![]() ![]() ![]() Or of the original design LEGO robot you build once you've mastered the toy. ![]() You'll have to deconstruct one creation to make the next, so make sure you take some pictures of each finished bot. There's a charming cat named Frankie, the M.T.R 4 (that's Multi-Tooled Rover), a guitar, and more. In this case, your kid will start off by building one of five different robots the kit can be used to create. Because before you start programming a robot to perform all sorts of tasks, you still have to build the thing one block at a time. You'd think changing LEGOs would be gilding the lily, right? While there will always be a place in the toy chest for the classic plastic building blocks, the new techie spin the LEGO Boost line brings to this venerable toy is a welcome one indeed. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox comes with components for five specific robots, but can also be used to create any number of original creations. For the record, though, it's on you to figure out what's appropriate for your kid's abilities, don't rely on the age rating on the box - I've found that many kids can handle STEM toys marketed to children two or even three years older. If a given activity presents too great a challenge, it will have the same adverse effect as a toy that's simply not well enjoyed. If you choose the wrong toy, you risk driving your child away from STEM activities rather than helping him or her to develop an affinity.Īnd of course, make sure you get a toy that is age appropriate for your kid. ![]() Got a son who is car crazy? Then a kit that lets him build little working vehicles will be a hit.īecause don't get me wrong, many of the toys on this list present genuine challenges that require dedicated effort, critical thinking, and the investment of time to overcome. Got a daughter who loves building things, say out of intricate, colorful little plastic blocks? Then a LEGO STEM toy is perfect. The secret to getting the right STEM toy (that's the acronym for Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering) is to choose one with an angle your child already enjoys. And I should know, because we've had some duds, too. There's just one caveat I always assign: The toy also has to be genuinely fun. I have no idea where his prowess for computing and engineering comes from, by the way, but it certainly wasn't me.Ĭonsidering STEM toys help kids develop the skills they will need to excel in the jobs of the future, I'm all for letting children play with programmable robots, DIY computers, electrical motors and circuit sets, and any other hardware that fosters such abilities. Already at age five, he has decided he wants to be an electrical engineer when he grows up, and it won't surprise me one bit if he stays on that course. The crazy thing is he's not spoiled - he's just enamored with robotics, coding, building, and generally making things. Whatever they're into, there's bound to be something for them on this list.This is going to sound a bit crazy, I know, but my son has every single toy on this list. In addition, remote-controlled toys and active outdoor toys are high on their lists, as are games that get their minds working, or gifts that help them foster their creativity in music and art. This year, it was all about STEM toys: engineering kits, at-home experiments and DIYs were all the rage. We took those suggestions, along with some editor's picks and bestsellers, to come up with the list of the best toys and gifts for 7-year-old boys in 2023. But 7-year-olds also have a say, and get to fill out their own detailed feedback and evaluations. It checks for quality of construction and ease of use. In advance of its yearly Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards, it actually calls in toys and puts them through their paces. That's where the Good Housekeeping Institute's toy testing comes in. The best gifts for kids of this age are a combo of what they like and what will actually stand the test of time. But while it's important to follow their passions and interests, 7-year-olds aren't always able to discern quality toys or even toys they'll like for a long time. Unlike a toddler, a 7-year-old boy is more able to tell you what type of gift he wants. ![]()
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