Best kids’ toys overall
If your little one has been begging for a dog and you’re apprehensive about all the responsibility, Dog-E may be the pet for you. Although WowWee’s Dog-E isn’t the first robot dog to hit the toy market, this pup has a bunch of unique features that make it stand out from the pack (no pun intended). Each Dog-E is unique in their colored light designs and personality traits — you won’t know which version you’ve got until it’s out of the box. There are over 200 sounds and reactions to expect with your new robot pup, including real dog sounds, tail wagging and a cute little run. An accompanying mobile app adds further interactive play, allowing you to teach it tricks and track its basic needs.
WowWee Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey
Fingerlings are back, and these finger monkeys are more than meets the eye. Equipped with more sensors, these fuzzy cuties know when they’re on your finger and have more animated features than ever before. Each monkey in the set comes in a different color and personality, which means they’re programmed with a variety of different reactions. Might as well collect them all.
Thames & Kosmos Gecko Run: Marble Run Starter Set
This isn’t just any old marble set. This version is more like a gecko, with suction cups that let the chutes and funnels climb up and down your walls. “Kids drop in the included marbles and watch gravity take its course as they roll down and drop from piece-to-piece,” explains CNET’s Bree Fowler. “Of course, it doesn’t work perfectly each time and marbles go flying, but that’s half the fun and how kids learn; they can adjust the pieces and try again.” Expansion sets are available too and include fun add-ons, like loops and trampolines.
Bitzee Magicals Interactive
Bitzee is a screen-free interactive pet that kids can play with, care for and take with them anywhere. It loves treats and is reactive to touch, swipes and other movement. Each one begins as a baby and grows through three evolutionary stages, culminating in a final stage that unlocks a special game. Twenty interactive animals — like a cat, unicorn and dragon — can be unlocked the more your kiddo plays with Bitzee.
3Doodler Start Plus
This cool 3D printing pen lets kids create anything they could possibly imagine out of plastic filaments. It’s slim and light, making it easy for small hands to hold, and it’s great introduction to the world of 3D printing. The pen melts sticks of plastic so kids can draw them into any shape, and the nozzle and melted plastic aren’t hot, so it won’t burn little hands. CNET’s Bridget Carey confirms, “I’ve tested it; you can put the tip to your skin and draw on your finger. I had no worries giving it to my kids.”
Loog Mini Electric Guitar
If your child has expressed an interest in playing an instrument, this is a great starter instrument and teaches kids how to play songs via flashcards and video lessons. It’s a three-string guitar, has a built-in amp and speaker and comes in six fun colors, from light blue to red to pink. To make the gift complete, you can also get a strap ($19) and carrying case ($39).
