Toy swords and shields are popular props for pretend and imaginative play. Children of all ages use plastic toy swords and shields for roleplaying as knights, kings, warriors, and in other battle scenarios. Captain America Nerf shields and red, white, and blue shields are also popular among Marvel fans.
Pretend toy shields and toy swords can be made of various materials, including plastic, foam, and wood. Foam sword and shield sets are a great choice for young children. Foam is a soft, safe, and lightweight material. Foam shields and swords come in a variety of colors, including gray, brown, and black, to look like authentic metal shields and swords from Medieval Times. Nerf swords and shields are often more colorful and feature bright colors like orange, blue, and yellow. Nerf shields are commonly used along with Nerf guns and other fake weapons by both young children and teens.
Plastic shield toys and swords also come in silver and gold and may feature matching helmets and other accessories, including sheaths for the sword, belts, face shields, and chest protectors for a complete suit of armor. Wooden toy shields are more decorative and heavier than plastic or foam sets. These shields and swords are often decorated using colored paint and fake leather binding. They may feature a certain coat of arms or other national symbol that holds special meaning. Some of the most common symbols and coat of arms on toy shields include a battle ax, bay leaves, bears, beacons, and dragons.
Most toy shields and swords are made for children’s dress-up and imaginative play. For these situations, the more lightweight and safe the materials are, the better. Foam sword and shield sets are especially lightweight and safe for children of all ages but may lack the details or more realistic-looking sets. Plastic shields and swords are more realistic looking, with colorful emblems and authentic features. Many come with an elastic strap to comfortably secure the toy shield in place using the forearm. Most wooden shields are too heavy for pretend play but are commonly displayed on walls inside homes and businesses.
Action figure toy shields are miniature versions of traditional toy shields and often accompany action figures, including Captain America and Army soldiers. These tiny shields clip into place and are used as accessories for many popular dolls, toys, and action figures.