It is an increasingly high-tech world, and that’s true for toys as well. Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by ABC World News Now to show off some of her favorite high-tech toys that will be in high demand this holiday season.  For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and be sure to check out our complete holiday gift guide.


leapstart_leapfrog2LeapStart (LeapFrog)

  • The LeapStart interactive learning systems are designed to help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning.
  • Using the stylus, kids can tap any page to activate audio responses and play activities designed to keep them engaged and coming back for more.
  • Each book in the library is packed with over 30 activities. Games, jokes and songs come to life, enticing kids to trace numbers, hunt for letters, compose their own music and so much more.
  • Ages 2-7
  • MSRP $39.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart

baby-so-real_wicked-cool-toys2Cabbage Patch Kids Baby So Real (Wicked Cool Toys)

  • CPK Baby So Real life-like babies combine traditional play patterns with groundbreaking technology.
  • Baby So Real’s interactive sweet baby sounds and random reactions are designed to surprise and delight kids.
  • With your touch, Baby So Real comes to life with beautifully animated LCD eyes that open, close, and look around.
  • Loaded with realistic features that encourage interactive nurturing play, Baby So Real has sensors for peek-a-boo and tickle play, feeding from a special bottle, burping, diaper changing, and rocking to sleep.
  • Just like the original Cabbage Patch Kids, Baby So Real is soft and cuddly with removable clothes.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart

zoomer-chimp_spin-masterZoomer Chimp (Spin Master)

  • With lifelike movements and realistic chimp sounds, Zoomer chimp is the closest kids can get to having their own chimp.
  • Zoomer Chimp can follow you, stand up on his own, and recognize commands through his voice recognition technology.
  • He loves to perform tricks – using voice commands like: “Stand,” “Sit,” “Go Bananas,” “Do a flip,” and more.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $119.99
  • Available: Walmart, Kmart, Toys “R” Us

cyklone360_maisto-international1Cyklone360 (Maisto)

  • With wheels that twist and turn, the Cyklone360 is an action-packed radio-controlled motorcycle.
  • This futuristic style bike has amazing spinning action including 360 degree turns that the kids can control with a pistol-grip controller.
  • The rear wheels twist and turn and the LED light changes color while driving.
  • Ages: 8+
  • $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us

hexbug-battlebots-arena_hexbug4Battlebots Arena (Hexbug)

  • The lights dim as the audience roars, you have just entered the ultimate robot showdown venue! Modeled after television’s favorite metallic warzone comes the HEXBUG BattleBots Arena! Watch action-packed matches unfold inside this 20X20 arena, a perfect place to pit a collection of the world’s most fierce machines against one another!
  • The HEXBUG BattleBots Arena even includes two push activated pulverizing hammers! A fold-out game board features authentic graphics and plastic side panels recreate the protective glass surroundings, just like on TV!
  • Also included with each battle arena are Tombstone and Witch Doctor, I/R remote control BattleBots – ready to fight at your will!
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us

lumi_wowweeLUMI (WowWee)

  • LUMI provides exciting drone action while taking some of the fuss out of flying an indoor quadcopter. LUMI can literally fly itself while kids play, direct and command it using the app.
  • With a smartphone or tablet, kids can select one-touch stunts, follow-me mode, or simply take control and fly LUMI with ease, while obstacle avoidance technology helps LUMI avoid your walls and furniture.
  • Various single and multi-player game modes include challenging the player to follow sequences of flashing lights while LUMI flies and dances in the air, reacting to your performance.
  • Players can choreograph a series of flight moves and play them back to music selected from their music library and also save and share their programmed airshow with other LUMI users.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $79.99

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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