Tech toys are changing the way kids learn and play. Toy Insider Senior Editor Ali Mierzejewski stopped by WBNS Columbus to show off some of the hottest toys for the tiny techies on your holiday shopping list. 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.
Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar (Fisher-Price)
- Preschoolers can arrange Code-A-Pillar’s easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations to send Code-a-Pillar on his path: forward, left, right, or even wait for a couple seconds before moving again.
- Kids can configure Code-A-Pillar to make him reach the targets they set up throughout the room.
- Kids will learn sequencing, programming, and more building blocks of coding.
- Ages: 3-6
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Amazon
Code & Go Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set (Learning Resources)
- The race is on to build coding skills!
- Kids can build a maze and then use the coding cards to create a step-by-step path for Colby, the Programmable Robot Mouse.
- Program the sequence of steps, and then watch Colby race to find the cheese!
- This deluxe set includes 30 double-sided coding cards, 10 double-sided activity cards, cheese wedge, and Activity Guide to provide the perfect hands-on introduction to coding concepts.
- Colby lights-up, makes sounds, and features two speeds along with colorful buttons to match coding cards for easy programming and sequencing.
- Add multiple players with Jack, the Programmable Robot Mouse, sold separately.
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Fat Brain Toys
Little Scholar Mini (School Zone)
- With over 36 years of experience as the leaders in providing early education resources, School Zone Publishing Company continues to innovate and provide fun learning tools for kids.
- The Little Scholar Mini is a 7-inch children’s tablet that comes preloaded with over 70 apps, books, games, videos and songs that improve your child’s reading, math and spelling skills.
- The tablet includes Charlie & Company, School Zone’s Intellectual Property video series.
- Ages: 3-7
- MSRP: $129
- Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us
- With the new 3Doodler Start, kids can finally bring all of their wonderful and imaginative ideas to life in 3-D.
- This 3-D printing pen extrudes an eco-friendly plastic that cools and hardens rapidly, allowing kids to literally draw in the air.
- Specially designed to be clean and safe for kids, with no hot parts or messy resins or glues.
- Easy to use thanks to one speed, one temperature, and no software or technical knowledge required – just turn it on, insert a strand and start doodling in 3D.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Amazon
Dreamworks Trolls Selfie Star Video Recording Microphone (eKids)
- Create the ultimate music video with this DreamWorks Trolls Selfie Star Video Recording Microphone!
- Kids can connect their MP3 player or other audio device to record up to 4 songs at a time, then use the included App and Selfie Stick to make videos as they rock out with your friends!
- Includes the built-in song “Get Back Up Again.”
- Kids can decorate their selfies with stickers, troll hair, and more.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
