Tech kids…

Mama definitely has a love-hate relationship when it comes to technology and gadgets. While Mama loves her tech toys…it’s quite different when it comes to the kids having electronics. On one hand, they’re a fantastic distraction and a great learning tool and then…they’re an annoying distraction when you’re trying to get their attention or get them outside to play.


This year Mama is trying to plan ahead because of Baby #3’s arrival close to the holidays and so Mama decided to ask Lily-girl what she wanted for Christmas this year…and it went like this…


“So, what do you think Lily-girl…a new bike for Christmas with no training wheels?!’


“No, I have something else in mind.”


“What would that be?”


“An iPad 2!”


“Really?! Well, I think Santa might be fresh out of those…!”


Now back to the drawing board on looking for holiday gifts…but Mama has found a few electronic toys that just might….might make her excited — even if it’s not an iPad 2. I got some great ideas from my kid need’s that picks. But on a side note, Mama wouldn’t complain if there was one under tree with Mama’s name on it!

Little girls everywhere will be oohing and aahing over the Barbie Fashion Tablet Learner, $49.99, at toysrus.com, this holiday season. Equipped with a touch screen and a stylus pen, the tablet has over 30 learning games that include writing, music, vocabulary, matching and more. 


Both LeapFrog and Vtech have come out with their versions of the kid-friendly iPad that come pre-loaded with apps and are touch screen operated. The LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Tablet, $99, at amazon.com, is compatible with the LeapFrog Explorer game cartridges and also has a built-in camera and video recorder. Mama played around with it at the conference a couple of weeks ago and it’s just as cool in person as it looks online!


The Vtech InnoTab Interactive Learning Tablet, $80, at amazon.com, is also operated by touch screen and has a built-in tilt sensor for game playing. Apps are available for download via the Vtech Web site and has an MP3player for listening to music, an e-reader and also a photo and video viewer. 


If you’re a gaming family or maybe if you’re not but you’re thinking about it for the holidays, Mama is going to tell you — the Kinect XBox 360 is amazing for the kiddos. You play based on body sensor versus having to hold a remote. We’re a Wii family and Mama loves playing a friendly game of Glee Karaoke or Smurfs Dance Party with the kids on a Friday night but sometimes it’s frustrating to get them to use the remote right — especially Baby Boy. However the Kinect takes away all of that need by connecting you instantly! Mama’s definitely thinking of trading up for the holidays. There are lots of kid-friendly games coming out including one based on Sesame Street characters and Disneyland-themed games. Oh, and imagine doing Zumba in your living room sans remote — now that’s an easy workout! Kinect XBox 360, $299, at amazon.com.


So besides breaking down and buying them each an iPhone and an iPad, Mama is pretty happy looking into these options — do your kids have an obsession with technology too or is Mama just lucky?!

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