Toy Insider and Toy Book Senior Editor James Zahn joined NBC 5 in Chicago to show off some of the holiday season’t top tech toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


MONSTER JAM MEGALODON STORM

This R/C monster truck drives on water and any terrain, from mud to snow. Features a water-resistant body, BKT tires, and an out-of-range sensor that will beep if the truck gets too far away.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 4+
  • Manufacturer: SPIN MASTER
  • MSRP: $49.99; $69.99 CAD

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ASTROCAM FLYING MODEL ROCKET STARTER SET

Ever wonder what the view is like from 1000 feet high? Well, wonder no more! The Estes Astrocam Flying Model Rocket Starter Set includes everything you need to capture audio and video from a rocket in flight. The Estes Astrocam is equipped with its own high-definition digital video camera and a specially engineered nosecone to house the camera during flight. Start the camera while the rocket is on the launch pad and begin recording audio and video onto the included 16GB Micro SD Memory Card. Stand back and press the launch button and the model rocket camera captures the breathtaking sights and sounds from liftoff through recovery from onboard the rocket itself! The Beginner-Level Astrocam rocket goes together quickly and can be ready to fly in less than 30 minutes. All parts are pre-finished – kids can build their own rocket with no gluing or painting. Each Astrocam Starter Set contains an Estes Port-Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller (requires four 1.5V alkaline AA batteries, not included). The set also comes with flight supplies – two different types of engines, starters, plugs, and recovery wadding – for the first two Astrocam launches.

Fast Facts

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MIP ARCADE

Kids can choose between endless screen-free play or more than 20 app-enabled games with this playful robot. It features more than 80 eye expressions and emotions. Discover all of MiP’s engaging gameplay, funny expressions, and cool dance moves.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 6+
  • Manufacturer: WOWWEE
  • MSRP: $99.99

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SNAP SHIPS GLADIUS AC-75 DROP SHIP

Build to battle with the largest and most heavily armed Snap Ship. Follow the instructions to create two different crafts using 124 interchangeable pieces, including an action-ready UJU piece. Includes two pilot figures.

Fast Facts

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REMOTE CONTROL TURBO TRICK RICKY

Kids can create realistic action when they take their favorite remote control rescue bike on their next adventure. The easy-to-use controller features a simple design that packs plenty of punch. Watch as Ricky performs daring tricks with the press of a button on the remote control. He does real wheelies and 360 degree stunt spins! Tires work on carpets and bare floors.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 3+
  • Manufacturer: TOMY
  • MSRP: $29.99

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PROJEX

ProjeX turns any room into an incredible gaming arcade! Kids can project crisp graphic images onto any blank wall and enjoy real-life gaming, without the limitations of a screen! Features three interchangeable image slides — each with unique sound effects: Blast ducks, targets, or UFOs. Play solo, compete for the highest score, or in “Co-Op” mode, where players are a team and work together to get the highest combined score. To activate “Co-Op” both players must hold the trigger while they reload.

Fast Facts

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