11:09 PM PST, November 11, 2008, updated at 11:12 PM PST, November 11, 2008
When picking gifts for seven to eleven year olds, I feel the need to pick items that are still kid focused but with a bit of a twist that makes them feel more grown up. Let's be honest, we all know a "tween" (oh, how I despise that word!) who will be asking for an iPod, a video game system, or *gasp* a cell phone this year. Something about all that grown-up technology feels like it should be held off a little longer. Whatever happened to letting a kid be a kid until they were fifteen or sixteen? And even then, they are still kids- they just might be taller than you and ask for your car keys.
For seven to eleven year olds, independence and feelings of accomplishment are key, and while "toys" might seem too young for them, there are a lot of great offerings in the toy area this holiday that will make them happy. And maybe you'll even get a "Thanks Mom! Thanks Dad!" this time.
If you have a child asking for a personal gaming system, but you don't want to cave into creating a video game monster, the LeapFrog Didj might be just the remedy. While it is a gaming system, these games are learning tools and targeted at just this age group. While they might have enjoyed the Leapster at a younger age, this group is ready to graduate to the Didj and onto titles like Star Wars Clone Wars, and Super Chicks that allow more custom gaming and also allow parents to track their child's learning through the LeapFrog Learning Path. This Learning Path technology will update parents on where their child is doing well, and in what areas they might need to study more. It's a helpful tool for parents who want to want to see what their child is learning but can't be hovering over their shoulders at all times.
Something that all parents of seven to eleven year olds are interested in is keeping their kids active and not just lounging on the couch. A cool new item that encourages this is Udance. Udance is an interactive toy that tracks your dancing when you wear sensors that strap to your feet. The movement is tracked by a sensor, and will tell the participant how well they are doing with the dance moves. Music by Chris Brown, Rihanna and other popular artists will make your kid get up and boogie down.
Science toys are also popular with this age group. Kits like Snap Circuts allow your child to safely explore how electricity works. Another exploration toy that is hot this holiday is the Eyeclops Nightvision. Kids can don these goggles that will allow them to see perfectly in pitch black, and bring a whole new world to life at night.
Technology toys for girls is also popular this holiday. My Meebas and Huru Humi are two interactive toys that are the perfect size for stocking stuffers or gift exchanges. The Hannah Montana Guitar Video Game allows girls to take part in the pop star action by playing along with their favorite Hannah songs. Girls will also enjoy the Jakks Pacific Spa Factory and Cupcake Maker. These are two kits that encourage innovative thinking and a sense of accomplishment as girls enjoy their fun new creations.
Classic toys like LEGO get a new twist with Indiana Jones and Star Wars Clone Wars sets. Remote control vehicles are also big for boys this season. The Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Car will drive up walls and even on the ceiling, and the Airhogs Battling Helis are sure to keep sibling rivalry alive (even dad will want to play with these fun helicopters!).
So what are you buying for your "tween" this year? Are they asking for toys that we haven't covered? Leave us a comment and let us know!
--Laura McMullan
Product Description by Amazon.com
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