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15 Best Toy Swords and Shields of 2024

Updated
Fantasy fighting and defense is a fun part of childhood. 

Toy swords and shield toys come in a dizzying array of sizes, shapes, styles, and prices. From dollar-store foam bargains to elaborate game and movie replicas, it can be tricky to find something suitable for your child.

If you’re looking for the best toy swords and shields, or a set of both, we can help you through the maze of options to find something that can make you and your child happy.

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Sarah's Silks Soft Foam Sword
Best Foam Toy Sword
Sarah's Silks Soft Foam Sword
  • Great size & weight for kids
  • Extremely durable
  • Non-toxic & environmentally safe
Product Image of the PowerTRC Sword & Shield Playset
Best Toy Sword & Shield Set
PowerTRC Sword & Shield Playset
  • Soft enough to prevent injury
  • Shields can be worn on the arm
  • Excellent value for money
Best Wooden Toy Sword
Adventure Awaits! Wooden Toy Sword
  • Can be painted for personal touch
  • Handmade with smooth edges
  • Great for older kids
Product Image of the Minecraft Diamond Sword
For Minecraft Fans
Minecraft Diamond Sword
  • True to pixelated minecraft style
  • Not too heavy to play with
  • Also works well as decor piece
Product Image of the Pack of 12 Sword & Shield Playsets
When It’s Party Time
Pack of 12 Sword & Shield Playsets
  • Different sword styles
  • Swords can be matched with shields
  • Soft foam construction
Product Image of the Zelda Foam Sword
Soft Sword
Zelda Foam Sword
  • Great for Zelda fans
  • Won’t cause injury
  • Various options to choose
Product Image of the Do It Yourself Cardstock Shields
To Inspire Creativity
Do It Yourself Cardstock Shields
  • Good pick for inspiring creativity
  • Kids can create their own shield
  • Can be used for decorative purposes
Product Image of the Rubie’s Long Roman Costume Sword
Best Plastic Toy Sword
Rubie’s Long Roman Costume Sword
  • Well made & durable
  • Can be used as-is or personalized
  • Lightweight
Product Image of the Nerf N-Force Vantage Sword
Best Nerf Sword
Nerf N-Force Vantage Sword
  • Good size for 8 year old & up
  • Popular for live-action role-playing
  • Durable, good value for money
Product Image of the Beast Morphers Beast-X Electronic Saber
When It’s Morphin’ Time
Beast Morphers Beast-X Electronic Saber
  • Excellent for imaginative play
  • Multiple light & sound modes
  • Responds to child’s movements


The Best Toy Swords and Shields of 2024

Here are 15 toy swords and shields that are perfect for kids.

Sarah's Silks Soft Foam Sword

Best Foam Toy Sword

Excellent for open-ended pretend play, this 17-inch sword from Sarahs Silks has a lightweight foam core, encased in natural silk fabric.

With this, your little one can dual with friends, siblings, and adults, without the bumps and bruises caused by other swords made with heavier duty foam. However, although this sword is lightweight, it is not flimsy. It has the feel of a high-quality toy, without an excessive price-tag.

Pros

  • It’s a great size and weight for kid’s hands.
  • Extremely durable.
  • Non-toxic, environmentally safe fabric dyes.
  • Works with pirate or knight costumes as an accessory for Halloween.

Cons

  • The fabric can get grubby over time.

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this 17-inch sword from Sarahs Silks has been nothing but positive. The lightweight foam core, encased in natural silk fabric, makes it perfect for open-ended pretend play with friends, siblings, and even adults. Unlike other swords made with heavier duty foam, this one doesn't cause bumps and bruises during playtime. I found it to be a great size and weight for kids' hands, and it's extremely durable. The non-toxic, environmentally safe fabric dyes are a plus, and it works well as an accessory for pirate or knight costumes for Halloween. The only downside is that the fabric can get grubby over time, but overall, this sword is a fantastic addition to any child's imaginative play.

PowerTRC Sword and Shield Play Set

Best Toy Sword and Shield Set

This foam sword and shield set provides twice the fun with two swords and two shields for the same price as many single sword and shield sets.

Each sword is cut from a solid piece of foam with additional foam layers on one side for color and detail. Shield designs are printed onto the foam, and, on the rear, there are securely attached, soft fabric strips, through which your children can slide their arms.

Not only do both the swords and the shields have different color schemes, but they are also slightly different shapes. This makes each set feel genuinely individual.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money.
  • Soft enough to prevent injury.
  • Shields can be worn on the arm, just like the real thing.

Cons

  • Foam details can come loose but are easily glued back.

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

Bought these foam swords and shields as a gift, and I found the quality to be quite good despite the swords being shorter than expected. My grandsons and I have had a blast play fighting with them, and I appreciate the added safety of their bendable design. However, the green sword's tip arrived slightly curved, and the Velcro on the shield can easily be pulled off.

Adventure Awaits! Wooden Toy Sword

Best Wooden Toy Sword

If you have older kids who can be trusted not to wack each other hard with their toy swords, these wooden swords from Adventure Awaits! may be just what you’re looking for.

Handmade in the U.S., these wooden swords are almost two feet long and have a handle wrapped in jute twine for extra grip.

They are sturdy enough to stand up to sparring with each other, so you don’t have to worry about them snapping and causing injuries. However, they will break if hit hard enough against a surface such as brick or concrete.

If you need a shield to go along with this sword, you can get that items at Adventure Awaits! Handmade Wooden Toy Shield

Pros

  • Can be painted for a personal touch.
  • Handmade with smooth edges.
  • Great for older kids who think foam swords are too babyish.

Cons

  • Solid enough to bruise.

Our Ratings

Durability
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
3.5 / 5
Safety Features
3 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with these wooden swords from Adventure Awaits! has been quite enjoyable, especially since they're handmade and sturdy enough for sparring without causing injuries. The handle wrapped in jute twine adds extra grip, and I appreciated that they can be painted for a personal touch. However, be cautious as they are solid enough to bruise if kids get too rough while playing.

Minecraft Diamond Sword

For Minecraft Fans

This Minecraft sword is affordable enough to be accessible, yet not so cheap that the quality suffers. It is a wonderful choice as the finishing touch to a Minecraft costume, or as a gift for a Minecraft fan who wants to fight their way across the yard.

The size of the sword makes it proportionate for the average 6- to 10-year-old to wield. Older kids might feel like it’s more of a long dagger than a sword, however.

As the sword is made of harder plastic, it will hurt anyone who is hit with it, either intentionally or by accident.

Pros

  • True to pixelated Minecraft style and colors.
  • Not too heavy to play with.
  • Also works well as a decor piece.

Cons

  • Hard plastic may crack or chip if used aggressively.

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Excellent quality and durability in this sword, as it has withstood my 6-year-old's rough play and even some accidental furniture damage. This sword, made of thick plastic, is perfect for children who are fans of Roblox and Minecraft. My nephew was also thrilled with the size, as it appeared smaller in photos but turned out to be large enough for exciting play. Since getting these swords, my kids have been happily defending our home from imaginary zombies. While I don't expect the sword to last forever, it has held up well over the past few months, and I would definitely consider purchasing it again if needed.

Pack of 12 Sword and Shield Playsets

When It’s Party Time

Whether you are hosting a birthday party, having a play date with a handful of your child’s friends, or you like to give your child plenty of options to choose from, this pack of toy swords and shields for kids is an excellent value.

In the pack, you’ll find eight swords of between 15 and 17 inches long and four shields measuring almost 12 inches high. Each sword is a different style and color combo, while all four of the shields have a different design.

The shields have fastener straps through which your child can thread one of their arms, just like the real thing.

Pros

  • Different sword styles include cutlass, long sword, and a claymore.
  • Swords can be matched with shields.
  • Soft foam construction so no one gets hurt.

Cons

  • Six swords and six shields would have been a better mix because there might be some fighting over who gets a shield.

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, these foam swords and shields were a big hit among children at birthday parties and family gatherings. The strong foam material maintains its shape even during intense play, while still being soft enough to prevent injuries. The shields even served as a fun addition to snowball fights. My nephew, who used to improvise with random objects as swords, was thrilled with the variety of options available in this set.

Zelda Foam Sword

Soft Sword

If you have a little Zelda fan in your life, or maybe even a big one, why not consider this unique foam sword?

The sword has a total height of either 41.5 inches or 31 inches depending on the selected item. Furthermore, it is made of high-density foam. It is soft enough to prevent injury should your little Zelda fan decide to slay Ganon/Gerudo and catch you with the tip. Despite the length, the sword is still lightweight enough for kids to be able to easily handle well.

Pros

  • A great addition to a Zelda fans.
  • Won’t cause injury.
  • Various options to choose.

Cons

  • Shield is bought separately.

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this foam sword has been pretty impressive, especially with its size and durability. While it's made of foam, it's worth noting that it's a hard, heavy-duty foam, making it ideal for outdoor play or decoration. My nephew absolutely loved it, but it's slightly heavier than expected for a younger child. The only downside I noticed was the tip chipping a bit, but it's held up well overall. Just be cautious when gifting it to a small child, as it may cause bruises if they get too excited during playtime.

Do It Yourself Cardstock Shields

To Inspire Creativity

Rather than just one, this is a pack of twelve cardstock shields, each of which comes with a strip of card for you to create a handhold. At 23 inches tall and 17 inches at the widest point, these shields are a good size for little ones as young as 5 years old right up to tweens.

We especially like the fact that our kids can use pencils or markers to create any shield design they can imagine. They are also a fun item for parties, decorating a room, or even family history and school projects.

Pros

  • A good pick for inspiring creativity.
  • Allows your children to create a shield of their own design.
  • Can also be used for decorative purposes.

Cons

  • Not a good option for kids who enjoy boisterous play.

Our Ratings

Durability
3 / 5
Design
5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

I recently purchased these shields for a children's party, and they were a major hit! The kids had a blast decorating their own shields and using them to defend their imaginary castles. These shields are quite large and sturdy, perfect for little hands to hold during play. One minor drawback is the lack of durable adhesives for the arm holders, but using packing tape worked just fine.

Rubie’s Long Roman Costume Sword

Best Plastic Toy Sword

Founded in New York in 1951, Rubie’s began as a candy store that also sold comics and novelty items. Since then, it has grown into an international designer and manufacturers of costumes and accessories for both adults and children.

This sturdy plastic sword has a silver color blade and a bronze color hilt so it works best for medieval era costumes. However, they can also be painted or have embellishments added, so this is a good option for tweens or teens who are into cosplay.

Strong enough to stand up to a backyard dual, they are pretty firm and can cause a few tears if they make contact with another kid.

Pros

  • Well made and durable.
  • Can be used as-is or personalized.
  • Lightweight.

Cons

  • Firmer than a foam sword so they can be painful if you’re hit with one.

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This sturdy toy sword has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and quality. My son, who is quite rough with his toys, has played with it countless times, and it's still in excellent condition. The thick plastic design prevents the sword from bending, making it last much longer than other toy swords we've tried. It's suitable for children of various ages, and even my nephew, who is 10, enjoys playing with it.

Nerf N-Force Vantage Sword

Best Nerf Sword

Other Nerf swords may come and go, but the Nerf N-Force Vantage sword has been popular since it was first released in 2011.

The sword is made from a firm plastic core with a Nerf foam outer shell. That means the sword maintains its shape well during the most vigorous dual, but if you receive a blow, it doesn’t hurt as much as a similar-sized sword without the foam cushioning.

This sword is for older kids because it’s long, at 32 inches, and it’s fairly heavy. And, in case you’re wondering, it doesn’t shoot any darts. Parents sometimes mistakenly assume all Nerf products include flying darts — but they don’t.

Pros

  • Good size for 8 years old and up.
  • Popular for live-action role-playing.
  • Durable, good value for money.

Cons

  • Not for kids who like to hit each other.

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I've had a great experience with this foam sword, using it for cosplay and playtime with my kids. While I had some difficulty with paint sticking to the material, it still served as an affordable and lightweight prop for my costume. My kids absolutely love sword fighting with it, and it's proven to be sturdy enough for their rough play without causing damage to our furniture or walls. However, the foam on the tip did start to come apart after heavy use, revealing the plastic core.

Beast Morphers Beast-X Electronic Saber

When It’s Morphin’ Time

When only toy swords with lights and sounds will do, there is the Beast-X electronic saber from Hasbro.

This Power Rangers sword is a tie-in item for the current Power Rangers “Beast Morphers” series running on Nickelodeon. So, if you have a relatively new fan in your home, this will be a sword they will immediately recognize.

The sword has a range of light modes and a secret “Beast Mode” that can be unlocked when your child swings the blade seven times in quick succession.

There are also plenty of sound effects that will add to your child’s enjoyment.

Pros

  • Excellent for imaginative play.
  • Multiple light and sound modes.
  • Responds to your child’s movements.
  • It’s a cool-looking sword that will appeal to kids who like their toys to appear realistic.

Cons

  • Doesn’t stand up well to knocks against hard surfaces.
  • Requires three AAA batteries.

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

For a child who loves superheroes, this superhero sword has been a fantastic gift. The durable build and interactive features, such as the correlating sounds and lights, make it a fun and engaging toy. However, be cautious as some buyers have experienced issues with the sword's functionality over time.

Katana Kids Play Fencing Toy

Best Katana

Made from wood, this 21-inch katana-blade style sword is shipped as a sword kit that contains everything your child needs to enjoy playtime.

We are especially impressed that the kit comes with a realistic handle and the blunt side of the blade is painted with silver.

This might be a perfect tandem with samurai costume and no one would notice this is but a toy.

Pros

  • A strong, durable sword.
  • Comes in pairs.
  • Realistic look.

Cons

  • It might end up being too nice to let your kids play freely with.

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Legend of Zelda Link Sword

For Nintendo Fanatics

Does Ganondorf cause trouble in your home? Beat him with this sword. This 100 percent injection molded plastic sword is an officially licensed Nintendo product. This kids’ toy sword is a great choice for your Nintendo fanatic.

Some people who have used the product feel the plastic material used is stiff and will likely to stand up to rough play.

Pros

  • An excellent quality sword that is also durable.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Officially Licensed Nintendo product.

Cons

  • Runs a bit small.

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've enjoyed this Master Sword for its awesome detail and well-made design, which is perfect for die-hard fans. However, I noticed that it's hollow and the paint tends to rub off easily, so I recommend adding a clear coat and a dowel for sturdiness. While it might not be suitable for rough play, my son and I have had a blast pretending to save our house from the terrors of Hyrule.

Foam Formed: Flame Toy Sword

Not Too Hot To Handle

Part of the Liontouch Knights line, this foam sword is both cut and decorated to give the impression of a burning blade.

The body is made from five different layers of foam. There is a red foam core with one thin, slightly smaller, layer of cut and printed foam on either side. On top of these, there is a further layer on each side, somewhat smaller than the last.

The construction gives the sword a multi-layer flame effect, enhanced by the unique printing on each piece. No two Liontouch flame swords are precisely the same.

Pros

  • Light and easy to swing.
  • Made for little hands.
  • Coordinating knights shields are also available.

Cons

  • Bends more easily than other toy foam swords.
  • Layers may separate, requiring regluing.

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this foam sword has been quite positive so far, as it has proven to be surprisingly durable even after a month of daily use. The foam material is much gentler on our walls and furniture compared to lightsabers or wooden swords, and we've seen a decrease in injuries at home. However, the paint on the handle faded quickly within a week, and my 5-year-old noticed the sword's end was wavy right out of the box. Although the sword is on the smaller side and not as sturdy as pictured, it has served its purpose as a fun and safer alternative for playtime.

Star Wars Forces of Destiny Jedi Lightsaber

Intergalactic Sword Play

Not all of those who wield a sword are Earth dwellers, some live exciting lives of intergalactic adventure, at least in their minds. It is for the children who prefer their battles to be futuristic that we include the iconic Star Wars lightsaber.

While these laser-bladed weapons are available in various colors, styles, and qualities, we have selected this lightsaber as one that will appeal to most kids, unless they have a favorite Star Wars character they wish to emulate.

This lightsaber comes with a light dagger and connector so you can create a double-ended weapon.

Pros

  • Plays the Star Wars theme tune.
  • It has lightsaber sound effects.
  • The blade can be extended with a wrist flick.

Cons

  • Kids can be extremely particular about which style and color lightsaber they have, so choose wisely.
  • The music is loud, which may annoy parents.

Our Ratings

Durability
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this Star Wars lightsaber has been quite enjoyable, especially due to the included light dagger and connector that allows for a double-ended weapon. I appreciate the authentic sound effects and the ability to extend the blade with a flick of my wrist, though I must admit the theme tune can be quite loud. Just a heads up, kids can be particular about the style and color, so make sure to choose the one that suits their preferences best.

Minecraft Light-Up Adventure Sword

To Light Up Your Room

Here is a second Minecraft sword for this list, but this one is quite different from the first.

The Minecraft light-up adventure sword has buttons in the handle so you can choose from a wide range of light and sound effects.

The colors available are white for the iron sword, yellow for the gold sword, or blue for the diamond sword. That gives you plenty of options, no matter which biome you’re in, or which block you want to bust.

Woosh and clang sounds are built-in, and the light will turn red or green depending on whether you’ve met with a neutral or hostile mob.

Pros

  • Lights and sound provide good play value.
  • Kids can pretend to battle mobs chosen by the blade.
  • The lights look exceptionally cool in a dark room.

Cons

  • Much heavier than other swords.
  • Can be broken through boisterous play.

Our Ratings

Durability
3 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Age Appropriateness
3.5 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

This Minecraft sword is a visually appealing and entertaining toy for kids. It features color-changing capabilities, realistic sounds, and a light-up feature, making it a great prop for Halloween. However, the sword's bulkiness and weight might be too much for younger children to handle, and the sound activation can be a bit finicky. Despite these minor drawbacks, this sword is a fun and sturdy accessory for any Minecraft fan.

How to Choose the Best Toy Swords and Shields

When you’re looking for a toy for your child, it helps to have some criteria in mind that can help your narrow your search.

Child’s Age

The toys you choose should be appropriate for your child’s age. Recommended age range labels are given primarily on safety grounds.

Toys for those under 3 must be safe for their specific age range while toys for 3- to 6-year-olds must have a label indicating if there are any parts small enough to be a choking hazard.

Size

We have chosen toy swords for kids and shields that will fit in little hands. For game, movie, and other tie-ins or replica swords, we have made sure they have child-size proportions.

Safety

More than half of all toy-related injuries happen to children under 5, and choking is the number-one injury in this age range (1). For this reason, it’s essential to heed the age guidelines on toy labeling.

Toys that are made or imported to the U.S. must pass U.S. safety testing standards (2).

Durability

We are parents who expect toys to provide value for money and stand up to the rigors of play. That’s why none of the inflatable swords we reviewed made it onto our final list. They were fun to play with but easily damaged.

Budget

We considered swords and shields at various price points, and our top 15 were chosen to reflect every budget while keeping an eye on safety and durability.

Preferences

Our kids are unique individuals, and there isn’t a standard sword or shield that will appeal to them all. That’s why our list has the best swords and shields for would-be medieval knights, Minecraft fans, and Power Rangers in training, to name a few.


Swash Your Buckle

There are plenty of options when it comes to the best toy swords and shields. If you have a child who enjoys pirates, knights, Minecraft, or any of the other swordplay possibilities, you will probably want a sword and maybe a shield that will be strong enough to outlast their play style.

But it must also be soft enough to avoid injuries or it may make them want to stop playing with their favorite sword.

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Headshot of Patricia Barnes

About the Author

Patricia Barnes

Patricia Barnes is a homeschooling mom of 5 who has been featured on Global TV, quoted in Parents magazine, and writes for a variety of websites and publications. Doing her best to keep it together in a life of constant chaos, Patti would describe herself as an eclectic mess maker, lousy crafter, book lover, autism mom, and insomniac.