This pick also transitions easily from toddlers to teens with easy-to-use parental controls for little ones and plenty of apps, music, and book options for high schoolers. The Fire 7 Kids is perfect for road trips; just be sure to download shows and movies in case Wi-Fi isn’t available, and keep the charging cord on hand because the battery is said to drain quickly. Price at time of publish: $60 In addition to offering comfort and opportunities for learning, this educational toy is resistant to daily messes. Parents can remove the electronic components to machine-wash the soft outer layer. If your little one has multiple Linkimals creatures or if a friend has another toy from the series, you can set them up to interact for even more fun. Price at time of publish: $16 While the screen doesn’t light up and this learning laptop lacks a port for headphones, this device includes four learning modes: alphabet, messages, games, and music. In alphabet mode, kids will learn a specific letter, its sound, and some words that start with it. Other fun features include animal trivia games, email messages from Scout (LeapFrog’s main character), and 16 different songs and melodies. Price at time of publish: $25 It has a 7-inch touchscreen, front and back cameras, 16 gigabytes of storage, and an Android operating system that’s easy for even little fingers to navigate. As the parent, you can completely customize the experience before handing it over, including managing parental controls. It’s also linked up with Google Play for you to add other apps that your kids love. While the battery life isn’t the longest-lasting, and some report Wi-Fi issues and slow app loading, the sturdy aqua-blue silicone case will help protect it from the bumps and blows that are sure to come. Price at time of publish: $80 To use it, you need to download the company’s free app, which has an easy-to-grasp coding interface that teaches kids about concepts such as loops and variables. The app is regularly updated, so even after your child has built all the possible combinations, they’ll be able to find new challenges and even interact with friends who are also using it. This learning kit is feature-packed, but it’s best for introducing older kids to STEM concepts. Price at time of publish: $265 While the initial investment is costlier than some other educational gadgets, the Switch can also help your young ones stay in touch with family members and cousins who live several states away. You can set it up for remote play and hold a multiplayer Super Smash Bros. tournament with just a few clicks. Price at time of publish: $300 This globe helps kids learn and experience different languages, cultures, animals, and habitats while playing three interactive games. Although the globe comes with more than five hours of BBC videos, if you want more content, you need to purchase additional adventure packs to keep the learning going. These options include subjects like ancient civilizations and dinosaurs. Price at time of publish: $90 The dashboard includes two views. The Kid view shows only their step stats and earned badges, while the Parent view details specific activities and enables them to approve or reject Fitbit friend requests. Like the adult Fitbit, this one also includes optional hourly reminders to move and sleep tracking, which might encourage your child to keep active throughout the day and turn in early for better numbers. Price at time of publish: $117 Choose from fun filters and frames to customize your photos on the touchscreen then upload them onto your favorite device or print to frame and display. This camera has a fairly long battery life that allows six hours of before needing more juice. Plus, the design itself is simply adorable.
Ease of Use
Kids’ electronics should be simple and intuitive to use. Look for clear graphics, simple instructions, and easy-to-operate mechanics. Be sure that the electronics you select are age-appropriate according to both your kids’ age and personal stage of development, which can be more or less advanced than their peers at any given time.
Durability
Kids’ electronic toys typically use safe and durable materials, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Look for items that include a kid-proof case or rubber or plastic coverings that can withstand drops and are easy to clean. It’s important to select well-made electronics from reputable manufacturers that will stand the test of time and can be passed down to younger children as your kids outgrow them.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer is a parenting and lifestyle writer for The Spruce. Her work has appeared on digital media outlets like Fatherly, What To Expect, and Today.com. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics, including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more.
