Five Cool Gadgets for Techie Kids

There are several considerations you need to make when buying gadgets for techie kids. Although gadgets like iPhones and PSPs look like they are ideal for kids because of their size, the truth is they are designed for adults and so use interfaces and have content that would either bore or frustrate them. Plus, they are pricey and easy to break (A notable exception to this are Nintendo consoles, which have been designed childproof, but again, these may not always be age appropriate).

Thankfully, toymakers today realize that kids learn about our high level of technology early on, and have designed gadgets that will cost parents less, teach kids more and keep them happier longer. These have been picked out from the many different brands and kinds of toys available, so do not be surprised if one of your favorites is not found here.

Boggle Flash

Boggle Flash is an innovative new version of the classic word game Boggle by Hasbro. Traditionally, Boggle uses 16 dice with different letters in it, that you arrange to form words for points. 

Boggle Flash replaces those dice with small LCD tiles that change letters. When connected side by side, the tiles will recognize and indicate when you've actually formed words. Boggle Flash is a great new way to play an old classic.

Leapster Explorer

Leapfrog is a brand name for several educational devices catered to young children. They have rapidly produced several sprite-based video game consoles that play educational games, with constant upgrades, emphasizing child-safe usability and increasing features. 


Among their products, I would recommend the Leapster Explorer, which features games, e-books, apps and even an attachment that turns it into a camera. 

National Geographic 50mm Telescope

Telescopes are one of those toys that kids really want to get but parents cannot afford. Most toy telescopes are unhappy inferior facsimiles. National Geographic's 50mm Telescope is a reasonable copy of a real telescope, externally and internally, and great at getting them started peering into the planets, without having to pay full price. 

Please note that National Geographic also has 30mm telescopes that sell for less, but will not be good enough for looking up. If you want your child to learn astronomy in earnest, do not settle for less than 50mm. 

Paper Jamz

Paper Jamz are toy versions of musical instruments such as guitars, drums, turntables, amplifiers and even microphones. As the name implies, they are made of mostly cardboard and are battery operated. More importantly, they simulate the sound and experience of the real thing to an astounding degree. 

At a fraction of the price of kid sized musical instruments, or musical video game accessories (Rock Band guitars do not run cheap), your kids can start playing music early with these genuine musical wonders.

Computer Engineer Barbie

Not technically a gadget, but I had to include this as a role model for girls AND boys. Famously announced as her 126th career, Computer Engineer Barbie reflects contemporary geek-friendly sensibilities and appropriately, accessories include a cellphone, Bluetooth headset, and laptop with appropriate travel bag. 

Although some people complain why it took this long, I think its appropriate that it was now, when gadgets and the internet had pushed geekery into the forefront, that we got a Barbie that reflected these current trends. 

Your Thoughts?

These are only some of many great gadgets to get for techie kids. What other toys would you recommend? If you are a kid, what do you think of these and what gadgets do you actually own? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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