1. LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet ($149.99 at Amazon.com). Probably the hottest tech toy for kids this year, LeapFrog's venture into the world of tablets-for-kids is a winner. Designed for kids ages 4 to 9, this personalized tablet gives you access to apps, digital books, videos, flash cards, and games, all of which work with the Leapster Explorer too. Plus, the Leap Pad includes a camera and video recorder with 5" touch screen. Hey, I want this for myself! (I don't even have an Ipad yet). It's available in pink, too, though you know how I feel about that.
2. Large Grand Mansion ($139.99 at Playmobil.com) I saw this dollhouse in person at a holiday toy preview and it is a beauty. The foldout two-story mansion features two staircases and space for seven furniture sets (yes, you must pay extra, but they are really cute sets in person, especially the nursery set). The shutters open and shut and the curtains can be changed. Plus there's a working doorbell (batteries not included...of course).
3. Discovery Spaceship and Lift Off Rocket ($129.95 at Discovery Store). R. and I saw this in person at another holiday toy preview and thought it would be great for her little brother's new space-themed room. The 37-piece, 4-level spaceship is designed to work just like a real one, with mission control, living compartment, exercise room and lab, all connected by a working elevator.
4. Happy Nappers ($20 at HappyNappers.com). If your kids are Disney Channel fans like mine are, they've likely seen (and told you about) the "Happy Nappers" commercial. Basically it's a variation on the theme of a Pillow Pet. The picture speaks for itself. And it is another way for you to spend $20 on more "stuff" that accumulates on your kid's bed. But kids want what they want, right? I'll be grabbing two of these this year--the penguin for R. and the monkey for S.
5. Nintendo 3DS ($180 at Amazon.com in red, blue, or black). R. momentarily thought that she, too, wanted a Leap Pad, but decided it's "too babyish" and she'd prefer this upgrade to her current DS. Of course, she is most excited about playing the new game Super Mario 3D Land.
What are on your kids' holiday wish lists?
Just a heads up - my husband told me the 3DS has been reported to cause problems with children's vision and that it is not recommended for children! Seems pretty dumb to make a product for children that they shouldn't use! Might be worth looking into!
ReplyDeleteJamie- thanks so much for the heads-up. Definitely need to look into this before I buy.
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