment: From the Creator of Captain Underpants $10.99 at Barnes and Noble
Seven-year-olds will drool over the newest book in the "Dog Man" series from creator Dav Pilkey.
2. "Highlights Book of Things to Do"
The Highlights Book of Things to Do: Discover, Explore, Create, and Do Great Things (Highlights Books of Doing)
The Highlights Book of Things to Do: Discover, Explore, Create, and Do Great Things (Highlights Books of Doing) $22.49 at Amazon
This activity book is encyclopedic. With crafts, recipes, science projects, brain teasers and games, it makes for an easy answer the next time a child complains there's nothing to do.
3. "Dory Fantasmagory: Outside the Box," by Abby Hanlon
"Dory Fantasmagory: Outside the Box," by Abby Hanlon
"Dory Fantasmagory: Outside the Box," by Abby Hanlon $17.22 at Amazon
"Dory Fantasmagory: Outside the Box," by Abby Hanlon $31.96 at Barnes and Noble
This boxed set brings together the first four books in the popular chapter book series.
4. "Mac B., Kid Spy: The Sound of Danger," by Mac Barnett
Mac B., Kid Spy: The Sound of Danger
Mac B., Kid Spy: The Sound of Danger $11.69 at Amazon
The latest book in the series about the adventures of a young spy finds Mac B on an undercover mission in the heart of enemy territory.
5. "Your Place in the Universe," by Jason Chin
Your Place in the Universe
Your Place in the Universe $17.99 at Amazon
Your Place in the Universe $18.99 at Barnes and Noble
How does a child fit into the vast universe? This beautiful, painstakingly accurate picture book shows how a child would stack up to a giraffe, a redwood, the Eiffel Tower and the entire universe.
6. "No Reading Allowed: The Worst Read-Aloud Book Ever," by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter
No Reading Allowed: The WORST Read-Aloud Book Ever
No Reading Allowed: The WORST Read-Aloud Book Ever $15.29 at Amazon
No Reading Allowed: The WORST Read-Aloud Book Ever $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
From the creators of "P is for Pteradactyl" comes this playful look at homophones. Seven-year-olds will appreciate the funny difference a little change in spelling or punctuation can make.
7. "Cat Ninja," by Matthew Cody and Yehudi Mercado
Cat Ninja
Cat Ninja $9.97 at Amazon
Cat Ninja $9.99 at Barnes and Noble
Kids who spent quarantine getting to know the Epic! reading app may already know and love Cat Ninja, a crime-fighting kitty who masquerades as a mild-mannered house cat.
8. "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World," by Elena Favilli
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World $21.04 at Amazon
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World $26.06 at Target
The third edition of the Rebel Girls series features familiar names like Rihanna and Lupita Nyong'o along with activists, athletes and other women who made their mark.
9. "A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart" by Zetta Elliott and Noa Denmon
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart $16.79 at Amazon
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
This poem explores a Black child's feelings in the aftermath of a police shooting, from fear and anger through pride, peace and love.
10. "I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic," by Lauren Tarshis, Haus Studio
I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 $6.95 at Amazon
I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 $9.89 at Barnes and Noble
The popular "I Survived" chapter book series is now in graphic novel form, making it accessible to a younger reader excited to see history come alive.
11. "The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs," America's Test Kitchen
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat $12.17 at Amazon
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You'll Love to Cook and Eat $18.39 at Bookshop
From the team behind the best-selling "The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs" comes this DIY guide that shows home cooks how to make staples like ketchup and peanut butter, as well as healthy snacks and delicious treats.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
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This article was originally published on Oct. 31, 2018 and has been updated with new products.
