We made our list and checked it twice, it’s the CuteMonster Holiday Gift Guide, and we think it’s nice. We trust you’ve been good instead of choosing to be bad, for tis’ the giving season and we hope you’ll be glad.
Cool Ride
Razor Power Core E90
The Razor Power Core E90 is an electric scooter tailor made for family fun. It offers up 80 minutes of continuous use, a top speed of 10mph, a hand-operated front break and push button acceleration control. It retails for about $129 but you can find it for less at Amazon.
Gizmos
Cozmo by Anki
This adorable engaging robot companion echoes the mischievous ways of Pixar’s little self-aware robot from the movie Wall-E. You’ll need a device that has iOS version 9 or higher / Android version 5 or higher in order to run the Cozmo App. In the package you’ll get Cozmo, a charger, and 3 interactive power cubes. Although relatively expensive, we think the innovative tech warrants the retail price of $179.99 NOTE: Cozmo is difficult to find so we suggest you wait until after the holidays when more supply becomes available to avoid price gouging from 3rd party sellers.
https://youtu.be/KJ0iSJ-9dwY
HEXBUG Battlebots Arena
Based on BattleBots television show, HEXBUG successfully recreates action-packed head-to-head radio controlled BattleBots matches inside this miniaturized version of the arena. Witch Doctor and Tombstone BattleBots are included with the package which retails for approximately $79.99 Available via Hexbug Shop
STEM Toys
Modarri Cars
I discovered this innovative toy car company a few years ago at the New York Toy Fair. They create well-engineered toy cars that you can assemble in nearly infinite variations. Think LEGO plus car building and you’ll get the idea. Prices range from $23 and up. See Modarri for more info.
Roominate
I met Toy Creator, Alice Brooks, at a toy industry event in which she personally introduced Roominate. Think engineering geared towards girls. I found her approach to be intriguing and fun and speculate this toy line will be a big hit with girls ages 6 and up. Prices start at about $34. More info at Roominate Toys.
Video Games
Skylanders Imaginators
The Toys-to-Life video game genre was created by Skylanders. Disney Infinity came onboard to compete in the space but ultimately opted to bow out. LEGO Dimensions is still hanging around this holiday season but has been showing signs of waning dedication. Yet the Skylanders franchise has endured. Skylanders Imaginators is the latest game iteration. The key new feature? Players can use an Imaginite Creation Crystal on the portal to create their own Skylander via an intuitive and fun on-screen interface. The Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack retails for approximately $49.99 although prices will vary this holiday season. We think it’s a top notch family video game worthy of consideration.
Video Game Consoles
Nintendo Wii U
Great for kids ages 5 to 12. Perfect for family gaming. Although the console may be on its way out next year with the recently announced Nintendo Switch, we think the Wii U has a solid library of titles that will keep young gamers content for quite some time. Look for discounts on the console or buy used. It’s well worth the purchase.
Xbox One or PS4?
There are so many similar games available for both platforms that it really comes down to who you’ll be playing with online rather than exclusive game titles per console. The hardware specifications currently favor the Xbox One S but to the naked eye, the difference is negligible versus the PS4. Both consoles offer kids ages 13 and up a wide variety of game choices and accessories.
Whimsical Collectable
Spin Master’s Air Hogs USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A
Given the deluge of Star Wars: The Force Awakens marketing and merchandise, it’s noteworthy that Spin Master didn’t forget about Star Trek fans. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek TV series, Spin Master via its Air Hogs division released a limited edition toy drone modeled after the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A. It uses the same propulsion technology of every other quadcopter – a set of four spinning propellers which for the Enterprise are hidden inside the ship’s saucer section. Included is a Star Trek-themed physical controller with two joysticks for steering and maneuvering the drone, shoulder buttons that trigger sound effects from the original show, and adjustment buttons that control drift. Overall, a winning package sure to put a smile on any Trekkie face. It retails for $129 but you can buy it for less than half that currently at Amazon.
What do you think of our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide picks? What would you add to the list?
