Looking for the hippest high-tech toys for the holidays? Toy Insider Senior Editor Ali Mierzejewski stopped by Western Mass News in Springfield to show off some of the most advanced tech toys on the market this holiday season. 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.
DRONE FORCE: ANGLER ATTACK (ALPHA GROUP US)
- The Angler Attack is a toy drone that features one-touch takeoff and landing for easy indoor and outdoor flight.
- The LED lights help with nighttime flying.
- The drone is shaped like an Angler fish exoskeleton shell.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us, K-Mart, Kohls, Meijers
DANCE CODE FEATURING DISNEY PRINCESS BELLE (HASBRO)
- Dance Code Belle empowers and encourages kids to imagine they are bringing Belle to life in a realistic way, including an interactive and story-driven app that introduces kids to early coding techniques.
- Using the app, kids can learn simple coding techniques such as block coding and “connect-the-dots” to create and choreograph unique dance sequences for their Belle doll, and watch her really move.
- The Dance Code Belle doll also features three standalone modes of play, independent from the app.
- Belle can instruct kids to dance, kids can hold Belle’s arm to lead her in a dance, or simply press her necklace to watch the doll dance to choreographed dance routines on her own.
- She features more than 100 phrases and seven different songs, and comes wearing Belle’s iconic gold gown.
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $119.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Toys “R” Us
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 to 9
- MSRP: $119
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Walmart, Target
- VRSE is an all-in-one VR gaming platform for kids.
- Kids can play Jurassic World VRSE and fight off hungry T-Rex and Velociraptors, or play Batman VRSE and head to Gotham City to become Batman and defeat the Joker’s evil plot to take over the city.
- Kids can download an app on their smartphone, which is then inserted into the headset to begin the VR experience.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
NIKKO AIR ELITE 115 RACE SET (TOY STATE)
- Part of a debut line of Nikko Air racing drones, the first and only co-branded drones designed expressly for consumers.
- New pilots can master the drone racing skills they need to fly to the next level with this new racer.
- The set lets users create custom courses and challenge friends to a race.
- Modular gate system and accessories included.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Amazon, Target.com, Toys “R” Us, Walmart.com
STAR WARS HERO DROID BB-8 (SPIN MASTER)
- Get ready for the most lifelike BB-8 experience yet: Hero Droid BB-8.
- The loyal astromech droid will delight collectors and kids with his impressive size—more than 16 inches tall—and built-in voice recognition.
- Set Hero Droid BB-8 to “Follow Me” mode and it will roll beside fans just as loyally as it would follow Rey or Poe.
- Additionally, users can control BB-8 with the enhanced two-stick remote via R/C control.
- BB-8 also has the ability to come when called and reacts to key phrases and names from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $229.99 USD
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
