Best Kids' Personal Video Players
InnoTab MAX gives your child the best of both learning worlds with an ever-expanding library of over 650 educator-supported learning cartridges and carefully-selected educational Android apps. Kids tablet has an adaptable design with a tough, kid-friendly cover that can be removed for a more grown-up feel; ever-expanding selection of hand-picked Android learning apps that are perfect for kids of all ages.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"- Both have additional accessories you can buy like gel skins, cases, rechargeable batteries, ac adapters, and headphones. UPDATE: the InnoTab doesn't have a gel skin accessory, just a screen guard you can purchase. - Both have eReaders, MP3 Players (InnoTab's is free, LeapPad's is an additional $3.75 through their App store), art studio, and most of your basic themed books and games. - Some people like to creatively take the tablets out of the box for setup before handing to a child as a gift. The InnoTab2 is a bit more of a challenge; just use sharp scissors to break the tape and fold out the box carefully. Actually it looks like with InnoTab2 they were the same size, but they surrounded it with an additional ¼" layer of decorative plastic with rubber corners to help protect it from a fall. On VTech's website I couldn't find the app store to save my life. - InnoTab2 has buttons for brightening or dimming the screen, but don't expect much, there's only four bars and it doesn't make a lot of difference. button that allows you to hear instructions again, or find out more information about an app (nice touch!). Honestly, I feel the InnoTab2 is just what the original LeapPad was: s-l-o-w. InnoTab2 takes 37 seconds to reach the app home screen. When he tries to swipe the screen to the next page he sometimes touches an app, which causes it to load. If I lay my finger down for just a fraction of a second the InnoTab2 thinks I'm selecting an app instead of swiping. So you have to be careful to swipe in an empty space; my 3 year old isn't capable of that when the screen is filled with apps. The screen isn't as bright and crisp as the LeapPad2, and the tablet doesn't feel as solid in my hands. LeapPad2 is currently $20 more; I'd really suggest getting a LeapPad2 over an InnoTab2, especially if you have a 3 year old: Older kids probably not that big of a deal, just a matter of preference."
"Edited to add: Build quailty becomes less of an issue if this tablet will be given to a child age 6-8 as they are less likely to drop it and drag it around the house by the stylus like my son does with his leappad :) My son is rough on toys so the fact that the leappad it still going strong (minus some scratches) after a few falls is awesome. Included Apps: The innotab comes with 2 games(Pinball Letters and Ice Escape), 1 book (What's That Noise), an art studio, coloring book, calendar, calculator, video player, mp3 player, photo viewer, notebook, clock, and a contacts app. Additional apps can be purchased online for $2.99 each and when you register the innotab you get 3 free V.Coins which you can use towards your purchase of additional games. While vtech's apps are priced lower than that of leapfrog, the games available leave alot to be desired. I also noticed that the games that come with the cartridges are VERY similar to the mobigo games. While playing one of the downloadable games it quickly progresses to the next level without making sure the kids are really ready to move on. (Videos must been in avi format in order for the innotab to play them) I purchased an 8gb sd card and uploaded Cars, Kung Fu Panda, Ice Age 3 and Toy Story 3, downloaded a few games and one extra ebook and still have over 2gb left. If I had to recommend one over the other I would definetely say go with the leappad because of the educational value, but it also depends on the age of the child you are purchasing it for."
Little photographers can enhance their photos with a variety of fun effects or go into the make-up studio to add wigs, eye shadow and accessories! The Selfie Cam includes three fun logic and memory games; also features video capture; 320x240 video resolution; record up to 5 minutes of video.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My 5 year old loves."
"Purchased this for my 8 year granddaughter for her birthday."
"my granddaughter loves her camera, easy for her to handle she's turned 5 in may."
"They are not a camera for those who are looking for professional usage, but these two girls figured them out all by themselves and we're photo bombing each other."
"Nice camera for kids but memory sux."
"This was a Christmas present for my very advanced 3 year old."
"Broke after a month, display only comes on while charging, would not buy again."
Pressing the eight learning app buttons introduces your child to letters, shapes, counting, numbers, instruments, animals, first words and music. Toddlers can tap on Cody the VTech Smart Cub to interact with him as they play; Pre-K learning toy allows kids to swipe back forth between screens.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I didn't really like this product."
"My 1 year old granddaughter loves this because she thinks it's just like her older sister's ipad."
"My 1 1/2 year old doesn't really want anything to do with this."
"We got this for our 9 month old daughter and she just loves it."
"I am giving this as a gift so I will come back and update my review after the holidays!!"
"Good product and good service."
"This is kind of hard to navigate."
"Broke only after a few months of use."
Best Kids' Music Players & Karaoke
Top Loading CDG Player with Disco Light Effect.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My child loves to sing and this was the perfect gift!!!!"
"I thought that the item would be in a nice colorful box showing what it looked like. But for the most part, I feel it was a great deal and my grandson loved it so that’s all that matters."
"So happy I made a good choice for a Christmas gift."
"It gets 5 stars because it works great and the kids love it."
"It's cool but you have to really yell in it to work."
"The sound quality is good and the light feature makes it fun for kids."
"I am going to purchase an LG OJ98 which is a bluetooth speaker with a karaoke feature built in and it comes with a microphone!"
"It seems the plugs aren’t made for newer model tv’s (our tv’s are 8 years old and newer)."
Best Kids' Walkie Talkies
Features: Size Approx :160 X 55 X 28mm(L X W X H). Channels: 22 FRS and GMRS. VOX function. Channel lock. LCD display including, battery status indicator. Transmitting and receiving icons. Channel number and scan status. Monitor function. Setting the double channel monitor. Scanning Channels. Power selection (LO/HI). Push to Talk Timeout Timer. Setting and Transmitting Call Tones. Setting the Sensitivity Level. Setting the squelch Level 1-6. Finding Channels and Channel lock. receiving communications. setting the call ring melody. setting the button tone. Power with 3 AA batteries(not includes). No worries, after you choose the channel, you can lock the keypad, and they will not change and just press the PTT to talk.It is easy to lock the keypad, press and hold Menu button until there are a key showed on the LCD. Small and light body allow kids easy to use and just 90g per radio is easy to carry.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had previously picked him up some cheaper made walkies from Toys R Us."
"After an initial problem with one cutting out, customer service reached out to me and was very responsive to my concerns."
"My Grandsons are having a blast with these, we tested them Christmas night and they worked a couple houses away!"
"got these for my 5 year old for his bday and they work great."
"I keep one while my boys run around and I listen to their convo!"
"My daughters love this thing, we can drive away from home a mile or so and still hear the other person at home... Fun!"
"This product look and work nicely."
"My grandsons were thrilled with the walkie talkies!"
Best Kids' Cameras & Camcorders
Kidizoom® Duo Selfie Camera is a fun, durable and easy to use digital camera with front and rear facing cameras so you can take fun photos and selfies. Special featured Photo Optimization, when you take a photo, multiple shots will be taken and the camera will find the best shot to save. 2 cameras switch between the front and rear lenses with the dedicated switching button, great for selfies, dual view finders, 4x digital zoom, built-in auto flash, 5 built-in games. Feature a Parental Controls Setting to limit the play time for the built-in games, you can also disable all games through this setting.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This takes clear pictures and is simple to use (even for ME) It requires 4 AA batteries, two in each side. There are fun treatments for selfies and pictures of friends the kids will love, and it is simple to scroll through and delete. They are basic simple games that will actually improve some of her motor skills (imo) Intetesting enough that she will want to play them sometimes but not overly absorbing. Perfect for those times on vacation when photos aren't being taken but a child needs to be occupued (on a bus or train for example... Why bring an extra toy?). The games give you the option of toggling for control or tipping the whole unit right left up or down."
"We're working with her to wait until she hears the shutter noise, but I don't think that it is abnormal to expect toddlers to push a button and expect instant results. I'd still recommend the camera, especially for older children who can wait a couple seconds until they hear the shutter sound to check their photos."
"The camera alone is worth 4-stars - the photography features work well, with fun overlays and transformations for both photos and videos. My daughter was not rough at all, but after 4 months the camera developed a defect such that it shuts off randomly during use, sometimes within seconds - making the camera now unusable. They claim the Amazon "Online Exclusive" product carries the 90-day warranty of their US products - although this product is not sold by VTech America, and their US customer service won't respond to inquiry about this product."
Best Plug & Play Video Games
Specification: Color:Black. Screen:5inch 16 milloncolor screen. Battery:3.7V high capacity polymer lithium battery. Video fromat: MP4/RM/AVI/ASF/MOV/MPE/DAT/MPEG/MPG/RMVB/3GP. Music format:MP3/WMA/WAV/APE/FLAC/OGG/RA. Image format:JPG/GIF/PNG/BMP. Record fromat:*.MP3. PC connection: B-5Pin (USB2.0). Supported System:Win2000/Vista/XP//Win7/Win8/Win10. Mp3 player & battery: With audio features and large capacity battery, support audio formats including WMA, DRM,WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV and AAC, and this machine also offers sound options,surround sound effect options, and play mode options.Music can continue to play when you use other applications (except for games& Watch the video).1500mAh batteries can give you 3+ happy time hours. Power Supply: Built-in high capacity polymer lithiumbattery for ultra-long standby time and life battery, recharging by USB cable. Built-in speaker with inspiring sound effects, unique high quality translucent material, 3.5mm headphone jack, volumecontrol, low power indicator.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Most games do NOT run smoothly nor do they run at the correct speed. Some of the simpler games (Mario Bros. for example) do run but both the music and the movement run too quickly. One star for the quantity of games, one star for being able to play a few games somewhat normally....if you're satisfied with the simple games and don't care about most of the others, this may work for you...but what's the point of all the games if many of them play poorly?"
"I am pleasantly surprised by all the fun this hand-held game console has brought our family!"
"The whole package contains one main game console, one pair of earbuds, one USB charging cable and one Micro SD reader."
"it does feel a little cheap but as long as you keep care of it its amazing!"
"I bought it for my loverly nephew, he never tried this kind consoles before until I give him."
"All games are old games like Mario, tanks etc."
"It is a very good game."
"There are many games on it.I like Super Mario.I spent whole time playing this game.I haven’t played this game for a long time.This product gave me a chance."
Best Kids' Electronic Systems & Accessories
2-in-1 kids basketball hoop sports center; play on the toddler basketball goal or score goals with the toddler soccer net.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"OVERALL: Good toy that gets children moving, keeps their interest through electronic interactive music, cheering, and instructions. SIZE: I think it is smaller than the online product pictures make it seem. The basketball hoop is springy and the net is soft pliable plastic-- perfect for baby dunks. When a ball is kicked into the goal net, it congratulates and cheers. I posted about 7 pictures that show various parts of the toy and a size comparison."
"We're still keeping it around because she likes to through the balls in the hoop and kick goals."
"my grandson is 14months old and does get the soccer part but he loves the basketball."
"This seem like a good sports toy."
"We purchased this for our nephew and he absolutely loved it."
"Come to realize that it's a kids toy."
"This is a cute little play station."
"My daughter is one and can easily put the ball in the hoop and loves doing so!!!"
Best Electronic Pets
They also make kissing sounds, chatter away in monkey babble, open and close their eyes, hang by their tails and more. Discover all of the fun, wild and wacky ways that they respond to your touch and voice. Give your baby monkeys some tender loving care, and they’ll soak it right up. Our team was inspired by a video that was making the rounds on social media featuring baby pygmy marmoset monkeys. We thought that if we could bring these adorable creatures to children's fingertips, we’d have some very happy pet owners! We fuse the latest technology with larger-than-life personality traits to turn these little creatures into true companions. Watching kids laugh hysterically as they discover all of the different ways to play with our toys. Fingerlings respond to sound, motion, and touch with blinking eyes, head turns, and silly monkey babble.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Ive included pictures of the real and fake ones being sent out."
"But the price I paid the day they came out was the suggested retail price of $14.99."
"My daughter purchased this yesterday....yes, yesterday with her own money from T*rget."
"The monkey is super cute, but here's the problem... the tail breaks super easy and the paint on the hands and feet rub off.. and this all happened with in 30 mins of my nieces and nephews playing with theirs."
"Peeling and not even a week old."
"I bought the white one and the teal one."
"Kids loved it in the beginning but after 3 days the eyes stopped working... they are stuck in the shut position."
"I ordered a fingerling and what came was a cheap fake finger monkey."
Best Electronic Dance Mats
Right out of the movie Big, these incredible virtual piano mats have 24 touch sensitive keys that replicate the sound of eight different instruments. Great on their own, even better with the other floor mat instruments like the drum set and DJ Turn Table in our store! Includes One Giant Electronic Floor Mat Keyboard. Includes One Giant Electronic Floor Mat Keyboard.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I got this gift for my 2 little great nieces for Christmas, they opened it on Christmas Eve and everyone had a blast, even the adults were playing on it."
"This is a super fun product for a really great price."
"I use this in my keyboard class."
"This IS a great product but without a song/music book for new learners, it is JUST OK. My grandson is 8 and wants to learn an instrument, which his folks cannot afford right now."
"A gift for my granddaughter for Christmas."
"The only thing that was keeping the mat inside the box was the tape that I'm assuming the distributer added before shipping it to me. Striking the plastic mat with the supplied sticks is so loud that the drum sound is covered up and inaudible."
"The material is a shiny soft plastic, didn't seem like a good quality."
"My 8 year old son was so excited when he opened the gift and crushed when we put batteries in it only to find that it didn't really work."
Best Electronic Learning & Education Toys
It's become an all too common sight to see kids with their faces glued to screens, disconnected and disengaged from the world around them. Osmo was conceived to open up the digital experience to unlimited possibilities of real world, dynamic play and learning. Nothing is better than watching kids smile as they gain confidence and develop powerful creative minds. Solve physics puzzles by drawing lines on paper or placing objects, like a pen or a toy dinosaur, in front of the screen. 5 magical hands-on games and the iPad Base foster creativity & problem solving skills. Genius Kit comes with the Osmo Base (stand & reflector), game playing pieces (including upper and lower case Word’s tiles) and stackable storage containers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Whenever my son goes into Osmo, it tries to sell him Osmo coding."
"As a teacher and mother of a young child, I love the idea of this product. You could argue that this is an advantage to learning both but it is confusing when you're spelling words with all uppercase. I feel like a $100 app should include different screens and games for adding. The app constantly asks us to move the pieces but it never corrects itself."
"She is a wiz on the iPad, so naturally we thought it would be a good option to expand her skills using the device she is familiar with. She is starting kindergarten which has focused us on working towards those simple reading and math skills. I will layout the pros and cons for this product, which ultimately, I highly recommend for all parents starting with a 5 year age group. Cons: - Only works with Apple Products (I hope the designers expand to other touchscreen devices. Since my daughter is 5 years old, we were working with the Easy and Medium applications, but this allows for her to grow with the program, which is a nice feature. She was able to work, free of our attention, for almost 30 minutes, exploring the different animal shapes and construction of the pieces."
Best Remote- & App-Controlled Figures & Robotic Toys
What makes Anki OVERDRIVE the world's most intelligent battle racing system? Each Supercar is a self-aware robot, driven by powerful artificial intelligence (A.I.). And with continuous software updates, the gameplay always stays fresh. An Anki OVERDRIVE Starter Kit and a compatible mobile device are required to play.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It's next generation technology in slot car racing, goodbye Hot Wheels and flimsy tracks, this is the new play in town (though comparing Hot Wheels to Anki is unfair, Anki is in a different league)! CONTENTS: - Modular racing tracks (4 straight and 6 curved, each piece connects magnetically). - 2 Cars (GroundShock and Skull). - Charging station (charges 4 cars at the same time). - 2 Stands (to create overpasses in tracks). - Tire cleaner. You will also need to download the Anki Overdrive app from the app store (it's available for free on both Apple app store and Google Play) on each device that you wish to control the cars with (Anki Drive app will not work with this set). SET UP: - Connect the tracks (tracks can connect in several ways, the packaging box outlines 8 different ways to lay out the tracks). - Charge the cars by inserting them in the base charging station. - Download the app to your tablet or phone. That's really it, it takes less than 5 minutes to get the racing set up and running. It's physical cars racing on an actual race mat, but they are controlled by an app. As you progress through races and collect awards, the app allows you to equip your car with weapons. These weapons are great when battling other players - they let you shoot at the other cars (not physically, but in the app), and also jam the other cars for a few seconds. When you attack another car, the opponent's car lights will flash red and the car will slow down. The problem with this was that if the car ever went off the track, it would pick up fibers from the carpet and not run correctly. - I'm not sure if the tracks have sensors, but I am assuming they have some electronic components in them which allows the app to track each vehicle on the tracks, and also lets it automatically send the cars to the start line at the beginning of each race. COMPARISON WITH ANKI DRIVE: - Anki Drive costs $100, Overdrive costs $150. - With Anki Drive, you can only battle players that are on the same type of device. With Anki Overdrive, the introduction of magnetic modular tracks makes it easy to configure the track layout to your liking, and add uphills and downhills."
"The cars have trouble staying on the track especially with 3 or 4 cars racing! When a car goes off track, the driver's screen prevents the driver from pausing the race, so you depend on another driver to notice your distress and delay the race enough for you to replace your car less you attempt to replace it with the other cars going full speed. That usually just ends in another car going off track due to the interference of your hand and/ or slow moving car. Regarding battery life, you have to make sure that you don't make the car with the lowest battery the host of the race because if the host car dies during the race, then the whole race is ended abruptly."