Mel here! This is my favorite age to shop for because it really is so much fun! Kids are past the toddler stage of life and really leaning into their interests. I also feel like this age is so easy to please. They simply love to play! We had no problem coming up with our largest guide this season!
1. Stapelstein Grow: Staplestein just got bigger and better! The Grow Elements are twice the size of the original. I was actually shocked when I unboxed them! They are meant for the whole family to enjoy, inside or out! Our inaugural activity was using them for the floor is lava in our backyard, and it was a blast! We brought out the originals and the minis, and made the most colorful obstacle course I’ve ever seen. Ideas are endless with this staple toy, but some favorite ways my kids use them are drums, seat spinners, stepping stones, and magnetic tiles storage!
2. Light Table: This educational Light Box Playset is a dream for your kiddos who are learning their geometry, colors, and who want to shine some light on their education! My 7 year old is obsessed with changing out the light hues depending on what kind of scene she wants to create. The transparency sheets help guide her to match the colorful shapes to what's on the picture, and if she is running low on ideas, the play guide helps her think of new and exciting sensory activities to do!
3. Marble Tree: Imagine the most satisfying “plink” sound paired with the mesmerizing visual of a marble spiraling down a wooden tower. Are you sold? How about I tell you that the tower is made of beautiful rainbow colored wood leaves to resemble a floral aesthetic to brighten and beautify your playroom? Now I gotcha. This relaxing toy can put your kids into a peaceful trance after a long day of play, or they can take advantage of its open-ended nature to use it in all kinds of ways!
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout.
4. Nail Kit: We take nail care very seriously in this household. Getting my nails done is part of my self-care routine, and my 7 year old is following in my footsteps. I wanted her to feel like mommy while still being a kid, so I got her the HappyChoi Nail Arts Kit so she could get her own nails done whenever she wants! Sometimes I help her, but more often than not she is inviting friends over to do it all together. The kit comes with 3 different nail polishes, a nail dryer, and glitter/sticker accessories to add glam to the nails.
5. InfiniBook: We were introduced recently to the Infinibook Family books, and all I can say is WOW. Kids love to read the same books over and over, but sometimes we parents need a break. The Infinibook Family comes with 3 interactive smart books, with a pre-recorded narration that allows you to take a seat and just enjoy the story with your little. But my favorite feature is the ability to record yourself reading the book, or use the app to record a loved one from afar reading the book! Your kids will love hearing their favorite books read by their favorite people at any time.
6. Sword: The bar for foam swords has been dramatically raised! Formidable Toys makes one of the most durable and realistic-looking sword for imaginary play. Their mix-and-match system is perfect for future swordsmiths who want to employ their creativity to craft the sword of their dreams. My 9 year old has already begun quite the sword collection. Get a unique sword for each member of the family and battle it out!
7. Noriter Board: We are honored to have a Toy Testing Sisters special bundle reserved for our TTS family only! This art bundle has everything your littles could need, including a double sided chalk/magnetic board, fruit felts, magnetic letters, cute animal erasers, and more! My 7 year old is into pretend playing school with her friends and toddler sister, and this set has provided them the perfect pretend learning and creative space to let their imagination run wild!
Code: TTSBUNDLE gives $50 off the bundle linked.
8. Doh Kit: It is so not fair that kids these days have the most creative toys available to them! We stumbled upon Happy Life Magic’s doh kits on Etsy and we died at how cute they are. There are countless choices for every occasion: Halloween, birthday parties, girls’ nights, and world exploration! The doh literally comes to life in every kit, and I love watching my kids go wild with their creations.
9. World Map Puzzle: I have seen far too many videos of people having no knowledge of geography of their own country, let alone the world, and I intend to put an end to that one World Map Puzzle at a time. Your kids can learn about and, hopefully, find a fascination for different countries around the world with this incredible puzzle. It isn’t just a puzzle, it is a full on educational experience, with 100 country cards that include fun facts about each place!
10. Pop Style Bracelet Maker: There is something about making jewelry that just screams GIRL. My 7 year old is at that age where making jewelry is everything right now, and finding new ways to make it is such a joy for her! This PopStyle Bracelet Maker uses a unique way to craft bracelets, by simply “popping” on square beads onto the bands. It is the perfect introduction to jewelry-making for smaller hands due to its ease and simplicity. It is also so easy to remake the bracelets, changing the look to match whatever you are wearing that day!
11. CLiCQUES Dolls: Mix and match different wood body parts and clothing with the CLiCQUES dolls from Sarah’s Silks! There are both a boy and girl set, each coming with 6 dolls of various skin tones, hair colors, and each outfit is a color of the rainbow! The pieces are all magnetic, so switching up the dolls’ appearance is too fun and easy. As always, the dolls are made with the highest quality materials and are a fantastic heirloom gift.
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout.
12. Schleich Figurines: Farm animals are so interesting to our small kids, and our older kids want their animal figurines to look as realistic as possible. I love the Schleich animal figurines because they are so incredibly detailed and sturdy, perfect for animal lovers who have outgrown more cartoonish animals. My 7 year old frequently uses them in her pretend play and is demanding more!
13. Train Set: The train set of your child’s dream is here and ready to be explored! This 87 piece Brio World Deluxe Railway Set is a highly interactive set that gives a glimpse into real world travel. It includes multiple types of trains, a metro and harbor scene, stations, cranes, bridges and people! It is compatible with any other Brio set, so the creative options are endless as your kids set it up around the Christmas tree this year!
14. TinkerTar Guitar: Introducing music to kids early is so important and valuable to their development! The TinkerTar Guitar is an incredible way to do that. This flashy guitar has only one string and different colors on the neck, making learning music simple, but effective. It comes with a guide book of 12 songs for your child to learn, and replacement strings in case one breaks! Your little musician will have such a blast strumming their guitar, that they’ll be asking for a real guitar in no time.
15. Magic Gel: I love nothing more than watching my kids’ eyes fill with wonder as they view the world through a magical lens. The Magic Water Elf Toy kits are really amazing to witness when put to work! My kids channel their creativity when designing their gel creatures in the various molds, and watching the liquid gel turn into solid in the water is pure magic. They bring their creations with them to bath time, the pool, and to school as little gifts for their friends.
16. Sink n’ Sand: Farewell, Jenga! A new “don’t fall!” game is in town, and it is a hit. Sink n’ Sand is a thrilling game for kids, combining chance and strategy to be the last man standing. The kinetic sand is so fun for kids to play with inside and easy to clean up afterwards, and it adds so much to the thrill of the game! It is such a simple game to learn and your kids or the whole family will be playing all day long.
17. Gem Sorting Board: Quiet time is shiny, glittery, and organized now that you’ve introduced the Dinosaur Sensory Board to the mix! This high-quality wood dinosaur is double sided, with a different pattern on either side. A bag of colorful gems comes with the dinosaur, ready to be sorted and displayed on the board. Your child will feel calm while enjoying the tactile and soothing experience of sorting the gems in various ways on the board.
18. Felt Sling Shot: Help cultivate your child’s hand-eye coordination with this high-quality, handmade slingshot! The 20 balls that come with the slingshot are made out of 100% sheep wool , so they are soft and harmless if one accidentally hits you. The wood is individually cut and treated with safe, non-toxic substances! You and your child will have a blast making soda cans or bottle targets in the backyard, for them to practice their aim on their own or to compete as a family!
19. Lucite Cubes: I got this toy selfishly when my now-toddler had a birthday because I knew she was a little young to play with it, but I wanted it for myself! I thought the cubes were so gorgeous, beautifully reflecting the sun, and they were so fun to stack. These cubes are fun for all ages, though, whether they are stacking them, shooting them across the hardwood floor towards a target, or turning them into a pretty window-sill art . The cubes come inside of a sturdy wooden tray for convenient storage when your kids are done.
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout.
20. Magnetic Movers Set: If your child is showing any STEM curiosity, the Magnet Movers toy is a great introduction to the world of science for them. An activity guide is there to help walk them through 10 different experiments where they can observe magnets in action, teaching them in a fun way. If they aren’t interested in the experiments, they can use their own imagination to learn how magnets work- you’ll be impressed by what they discover!
21. Sticki Rolls Jewelry: Friendship bracelets just got a rebrand! I never thought I would see the collaboration of stickers and jewelry in the way that Sticki Rolls has accomplished with the Sticki Station, but here we are! After your child has made a beautiful beaded bracelet, they can put a sticker roll on their bracelet, which they can pull stickers out of to give to their friends, or decorate their water bottle or school supplies! It is such a clever way to encourage social interaction and creativity.
22. Fat Brain Cleaning Kit: Does your kid follow you around the house while you clean? Put them to work with the Pretendables Cleaning Set by Fat Brain Toys. This child-size cleaning set includes a functional duster, a spray bottle, dust pan, and more! Your kids can pretend to clean, or they can actually clean- either way, they will learn critical skills in the process. The tools all come in a storage caddy to keep them all in one place!
23. Holo Brite Pixie Lantern: The Holobrite Pixie Lantern is the hottest toy of the season, and I will tell you why. It is designed so well, to encourage child interaction with over 200 ways to play. There are two main ways to interact with the pixie: virtually or in person! Unlock the lantern with a key, and interact with an adorable pixie displayed by holographic technology! She tells the user about her world, dances, makes herself snacks, and plays! As your child plays with her, “Friendship Magic” grows until it reaches a point that she is able to manifest in the real world.
24. Pirate Ship: PlayMobil has created an incredible toy for the waters or dry land toy. This realistic pirate ship really floats, and has over 130 pieces for interactive pretend play. Your child will feel like a real pirate, with movable sails, rotating functional cannons, sea creatures and so much more. It is the perfect addition to any role-playing toys, bringing a sense of adventure to your kids!
25. Mini Polly Pocket: Kids in this age group tend to love mini things. What is nice about miniature toys is that they are easy to take on-the-go, especially when they come in an adorable van-shaped carrying case with a dog in the driver’s seat! This mini Polly Pocket Compact Playset comes with two dolls, a bunk bed, a pet dog, and a whole beach scene with beach accessories for the dolls to play and relax on the sand!
26. Clean Kids Makeup: Once my 7 year old was required to wear makeup for her dance recitals, I wanted to be sure that I was getting safe products for her gentle skin. I love that Klee Kids makes all their makeup with no talc, parabens, or animal testing, and the colors are subtle and age-appropriate. She started wearing a little makeup for her dance recitals and she personally loves how yummy the raspberry sugar tastes! All the ingredients can be found before you even add it to the cart, for total transparency and peace of mind.
27. Magnetic Tiles Princess Castle: Magna-Tiles continues to out-do themselves at every chance. They created an adorable 48-piece set meant for princesses. This pastel-colored magnetic tiles set comes with the classic triangular and square shapes, with the addition of a drawbridge, 2 spiral staircases, a dragon, balconies, windows and more! The tiles are not only princess-colored, but they also glitter as a princess castle should. All your child’s dolls will feel like royalty after their new castle is constructed.
28. Silent Basketball: I don’t know about you but telling my kids (and husband) to stop playing ball inside the house gets real old real fast. Eventually I had to take matters into my own hands and get the silent indoor basketball! It is the professional standard size, so it feels real without endangering my home. And it is actually silent, so I don’t have to deal with any aggravating bouncing. If you have sports enthusiasts who insist on playing ball in the home, this is for you!
29. Foam Swords: Any decent costume bin needs a sword collection, and fortunately for you, you can get 5 unique swords at once from Liontouch. These foam swords are all different from each other, with unique handles, blade shapes, and overall design. Your kids and their friends can become a knight, a dragon slayer, a viking, a king, or whatever their imagination allows! Their imaginary play just became so much more fun.
30. Design and Drill Flowers: Introduce the excitement of using power tools in a safe and adorable way! This set is too cute and colorful, with various flower and bug-shaped plates to screw or bolt into the flower-shaped stand. They can drill freely using their own imagination, or they can use the activity guide to help them create specific patterns! This toy will help build their confidence, fine motor skills, and introduce them to the world of STEM.
31. Pixel Piano: Another way to bring music into your kid’s life is the Pixel Piano by Hape! This colorful and interactive piano has a faux wood screen that lights up and displays different pixel patterns while your little one plays. There are different modes they can switch through, whether they want to simply play the piano or learn through lights. This dynamic toy could make a huge difference in your child’s development, and they will have a blast doing it!
32. Calico Critters Burger Stand: Pretend food play is extra fun the smaller the pretend food is! The Calico Critters Burger Stand is so stinking cute I can’t even handle it. This 30+ piece set includes an adorable burger stand with a table and chairs for all your kids’ small critters, and yummy burger meals for them to enjoy. The stand comes with a cash register, a griddle to cook the burgers, and a deep fryer for the fries! Your kids will be in burger heaven with this one.
33. Cosmetics Vending Machine: Grab your daughter and her friends to try out the Fruity Beauty Cosmetics Vending Machine! This functional vending machine contains 5 different lip glosses disguised as drinks that you can release by pulling the tabs at the bottom. Two surprises are included with the set, adding mystery and thrill to the toy! It is a great gift or party activity for single use fun.
34. Calico Critter Family: Calico Critters makes some of the cutest plushies I have ever seen, and this family of kangaroos is no exception. This mini figures are only about 3 inches tall, fitting easily in any dollhouse or purse for bringing out and about. It comes with two adults, a kid and a baby, and will be a precious addition to your Calico Critter collection. They also make great and inexpensive collectables.
35. Princess Sword and Shield: There will be no damsel in distress in your family thanks to the Liontouch Princess Sword and Shield. She can defend herself, thank you very much, and she will do so in glittery style! This foam sword is sparkly, with a long, thin blade for defeating all her foes. It is a necessity for your costume closet, helping build confidence and encourage adventurous imaginary play.
36. Magnetic Tiles Space: Magna-Tiles released a set for all space lovers. It combines all the magic of their magnetic tiles with the adventure of space travel. Included is an astronaut, a spaceship, a space rover, and more! Your kids can create their own magnetic space station, defying gravity in its own right, or they can include it with any other magnetic tiles set to create whatever they have in mind that day! I love the space-themed colors and how they really immerse your child into the intergalactic world.
37. Perler Beads: I get so excited when classic toys that I had growing up are reimagined for kids today. Perler Beads designed the cutest Squishmallow bead toy. If you haven’t made these before, you are in for a treat! Use the pattern sheet to help you design the squishmallow on the peg board, then iron the beads to form them together! The result is a flat squishmallow that your kids can use in their pretend play, bring to school, or display in their room!
38. Horse Ranch Playmobil: Your horse lover will go nuts for this Horses of Waterfall horse ranch. This dollhouse comes with a horse stable and fence for horse training, grooming, and feeding! There are over 250 pieces in total, fully immersing your kids into the world of raising horses. This is one of the most interactive dollhouses I have seen on the market, and with how much is included, it is well worth every penny.
39. Dino Railway Set: If your child loves dinosaurs as much as my kids do, they will go crazy for this dinosaur themed train set by Hape! They will be in their own Jurassic World after building a railway that twists and turns through a dinosaur habitat. The skull and bones tunnels glow in the dark, and every feature was so meticulously designed for ultimate dino play.
40. Yoto Player: We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for road trips, with its small and compact design! It has headphone or bluetooth capabilities and a lanyard so it isn’t easily lost!
41. Yoto Cards: Collecting Yoto Cards is a must when you have a Yoto player. I am so impressed with the variety of cards they offer, from adventure stories to music to meditation. The meditation cards have been implemented into our daily routine, and I employ the story cards to help my kids enjoy screen-free entertainment!
42. Large Doll House Playmobil: This Playmobil dollhouse is no joke. It has almost 600 pieces- I repeat- six HUNDRED pieces! Your child will go crazy customizing their 3-story dollhouse exactly how they like it. The doorbell is fully functional, and additional accessories like a mailbox, flower boxes, kitchen tools and furniture really help your kid’s dolls feel at home. The dollhouse is just over two feet tall and is full of endless fun.
43. Large Silk: We have been singing Sarah’s Silks since the founding of Toy Testing Sisters! We haven’t had to worry about our kiddos outgrowing their silks, since the silks have grown with them! The giant silk is large enough to use as a fort covering, a canopy, or a cape. The options are limitless, especially in the eyes of our children. Don’t forget all Sarah’s Silks are made of 100% pure silk!'
Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout.
44. Origami Kit: Origami is a skill I’ve always wished I had but haven’t put in the effort to learn! Now I have an excuse, and so do you! This adorable animal themed origami kit introduces you to the beautiful craft of origami in a fun way. It has a booklet to guide you through every design, and stickers are included to bring your animal to life! It is easy to understand, and so fun for the kids to do together at home, in the classroom, or at a party.
45. 3D Play Rug: Play mats add so much to a playroom, and this 3D playmat adds even more! It is 32x44 inches, the perfect size for playing with toy cars and miniature dolls. I love the various settings on the mat that you don’t usually see, like the parking lot, and basketball and tennis courts. Everything but the roads are raised, enhancing the pretend play. Your kids can add whatever buildings and accessories that they want to customize their town for ultimate fun!
46. Slime Station: Making slime has never been easier. All you need is your Slime’Licious Slime Station and water and you are good to go! The kit makes up to 16 scented slimes for your kids to enjoy. The slimes are totally customizable, with different color/scent options, and toppings to add texture and body to the slime. The slime is all food-inspired and is ready within 5 minutes! Just pour the slime mixture into the shaker cup, add a few drops of color, add water, and shake for 30 seconds, and bam! Your slime is ready to play with.
47. Twister Track: What so many race tracks are missing is a 360° loop! The Twister Track not only gives your kids the thrill of watching a car flip upside down in the loop, but glows in the dark! The neon colors are so bright and engaging, and the emergency-styled vehicle that comes with the track lights up in 4 different colors. Your kids will have a blast building the track themselves, using their imagination to shape the track however they want.
48. Large Puppet: I think it is necessary for every playroom to have a puppet or 10. This yellow bird puppet is so freaking cute and charming, and is pretty big, too! It is almost 2 ft tall, which adds to the charm. Add it to your puppet show cast, bring it to the classroom, or incorporate it into story time. I have seen so many older kids use it to entertain their baby siblings, and the giggles make my day every time!
49. Balance Cobra: There aren’t a ton of toys like this one, so I am so excited to introduce it to you! The TrueBalance Balance Cobra is an incredible tool and toy for strengthening hand-eye coordination, critical thinking skills, and balance! The disks are all connected with magnets, and the goal is to allow the disks to separate and then try to align them back using your fine motor skills and focus. Once the disks are all stacked on top of each other again, you have won! It is so fun for the whole family to do together and make a friendly competition of it.
50. Loose Parts Bones: Introduce the wonder and intrigue of paleontology into your child’s lives with the Tabletop Loose Parts Bones! The 105 bones come in a big pile, ready to be arranged and built into a dinosaur, alien, or insect, whatever your child can imagine! The pieces range in size, expanding the possibilities of creation. There is no instruction manual, so your child has complete freedom to use trial and error and teach themselves the craft of bone building!
51. Blossom Pets: Kids are great caretakers, and are always finding something to nurture and grow! Blossom Pets are an adorable and simple way to help children feel like they are taking care of something special. These pets are covered in fabric flowers that need a little TLC to stay vibrant and healthy. Included with the pets is a spray bottle to mist the flowers when they dry out. Once the flowers are misted, their petals become bright and flourishing again! Your little will find joy and satisfaction from feeling like they are really making a difference in their pet’s health.
52. Gem Surprise Learning Toy: When I was younger, my favorite museum exhibit was the gems and minerals exhibit. I couldn’t believe that such beautiful things were under the earth’s surface. If this sounds like your child, you need to get them Learning Resource’s Rock n’ Gem Surprise. Included are play geodes and tools to open them. All your kids have to do is crack open the gems to reveal a surprise! After they have opened them all, they can practice their color sorting, mix and match, and then do it all over again.
53. Card Racers: You guys, I found the best pocket-sized car toy out there. The Flat 2 Fast Card Racers are exactly what they sound like- a flat car that sits inside of a small box until you press a button to release the car and watch it zoom! Send it with you child in their backpack for recess play, give as party favors, or keep them in the house! All you need is a flat surface, and your kids have everything they need to race their card racers.