Geek Gadgets: Last Minute Tech Toys for Kids This Holiday Season
When it comes to buying children presents for the holidays, you may automatically reach for the latest "hot" toy. But what about giving children something that's fun that they can also learn from? Toys that teach children about science and technology are becoming more and more popular, and we've listed our top five favorites for the holidays this year.
This particular present is pretty neat. It actually combines a love of creation with mobile apps. How, you ask? Each month, the child will receive a box that provides them with web-based projects to create their own, usable mobile apps. Not only does it show kids how to code, but they can then share their apps with their friends and family, later. That's definitely something to consider for the child in your life.
Have someone on your list who likes buildings things? Then mCookie is possibly the perfect gift for them. This project effectively combines LEGOs, magnets and electronics to make it easy for children to create fun projects like a Bluetooth light and song player. All they need to do is put the project together.
SPRK may just be the perfect gift for a child who loves robots. With its sphere-like shape, this robot can follow commands and also roll around outside through rough terrain, including puddles. It also allows children to give the robot orders with visual blocks that represent code. Because SPRK is a clear sphere, children can immediately see what effect their command has on the "guts" of the robot.
Have a child who likes computers? Kano is probably perfect for them. This computer kit actually gives kids all of the materials they need to build an actual computer and then learn to code on it. Marketed to be as "simple as LEGO," the instruction manual uses colors and easy shapes for kids to create their computer. A monitor is required, of course!
This toy is for any child who loves cars, robots, or both. Using a combination of artificial intelligence, mobile apps and physical toy cars, this toy allows kids to race their car around a designated track against other vehicles. It's not as good at teaching kids as some of the other toys, but if this doesn't inspire them to learn more about programming and robotics, we don't know what will.
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