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LUXURY RIDE
An Enzo Ferrari oozes opulence, and this remote-control model from Hammacher Schlemmer has luxurious functions. A free app turns your iPhone into a touch-screen remote for a “virtual driving experience” with precision steering, acceleration and braking. Rev the engine and control lights, signals and horn with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. $100. (800) 321-1484; hammacher.com.
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KID-PROOF CAR
Morphibians from Kid Galaxy are ideal for young children who might run their toys into a mud puddle, swimming pool or lake. Designed for children ages 5 and older, they power through water, dirt and grass. Models include the green Gator and the Explorer probe. $33. (800) 869-7787; toysrus.com.
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HOVERING HEIGHTS
The Remote-Controlled Bald Eagle from Hammacher Schlemmer soars, loops and even hovers, like a stringless kite with a motor. It features a 9.5-foot wingspan and a range up to 500 feet. $500. (800) 321-1484; hammacher.com.
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FANATIC FUN
Harness the power of air with Air-Stream Machines, a 59-piece kit from Thames & Kosmos that includes a blower motor, soft-bladed fan and instructions so you can build a hovercraft, basketball launcher or other machines that use air pressure and propulsion. $70. (800) 587-2872; thamesandkosmos.com.
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MODEL BEHAVIOR
No tools are required to snap together five different vehicles in the OWI 7-in-1 Rechargeable Solar Transformers. Solar energy powers three cars, a bulldozer or a dump truck into motion using two charging stations. The kit includes a stunt ramp and options for halogen light or battery power. $27. (310) 515-6800; owirobot.com.
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SALT SEDAN
Take the cool little Saltwater Fuel Cell Car from Edmund Scientifics to the beach! It uses a mixture of salt water and magnesium metal sheets as fuel; each sheet provides about six hours of power. $15; includes three sheets. (800) 818-4955; scientificsonline.com.
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MIND BLOWING
Lego’s Mindstorms EV3 kit lets children ages 10 and older build robot characters that walk, talk and respond to custom commands. Step-by-step instructions guide the creation of five different robots, controlled by an included remote, free laptop software, or tablet and smartphone apps. $350. (800) 835-4386; shop.lego.com.
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SPACE SAVER
This racetrack isn’t off the wall—it’s on the wall! The Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Roto-Arm Revolution Track Set uses adhesive strips to affix to smooth vertical surfaces. Cars race over multi-level tracks with assists from rotating gears and motorized “claws” that keep the action moving. $45. (888) 762-8835; shop.mattel.com.
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ELECTRIFYING EXCITEMENT
Kids can learn practical science and have fun doing it with the Thames & Kosmos Electricity & Magnetism kit. Children ages 8 and older can snap together pieces to create circuits, observe the force of magnetism, build a loudspeaker or tackle any of 60 safe experiments. $50. (401) 459-6787; thamesandkosmos.com.
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CANINE COOL
Zoomer is a new breed of interactive electronic pet that understands commands in English, Spanish and French. Downloadable apps give you training tips so you can teach him tricks. Choose the spotted Dalmatian or a purple pup. $80. (800) 869-7787; toysrus.com.
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HOOP IT UP
Shoot hoops with friends in distant places with the Nerf N-Sports Cyber Hoop set. Using your mobile device, compete with up to four players at a time. The app even creates a video highlights reel so you can watch your best shots in slow motion. $20. (800) 408-0052; hasbrotoyshop.com.
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ENHANCED IMAGINATION
Turn a toy castle into a tech palace with the Fisher-Price Imaginext Appitivity Fortress. An adult inserts an iPad into a sturdy protective sleeve, and, using a free app, the screen delivers an interactive fortress with rooms, characters and quests to explore. $50. (800) 747-8697; fisher-price.com.
Kids plus toys plus imagination equals fun. Add a twist of technology, and it’s a total package of entertainment, creativity and learning.