Roboquad
This programmable robotic arthropod can do everything from seeing in the dark to breaking into “a funky little dance.” By changing its awareness and activity levels, kids can tailor its personality.
Ages 8 and up. Price: $100
Contact: Roboquadonline.com
Source: Parents
Kidizoom Camera
This digital camera holds up to 200 photos and five minutes of video. The LCD screen operates like a kid-friendly version of PhotoShop, letting little shutterbugs crop images, style photos with wacky effects, and play games. Ages 3 and up. Price: $60
Contact: Vtechkids.com
Source: Parents
Tub Tunes Water Flutes
Kids can compose songs while they get clean by filling the flutes with different levels of water. Song sheets are also included for tub virtuosos. Ages 3 and up. Price: $12
Contact: Giggle.com
Source: New York
Major League Baseball toy box
Hand-carved, with the logo of your child’s favorite team.
Ages 2 and up. Price: $159.99
Contact: Toysrus.com
Source: Washingtonpost.com
Havoc Heli
These remote-controlled battle choppers, made of lightweight foam, “dip and dart” as they try to take “control of playroom airspace.” They can also fire “infrared beams” at one another until one is hit and spins to the ground. Ages 8 and up. Price: $80
Contact: Airhogs.com
Source: Family Fun
Eyeclops Bionic Eye
“For the budding scientist,” this giant eyeball acts as an electronic magnifying glass. Plug it into a TV screen and view any item at up to “200 times its size” (TV not included).
Ages 5 and up. Price: $35
Contact: Amazon.com
Source: Real Simple
Super ’70s Space Hopper
This cosmic-looking creature revives the hopper ball popular in the 1970s. It holds up to 220 pounds, so even Moms and Dads who hold a place in their hearts for their “old Hippedy-Hop” can take a bouncy ride.
Ages 6 and up. Price: $37.95
Contact: Cute-ure.com
Source: Cookie