Techcitement Holiday Gift Guide: Tech For The Kids

My kids, ages 1, 3, and 5, are all tech-obsessed. Whether it’s using our cell phones, computers, or the TiVo, it’s hard to keep their hands off of tech geared for adults. We make a point of finding tech for the kids at their level, and there’s plenty to choose from. There’s also a lot of beeping, flashing, and mind-numbing stuff on the market. I sorted through it so you won’t have to and found three pages of the best of the best, covering educational gifts, computers and software, music, robotics, and apps:

Educational
Younger kids want to get in on computer time too. Teacher’s Pet Pre Kindergarten bundles five games for young kids that cover reading, time and geography, science, and critical-thinking skills. From $13 for PC only.

In this puzzle game from Nintendo, Professor Layton and his apprentice have to solve a murder. I’ve played a few of the puzzles and found them interesting and challenging. Rated E for everyone, but younger kids may need adult help to solve some puzzles. Costs $31.50, Nintendo DS only.

Kids of all ages enjoy taking pictures. Older kids will enjoy editing their photos with Adobe’s Photoshop Elements 10. Pick up a manual and read through it to help your child learn the software, and suddenly tech-time equals quality-time. Costs $55 for Mac or PC and $30 for the manual. Also, will someone please explain to me how Amazon sells Adobe’s software for less than it’s listed at in Adobe’s own store?

Computers and software
Today’s kids use all the technology that we do. So, why not keep your hardware safe? The Kids Rugged Notebook is reinforced and water-resistant to allow it to handle whatever your kids throw at it. Or throw it in. The Notebook comes with a 1.66GHz, 1GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, 8X DVDRW, 10.1” color touchscreen LCD (1024×600), WiFi, 1.MP camera, and Windows 7 for $638. Upgrades and other options available.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5 — 7 is a great choice for kids who enjoy Harry Potter and want in on the action. The game features puzzles, magic, and the chance to explore favorite areas from the books in the battle against Voldemort. Available on Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox360, Nintendo DS, Windows, and Nintendo 3DS from $30-$50.

Our kids love to dance, and with Just Dance Kids 2, I know that they’re getting exercise even on the rainiest days. Songs are age-appropriate, the dances are geared towards a wide range of skill levels, and your kids will learn to follow choreography. But most importantly, they’ll have fun doing it. Costs $29.99 on the Wii, $26 on Xbox360, $29 on Playstation.