Playful Tech Toys for the 2011 Holiday Season
Who says you have to be a kid to enjoy toys? Don’t give it up my friends – keep those neurons firing! Some of our greatest technical advancements sprang from curiosity and playful thinking. So in the spirit of keeping those creative brains playing, here are a few toys to consider this holiday season for you and yours.
Tankbots by My Desk Pets
This fun little robot is a great office toy but to tell you the truth, I'm getting a tankbot for my cat! This would keep pooch occupied for hours. Small enough to fit in your pocket, all you have to do is download the free app to your mobile device and start driving. The bot will go where your phone goes but it can also travel on its own avoiding obstacles along the way. Priced around $20.00, it would make a great stocking stuffer. The bot has a touchless navigation system, autonomous personality mode and Smartphone control. Use your iPod, iPhone, iPad or ANDROID to play. Download the free app online and insert the supplied iDeskPet Universal Remote into your headphone jack to control your Tankbot. Charge it up with a USB flip out connector, your bot will 'blerp' when it's ready to play.
Air Swimmers by William Mark Corp.
What? A giant, remote control fish that flies around the office. That’s just too good to be true. A little helium (which should be a part of every holiday party anyway) and easy to assemble, the clownfish air swimmer is definitely on my wish list. Seriously maneuverable, all you need is the space to fly it. I want it for our office party! They require only four AAA batteries (one in the body, three in the controller) and have complete up, down and 360 degree turning control. The Infra-red controller allows you to climb, descend, and control the tail fin. It has a range up to 40 feet. Selling for around $49.99 (but I’ve seen them advertised for as low as $39)
Visit the AirSwimmers Website
Fuel Cell 10 Car & Experiment Kit by Thames and Kosmos
Got someone on your list that loves to build models? The Fuel Cell 10 Car and experiment kit is constructed from the wheels up and includes wiring the solar panels and constructing the fuel cell. No batteries required—this toy car runs on sunlight and water. Learn how solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, which splits water into oxygen and hydrogen - the car's fuel. You won’t race with this one - the vehicle only travels at half a foot per second—but the Fuel Cell 10 allows you to experiment with and learn more about fuel-cell efficiency and clean energy. I’ve seen this selling for as low as $60.00
Visit Thames and Kosmos
Nanodots Magnetic Constructors by NanoMagnetics
I don’t know why but these little guys are captivating – you can’t stop playing with them. They are great for that fidgety person who needs something to do in order to listen in a meeting (that would be me) So they're not computerized – they don’t need to be – they’re magnetic. Designed by a Hungarian mathematician (of course), Nanodots teach science, geometry and chemistry. They mimic natural phenomena like interactions between atoms. For example they demonstrate why bees build hexagon-shaped honeycombs in their hives. But honestly they’re just plain fun to play with. I've seen these between $35 - $45 You can visit Nano magnetics
here
Sorry, no video for this one.
Electronic Test Tube Alien Kit by JKID
Everyone needs an electronic test tube alien kit. Great for those hard to buy for UFO junkies we all know and love. You get to hatch and care for your very own miniature test tube alien. The kit offers complete instructions on care and feeding; in addition to supplies such as sloog food, computer games and an intergalactic space bracelet. Log-in to to the website and become a part of the community. Hatched aliens are 6"H. You have to be good to them I have read they can be tough to keep alive and the real fun seems to be the interaction your alien has with the site. I’ve seen electronic test tube alien kits discounted as low as $23.00
Visit Test Tube Aliens
