Music
My kids have no idea why I want this, but I’ve wanted one ever since I first saw Big at the drive-in as a kid. This 100” floor keyboard starts at $80 on Amazon. Appropriate for kids of all ages.
This guitar/piano/drum has the all-important power switch. Recommended for young kids, it plays prerecorded songs and allows your child to record and playback original compositions. Starting at $20 on Amazon.
The Memorex MKS-SS1 Karaoke System has a line-in that allows you to sing along with your own music through the built-in speakers in the base. Or plug in an instrument. One microphone is provided, but there’s an input for a second microphone as well. If your child likes to perform, this is a great system to start on. Costs $60 on Amazon.
Robotics
For kids interested in robotics, the OWI Robotic Arm Edge allows you to build your own robot arm and then have it perform various functions at your command. Starts at $38 on Amazon. Pick up the OWI USB Interface to program the arm from a PC, starting at $27.
Your budding engineer will love Eleno’s Snap Circuits Extreme. With a solar cell, variable capacitor, and instructions to build an AM radio and lie detector, some adults may enjoy this as well. From $78 at Amazon.
It’s like Transformers and Al Gore got together to make this solar-powered transforming robot. Recommended for ages 10 and up, this is the kind of toy parents may buy for the kids, then play with themselves. $20 at Edmund Scientific.
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