Toy Insider Senior Ali Mierzejewski stopped by CBS Cleveland to talk about the season’s most entertaining tech pets. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.


hatchimalsHatchimals (Spin Master)

  • Hatchimals are magical creatures that live inside of eggs. Who’s inside? It’s a surprise!
  • Each egg contains one of two interactive Hatchimals. Kids must care for their egg, and its eyes will light up as it makes cute sounds, telling you how it’s feeling!
  • Once kids have played with it enough, they’ll see rainbow eyes, meaning it’s time to hatch! But, Hatchimals can’t hatch on their own. Kids’ touch encourages them to peck their way out of the egg—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
  • Now, kids get to raise their furry Hatchimal through three stages, from baby to toddler to kid. Hatchimals sing “Hatchy Birthday” each time it enters a new stage!
  • Kids will teach them how to walk, dance, play games, and more. It will even repeat what they say in its own voice.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP:$59.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, with retail exclusive characters

chip_wowwee1CHiP (WowWee)

  • CHiP (Canine Home Intelligent Pet) is the ultimate AI Robotic Dog.
  • CHiP recognizes its master and responds to commands using the included SmartBand, a sleek, rechargeable wearable controller. CHiP also responds to hand gestures and voice commands.
  • CHiP plays fetch and fun games with his SmartBall, interacting in all the ways a real dog would. Roll his ball and he’ll bring it back to you, or play soccer with him. Pick up his front legs and he’ll dance with you. Rub your nose against his and he’ll nuzzle right back.
  • After a day of endless fun, CHiP knows it’s time to head to his special SmartBed and recharge. With a 360-degree system of play that’s physical, digital, and tactile, plus an intuitive, evolving app, CHiP is a welcome addition to today’s connected home and fun for all ages.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $199.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us

cognitoys-dino_cognitoys-by-elemental-path2CogniToys Dino (Elemental Path)

  • CogniToys are internet-connected smart toy dinosaurs that are changing the way kids learn and play.
  • The dinosaurs are smart devices in toy form, tailored just for kids to provide an educational and entertaining experience without the need for a screen.
  • Powered by Elemental Path’s “Friendgine” and IBM’s Watson technologies, CogniToys Dino responds to thousands of questions across multiple topics with age-appropriate answers.
  • Additionally, the Dinos explore educational subjects such as spelling, geography, and math through games and stories designed to challenge kids’ problem-solving abilities.
  • While other tech toys rely on pre-programmed responses, CogniToys listen to kids’ questions and adapt to their interests, creating a unique opportunity for interactive learning.
  • The cute and curious 7-inch Dinos are Wi-Fi-enabled and Cloud-based and update regularly as new content becomes available.
  • The toy explores favorite colors, animals, and more to customize engagement as well. Each toy comes with access to the CogniToys Parent Panel, a platform that provides analytics on a child’s progress across content modules for parents to review.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us

About the author

Bug Hartsock

Bug Hartsock

Bug is a News Writer for The Toy Insider, The Pop Insider, and The Toy Book. They are also a Master’s student in biology, currently studying sleep in arthropods. When they aren’t writing or working with small critters, they spend their time reading sci-fi novels, playing tabletop RPGs, or throwing creative projects at the wall. Bug had a mullet once, and is not against having one again. Reach out or find more from them at their website.

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