The Best Toy Swords

Buying Guide for Toy Swords

Why buy a toy sword?

Ninjas, Vikings, Spartans, and pirates, oh my! When you’re a kid and you wield the plastic handle of your favorite toy sword, you might as well be holding onto your own personal time travel device. You can be anyone at any time in history, ready to duel until dusk with your sibling—er—enemy forces. Not only are toy swords a classic backyard favorite, but they’re also a great companion piece for costumes and dress-up games. There are even some iconic pop culture swords that you can buy replicas of so your kid(s) can pretend to be their favorite video game or cartoon character as they play. A sword is a sword, but it’s the never-ending story your child attributes to its gleaming, springy blade that makes it so fun to have.

Toy swords aren’t limited just to kids, either. Plenty of teens and adults buy toy or fake swords for costumes, cosplay, or even as a fun decoration to hang up on their bedroom wall. Even if they aren’t real steel, a really detailed model still looks cool—and let’s face it, you’re never too old for an impromptu sword fight with a friend, sibling, or cousin.

What should you look for in toy swords?

• Purpose: There are terrific toy swords by the plenty, but it’s important to remember that some swords are built for play-fighting and others, well, not so much. You can grab a foam sword and joust all day. However, you shouldn’t expect the same results from hollowed-out, ultra-detailed replication. These types of toy swords will be better suited for costumes or decoration.
• Material: Most toy swords will be made from either foam or plastic. Some are also covered in fabric; some aren’t. While a foam sword would be the safest and most user-friendly product to swing around at one another, some swords are simply constructed with more power than others. Whether it be foam or plastic, find a toy sword with some heft and sturdy assembly that can handle being impacted without damaging any people or items it might hit (whether accidentally or on purpose). Also keep in mind that some foam toy swords have a plastic core for extra stability and durability that will give them more weight but also make them less soft.
• Additional Features: You want the best bang for your buck, after all, so find something exciting that you, your kids, or your best friend can enjoy together. Some toy swords will come with matching shields or as part of a bundle with other toy weapons. Others have their own scabbards to slide into when not in use, which may also be attached to your child’s belt or strung across their body. You may even be able to find some that light up or make sound effects.

How many different types and designs of toy swords are there?

As mentioned, there are lots of toy replicas of famous pop culture swords out there; the Master Sword from the Legend of Zelda games, lightsabers from Star Wars, Wonder Woman’s sword, Excalibur from the King Arthur legends, and so forth. Classic straight, double-sided, long swords are the most common, of course, but there are plenty of other styles of toy swords out there too. Two-handed broadswords, sabers, scimitars,, slender katanas, pirate cutlasses, and more are also available.

There’s quite a bit of design variation on the blades and their hilts. Some “blades” will be longer or wider or more pointed than others, while others have fantastical shapes like flames. The hilts and grips can be almost any color imaginable with all sorts of fun decorative touches—fake jewels, animal shapes, etc. A textured grip will also make it easier for you or your child to hold (and wield) the toy sword.

Our Picks for the Best Toy Swords

Pros: These durable and sturdy foam swords make playtime extra fun. You get two swords and two shields with each set, perfect for a duel. Your child can also pretend to be a knight defending a castle or fighting in a medieval army. This set is not just perfect for playtime at home; it’s also great for plays, props, costumes, and party favors. The swords and shields are made from 100% safe, non-toxic materials. And the size plus the lightweight material is perfect for smaller kids, ages 6 and under.

Cons: Because they’re made of foam, they won’t last forever.

Bottom Line: Is your kid a fan of slaying dragons? This cute medieval-style set of foam swords and shields is perfect for smaller children. It’s made from safe and lightweight materials to protect children from injury or other harm, and it makes a fantastic costume accessory for your king, queen, prince, princess, knight, or hero.

 

Pros: Do you love the Minecraft video game, or are you planning a Minecraft-themed costume for an upcoming party? Wield this officially licensed Minecraft costume accessory, or hang it on your wall. While the hard molded plastic isn’t designed for playful combat, it also ensures that it’s a bit more solid and durable than most plastic toy swords. Yet it’s still plenty lightweight, weighing in at less than half an ounce. This replica will fit in perfectly alongside other costumed friends or perfectly match any Minecraft character you might want to dress up as, thanks to its highly realistic, brightly colored, true-to-the-game design.

Cons: Though it’s not ridiculously expensive, this sword is slightly pricier for a single toy sword; there are packs of several toy swords that cost the same amount.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a sword that’s well suited to costume parties or contests or video game and comic book gatherings, this toy sword is a top-notch plastic replica of an in-game Minecraft sword. So, whether you’re dressed to fend off various entities, cutting through cobwebs and bamboo, or pretending to save the world, this heroic sword will get it done.

 

Pros: Giant foam swords are always a hit with kids, and this set includes eight, each with its own unique design and bright color scheme. No two swords in this pack are the same. This will make it easy for dueling competitors to know whose sword is whose. Each sword measures 15 to 17 inches across and is designed entirely from foam and felt, so it is soft enough to not hurt on impact but still carries enough durability and heft for kiddie battle, in or outside of the pool.

Cons: Due to their size, these swords may be a bit on the small side for teens and adults. They also don’t have a hardened core, which means the blades aren’t as stable as some other toy swords.

Bottom Line: Sure, water blasters are a staple for pool days, but a great way to switch up the routine is with a pack of waterproof swords. The assortment of different swords gives kids plenty of options to choose from when playing, and the eight-pack makes them perfect for pool parties or group play.

 

Pros: This ninja accessory set includes five pieces: a backpack, two plastic swords, and two plastic sais. Each piece is made to look realistic, which makes it a perfect set for Halloween or plays on stage. The swords measure around 28 inches, and the sais are about 9 inches in length. The backpack has shoulder straps so your little ninja can have their favorite weapons at the ready. This set is great for kids 4 years old and up and is lightweight and portable. It’s great for ninja costumes or video game cosplay.

Cons: This set is not meant for “swordplay” or battle action. They can cause injury or get dented easily when bumped into another object.

Bottom Line: Ready to vanquish your enemies? This may be the coolest weapon set for your ninja warrior. It has a handy backpack and makes a great costume accessory. The backpack’s straps are also adjustable, so it can fit most kids comfortably.

 

Pros: If you love the Legend of Zelda video game series, you can bring your own version of the Master Sword into your home. Nintendo officially licenses it, so you know you’re getting an authentic replica in every aspect—it’ll perfectly match your Link costume or be instantly recognizable if hanging on the wall or on display in your home. It’s made from thick, high-quality plastic that’s more durable than most plastic toy swords, and it comes with a matching, also authentic, scabbard to boot.

Cons: This sword is a bit on the smaller side, so it’s really only proportionate for kids and preteens. Taller teenagers and full-grown adults may find the blade a bit too short for their costuming needs.

Bottom Line: Whether you’re a fan of the well-known Legend of Zelda game series, your little one wants to dress up as Link for a costume party, or they simply love playing as a Zelda character on a regular basis, this is the perfect toy sword for your needs. It resembles the famous Master Sword from top to bottom, adding a greater touch of realism to play or display.

Final Thoughts

Toy swords are a great way to inspire kids’ creativity and imagination as they play while also helping them to develop their hand-eye coordination, agility, and motor skills. Plus, they’re just plain fun for all ages—even adults.