Remember the good old days, when a handful of plastic Army men and a broomstick horse could make a kid happy for hours? Today, the toys are a bit more complicated but just as much fun. Here are some electronic gifts to bring smiles to the kids on your gift list.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Inclusion in this column is not an endorsement by South Carolina Living or any S.C. electric cooperative.
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Mr. Roboto
Finally—a loyal companion for your child that doesn’t require feeding or daily walks. Meet Cozmo Robot, a tiny computer that syncs to a phone or tablet, plays games, expresses emotion and evolves as you get to know him. With the included Code Lab, your child can customize Cozmo into a perfect sidekick. $180. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Ka-ching!
Little ones can work on math and reasoning skills with the Pretend Electronic Cash Register, which comes with play bills and coins, food, a basket, and even a bank card for make-believe spending. A working calculator tracks prices, and the cash register lights and sounds will help keep it real for your tiny merchant. $30. (800) 462-3966; bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Bucket list
Got a budding LeBron on your gift list? Let your young athlete practice anywhere with the Franklin Sports Rebound Pro Frame Basketball Game. Features eight game options and a built-in digital scoreboard, and folds away when the season is over. $160. (800) 462-3966; bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Watch this
The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX lets your little one be part of the smart watch craze at an age-appropriate level. The watch features a camera for photos and videos, plus special effects, a calculator and a calendar. It comes in a variety of bright, fun colors. $55. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Kevin Mahoney
The gift of song
Do you have a future Grammy winner on your gift list? You’ll be Santa of the Year when you give the Karaoke USA DVD/CDG/MP3G Karaoke Machine with Screen/Bluetooth/LED Display. Young singers will sing along into a professional microphone—to 300 included songs. A second microphone is included for duets. $220. (800) 462-3966; bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Blazing tablet
Tired of sharing tablet time with your child? Here’s the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet, a kid-oriented computer that’s not a toy. It includes access to games and educational content. You can even add Netflix, but don’t worry—the tablet has parental controls and a kid-proof case. $160. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Tech from Santa—Even the most challenging person to buy for during the holidays will love these “wish list” favorites, guaranteed to make any tech enthusiast entertained, dazzled and happy.