TECH TOYS THAT EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN

The choices are there, parents

Many parents will buy an Xbox, Nintendo Switch or similar game for their child this Christmas. An hour or two of video gaming a day is probably fine for older kids, but few parents desire to see their children plopped in front of the television, phone or tablet all day.

With the popularity of such games as Fortnite and Minecraft, limiting screen time not always easy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children ages 2 to 5 restrict screen time to 1 hour per day, and that parents place consistent time limits for children ages 6 and older.

There are other gift ideas for kids into tech, and many of them not only entertain, but also educate children. And what’s even better is that only a few of them involve screens.

Jonathan Gartner, leader of the Toyology store in Rochester Hills, Michigan, says there are a number of options that likely will delight young tech fans. Here’s a list of some of the bestsellers, in no particular order:

• Virtual Archer — If Robin Hood lived in the 21st century, he’d probably enjoy this toy. Designed for ages 8 and older, users download an app to their smartphone, which they place on the bow. The bow emits a Bluetooth signal, so when the child pulls back to shoot a virtual arrow, they either hit or miss a dragon or similar creature. This augmented reality game costs $39.99 at Toyology.

• Xtreme Bots Guardian Bot — “Kids always want robots,” Gartner says, and this is one of the best. Kids ages 5 and older can program up to 50 movements, and even command the robot

to go into “protection mode,” meaning the Guardian Bot will keep intruders out of the child’s room, or away from another toy, etc. It also records conversations and plays them back in a silly voice. It’s $69.99.

• Wall Climbing Car — This car uses vacuum suction to climb walls, windows and the ceiling. For ages 8 and older, it costs $39.99.

• Build a Drone — Build the drone multiple ways and use a controller to fly. Kids assemble it using bricks, so if it breaks, just build it again. “If someone has a 10- to 12-year-old kid that really likes Legos and is good at building things, this toy is perfect for them,” Gartner says. $59.99.

• Evo — At $99.99, this robot costs a little more, but it’s packed with tech, including optical and proximity sensors, Bluetooth connection, LED lights, built-in speaker and more. Using Evo also teaches the

child basic coding. Ages 8 and older.

• Turning Tumble — This marble powered “computer” demonstrates coding strategy and cause and effect. For ages 8 and older; $69.99.

• Start-Up Circuits — Even babies are learning the principles of coding through this STEM toy. Kids ages 18 months and older click together chunky pieces then flip a switch. The result is a spinning fan, glowing light, or a whistle. Cost is $19.99.

• Dodeca 12 in 1: Solar Hydraulic Robot — Kids can build 12 different types of robots and then animate the creature using solar power and hydraulic transmission. Ages 12 and older; $39.99.

• Dinosaur Mime-Control Dino Drone — Slide your hand into the remote and use movement to control this prehistoric drone. It lights up, flips and more. Ages 8 and older; $79.99.

PHOTOS BY DEBRA KASZUBSKI — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Jonathan Gartner, leader of the Toyology store in Rochester Hills, Michigan, said there are a number of STEM and tech toys that will entertain and educate kids who enjoy technology, including the Robotic Workshop toy he’s holding.

Jonathan Gartner holds the popular Wall Climbing Car, which uses vacuum power to scale the walls, windows and ceiling.

Start-Up Circuits teaches coding basics to children as young as 18 months.