Editor’s Pick: Smart Cycle
Finally, in the age of the childhood obesity epidemic, it’s a home game system for little ones that encourages learning and exercise — plus it’s a blast. (At least it looks like it on the Web site!) Children play alphabet and number games along with popular characters Dora or Diego, and join the big race to the finish, all while pedaling and steering the game on an actual stationary bike (with adjustable height seat) that is plugged into the television.
Fisher Price
Ages 3-6
$99.99
Monster Dino
Build this dinosaur and then make it go by remote control. It walks, moves its head and roars, and can be made into a spider or crocodile.
LEGO Creator
$89.99
Discovery Exclusive Ready Set Learn! Jump & Dance Music Mat
Another spin-off of Dance Dance Revolution, kids can hop and dance around on this mat as it lights up and plays one of four melodies. It also has a “Follow me” feature which challenges the little dancer to follow the lights.
Ready Set Learn!
Ages 3 and up
$29.99
Kid Tough Digital Camera
Features a real LCD screen, large buttons and two-eye viewfinder.
Fisher Price
Ages 3 and up
$70
Webkinz
If you don’t know about these critters, you’ve been living under a rock. The small plush pets — from gorillas to chihuahuas — have all sorts of real accessories, but most of all, they are brought to life in a virtual world that kids can join by entering their pet’s secret code on the Web site. Once a member, kids take care of their pet by walking it, feeding it and playing time with it. They earn KinzCash by playing trivia and other games in order to purchase items to decorate their Webkinz pet’s home, buy groceries and participate in activities. Webkinz also have a slew of “real world” accessories, from lip gloss to backpacks to trading cards.
Ganz
Ages 3-7
$5.99 and up
T.M.X. Cookie Monster and Ernie
These Sesame Street friends wiggle and giggle like their fuzzy friend, Elmo.
Fisher Price
18 months and up
$30 each
Spin & Explore Garden Gym
Designed to build upper body strength and enhance “tummy time” for babies. Multiple textures and cheery, colorful images surround baby, who is placed on his tummy on a rotating platform.
Lamaze
Birth to 5 months
$39.99
Chou Chou Mommy, Make Me Better
Dolls are size and weight of real babies. This one’s cheeks turn red with fever and back to normal after given medicine.
MGA
$32.99
American Idol Talent Challenge
Kids can sing along with their favorite “American Idol” contestants while watching them on a DVD on television. They also can sing solo, karaoke-style, with the words printed on the screen. Comes with a mixer, microphone and a DVD with 12 songs.
Tech 2 Go
Ages 8 and up
$49.99
