Gizmos for Kids

Anyone can buy a regular stuffed animal. If you have seen one, you have seen them all, right? Well, how about a stuffed animal that has a code that allows you to enter a new world on the web? That is what Webkinz can do!Webkinz are plush pets that each come with a unique secret code. These stuffed animals are similar to many other small soft toys, yet they come with a special code on their labels that allows access to the “Webkinz World” website to “adopt” a virtual version of the pet for virtual interaction. Each pet has levels of happiness, health, and hunger that decrease as time is spent with that Webkinz. They can be increased by feeding, playing with, exercising, and bathing the pet. If these meters get too low, the virtual pet becomes sick and must take the special medicine purchased at the clinic. Much of the game involves the making and spending of Kinzcash. Earning Kinzcash involves playing multiple minigames, including quizzes and arcade games. This virtual currency can then be used to purchase items for the virtual pet.

Collect them all!

Recommended price starting from $12.93 at Amazon.com.

This electronic teller machine helps children learn money management as they maintain a savings account up to $999.99. The machine accepts real coin- and currency-deposits and gives up-to-date account information on its screen. Young depositors have their own ATM card and PIN for checking account balance, making deposits, or withdrawing funds. Coin deposits are automatically computed on-screen; children learn currency denomination by entering bill amounts separately.

Recommended price $39.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer.com.

The 6-Foot See-Me Tunnel can be used both indoors or outdoors. Made of strong flame-retardant nylon, this roomy 19″ diameter tunnel has padded ribs for comfort, and collapses flat to just 3″ for easy storage under sofa or bed. Ages 3 & up.

Recommended price $32.95 at Kiddlywinks.com.

This is a car that kids can drive before they are 16! The Tilt-Steering Electric Ride-On Racer lets riders up to 150 pounds shift their body weight in either direction to tilt the front axle and wheels for pinpoint steering. The non-toxic powder-coated steel frames ergonomic seat connects to the durable front steel axle that has two metal foot pedals that provide a sturdy support during leaning. The 10″ plastic wheels each have a raised rubber tread for traction in tight turns, and a left hand brake brings the car to a stop. Acceleration is controlled by a right hand trigger throttle, and the forward and reverse gears are controlled by a toggle switch under the rider on the top of the chassis. For ages 8 and up.

Recommended price $399.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer.com.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Keyboard has been designed and tested just for kids ages 2 to 10 years. KidzMouse Keys works for small children by simplifying the keyboard, rounding the tops of keys, and shortening the overall span from the bottom to the top of the keys. KidzMouse Keys are safe and fun to use. The special KidzMouse Keys ledge allows children to put their favorite things on the keyboard. Kids will enjoy the colorful keys along with the characters around the keyboard. A great gift idea!

Recommended price $29.98 at Children’s Software Online.com.

This fun working replica of the original vacuum cleaner has been modified for kids to use. The vacuum has 3 different suction levels which will suck up the poly-styrene balls which are included and has a detachable, washable, fabric dust bag which holds all of the balls that are sucked up. There are 3 different exchangeable nozzles which can be stored in the lift up lid of the machine. There is a control lamp on/off switch on the machine that has wheels which turn in complete circles. The main nozzle of the vacuum can be positioned in either the rear or the side of the machine for more usability. The vacuum itself is orange with black accessories and a silver pole and silver hose. There is a locking mechanism between the suction tube, nozzles and the handle for safety.

Recommended price $35.99 at Mastermindtoys.com.

The WowWee “RoboSapien” Remote Control Robot is a full function fast moving robot minion suitable for all your world domination needs. This easy-to-use humanoid is ready for eons of fun right out of the box; there’s no complicated setup or need for a computer. RoboSapien’s 60-plus commands are easily controlled by an ergonomic remote, not some impossible-to-understand logarithms or formulas. Sit back and watch as this 14″ personal robot goes through movements and activities you never thought possible in a home robot, from its hilarious kung-fu motions and “caveman” voicing, to shaking hands and picking up objects around the house. Plus, the RoboSapien doesn’t get around rolling on hidden wheels to approximate walking. It actually walks, and runs for that matter!

Recommended price $59.99 at Amazon.com.

Build your very own Death Star and add to your LEGO® Star Wars collection! This incredibly detailed and faithful replica of the Death Star II from Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will make an awesome addition to any Star Wars collection. The partially constructed Death Star looms in space above the forest moon of Endor, super laser ready to fire. This unique collectable is sure to rank as one of the greatest LEGO Star Wars models ever produced!

Recommended price $299.00 at Lego.com.