Looking for the most innovative new toys of the holiday season? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by ABC News to talk about the best high-tech toys that kids will love. 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.
- Aura is a gesture-controlled drone that uses patented Gesturebotics technology powered by LocoRobo.
- The wearable glove controller will have users feeling like superheroes – the drone is controlled by hand motions made while wearing the glove.
- Kids can fly Aura up and down, forward and backward, and even perform tricks like a sideways flip.
- Aura puts the power in kids’ hands, removing the learning curve of using a joystick controller to pilot their flying robot.
- Automatic features like Auto Takeoff, Auto Hover and Auto Landing offer ultimate control for the perfect first flight right out of the box.
- Built-in height and distance limiters keep the drone under your power, and make Aura perfectly suited for indoor use.
- Safety frame protects the drone from bumps and drops, and people from propellers.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Target, Toys “R” Us
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
- When Tech meets DIY, the result is instant fashion and endless creativity.
- Digiloom is a unique app-controlled weaving machine that lets kids turn fashion bands into custom bracelets, anklets, headbands, bookmarks and more.
- Using the Digiloom App, drag and drop letters, emojis and icons to create unique fashion statements.
- Next, weave the creations with the help of the Digiloom Machine.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: MICHAEL’S Exclusive in 2017
LEGO BOOST CREATIVE TOOLBOX (THE LEGO GROUP)
- Kids can boost their LEGO building experience with the amazing LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox. LEGO BOOST combines building and coding in one super-charged LEGO set that lets children add sound, movement and personality to their LEGO creations.
- Build and customize Vernie, a personal talking robot friend, code its behavior, and complete fun activities with the included playmat.
- Speak to Vernie and it will respond with facial expressions that reflect its mood. Vernie can move in all directions at variable speed on its large tracks, see objects and colors, sense distance, grip and carry accessories, make hand gestures, and launch darts from its shoulder mounted shooter
- Rebuild Vernie to create the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4), Guitar4000, Frankie the Cat, or the AutoBuilder, all controlled via your tablet with the free downloadable app that also includes digital LEGO Building Instructions for all five models, plus cool activities and ideas to spark imagination.
- The LEGO BOOST app guides children through their first build-and-code experience in a series of game-like challenges. Combining familiar LEGO building instructions and a simple drag-and-drop coding language, children build a LEGO model while building and adding behaviors.
- Age: 7-12
- MSRP: $159.99
- Available: LEGO brand retail stores, shop.lego.com
BEASTS OF BALANCE (SENSIBLE OBJECT)
- This fun new interactive game combines your favorite aspects of JENGA and Pokemon GO.
- Beasts of Balance is a true testament to your stacking ability.
- As you build the tower, connect each piece to the play pilth and watch the creatures come to life in the connected app through innovative AR technology.
- Physical and digital gaming meet in an interactive cooperative experience.
- Bringing Augmented Reality to a tabletop format.
- Great for party games with friends and family.
- Beautifully designed game pieces.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $99
- Available: Amazon; Specialty, Apple, CE
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
