interactive toys – All The Best Toys

Toddlers and Computer Toys

I just read an article in the USA today that asks the question, “Do toddlers really need computers to learn“?

The article makes the case that young kids have too much “screen time” and not enough outdoors time. That may be true as a trend in the US, but to me, that’s really a parenting issue more than a problem with a certain type of toy or technology.

One of the hottest new “screen toys” this year is the LeapPad by LeapFrog. I listed it in my list of the 20 Top Toys of 2011. Every time I’ve been at a store and browsing the toy aisle this holiday season, the LeapPad is sold out, so I know demand has been high for this toy.

I’ve also written previously about my kids experience with the Fisher Price iXL vs. the LeapFrog Explorer. These are great electronic learning toys for young kids.

The LeapPad is suggested for Kids 4 years old up to around 9 year old. So it really isn’t a toddler toy. I’d have to agree with that. My Pre-school age kids love their LeapFrog Explorer and Fisher Price iXL — but our 1 year old don’t play with these toys much if at all.

Personally, I think that these educational toys are great. My young kids also certainly love to spend time with my iPad and playing games on my iPhone. Many of the games we let them play have an educational value, while some are “just for fun”. As parents, we make sure to limit “game time” or “screen time” (including tv) so that our young kids are getting enough exercise and “real world”, not just “virtual world” play time.

So overall, I have to disagree with the USA Today article and I think that these “computer toys” are great for young kids. But just like everything else, it’s most important for parents to monitor what their kids are doing and provide boundaries and guidance all along the way.

LEGO City Advent Calendar 2011

The LEGO City Advent Calendar is a best selling toy every year. This toy is a fun way to celebrate the tradition of Advent with your family. The Lego’s are designed for kids age 5 years old and up and include 232 pieces. Each day for 24 days, you open up a new compartment to reveal some new Lego’s on a Christmas theme. After opening up all 24 days, you can put all the pieces together to create one larger scene.

Iron Man Walking RC Robot

Bring the excitement of the Iron Man 2 movie home with this real walking Iron Man action figure. This action figure is approximately 13″ in height and gets rave reviews on how well it is made and how durable he is.

All from a remote you can wear on your wrist, your child can control and command when Iron Man moves forward and fires his missils. This Toy comes with the Iron Man figure, two cardboard cutouts for target practice, four missiles, four AA batteries, a wrist remote with Velcro strap, and instructions with a troubleshooting chart.

The Iron Man Walking Robot is recommended for ages 4 and up.

You may also want to check out our List of Popular Toys from the movie Iron Man 2.

If you are looking for an interactive toy similar to the Iron Man 2 Walking RC Robot, you may want to read some of our other reviews such as Dance Star Mickey for a “cuter interactive toy”, or Stinky the Garbage Truck for a “Trash talking robot”, or even the Fisher Price Imaginext Big Foot The Monster, he’s been a best selling toy in 2010.

Dance Star Mickey

The Dance Star Mickey by Fisher Price may end up being one of the “hard to find Hot Toys of 2010”. As if Mickey Mouse isn’t cute enough already, Fisher Price has turned up the cuteness even more with the new Dance Star Mickey. He walks, he talks, he dances! Mickey has multiple songs and each song has it’s own unique dance.

Dance Star Mickey is perfect for kids 18 months old up to around 6 years old.

We did a little “in store testing” with one of our favorite 3 year olds. Watch the video and see for yourself as her face lights up as she dances along with Mickey!

Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck

Stinky the Garbage Truck is one of the Best Toys 2010. He is interactive, loud and fun with over 90 different sayings and phrases!

The Garbage Truck: Stinky is the name, gobbling garbage is his game!

This is one of the Best Toys 2010 and is sure to be a Hot item on the Christmas list of many kids this year!

This interactive buddy talks, tells jokes, eats, exercises and sings! Be warned, there is no volume control on Stinky and he is known to be loud, but a favorite. In fact, he has over 90 different sayings and phrases.

He also has warnings that come with him in his box that suggest keeping Stinky as an indoor toy only and away from sand, dirt and water.

He’s a great indoor companion and while he may not have many educational features to him, he is a lot of fun and will keep your kids entertained and giggling.

Recommended for kids age 3 year old and up.

Big Foot the Monster by Fisher-Price Imaginext

The Fisher-Price Imaginext BigFoot monster toy is one of the Best Toys of 2010 for kids. With a remote control, kids can change BigFoots mood and interact with his more than 80 actions and phrases. Time for Big fun with Big Foot!

One of the new interactive toys for 2010 is the Fisher-Price Imaginext Big Foot The Monster. Designed for kids from 3 to 8 years old, this Big Foot is controlled you a remote control. Kids enjoy making him walk and do tricks such as throwing a ball. The remote is simple to use with 6 buttons: happy, angry, sleep, fun, ball, and exercise. You can even make Big Foot shake his fists or do a flip. Overall, there’s more than 80 actions and phrases that Bigfoot says.

Get ready for some BIG fun with Big Foot!

Check pricing here.