Top Tech Toys for Traveling on NBC Atlanta

Tech toys can be a great way to keep kids entertained and calm on long road trips this holiday season. Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by NBC Atlanta’s Tech Edge to show off some of the best high-tech toys to put some fun in your holiday travel. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.

KIDIBUZZ (VTECH)

• Communicate on the go with Kidibuzz. Kids can send texts, voice messages, photos, drawings and animated stickers over Wi-Fi to a parent-approved list of contacts such as family and friends.
• This kid-tough messenger features bumpers and a shatter-resistant screen, so it’s great for on-the-go fun. The device is preloaded with more than 40 learning games that cover a variety of subjects including math, spelling, science, problem solving and music, and a kid-safe web browser with parental controls.
• With its Android-based operating system, this messenger is compatible with popular Android apps and games that parents can choose to download and make available to their children.
• Age: 4+
• MSRP: $99.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

LEAPFROG EPIC ACADEMY EDITION (LEAPFROG)

• LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition is packed with kid-appropriate, on-board learning content, including 20 learning games that explore a range of subjects and skills and a free trial of LeapFrog Academy.
• Kid-safe right out of the box, the LeapSearch web browser lets kids safely surf the Internet and parental controls allow parents to add Android apps as their kids advance.
• Ages: 3-9
• MSRP: $119
• Available: Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Walmart, Target

EKIDS HEADPHONES (EKIDS)

• Kids can take these headphones wherever they go to enjoy listening to crisp quality sound from the makers of eKids. Sleek design, adjustable headband, and padded foam ear cushion offer style and comfort. Has a built-in volume limiter to protect hearing.
• Connect to any audio device, also has an AUX jack and includes a 3.5mm detachable audio cable. These headphones are a perfect purchase for trips, plane rides, bus rides, or just chilling out.
• Available in a variety of licenses, including Disney, Marvel, Pokemon, Star Wars, Shopkins, Ninja Turtles, and more!
• Age: 3+
• MSRP: $19.99 – $39.99
• Available: Amazon, Best Buy, eKids.com, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart

KURIO WATCH 2.0 (KD INTERACTIVE)

• Kurio Watch 2.0 is a real working smartwatch that features interchangeable wrist bands, including color-changing bands, the ability to customize the watch screen with photos, an expanded selection of fun photo filters and frames; an included screen protector, and more.
• Kurio Watch 2.0 comes loaded with games to play alone or with a friend, like Tic Tac Toe and Pirates Battle. Watches can be connected for play on two screens, or kids can play together on one device. Motion games like Snake and Ninja Roll use precise wrist movements for play.
• Watch-to-watch messaging via Bluetooth makes it possible for kids to share texts, emojis, drawings, voice recordings, and photos. Friends and family can also download the Kurio Watch Messenger app on any Android device to get in on the fun. The front-facing camera is perfect for selfies, making videos, and using fun photo filters. When connected to a parent’s smartphone (Android or iOS), Kurio Watch 2.0 also becomes a hands-free way for kids to take phone calls (No additional phone plan required).
• All of the features you’d expect from a smartwatch – like a calculator, calendar and reminders – are included too. Kurio Watch also has an “In Case of Emergency” (I.C.E.) app that allows parents to enter emergency medical and contact information.
• Age: 6+
• MSRP: $59.99
• Available: Best Buy, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

LUVABELLA/LUVABEAU (SPIN MASTER)

• Luvabella is a loveable, life-like baby doll that comes in a variety of girl and boy doll options in different ethnicities.
• Children can care, nurture and play with Luvabella and Luvabeau using the doll’s interactive accessories and pacifier.
• From feeding time with her spoon, play time with her Lamby, to nap time with her bottle, Luvabella will respond with natural reactions. Kids can watch her laugh, blink, purse her lips, and more.
• Feed her with her spoon and she’ll begin to chew and learn new food words.
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $99.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

SOUNDMOOVZ (CRA-Z-ART)

• SoundMoovz is a motion-activated electronic device that plays cool music and special effect sounds as users move.
• Kids can experience the excitement by moving, dancing, and creating unique musical beats
• The device uses Bluetooth technology, just simply power on for pairing, download the free app, choose over 400 sounds, and start the fun.
• The product comes with two special bands that users wear to enable the device.
• Layer your beat onto a song. There are multiple sound modes including Robot, Karate, Instrumental, and Musical
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $69.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Best Buy

LIGHTSEEKERS STARTER KIT (TOMY INTERNATIONAL)

• Lightseekers is an action-adventure role playing game built for mobile devices that fuses together fantasy and reality, integrating video games and smart action figures with the latest in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, interactive trading cards and more.
• The mini-computer, known as the FusionCore, is embedded within each action figure and is the “brains” behind the smart connected toys.
• Players can take their experience to another level, adding physical accessories to their figures and scanning trading cards with the Lightseekers game app to customize their gameplay. 
• Add smart action figures with interchangeable weapons you can level-up.
• Scan augmented reality trading cards that give you special in-game abilities.
• Connect motion-controlled flight packs that turn your figure into a game controller.
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $69.99
• Available: Toys “R” Us

FINGERLINGS (WOWWEE)

• Fingerlings baby monkeys come to life with endless ways of play and realistic sounds to let kids know how they are feeling. Kids can wrap them on their finger to have a new friend at their fingertips.
• These silly critters have happy monkey sounds, blinking eyes, heads that turn, hands that grip, and a curly hanging tail.
• Kids  can swing them, pet them, kiss them, and even rock them to sleep.
• There are six different Fingerlings to play, share, and collect.
• Ages: 5+
• MSRP: $14.99
• Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart