Gadget goodies keep kids learning and entertained
Because you know no child ever wants to unwrap a sweater
What do you think a child would like most as a gift this holiday season? a) Christmas sweater; b) board game; c) mall gift card; or d) tech toys.
If you answered d), you’d probably be right.
The question is, which one? Not including video games or related accessories, the following are a few suggested gadgets and high-tech toys for young kids, ranging in price from $59 to $529. Hairy and high tech
For young kids who enjoy adventuring in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Ultimate Co
pilot Chewie ($149; hasbro.ca) is a 16-inch tall animatronic plush toy of everyone’s favourite Wookiee. Whenever you talk to or touch Han Solo’s loyal friend and co-pilot, you’ll hear and see more than 100 sound and motion combinations. Whether kids want to cuddle with Chewbacca or pretend to fly the Millennium Falcon alongside him, the latest in Hasbro’s furReal brand features Chewie’s iconic bandolier and satchel, and delivers several facial expressions and roars. The toy requires 4 AA batteries. Leap forward with learning
For kids ages 2 through 7, Leapfrog’s Leapstart 3D ($59; leapfrog.com) is an interactive book system that makes learning super fun. With 25 books in the library ($10 apiece) and the comprehensive sampler book (included), kids can read words and look at pictures, and then use the connected stylus pen to touch content. Not only will you hear words spoken aloud to learn how to say them, there are sound effects, activities, games and even 3D-like hologram animations that appear on a small screen to add extra magic. Topics include vocabulary, math, reading and problem solving, and often with licensed characters from the likes of Disney/ Pixar, PJ Masks (Nickelodeon),
Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol. Robotic fun Question: What’s as small as a mouse but super intelligent and fun? The answer is Anki Vector ($329; anki.com/vector), a teeny autonomous and cloud-con- nected robot that becomes smarter over time, thanks to over-the-air updates pushed by its makers. A thousand animations allow Vector to react to his environment in a way that’s full of personality, plus an array of four microphones hear and detect commands from kids around the home. Just say “hey Vector” to get his attention and voice a command. This small robot can perform many tasks for you, as well as play several games and provide other engaging experiences. Droning on and on
While kids are often told not to crash and break their toys,
Flyblocks ($69; flyblocks.com) encourages it! Embracing the STEM education movement (science, technology, engineering and math), this Canadian toy first challenges you to build a drone with the 72 snap-on pieces and preprogrammed circuit board — you can follow the instructions or design your own drone — and then take to the friendly skies with the bundled remote control. Don’t give up if you don’t perform a perfect landing, as it’s fun to smash this durable toy, collect the pieces and start the process again. Be the baby Hatchimals are back, and this time they’re adorable little babies. Spin Master’s HatchiBabies ($59; spinmaster.com) come from the “nursery” in one of two new species — Ponette and Cheetree — and by giving this egg some love and attention, these creatures literally hatch from their shells to provide a magical and memorable birth for “parents,” and then respond to being fed, burped, tickled and snuggled. They can even learn to talk and play games such as “find my toes” and “bouncy baby.” Plus, for the first time in the Hatchimals series, fans will find hidden accessories inside the egg, including a rattle, hairbrush, bottle and cuddle buddy. HatchiBabies is recommended for kids ages 5. Clean slate
Apple’s latest iPad mini( from $529; apple.ca) packs a stunning 7.9-inch multitouch Retina display; a powerful A8 chip for fast performance (read:
Fortnite matches!); long battery life; dual cameras for FaceTime chats with family and friends; and the new iOS 12 operating system that offers several new features and supports multitasking.