From Old-School to Cutting-Edge: Gadgets & Gifts for Tech-y Kids

Re-imagine play time, without relying too much on a screen. These toys will help you do it!

By Kipp Jarecke-Cheng November 13, 2014

Your kids fingers swipe faster than you can say, abracadabra. Put the magic back into technology this holiday season for even the most digitally-savvy mini-techie. From nifty gaming systems to robotics to electronic kits, your kids will flip for these gifts. Flip through the gallery to make those tiny smiles 100 watts bigger.

Build Your Own Robot

Stuttgart, Germany-based Thames & Kosmos creates award-winning science education games and experiment kits that mix art and science. With T&K’s Geckobot, young builders can assemble a cool, battery-powered Geckobot that can walk up smooth surfaces, such as windows, mirrors and laminated walls. Kids ages eight and older will enjoy learning about the physics of air pressure, suction and surface texture with this whimsical robotic reptile. In addition to Geckobot, the kit includes enough pieces to build up to seven different robot projects, including a vacuum suction cup gripper, a crawling inchworm, a smartphone holder and a suction gun.

Available at Amazon, $39.96.