Kids love gadgets and gizmos and with Christmas fast approaching you will need to act soon if you want to secure the latest technological gift for your little ones. Here is a small selection of the top tech gifts designed for children this Christmas to get your gift list started.
In terms of gaming gadgets the Nintendo 3DS is definitely going to be a popular technological toy this year. A major price drop means that it is far more affordable than it was at launch and there are more games to actually purchase for the console than ever before.
Super Mario 3D Land
One of the must-have games launching ahead of Christmas is Super Mario 3D Land, a mishmash of the series’ 2D platforming roots with its more recent forays into 3D and it has already won critical acclaim, so should make the perfect accompaniment for the 3DS handheld.
Kidizoom Twist from Vtech
For younger children who want to start taking digital photos the Kidizoom Twist from Vtech is touted as one of the top toys of the year. Its robust, chunky design is intended to take plenty of punishment and it gets its name from the twistable lens that lets kids flip it around and take pictures of themselves.
A two megapixel sensor, colour viewfinder and built in flash mean that it is capable of taking some decent photos and can even record videos, whilst there are added extras such as integrated games for tots to play.
LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer
From photography to tablets, we now turn to the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer, a slate computer designed for little tykes who want to play on the parents’ iPad 2. It runs on rechargeable AA batteries, has a five-inch touch screen display and even has apps, which you can download from a catalogue of over 500.
Kids aged between four and nine years old will love the LeapPad Explorer this Christmas and it is considerably cheaper than any of Apple’s tablets, so will be a worthwhile investment.
SpyNet gadgets
For kids who love all things relating to espionage the range of SpyNet gadgets will be a real treat during the festive period. The SpyNet glasses, for example, will let the wearer record secret footage thanks to a hidden camera and they’ll look very cool whilst doing so.
Hotwheels Video Racer
More camera-based goodies come in the form of the Hotwheels Video Racer range, which has a built in lens to help kids capture the action when they take their vehicles out for a test drive in the garden.
These little cars can be hooked up to your laptop or PC via a USB connection and it gives a toy’s-eye view of the world. Kids are also encouraged to attach the little vehicles to their bikes or skateboards to record even more footage, letting them get creative with the projects that they want to develop.
John East is a contributor to moneysupermarket.com who specialises in technology. This year he will be getting the Laugh and Learn Activity Case for his iPhone in order to keep dirt and drool away from his precious mobile when the kids want to play with it.