Tech Bets
As the Editors of Cool Mom Tech, our job is to get the scoop on the hottest tech gifts for kids. So whether you’re shopping for your toddler, your teen or any-aged techie in your life, we’ve rounded up the coolest tech toys and gadgets that we think will score you big points this year.
Nintendo 3DS XL
The new Nintendo 3DS XL is made for little gamers, now with more game offerings like Super Mario Bros 2 or the uber popular Pokémon Black and White 2, along with a sleeker design and a much bigger screen, which greatly improves the 3D experience.
To buy: Nintendo 3DS XL, $200
The Nabi 2 Tablet
With a bunch of kids’ Android tablets hitting the market this holiday season, we’re most excited about the Nabi 2, which offers kid-friendly music, video streaming and parent-approved apps in a powerful interface that feels like a gadget, not a toy.
To buy: The Nabi 2 Tablet, $200
Boogie Board
Considering kids run through reams of paper in no time at all with all their pictures, notes and stories, we love how the Boogie Board LCD writing tablet lets them get creative without filling up the recycling bin.
To buy: Boogie Board paperless LCD writing tablet, $40
Kinect 'Sesame Street'
Whether you’ve got a Big Bird, Cookie Monster, or Elmo fan in the house, the new Kinect Sesame Street will allow your kids to interact with their favorite characters as if they were starring in the show themselves.
To buy: Kinect 'Sesame Street', $30 (requires Xbox Kinect system)
iPod Touch
Between the super fast processor, powerful camera, and gorgeous Retina display, not to mention our favorite girl Siri, the new iPod Touch, now available in a gaggle of bright colors, will make any teen squeal.
To buy: iPod Touch, $299
Digitools
The amazing new Crayola digitools for iPad combine all the fun of drawing and coloring with all the brightness and beauty of the tablet screen and no mess to clean up. Just be warned: You may never see your iPad again.
To buy: Crayola 3D DigiTools, $16 (requires free app + iPad 2 or newer)
Symphony in B
While your kiddo’s little fingers may not yet be big enough to tickle the ivories, they can make some beautiful music with The Symphony in B Orchestra toy from B. Toys. It's so much fun you might even catch us playing it …
To buy: The Symphony in B. Orchestra, $40
NOOK
The genius new NOOK Simple Touch With GlowLight lets voracious readers ditch their booklights thanks to smart new light technology made for e-ink devices that’s easier on the eyes and fully adjustable.
To buy: NOOK Simple Touch With GlowLight, $120
Nintendo Wii U
With a second screen right in the palm of your hands that can also function as a high tech TV remote and DVR, the new Nintendo Wii U offers a whole new way to enjoy video game play for the entire family.
To buy: Nintendo Wii U, starts at $300
Tag Solar System Adventure Pack
Bring the galaxy to life for your budding astronomer with the new Tag Solar System Adventure pack, which features a huge two-sided interactive map full of all sorts of cool audio responses and family-friendly games.
To buy: Tag Solar System Adventure Pack, $20 (Tag reader sold separately)
