Kid-friendly gadgets and app-enabled toys that make great gifts
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Tech toys are always a big gift around the holidays, and as our world becomes more and more connected, new technology trickles down to our kids who absorb it faster than we ever will.
SEE ALSO: Gift ideas for kids: STEM toys that are fun and teach coding
From kid-friendly versions of devices we use every day, to upgraded versions of toys we loved growing up, the gadgets available to kids these days are the coolest we've ever seen. Thanks to the ubiquity of technology, they're also available at every price point and every age group so you can get all of the kids in your life something neat no matter your budget.
3Doodler Start
3D printing has slowly moved from a highly-specialized technique to something anyone can do — if they're willing to shell out for it. Even the cheapest desktop 3D printer on Amazon is over $100. The 3Doodler printing pen is a cheap, accessible way for your kiddos to play with this new technology. The 3Doodler Start is the award-winning kid-friendly version, with non-toxic, eco-friendly, and heat-free plastic.
3Doodler Start Essential Pen Set — $49.99 at Target
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Toymail Talkies
We've loved the Talkie ever since we saw it on Shark Tank — it's an adorable stuffed animal that has an app-enabled two-way speaker in it so you can stay in touch without handing your toddler an iPhone. They can connect to any approved smartphone or any other Toymail toy so grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends can get in on the fun too.
Talkie by Toymail — $44.99 on Amazon
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Anki Overdrive
The Anki Overdrive app-enabled race car track is like a cross between Hot Wheels and Mario Kart. Kids can download an app that controls the cars on a tablet or smartphone. Battle races play out on screen and on the track. Both the starter set and a special Fast & Furious edition are available, along with tons of track expansions and new cars.
Anki Overdrive Starter Set — $99.99 (on sale) at Toys R Us
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Recoil Laser Tag
Recoil, the toy that lets you play laser tag anywhere, was launched at San Diego Comic Con this year where nerds of all ages got to test it out. It uses GPS and Bluetooth from an app on your smartphone to track players' locations and allows you to communicate with teammates (and taunt enemies.) Each gun has a holster for your phone so you have hands-free access to the screen.
Recoil Starter Set — $76.47 (on sale) at Walmart
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Nintendo 2DS
Nintendo is always a big gift for the holiday season, but with Switches and SNES Classics selling out left and right, a safer bet is to go with the updated DS handheld. The 2DS ditches the clamshell design of the 3DS and 2DS XL for the more classic Game Boy feel. This limited green Link edition comes with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D pre-installed.
Nintendo 2DS Link Edition — $79.99 at GameStop
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Fire Kids Edition Tablet
If you're constantly worried about your kids dropping your tablet, but don't want to spring for one they're just going to break, Amazon offers a Fire tablet specifically for kids. It comes with a kid-proof case, but if they somehow find a way to break it anyway, Amazon has a two-year guarantee to replace it.
Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet — $99.99 (on sale) on Amazon
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Garmin Vivofit Jr.
Fitness trackers are a great way to keep on top of your activity levels, and kids need more activity than anyone. With the kids version of the popular Garmin Vivofit, you'll feel better knowing how much exercise your kids are getting and the quality of their sleep, and they'll have fun completing challenges on the attached app. Plus, it's got a fun Star Wars theme that your kids will love.
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 — $69.99 (on sale) at Target
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