Whether they are slaying imaginary dragons or defending a backyard fortress, kids love swordplay. However, balancing epic fun with safety can be a challenge for parents. From foam favorites to realistic replicas, finding the right toy requires navigating a maze of materials and styles.
If you are hunting for the best toy swords and shields, we have rounded up top-rated options to ignite your child’s imagination without resulting in too many bumps or bruises.
- Great size & weight for kids
- Extremely durable
- Non-toxic & environmentally safe
- Soft enough to prevent injury
- Shields can be worn on the arm
- Excellent value for money
- Can be painted for personal touch
- Handmade with smooth edges
- Great for older kids
- True to pixelated minecraft style
- Not too heavy to play with
- Also works well as decor piece
- Different sword styles
- Swords can be matched with shields
- Soft foam construction
- Good pick for inspiring creativity
- Kids can create their own shield
- Can be used for decorative purposes
- Well made & durable
- Can be used as-is or personalized
- Lightweight
- Good size for 8 year old & up
- Popular for live-action role-playing
- Durable, good value for money
- Excellent for imaginative play
- Multiple light & sound modes
- Responds to child’s movements
How We Chose the Best Toy Swords and Shields
When shopping for battle gear, it helps to have a checklist. We evaluated these toys based on safety, design, and fun factor to help you narrow your search.
Product Reviews
We tested the durability, safety, and fun factor of top-rated options to bring you these 15 exciting picks.
Sarah's Silks Soft Foam Sword
Best Foam Toy Sword
This 17-inch sword from Sarah’s Silks is a fantastic choice for open-ended pretend play. It features a lightweight foam core encased in soft, natural silk fabric.
Your little one can duel with friends, siblings, and parents without the risk of bumps or bruises often caused by heavy-duty foam. While it is lightweight, it feels high-quality and sturdy. It provides a premium feel without an excessive price tag, making it perfect for imaginative toddlers.
Pros
- It is a great size and weight for small hands.
- The construction is extremely durable.
- It uses non-toxic, environmentally safe fabric dyes.
- Works well with pirate or knight costumes for Halloween.
Cons
- The fabric can get dirty with frequent use.
Our Ratings
PowerTRC Sword and Shield Play Set
Best Toy Sword and Shield Set
This foam set doubles the fun by including two swords and two shields for the price of a standard single set. It is an ideal solution for siblings or playdates.
Each sword is cut from a solid piece of foam with added layers for color and detail. The shields feature printed designs and soft fabric strips on the back, allowing children to securely slide their arms through. Since the swords and shields have distinct shapes and color schemes, each kid gets a unique look for their battle.
Pros
- It offers excellent value for money.
- The foam is soft enough to prevent injury.
- Shields wear just like the real thing.
Cons
- Foam details can peel but are easily glued back.
Our Ratings
Adventure Awaits! Wooden Toy Sword
Best Wooden Toy Sword
If you have older kids who can handle responsibility during swordplay, these wooden options from Adventure Awaits! are a classic choice.
Handmade in the U.S., these swords measure almost two feet long and feature a handle wrapped in jute twine for a secure grip. They are sturdy enough for sparring without snapping, though they may break if smashed against brick or concrete. If you need a matching defense item, you can grab the Adventure Awaits! Handmade Wooden Toy Shield separately.
Pros
- Kids can paint them for a personal touch.
- Handmade construction ensures smooth edges.
- Perfect for older kids who find foam too childish.
Cons
- The solid wood can cause bruises if swung too hard.
Our Ratings
Minecraft Diamond Sword
For Minecraft Fans
This Minecraft sword hits the sweet spot between affordability and quality. It is the perfect accessory for a costume or a gift for a Minecraft fan who wants to battle Creepers in real life.
The sword is sized appropriately for most 6- to 10-year-olds, though teens might find it a bit small. Because it is made of hard plastic, it can sting if someone gets hit, so it is best used for posing or careful play.
Pros
- The design is true to the pixelated Minecraft style.
- It is lightweight and easy to carry.
- Works well as a bedroom decor piece.
Cons
- Hard plastic may crack if used aggressively.
Our Ratings
Pack of 12 Sword and Shield Playsets
When It’s Party Time
Whether hosting a birthday party or stocking up for a playdate, this bulk pack of swords and shields offers incredible value.
The set includes eight swords ranging from 15 to 17 inches and four shields measuring nearly 12 inches high. With various sword styles and unique shield designs, every child can find something they like. The shields also feature fastener straps for easy wear, mimicking the real deal.
Pros
- Styles include a cutlass, long sword, and claymore.
- Kids can mix and match swords with shields.
- Soft foam construction prevents injuries.
Cons
- The unequal ratio of swords to shields might cause arguments.
Our Ratings
Zelda Foam Sword
Soft Sword
For the Legend of Zelda fan in your life, this unique foam sword brings the video game to the real world.
Available in 31-inch or 41.5-inch heights, this high-density foam weapon is sturdy yet soft enough to prevent injury during epic battles against imaginary monsters. Despite its length, the sword remains lightweight, making it easy for kids to handle and swing without fatigue.
Pros
- Great addition to a Zelda collection.
- Soft materials prevent accidental injury.
- Multiple size options are available.
Cons
- The matching shield must be bought separately.
Our Ratings
Do It Yourself Cardstock Shields
To Inspire Creativity
This pack of 12 cardstock shields is perfect for sparking creativity. Each shield comes with a card strip to create a handle, and they measure 23 inches tall, making them suitable for kids from age 5 up to tweens.
We love that children can use markers, paint, or crayons to design their own coat of arms. They are excellent for parties, room decorations, or even school history projects.
Pros
- A top pick for inspiring artistic creativity.
- Children can customize their own designs.
- Safe for indoor use and decoration.
Cons
- Not durable enough for rough physical play.
Our Ratings
Rubie’s Long Roman Costume Sword
Best Plastic Toy Sword
Rubie’s has been a staple in the costume world since 1951, and this Roman sword shows why. It features a sturdy plastic blade with a silver finish and a bronze-colored hilt, making it ideal for medieval or gladiator costumes.
While it looks great right out of the package, it also serves as a solid base for cosplay modifications. It is firm enough for a backyard duel, but be careful, the hard plastic can cause tears if it makes contact with skin.
Pros
- It is well-made and durable.
- Great for costumes or cosplay customization.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
Cons
- The firm plastic can be painful upon impact.
Our Ratings
Nerf N-Force Vantage Sword
Best Nerf Sword
The Nerf N-Force Vantage has been a fan favorite since 2011 for good reason. It combines a firm plastic core with a classic Nerf foam outer shell, ensuring the sword holds its shape during battle while cushioning the blow.
At 32 inches long, it is best suited for older kids who can handle the length and weight. Note that this is purely a melee weapon; it does not shoot darts, making it a dedicated tool for close-quarters combat.
Pros
- Perfect size for kids aged 8 and up.
- Popular choice for LARP (Live Action Role-Playing).
- Durable construction offers good value.
Cons
- Not suitable for kids who swing too aggressively.
Our Ratings
Beast Morphers Beast-X Electronic Saber
When It’s Morphin’ Time
If your child craves lights and sounds, the Beast-X electronic saber from Hasbro delivers. Based on the Power Rangers “Beast Morphers” series, this sword is instantly recognizable to fans.
It features multiple light modes and a secret “Beast Mode” unlocked by swinging the blade seven times fast. The reactive sound effects add a layer of immersion that makes every battle feel real.
Pros
- Excellent for imaginative role-play.
- Features multiple interactive light and sound modes.
- Responds to your child’s movements.
- The realistic design appeals to dedicated fans.
Cons
- Hard plastic does not tolerate rough impacts well.
- Requires three AAA batteries.
Our Ratings
Katana Kids Play Fencing Toy
Best Katana
This 21-inch wooden katana kit comes with everything your child needs to build their own samurai sword.
We were impressed by the realistic handle and the silver-painted blunt edge, which adds a nice visual touch. It pairs perfectly with a ninja or samurai costume, offering a high-quality look that stands out from cheap plastic alternatives.
Pros
- Strong, durable wooden construction.
- Comes in pairs for immediate play.
- Offers a realistic aesthetic.
Cons
- It looks so nice you might hesitate to let kids use it for rough play.
Our Ratings
Legend of Zelda Link Sword
For Nintendo Fanatics
Help your child defeat Ganondorf with this officially licensed Nintendo sword. Made from injection-molded plastic, it captures the iconic look of Link’s weapon, making it a must-have for any young gamer.
The plastic is stiff enough to maintain its shape, but parents should note that it might crack under extreme pressure. It is best suited for costumes and light play rather than full-contact duels.
Pros
- Excellent quality with accurate details.
- Made in the USA.
- Officially licensed Nintendo product.
Cons
- The size runs a bit small.
Our Ratings
Foam Formed: Flame Toy Sword
Not Too Hot To Handle
This Liontouch sword features a unique “burning blade” design that instantly grabs attention.
The body is constructed from five layers of foam, starting with a red core and building up with printed layers to create a 3D flame effect. Because of the unique printing process, no two swords look exactly alike. It’s a safe, soft option that looks fierce but feels gentle.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to swing.
- Designed specifically for little hands.
- Coordinating shields are available.
Cons
- It bends more easily than solid foam swords.
- Foam layers may separate over time.
Our Ratings
Star Wars Forces of Destiny Jedi Lightsaber
Intergalactic Sword Play
For kids who prefer space battles over medieval dungeons, the iconic Star Wars lightsaber is the ultimate weapon.
We selected this model because it includes a light dagger and a connector, allowing children to build a customizable double-ended weapon. It appeals to a broad range of fans and encourages active, futuristic play for any aspiring Jedi or Sith.
Pros
- Plays the Star Wars theme music.
- Features authentic lightsaber sound effects.
- The blade extends with a flick of the wrist.
Cons
- Kids can be picky about blade colors.
- The music is loud and might annoy parents.
Our Ratings
Minecraft Light-Up Adventure Sword
To Light Up Your Room
This Minecraft sword stands out by offering interactive light and sound effects directly from the handle buttons.
You can toggle colors to represent an iron, gold, or diamond sword, giving your child versatility for different imaginative scenarios. Built-in “swoosh” and “clang” sounds enhance the experience, and the light changes color to indicate if you are facing a friend or a foe.
Pros
- Lights and sounds provide high play value.
- Kids can choose their preferred blade material.
- The glowing effect looks great in the dark.
Cons
- It is heavier than standard plastic swords.
- Electronics may break with rough play.
Our Ratings
FAQs
Swash Your Buckle
Choosing the best toy swords and shields comes down to your child’s play style. Whether they want to be a pirate, a knight, or a Minecraft hero, the right toy creates hours of active fun.
Look for durable materials that can withstand battle, but keep safety in mind, soft foam is usually the best bet for avoiding tears. Once you find the perfect gear, the adventure can truly begin.


























