We've been invited to our neighbors birthday party, he'll be turning 7. My own ds is 5, but there is a world of difference between a 5 and a 7 year old! Any good suggestions from moms with boys this age? I want something somewhat educational but still fun, and looking to spend around $15-20. Thanks!

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How about Knex, legos or magnetix. My ds is 6 1/2 and he loves to build with just about anything. Lego sets can get kinda of expensive, but you can buy a big tub of Knex for around $20. AcMoore sells them and you can use a 40% off coupon.

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DS - 8
DD - 5

Transformers are always a hit with my boys, as are Yugioh cards

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My son is 7. He's really into the Lego sets - especially the Creator kits, where you can make 6 to 8 different things out of the one kit. You can get them for $19.99 or less, depending on which one you want. He loves to make something, keep it a week or so then take it apart and make something different. They come in kits for motorcycles, cars, trucks.

Pokemon cards, star wars actions figures, bioncales, rock tumbler,spy gear stuff, gift card for target or barnes and noble.

I agree with the Knex and legos at least that's the kind of thing my 7yo ds really enjoys playing with these days. You might be able to find good deals now that a lot of stores are clearancing toys. I also like the gift card idea---easy for everyone.

As you probably know, my son is crazy about Bionicles, a franchise in itself. It has really helped with his motor skills, creativity - he puts more than one together to create new ones - and story-telling. Don't go with the books - too violent, but he just loves the toys - Exoforce, too, from Lego.

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Yes, Bionicles. Another thing (although perhaps so inexpensive it might not be considered a "good enough" gift..) are fly wheels. I think they are about $5.00... the one that flies up into the air is SO FUN... everyone played with it (even adults) at a party we had.

Ditto on Legos and K'nex...and gift cards.

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Gotta agree with all of the above. My six year old expecially likes Bionicles and Legos. He's also into the entire Mega bloks pirates. You can get the little draw string pouches with pirate mega bloks in them.

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I have to say that my 4 and 6 year old love the Transformers as well! They received 7 of the Star Wars ones for christmas and they love them! The ones they got from papa were $15 a piece.

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