Your kids love technology just as much as you do -- if you're bringing them up right, that is. It's so great to be able to share your love of gadgets and AV gear with your offspring. However, when it comes to sharing the actual gadgets, let's just say that you probably aren't the best role model.
Now is the perfect time to get your favorite little AV geek something shiny that they can call their own.
Thankfully, it was a great year for pint-sized gadgets, some of which are perfect for those little hands. You know, the same hands that constantly want to hog and/or smudge up all of your favorite gadgets. It was hard to narrow it down, but we've come up with a list of seven items that would definitely propel you into the role of favorite parent/aunt/uncle.
The best part about this year's list is that you should also get your money's worth in parent playtime. Read on for our picks of 7 Great Gadget Gifts For the Kids.
Apple iPad Mini
This latest and smallest version of the iPad may be the only way to get your kid off your iPad. It's small, which makes this a good choice for small hands. However, it doesn't mean that your kid has to sacrifice any of that Apple quality. This model has a 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display with IPS technology and a 1024-by-768 resolution. It's also got a dual-core A5 chip just like the iPad 2, a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera with 720p video, a 5-megapixel iSight camera with 1080p video, face detection, and Bluetooth 4.0. Just don't forget an iTunes gift card; this model can access thousands of movies, TV shows, games and other app goodies. [MSRP: $329 to $659]
Fuhu Nabi 2 Tablet
If you can't justify the cost of an iPad, this one should keep your kid plenty busy. It can be fun for the whole family (once the kids are asleep, of course), with profile options and impressive specs like a 7-inch touchscreen with a 1024-by-600 resolution, a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, 1GB RAM, and the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. It also has 8GB of storage for videos, photos and downloads, but can be upgraded to 32GB via the microSD card slot. Other features include 720p video and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Word on the street is that you can tap into the Amazon using this thing, but there's also over 500 downloads available directly through the Nabi App Store. [MSRP: $199.99]
Nintendo Wii U
Without a doubt, this is the must-have videogame gift this holiday season. In fact, a few stores have been selling out -- and with good reason. Nintendo's latest is insanely cool, combining a portable device with console gameplay. That portable controller is the Wii U GamePad. The controller allows for gameplay right on the device or users can mirror the content to a big screen, in up to 1080p resolution. It also doubles as a video player. Nintendo is selling a Basic Set, which includes a white Wii U console with 8GB of internal storage, one white GamePad controller, AC adapters for both the console and controller, a sensor bar and an HDMI cable. The Wii U Deluxe Set has a 32GB console in black, with the same accessories and a console stand, a GamePad charging cradle, a GamePad stand, and the Nintendo Land game. [MSRP: $299.99 to $349.99]
Griffin Crayola DigiTools Deluxe Pack
It's ok to let the kids entertain themselves with an iPad. However, it doesn't always have to be Angry Birds or streaming something from Netflix. Instead, Griffin and Crayola have teamed up to get your kids to exercise those creative muscles. Create 3D art on the iPad using Crayola's DigiTools 3-D Pack, add effects with the DigiTools Effects Pack, or do digital spray art with the DigitTools Airbrush Pack. For the kids looking for more special effects than a Harry Potter flick, the DigiTools Deluxe Pack combines all three of those smaller packs for one price. [MSRP: $39.99]
Wonderbook: Book of Spells
Books probably aren't at the top of your kid's wishlist. Wonderbook isn't really a book, though; it's a book-like peripheral for the PlayStation 3. Not so boring now, is it? Wonderbook also needs the PlayStation Eye camera and the Move controller to make its magic -- no, literally. The first Wonderbook title is J.K. Rowling's Book of Spells, which invites players to get in touch with their inner-Harry Potter and practice a little magic by flipping through the 12 pages on the Wonderbook add-on. [MSRP: $39.99]
Beats urBeats In-Ear Headphones
The kids will love these headphones because they have the status of the Beats by Dr. Dre brand. You'll love them because they will last for longer than 5 minutes and will let the kids keep their crappy music to themselves. These earphones are constructed in such a way that they can take a little bit of a beating. However, they also have an exclusive Beats driver, metal housing to prevent vibrations, and a sealed construction to block out external noise. Oh yeah, they're also lightweight and have a built-in mic for hands-free talking via an iPod touch or iPhone. [MSRP: $99.95]
Star Wars Han Solo Silicone Tray
While Santa's elves are wrapping presents, you can make a few chocolate treats using this silicone tray. After all, chocolate is the breakfast of champions on Christmas morning. Because these are in the shape of Han Solo in Carbonite, it's also quite the delicious stocking stuffer for your budding Star Wars fan. If your kid is too busy scarfing down your hard work to notice that fine craftsmanship, you may want to throw in the Star Wars: The Complete Saga Blu-ray box as a little refresher course. [MSRP: $9.99]
