One of the challenges facing the modern world around the holidays is learning about the latest and greatest technological items available. At one time this only affected older children and adults, but now even babies and preschoolers have tablets and electronic options. Let’s take a look at the top three tech gifts for three age groups.
Best Tech Toys for Preschoolers
For kids ages 3-7, these are the hottest tech items of 2011.
- LeapFrog LeapPad – For youngsters who are constantly trying to snatch up a smartphone or iPad, having their own learning tablet can be a great idea. This new offering from LeapFrog is getting rave reviews and looks to be a big winner for 2011.
- Skip Hop Owl Hug and Hide Activity Toy – This smart new plush toy comes with ten great ways to help a toddler develop their mind and physical skills too. Available for less than $20 at most stores, it makes a great gift when you’re on a budget but still want a new tech toy.
- Let’s Rock Elmo – Rock Star Mickey – For toddlers who like music, these are great toys that sing, dance and generally drive younger children wild with excitement. Look out for the new Elmo and Mickey models for 2011. We think they’re going to be popular, so pick them up early if you can find them.
The best tech toys for kids and tweens
Here’s a quick look at the top three tech articles for toddlers and teens in 2011.
- FIJIT Friends – These are not a learning toy, but they are cute! Think of them like the modern Furby, but cooler in many ways due to technological advances. These are a hit with boys and girls ages 7-12, though older kids and even some adults have been known to have fun with them.
- Nikon COOLPIX Waterproof Digital Camera: For responsible tweens and younger kids, this is a great summer and winter camera that’s waterproof. It’s easy to use, takes great photos, and has good battery life, too.
- SPY NET: Stealth Video Glasses – Recommended for kids ages 8-12, these cool spy glasses look great, but they also record up to 20 minutes of video or 2,000 still images! Available at a reasonable price, they will be on many lists this holiday season.
The best tech toys for teens and adults
Last but not least, we take a look at three new tech gadgets for older kids and adults.
- iPhone 4S – While you can get it with or without a cell phone contract, the iPhone 4S is sure to be on a lot of lists this year. Steve Jobs may have passed away in 2011, but his spirit lives on in innovative new Apple products like the new iPhone 4S.
- Kindle Fire – The Kindle – with color and more capabilities, including a web browser and app store (based on Google’s Android system rather than Apple’s). Available for under $200, this is a hot new tech gadget that many teens and college-age young adults are going to be clamoring for this holiday season. For the price, it’s a lot less expensive than the new iPad 2, which is also on sale this holiday season.
- Just Dance 3 – Madden NFL – COD: MW3 – While these are video games, they are all new tech toys that will be all the rage this year, for different crowds. From social gamers who like dancing games at parties to sports fans who love a good game of Madden to those who play Call of Duty online every day, there are plenty of great new video games out there. fashion for Christmas 2011.
There are, of course, many other great new-tech toys and gifts that are new and exciting for 2011, but this top three list should give you some ideas of where to start your search for the best toys of 2011.
