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The newest tech gadgets aren’t just for adults anymore. Kids are now clamoring for the latest and greatest tech toys – especially during the holidays – and nowadays the technology marketed toward children is more than just a vehicle for flashing lights and non-stop 8-bit music.
If you’re skeptical about buying your child his or her very own tablet, know there are plenty of options beyond Apple’s high-profile offerings. Or think in terms of gifts related to your kids’ interests. There is tech gift for every age and hobby. There are tech toys designed to teach, open minds, fill children with wonder and inspire joy. And yes, there are video games, but these are video games unlike anything we had when we were kids.
Here are five of the best tech gifts for kids of all ages – all of which you still have time to snag before Christmas day:
1. The Nintendo 2DS
Think of the Nintendo 2DS as the 3DS’s cute kid sister. That’s because it’s just right for the 5 to 9-year old age set thanks to a redesign that makes it a perfect fit for little hands and able to stand up to big falls. Though research has shown that the 3-D 3DS display causes no lasting harm to children’s eyes, some parents may feel better about choosing a handheld gaming system that is easier on those peepers but still plays all the same games.
2. A Kid-Friendly Tablet
Before you say your kid isn’t ready for a tablet, have a look at Lenovo tablets and the Lenovo IdeaPad in particular. Whereas something like a LeapPad will only last your little one so long, a tablet will grow along with him or her because of the amazing variety of apps for all ages. And remember that tablets can do double duty for school-age kids in the age of bring your own device, with academic apps for daytime and games for after homework.
3. Kawaii Cupcake Earbuds
Tweens will flip when they find a pair of adorable cupcake earbuds from DCI in their stockings. You might think that the cuteness would trump the quality, but that’s not the case. DCI has paired a super sweet design with rich sound and amazing bass in earbuds that work with any CD player, MP3 player, laptop, phone or handheld gaming console. Two sets of silicone tips are included – one sized for kids and one for grownups – which means you can grab a pair for your own stocking, too.
4. A Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano
Serious young musicians and itty-bitty dabblers alike will love the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano. Anodized aluminum, maple and pine house all the electronics needed to give kid composers power over 18 keys and 7 modes (harmonic sweeper, vibrato, octave cascade, two-octave arpeggiator, Mono FM synth, FM arpeggiator, and Mono Glider) using a simple, intuitive interface. No amp is necessary thanks to a built-in speaker, so expect to hear your little ones making music everywhere.
5. The Sony PlayStation 4
This is the first fully redesigned PlayStation released in seven years, so it has been getting a ton of attention. The PlayStation 4 features a new interface, a new look, a more comfortable controller, and a host of unique features sure to be appreciated by the gamers in your family – all for less money than Microsoft’s new console or the Xbox One.
These are just a handful of the best tech gifts to get your child this Christmas.
This is a Guest Post By Jennifer Thayer
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California who loves finding ways technology can make life easier. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with readers. Follow her on Twitter.