Best Tech for Kids
Gizmos for Youngsters
Back-to-school shopping is more than just finding the right pencils, lunch pails and protractors. Parents now have to consider a wide range of high-tech gadgets for pupils and preschoolers alike.
But how much should you spend on a netbook for the teen? Which Web sites are safe, educational — and fun — for preteens? BusinessWeek and Cookie magazine paired up to find which products from V-Tech, LeapFrog, Hasbro, Mattel, Apple, Sony, Electronic Arts and others make the list of 50 best tech products for children. This slide show starts with gadgets suitable for babies, then moves to toddlers, preteens, tweens and young adults.
V-Tech Ride & Learn Giraffe Bike
Cost: $50
Where I can find it: vtechkids.com
Why we like it: Baby’s first stationary bike. The more she pedals, the more she gets to see letters and shapes pop up on the LCD screen.
LeapFrog Tag Junior Book Pal
Cost: $35
Where I can find it: Leapfrog.com
Why we like it: Kids press the chunky stylus against the pictures in the book to hear the corresponding story.
Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
Cost: $22
Where I can find it: LeapFrog.com
Why we like it: A classic toy just got a whole lot more interactive; put letter magnets in the machine to hear the letter sounds pronounced.
Wee See Collections 1 & 2
Cost: $30
Where I can find it: WeeSeeWorld.com
Why we like it: DVDs that visually stimulate your newborn with stark black-and-white kinetic art and a soothing soundtrack.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table
Cost: $40
Where I can find it: Fisher-Price.com
Why we like it: As soon as babies are old enough to stand, they need something to stand at. This table, packed with buttons, levers, songs and beeps, keeps them standing for long stretches.
V-Tech V-Smile Baby Infant Development System
Cost: $30
Where I can find it: vtechkids.com
Why we like it: The oversize buttons on this colorful video-game controller were designed for a baby’s hands.
Kids II Baby Einstein Color Kaleidoscope
Cost: $15
Where I can find it: Amazon.com
Why we like it: If they can hold a rattle, they can also hold this high-tech light-and-sound machine, which boasts three different levels of difficulty.
Munchkin Voice-Activated Crib Light
Cost: $13
Where I can find it: munchkin.com
Why we like it: Fear the dark no more. This soft, reassuring glow turns itself on as soon as baby starts crying.
Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Take-Along Projector Soother
Cost: $20
Where I can find it: Fisher-Price.com
Why we like it: Forget about those big, clunky mobiles to entertain your baby in the crib — give her a light show!
- Naiomi Solomon
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