As December creeps closer and closer, the world seems to be full of toys, candy, old holiday songs, and a million dressed up Santas. There are a number of great options you can pick from when it comes to buying presents and cool connected devices and smart tech seem to be all the hype this year. Let’s take a look at some of the best tech-toys that have become household favorites for boys and girls. It's important to note that it may be required to have an iOS or Android device to support some of these toys.
Ollie for iOS and Android - $99.99
Created by the makers of the Sphero, Orbotix has come up with their latest invention – Ollie! It is an app-controlled robot which is primarily a faster tubular version of Sphero and can reach a velocity up to 14 mph. If a remote controlled racing car was one of your most prized possessions as a child, you’re going to love this.
The Ollie connects via Bluetooth to any iOS and Android device that has the relevant application. It can then be controlled as it pulls tricks, speeds about, and transforms the color of its fitted LED. It is efficiently designed to withstand and survive any knocks and bumps it faces as it moves around. There is a variety of hubcaps and tires available which suggest that it can drive on a number of different surfaces and a fully USB charged battery is approximately equal to 60 minutes of driving time.
My Friend Cayla - $189.99
At first glance, you might think this is just another toy doll. However, once you start using it, you'll realize My Friend Cayla is actually an interactive smart doll capable of real conversation and answering general knowledge questions – talk about smart! It can be hooked up to the internet via an Android or iOS smart device and synced with the My Friend Cayla app. Not only that, the doll is capable of searching age appropriate internet content to deliver answers to any questions asked. There are many games on the app that you can play and she can deliver millions of phrases. We know what you’re thinking, can she say swear words? Sorry guys. We tried and all we got was a “That is not appropriate!”, so she’s probably a good option for your little girl.
N-Strike Elite Nerf Cam ECS-12 - $79.99
The Nerf Cam ECS-12 is great for stalking your siblings, and watching and then re-watching the look on their faces after you've ambushed them with Nerf bulletswith the help of the amazing built-in camera. It has a 1.77 inch screen that is placed at the back of a blaster so that it can be used as a view when shooting or reviewing any footage. It has a 4 GB SD card and the blaster comes with N-Strike Elite darts and a dart clip; it can fire up to the range of 90ft. although it’s an innovative product, the 0.3 megapixel camera doesn’t really seal the deal no matter how funny somebody looks as you unload your darts on them.
Osmo - $79.99
This is a great educational gaming device that brings social play and real world to an iPad. The iPad is placed in the base and a mirror component is attached over the camera which turns the space in front of the tablet into an interactive screen. There are many shape and word based puzzles and the best part? They are all extremely interactive. There is something extremely attractive about throwing something in front of your iPad and watching as it becomes completely integrated in the game.
Roominate - From $29.99
Why buy a dollhouse for your kids when they could be building one themselves? For young girls (and boys!) with a wild imagination to build and create, Roominate is a great learning toy to inspire their minds. Roominate offers an innovative platform for kids to create their own studio and develop STEM skills. Roominate sets include modular building pieces, connectors, a motor, a switch, a battery pack, and a lot more to allow creativity to flow freely! Build a merry-go-round, a windmill, or an elevator - the possibilities are only limited by what can be thought up.
There you have it folks. This was our list of some of the top tech-friendly gifts for kids for the upcoming holiday season! Have any other suggestions that you think we missed out on? Will you be getting any of these for your kids, or maybe even yourself? Let us know in the comments below.
