Parents, educators, and child development experts all agree that simple toys are best for encouraging imaginative play in children. However, the truth is that technology is here to stay. There are many high-tech toys and games on the market for kids today, and some of them are worthwhile and even educational.
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While it is important to limit screen time and not let your children have unlimited access to a TV or tablet, there is nothing wrong with allowing electronic and interactive toys in your home. Your kids will be excited to try out something new and different.
But you may be wondering - which techy toys are worth the money and which should be skipped altogether? That’s where we come in! We have searched high and low for the best technological toys out there. We have found the ones that are highly rated by parents and education experts, and we have even included some award winners. Read on for our recommendations of the best high-tech toys and gadgets for kids.
Infants
It’s best to limit infants’ access to loud electronic toys. They learn the best by exploring simple toys like stacking blocks and textured balls. But a few carefully chosen electronic playthings can be appropriate and can even promote learning. Here are a few of our favorites for your little ones:
Fisher Price Deluxe Kick ‘n’ Play Piano Gym This playmat is perfect for babies, whether used for tummy time or just for lounging on their backs. When they kick their feet, the piano plays fun music and displays lights that will catch their eye! The dangling toys are also great fun for babies to watch.
Learning Cube has a minimalist design which won’t visually overwhelm a young child. It will allow for the child to focus on their auditory sense as they learn and explore new sounds and ideas. Learning Cube can remain fun and relevant for years to come.
VTech Click and Count Remote If you have an older infant who loves to grab your TV remote control, this special toy remote just for babies is a great solution. When he pushes the buttons, it plays lots of exciting songs and sounds. This toy can plant the seeds of learning numbers and animal sounds, while Baby will just think it’s a fun new toy.
Toddlers Ages 1-2
If you have a busy toddler on your hands you will want to check out these interesting toys. Young toddlers’ love of music and movement makes the following toys a perfect fit for this age. The toys listed below are educational and teach letters, numbers, and vocabulary. They are also exciting and fun to play with. These toys will have your little ones singing, dancing, and learning.
Leap Frog Learning Friends 100 Words Book This book features 100 different illustrated words spread across multiple pages. All your toddler has to do is push lightly on the picture and the book reads the word aloud. Little ones will love turning the pages and hearing the different sounds. Combined with fun songs and a light up star, this book will be an instant favorite.
If your child loves story time, Storytime Buddy may be a nice surprise. Buddy tells stories about his friends that will entertain your child and also introduce new learning concepts.
My First Plane Bump 'n Go Learning Airplane
If your little one loves planes, trains, and things that go, we think she will enjoy this rolling airplane that plays all kinds of fun music. It’s a great educational toy that teaches letters and numbers, but it’s also just fun to roll around the house or outside on concrete.
Preschoolers Ages 3-4
Many high-tech toys can serve a valuable educational purpose for 3 and 4-year-olds. They make learning fun, while teaching important skills to little ones! Help your preschooler learn the basics, such as letters, numbers, and shapes, with one of these techy learning toys.
Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set This magnetic toy will not only keep your kiddo busy while you cook dinner, but it will also help him learn the letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make. It sticks right to your refrigerator but is small enough to take anywhere.
V Tech Write and Learn Creative Center This interactive toy makes learning to write a lot more fun. The screen features letters and numbers and even demonstrates how to form each one. Your child then practices writing on a magnetic tablet that can be easily erased. This is a great techy toy to teach letter formation.
Just Smarty Electronic Interactive Alphabet Wall Chart Hang this interactive chart on the wall to help learning letters and numbers come to life for your preschooler. All he has to do is press on a letter or number and he will hear its name, sound, and more. He can even learn counting and spelling with this chart. This is a great way to practice some of those preschool readiness skills before school starts!
Early Elementary Ages 5-7
When you’re looking for an interactive tech toy for a 5 to 7-year-old, you might be thinking about something that has educational value as well as being fun. A learning tablet is a great option for kids this age – they can play all kinds of interactive games while learning and having fun. Other great tech options for elementary schoolers are interactive games and even a SmartWatch for kids. Read on for our top choices for 5 to 7-year-olds.
Leap Frog LeapPad Academy Kid’s Learning Tablet This Android tablet comes preloaded with over 20 games and apps for your child to explore. There are games about Math, Reading, and Writing, as well as fun apps that allow your little one to create and use their imagination.
Flashing Cube Brain and Memory Game for Kids This cube can actually be used to play multiple games that will test your child’s working memory and reflexes while she tries to beat the clock. She can play both speed and memory games on this unique toy. This is a great way to keep her busy on long car rides when she needs a break from the tablet.
V Tech KidiZoom SmartWatch DX2 If your elementary aged kiddo has been eying Mom or Dad’s SmartWatch, why not surprise him with one that is made just for kids? This watch can record videos and take pictures, play music and more. It even has fun AR games made just for kids. Help your little one feel like a big kid with this cool watch.
Elementary Ages 8-10
8 to 10-year-olds are ready to try more advanced electronic or high tech toys, with a little help from Mom or Dad. For older elementary aged students, there are many toys available to teach a variety of STEM skills such as coding, robotics, and more. Here are a few high-tech toys that are so much fun, kids won’t even realize they are learning:
Lucky Doug Solar Robot Kit – For your little engineer in training, this kit contains materials to create 12 different solar powered robots. Lucky Doug is a great STEM toy that promotes engineering and construction skills. The best part? No batteries are required. Just take Lucky Doug out in the sun and he is ready to roll.
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone A drone kit is perhaps the ultimate tech toy for kids. This set is great for beginners and fun for the whole family.. It’s easy to grasp, simple to learn, and can do all kinds of tricks. If you are hoping to get your kids away from the screens and outside playing, this drone kit is a great choice.
4M 5576 Table Top Robot This activity set is perfect for kids that can’t get enough of robotics and building things. Kids will need to follow directions and work together to construct a robotic crab that really moves. This educational toy even carries the Parents Choice Seal of Approval, making it a great choice for kids.
When it comes to selecting kids’ toys, variety is key. While of course outdoor play and physical activity are important, techy toys and games can have their place too. It’s all about balance when it comes to growing well rounded kids.
If you are looking to mix up your children’s play experience with some fun, unique, and high-tech toys, give one of the ones on our list a try! We hope some of the above toys will work for your family and provide a little high tech fun for everyone.