Fun techie toys for kids of all ages
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For kids, electronic toys are a favorite gift, but that doesn't mean they have to sit glued to a screen.
Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine found four great tech toys that are loaded with creativity and will really engage the young ones on your list.
Consumer Reports tech toy expert Carol Mangis brought her favorites to the office, where some real kids of all ages took over and checked them out.
Leapfrog Leapband
Price: $30
Ages: 4 to 7
Jeffrey is jumping like a tiger, because his monkey told him to! The $40 Leapfrog Leapband features "pets" that give kids activity challenges. The child earns jewels and redeems them for more pets or games.
"This tech toy isn't the kind of thing that's going to keep kids sitting and staring at a screen. It gets them up and moving, really active and engaged," Mangis said.
Where to get it: Leapfrog.com
Crayola's Virtual Design Pro Kit
Price: $30 each
Ages: 6 and up
This is available in two kits - cars or fashion. Each has a colorful array of crayons, markers and stencils and a book full of car or dress designs. The high tech twist happens when you scan your drawings into a phone or tablet they animate. Models walk the runway and cars race through an obstacle course.
Where to get it: Crayola.com
3Doodler
Price: $100; extra plastic packs are $10 each
Ages: 14 and up
The 3Doodler is for the crafty kids. The device extrudes a thin stream of plastic that dries almost immediately so teens can turn their drawings into 3-D creations. The $100 toy comes with 10 colors, but the possibilities are limitless. Extra color packs are $10 each.
Where to get it: The3doodler.com
Makey Makey
Price: $50
Ages: 8 and up
You can get MaKey MaKey for the inventor in your house for $50. The kit is loaded with fun. The wired clips connect to a little circuit board and turn anything that conducts a current - say cucumber slices - into computer keys.
Where to get it: Makeymakey.com
For more high-tech toys, visit Consumer Reports Shop Smart
