Tech Inspired Gifts for Kids

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by Matthew M. F. Miller

In 2015, tech reigns supreme when it comes to kids’ gifts. But those looking to avoid gifting another ‘screen,’ these Internet-inspired, movie-driven, tech-influenced gifts will delight the imagination of any tiny techie

Today’s kids are completely immersed in and obsessed with technology, and even the little ones on your shopping list might be anxious to get their hands on the a new iPhone or some sweet Beats headphones this holiday season. For the tried-and-true purist who can’t stomach the thought of buying a 6-year-old his first selfie stick, don’t fret.There is still plenty of room under the tree for everyone’s favorite gift-list item: toys!

Modern toys have adapted to the age in which we live. Many of 2015’s most coveted gifts have roots in a web series, video game, app or blockbuster movie, or they help kids explore the science of creating technology all on their own.

Rest easy. These can’t-miss gifts are sure to please the tech-savvy, Internet-fanatical kid in your life.

Internet Reinvention

For the uninitiated, Barbie is very in-vogue again due in large part to the wildly popular reality-TV-spoof web series (also streaming on Netflix), “Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse.” Hot this season are the newly remodeled Dreamhouse ($199) featuring three floors, seven rooms and a working elevator. Technology upgrades include “smart” accessories that light up, make sounds and even simulate motion. A flip-open faux flat-screen TV allows you to insert a smartphone for Barbie to play videos. The Dreamhouse garage is a perfect place to park the Barbie Pop-Up Camper ($99), which features prominently in the series and transforms from a simple camper into a glamping must, replete with water slide and a front cab that converts into a bathroom. For a non-Barbie yet ultimately consumer-driven trend, check out Shopkins, a web-based pretend shopping world with mini-collectible plastic foods and household goods. Shopkins Small Mart Playset ($25) won the 2015 Girl Toy of the Year at the TOTY awards, and the So Cool Fridge Playset ($21) is a must-have for young girls.

“Ever After High” is another popular web series for young girls, and it explores the lives of the children of classic fairy tale characters as they seek out they attempt to write their own stories. Tied to the latest series, Ever After High Way Too Wonderland Dolls ($25 each) include finely coiffed and high-styled Apple White, Madeline Hatter, Briar Beauty, Kitty Cheshire and Lizzie Hearts, and the Ever After High Way Too Wonderland Raven Queen Playset ($55) includes a trifold display allowing kids to re-enact three different scenes from the web series.

Minecraft started as an open-world video game and is now looking to take over the real world. Tie-in merchandise is abundant, and at the top of the list is the Minecraft Stop-Motion Movie Creator ($33), a mini Minecraft movie set that teaches kids how to make their own stop-action movies using real-life objects and a mobile app on their mobile device of choice. On the lower-tech end of the spectrum, Lego Minecraft The Ender Dragon ($70) includes 634 pieces, a mini-figure of Minecraft’s hero Steve, the Ender Dragon, dragon egg, crystals and more imagination opportunities than once thought humanly possible. For the roleplay loving kid, the Minecraft 2-in-1 Sword and Pickaxe ($30) is coveted. For a real-world, Minecraft-esque building experience, check out Qixels Design Creator ($17), which comes with templates to create pixelated characters using colorful cubes that fuse with water.

Screen Time

“Jurassic World” was the biggest movie of 2015, and the accompanying toy line offers any kid the opportunity to bring the multiplex excitement to life at home. The Jurassic World Chomping Indominus Rex Figure ($47), is a lifelike replica of the color-changing queen of destruction, complete with giant chomping jaw, massive tail and, yes, color-changing skin. Jurassic World Hero Mashers Ultimate Tyrannosaurus Rex Figure ($20) allows kids to customize a T-Rex with interchangeable legs, heads, wings and more. LEGO Jurassic World Raptor Rampage Building Kit ($80) gives kids the opportunity to re-enact the movie’s pulse-pounding final scene and includes the mobile research unit, a mini Owen figure (the character played by Chris Pratt) and two Velociraptors.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” was a close second at the box office but No. 1 one on retailer shelves thanks in large part to the sheer number of superheroes packed into one film. The Avengers HQ Captain America Tower Defense Set ($22), Iron Man Lab Attack Set ($22) and HQ Hulk Buster Breakout Set ($22) are available separately, but connect into one massive, impressive play tower. The Captain America Star Launch Shield ($22) allows kids to pull a ripcord and launch shield discs from the center of the star. Iron Man Arc FX Armor ($22) is a set of gloves that power up, power down and produce motion-activated battle sounds.

Little “Minions” fans will delight in the Play-Doh Despicable Me Minions Stamp and Roll Set ($7), which turns the classic yellow canisters into Minions on unicycles. “The Spongebob SquarePants Movie: Sponge Out of Water” was a surprise hit, and the Mega Blocks SpongeBob SquarePants Bad Neighbors Playset ($45) includes a buildable pineapple under the sea, as well as the house of his crabby neighbor and nemesis, Squidward. And just in case you thought you’d get off easy this year, “Frozen” remains wildly popular. Anna and Elsa’s Musical Bicycle ($35) includes two 12-inch dolls, a tandem bicycle, Olaf figure and, of course, they play “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” at the press of a button.

“Disney’s Descendants” came out of nowhere to be the smash TV-movie success of the summer, and leave it to Disney to be prepared for such success. Tie-in toys are already hard to come by, as kids rush to get their hands on backpacks, underwear, hair chalk, costumes and, most importantly, the dolls ($20 each, if you can find them); Mal (daughter of Maleficent), Evie (daughter of the Evil Queen from Snow White), Audrey (daughter of Aurora), Jane (daughter of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother) and Lonnie (daughter of Mulan).

‘STEM’ Play

STEM toys – those that encourage science, technology, engineering and math learning – have become the new “it” item with hip parents looking to teach kids some of the most important tools for future success in today’s tech-focused society. Roominate Chateau ($50) is a 131-piece set of modular pieces that give kids the skills to create structures like staircases and bunk beds while building a structurally sound home, in addition to wiring up motors and circuits to create fully functional lights, elevators and carousels. Goldie Blox has been heaped with adoration and awards, and their latest Craft-Struction Box ($40) combines crafting and construction with more than 275 pieces, adding stickers and pompoms to the engineering/construction mix. Mighty Makers Home Designer Builder Set ($50) is designed for girls and, unlike Barbie, it allows them to build a dream house from the ground up. It includes two characters: Brianna, who specializes in interior design, and Sophia, who is the builder. Choose to build different styles of homes including colonial, ranch and brownstone. Includes 433 K’NEX pieces and instructional cards that teach the basics of architecture. Lego Mindstorms EV3 ($349) marries the LEGO building system with the technology that allows kids to create and command robots that walk, talk and think. Comes with a remote control that interacts with readymade missions, or kids can download the free app and command your robot using your smart device.

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