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The iXL takes the best elements of handheld gaming devices, iPods, and other grown-up tech and makes them kid-friendly, for ages 3 and up. The little ones get apps--ABC & 123 Teaching Notepad, Art Studio, Games, Interactive eReader, MP3 Player, Photo Viewer--a color touchscreen, and even a stylus. Plus, the iXL closes up to keep the screen safe from drops and bumps when not in use. This toy offers a good balance of fun and learning and will grow with your child. Themed cartridges with new content for each app start at $25. The iXL comes in blue, pink, and silver.
Price: $80.00
Playing hide-and-seek by yourself is usually no fun, but this toy will delight kids even if there are no friends or siblings around to take part. Jojo the adorable blue bunny plays the game just as any another child would--he counts down from ten (with his ears over his eyes), then rolls around obstacles in search of the "magic carrot." A transmitter helps JoJo find the hidden child, but he doesn't always win. Either way, your kid gets positive feedback whether he hides successfully or JoJo finds him.
Price: $39.99
The legend of BigFoot is real, but he isn't a big, scary monster. In fact, this pint-size robot just wants to be friends. Kids as young as 3 can manipulate this articulated toy via the foot-shaped remote control. The chunky buttons and easy-to-understand icons mean the kids will master the task easily, and then have a ball figuring out how to make BigFoot walk, talk, somersault, dance, and sleep. The creature will also play catch, eat his favorite foods, and converse with dozens of mixed Monster Gibberish and English phrases.
Price: $99.00
The newest of Matchbox's Big Rig Buddies to arrive in robot form, Stinky transforms from an ordinary garbage truck into a wisecracking, interactive toy. He loves to eat and haul garbage (small Matchbox cars) but also likes to sing. Kids can use him as a traditional toy truck or activate his Robot mode for more fun. Matchbox includes dozens of snarky phrases and even an accompanying DVD to which your tyke can play along.
Price: $59.99
Not only does this eReading system for kids teach grammar, reading skills, and spelling, but parents can keep track of their children's progress by syncing the V.Reader's data to a program for Mac or PC. Parents can download different themes, avatars, or more stories online; load them via the SD card slot; or purchase interactive books for kids ranging from 3 to 7 years old starting at $19.99. Available in blue or pink, the V.Reader's sturdy design can withstand minor mishaps, and the chunky buttons mean that even toddlers will be able to use it on their own.
Price: $59.99
Before Lotso took over Sunnyside Daycare, he was just another toy looking for hugs. Recreated in detail by Thinkway Toys, this Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear doesn't have any of the Machiavellian tendencies of his movie counterpart. With the look of a slightly careworn plush toy with eminent squeezability Lotso is sure to get plenty of hugs, even with his electronic guts. Squeeze the right hand for toy bear mode or the left hand for interactive bear mode, where Lotso will respond to your child's voice.
Price: $49.50
If the kid on your list loves music but you don't love the damage headphones might do to young ears, get your wee one a fun speaker instead. Harmony will connect to anything, from an iPod to a laptop via a headphone jack, and she dances along with music as it plays through the surprisingly powerful back-mounted speaker. The longer Harmony dances, the more her personality comes out. Part of the Littlest Pet Shop Online series, this toy also comes with a code to unlock a virtual world with games, social networking, and other interactive activities.
Price: $24.99
Ever wanted to train and tame a dinosaur? With Cruncher, your kids can do just that. With the right amount of attention and care, Cruncher will guard their room, play catch, come when they call, speak, dance, and even learn new tricks. If he's neglected, he'll revert to predator mode and act out, speeding forward on his wheels to bite and attack. If Cruncher's behavior gets too bad, children can pick him up by the tail to show him who's boss.
Price: $99.99
Ready for a toy that matches its movie counterpart down to the tiniest detail? The Ultimate Buzz Lightyear does everything except come to life when your child leaves the room. Just as in the Toy Story movies, Buzz originally thinks he's an actual Space Ranger, and acts and speaks accordingly. Once you tell him he's a toy, his personality changes (though you can switch him back); he even has a Spanish mode. Buzz's fully articulated face expresses a range of emotions, and when he talks his lips move in sync. Kids can use either the wireless remote or voice commands to control the robot as he plays games, dances to music, and walks around.
Price: $149.00
Throughout the years, kids have used Barbie dolls to create countless stories and plays. Now they can capture, save, and rewatch playtime from Barbie's point of view. Video Girl Barbie has a real working camera embedded in her torso that can capture up to 30 minutes of video. Kids can either watch their movies on the screen in the doll's back or download them to a Mac or PC. And with the free Windows software from Barbie.com, they can learn how to add special effects, edit footage, and upload their movies as well.
Price: $59.99
Whether your kid just likes music and games or she's a budding DJ who wants to mix her own songs someday, the Beamz Player will make a great gift for her (and the rest of the family). Interrupt the beams of light to add in instruments, mix tracks, or splice sound effects. Kids can also interact with the included music videos. Beamz comes with 50 top hits modified to work with the player software, and there are more songs available via the Beamz online community. Kids can record their mixes and share them for even more fun.
Price: $199.00
Kids who love to tinker and are interested in how things work will love building the T3. Once assembled, it can transform into a tank, scorpion, or robot--all powered by solar energy. Not only will kids learn about robotics and green power, but they can take pride in playing with a toy they've built themselves.
Lowest Price: $17.19
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