 Technologically
savvy and notoriously harder to please, kids ages 9 and up require
extra attention when selecting software and gifts that will truly
engage their attention and hold their interest. Fortunately, we've found a few pleasers.
In this gift guide for children ages 9 and up, we've included topnotch software, activity sets, books, and
toys that kids will love receiving—and adults will
feel great about giving.
Top Gifts
for Kids 9-up
10+
TOP PICKS
2009 EDITION
|
1
  LeapFrog's
Explorer Globe is a fantastic learning globe with a
touch-sensitive pen. Kids (and adults) use the pen to
explore the globe, picking up geography facts as they do.
Kids can listen to musical samples, learn facts about
population, discover the time in different parts of the
world, and more. Fun games allow kids to test their
knowledge--in fact, the games reinforce geography in a
powerful manner. This is a fantastic tool for learning--it's
responsive and fun for kids, and sophisticated enough to
impress adults as well. We have had the original
release of this globe for over 4 years now--it is still turned
to repeatedly and has held up exceptionally well.
[Buy
Explorer Globe
Amazon.com for approximately $99 US]
U-Dance
  The
Hasbro U-Dance Game is a plug-and-play unit for the TV featuring an all-in-one
sensor system that detects motion. Donning special foot tags, as kids dance,
their steps appear onscreen--no special mat to dance on, and nothing to hold.
Let your feet do the talking. Kids learn and practice authentic dance moves as
they dance solo or in a "dance-off" with a friend. There is an option to add
some fitness to the mix via a "treadmill" game. Such fun, and truly innovative!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: U-Dance
at Amazon.com]
|
|
2
In Other Words - Magnetic Poetry
  You've
probably heard of Magnetic Poetry sets--magnetic word tiles
can be arranged and rearranged on the fridge (or any
magnetic surface) for wordplay fun and learning. Meant to
inspire creativity with words, Magnetic Poetry sets are
pleasantly addictive. In Other Words Magnetic Poetry is
extra special. Common words can be reversed to find
less-used synonyms, making the set somewhat like a
thesaurus. For example, on the reverse side of the "bird"
tile is "fowl"; on the other side of "elephant" is
"pachyderm"; on the flip side of "slow" is "sluggish". Kids
are drawn to Magnetic Poetry sets...well, like magnets. This
one is especially educational.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Magnetic Poetry In Other Words Magnetic Poetry
at Amazon.com]
20Q by Radica Games
 
Here's a game tweeners and their parents will enjoy. This electronic toy
attempts to guess, in 20 questions or less, what the player is thinking. Players
answer the questions by pressing buttons that read "Unknown", "Yes", "No",
or "Sometimes". The toy's ability to guess the answers is almost always
surprising, and the game gets lots of laughs. The teasing commentary is cute at
first, although it gets old fast. Otherwise, this game is great fun, and
portable. Very entertaining!
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Radica 20 Questions at Amazon.com] |
|
3
  Nintendo
DS Lite
The Nintendo DS Lite is a super improvement on the
DS. This lighter, brighter, and more compact edition of a
fabulous portable gaming system drew ooh's and ah's from our kid
testers. It comes in Coral Pink, Polar White, Crimson and Black,
Limited Edition Gold, and Onyx Black. Of
course, many girls love the pink version. Like the DS, the DS Lite features dual screens, wireless features, a touch screen,
stylus, and microphone. It's more interactive than the GameBoys
(for example, with one game, kids can blow into the unit to
create bubbles onscreen; in another (Nintendogs),
they can speak commands to their virtual puppies).
To buy, or for more information:
Nintendo DS Lite - Polar White.
Nintendo Wii Gaming System
  This fabulous gaming system by Nintendo didn't fail to
impress us. Gaming is truly a family affair with the Wii, a
console that fairly begs to be played. The Wii's controller is wireless
and motion-sensitive. Selecting items on the TV screen is much
like using a computer mouse--you point the controller to a
"clickable" item and then press a button to select it.
The
system comes with a package of sports video games, Wii Sports,
and includes bowling, tennis, boxing, and baseball. Kids and
their parents create their own identity--a "Mii"--by selecting
hair style and color, face shape, skin color, and so forth.
These characters roam around and are featured in the sports
games. Players can create their own family and friends, and, as
Mom bowls, Dad and the kids cheer her on. Baseball teams consist
of your own group of characters. Baseball is played by literally
swinging the controller and imitating a pitch. Wii plays
Nintendo Game Cube games as well as the new titles designed
specifically for the Wii. Parents can purchase and download classic games for the NES,
Super NES, and more older systems, right on-screen --they'll
need to wirelessly connect to their wireless internet connection
in order to do so. Families will be able to surf the
web from their couch.
Kids and adults alike enjoy playing with the Nintendo Wii because it
brings players into the game. Players might use the remote to actually
simulate playing tennis, baseball or boxing. Or, they might use a wireless
steering wheel to direct their car while playing a racing game. The Nintendo Wii
really allows players to bring their imaginations into their game playing,
giving them a more satisfying experience.
It's a fantastic, appealing setup.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Nintendo Wii at Amazon.com]
|
|
4
GelaSkins
 GelaSkins are stylish, trendy, and they protect your laptop, portable gaming device, iPod, and phone too! They make a unique gift for teenagers and young adults.
GelaSkins are artist-designed skins designed to protect and spiff up laptops, iPhones, iPods, PSPs, Nintendo DS Lite, select cell phones, and Touch. They truly are delightful to look at, and extremely functional at the same time. They peel off and stick on, so that you can reuse them; and, if you have more than one GelaSkin, you can change the look of your device whenever you're in the mood.
The designs are a must-see--truly creative and inspiring. GelaSkins Inc. has recently added a line of gorgeous wallpapers for the iPhone, Touch, and PSP that you can use on the screens of
 these devices, downloadable for free at the GelaSkins website.
There is a selection of GelaScreens designed to match each GelaSkin.
GelaSkins include a wide variety of styles and artwork. While some are straightforward (such as Golfer), most are alternative. Teens are sure to find something they like. In fact, they're sure to find many skins they love! You'll have to take a look at the GelaSkins gallery in order to get an idea of the sheer quantity and impressive quality of skins available. Skins can be purchased offline, but the best selection can be found at the GelaSkins site.
Because we're talking art--and a lot of it--it's probably best to let your teens decide which ones they like best, so if you're planning on giving GelaSkins as a gift, your best bet is to buy a gift card, also available at the site.
 Snap
Circuits
The Snap Circuits series is excellent. Each kit is
designed to inspire budding engineers as they experiment with
circuits. With the kits' unique block layout, kids can see how
circuits work without having to deal with a mess of wires. There
is a Junior version, Standard, Pro, and Extreme. Snap Circuit
Pro, pictured here, includes parts and instructions to make over
500 projects. We tested Snap Circuit Extreme, which features
colorful manuals with instructions for 692 projects! With its
80+ pieces, kids can build an electronic kazoo, transistor AM
radio, a lie detector, and more. The experiments demonstrate
such things as inertia, how batteries store electricity, how
water conducts electricity, and so forth. It's helpful to have
someone around who knows a little about engineering, just so
that some of the concepts learned are reinforced, although this
isn't entirely necessary. We set a group of kids (ages 8, 10,
and 13) loose with the kit, and they were busy literally for
hours, without parental involvement, although the 13 year old
certainly was the one leading the group and was integral as a
leader. It makes a fantastic parent-and-child activity. This
isn't a toy that will be forgotten after the first play. Very
recommended.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Snap Circuits PRO
or all
Snap Circuits
at Amazon]
|
|
5
 
My All-Time Top 5
Most preteens love lists and quizzes, and this
unique book by Klutz offers a whole slew of them. Here's kids'
chance to "immortalize" their opinions on favorites, pet peeves,
crushes, fears, and a whole lot more. Includes a pencil and
eraser charm hanging on, plus keepsake pocket pages. Cute!
Testers absolutely loved the coil-bound book.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Klutz My All-Time Top 5
at Amazon]
 The
Body Book
For girls who love to pamper themselves, The Body Book
is an exceptional set. Featuring natural body care tips and
recipes, this book also comes with an exciting pack of supplies
to get started--a face brush, scented oils, nail brush, pumice
stone, nail buffer, and more. This gorgeous full-color
spiral-bound book emphasizes good nutrition without being
preachy, and offers one satisfying recipe after another. A sugar
scrub for your feet or hands contains sugar, oil, and juice from
a lemon; a peaches-and-cream hand mask is another all-natural
3-ingredient pleaser; and the strawberry salt rub is a luxurious
and fragrant concoction designed to slough off dead skin cells,
moisturize, and energize. This is a fantastic set that adults
will love too. In the long run, kids will save money by making
body care products at home.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
The Body Book : Recipes for Natural Body...
at Amazon]
  Ugly Dolls
Sometimes ugly is cute, and preteens love to attach themselves to anything
that's a little odd and special. Ugly Dolls fits the bill! Kids love their
simplistic charm. With names like Big Toe (pictured here), Chuckanucka, and Ice
Bat, each doll in the line has its own special appeal. Come in two sizes.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Ugly Dolls at Amazon]
|
|
6
FLY Pentop Computer
  The
FLY Pentop Computer is certainly something to marvel at. The pen
"reads" what kids write on the special paper it comes with. To
begin with, they use the pen to literally draw a Menu button --
they write a capital letter M and draw a circle around it. Kids
can draw a calculator and then use it, hearing the answers to
their operations announced! They can also draw a piano keyboard
and then play it. Essentially, kids get audio feedback for what
they write. Other applications, such as math, writing, and
journaling, are add-ons available separately. Kids need to hold
the pen upright (so that the pen's camera can "see" what they're
writing) and write clearly.
It's certainly different and kids will most definitely want
to try it out. However, it's not for everyone! It's pricey, and so are the
add-ons (special paper and other accessories). Some kids will use it often,
others will lose interest.
[For more information, user reviews, or to
buy: FLY Pentop Computer
at Amazon.com]
|
|
7
  Faces
Game
Faces by Buffalo Games really gets kids
talking, laughing, and thinking. Designed for 3 or more players,
kids draw faces (cards) from the deck and place them in a
line-up. A player then draws one of the Impression Cards
(example, "The one who is obsessed with neatness"), and all
players vote for the face that best fits the impression. Of
course, it's all in the interpretation, which is really what
makes the game interesting. The comical faces are male, female,
and animal.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Buffalo Games Faces Game
at Amazon]
|
|
8
Kodak
Easy Share C813 8.2 MP Digital Camera 
 Top
Pick
for kids. Currently, we recommend the
Kodak EasyShare C813 8.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom for children. Although not specifically designed for kids, this
8.2 MP of resolution and 3x optical zoom camera keeps it in the
beginners' range of digital camera units, but it's a huge step
above the cameras listed above, and
not much more expensive! It's a good and reliable choice for families and
children. Short video clips can be taken, with audio. This digital camera combines
affordability and reliability and makes a good choice as a camera
you might want to buy your preteen or teenager. It also
includes a few color settings for taking fun pictures. The EasyShare
line of cameras are easy enough for a child to use, as well as sturdy and not too
expensive. This camera is ideal for preteens and teens. This
is a fantastic choice, and comparatively very inexpensive (as
little as $85).
[Buy
Kodak EasyShare C813 8.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
at sale prices from Amazon.com]
|
|
9
A
Book of Artrageous Projects
  For creative kinds, A Book of Artrageous Projects
makes a fantastic gift. Filled with art starters and
packaged with supplies to get started, this spiral bound
book contains inspiration like no other. Even the cover
itself can be used for an art project--it's a sheet of
copper designed to be used for an embossing activity.
Collages, stained glass, painting, and more.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
A Book of Artrageous Projects
at Amazon.com]
  Giga
Pets ExplorerThe popular handheld Giga Pets games can now be played
through the TV with the Giga Pets Explorer. Plug this unit into your TV to
interact with the electronic pets. There are tricks to unlock, toys to earn, and
games to play after inserting your Giga Pets into the game. It's easy to set
up--a plug and play unit.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Giga Pets Explorer
at Amazon.com]
|
|
10
The Best Software & Video Games for Children Ages 9+
Nancy Drew
CD-ROMs
  Nancy Drew
Software Games Series is a fabulous, detailed series of
mystery-adventure software games. Children ages 12 and up get the opportunity
to step into teen sleuth Nancy Drew's shoes as she
investigates a mystery, interviews mysterious characters,
solves plenty of logic puzzles, and more. The latest Nancy Drew
CD-ROMs are exciting,
challenging, and involving. Kids will relish the chance to
play detective. Nancy Drew The Haunting of Castle
Malloy is
the latest installment in the series.
Our Rating: A+
[For more information or to buy: Nancy Drew: The Haunting of Castle Malloy . Other worthy titles include: Nancy Drew: Danger by Design,
Nancy Drew: Secret of the Scarlet Hand,
Nancy Drew: The Haunted Carousel, or Nancy Drew Danger on Deception Island
at Amazon.com for
approximately $20 US each.]
Crazy
Machines: Wacky Contraptions
 Rube Goldberg fans and puzzle gamers will have
a great time with this game. Players build wild and wacky
contraptions in puzzle or freestyle modes. A bit of physics is
part of the whole experience. Kids work through level after level
of puzzles. They begin with simple tasks—for example, they
position a spring in the right spot so that a box will bounce off
it and knock over a shaky stack of boxes, and they land a tennis
ball in a bucket using a magnet—and then work their way up to
more complex contraptions.
These are pure brainteasers—simulations that remind us what
software should be. Parents
will not only be pleased their kids are playing the game, many
will want to join in on the fun. Exceptional!
Our Rating: A+
[For
more information, user reviews, or to buy: Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game (PC & Mac) ] Rock Band II
& Guitar Hero III
Rock Band 2,
whether the kids already have the first Rock Band or it's all brand new, is a
fabulous product for teenagers. Kids have the option to play guitar,
base, drums, and to sing along with well-established and diverse rock songs.
Along with Guitar Hero , Rock Band is the most-played video game in our own
household (three teens) overall. It allows them to play together, and they truly
have a blast. Get the Special Edition if you're new to the series, since it
includes the musical instruments. This set is currently available for the
Playstation 2 and 3 and the XBox 360. The Wii version is due to arrive at the
very end of the year (2008).
|
|
|
|
More Outstanding Choices:
|
|
11Lego Mindstorms NXT
 
One of the season's hottest intelligent toys, Lego
Mindstorms NXT is the next generation of robots. With this
set, kids create the smartest, strongest and most advanced
LEGO robot. The new NXT Intelligent Brick, the robot's
"brain," features a powerful 32-bit microprocessor and more
memory, plus support for USB 2.0, Bluetooth and more. Lego
Technic elements combine with ultrasonic, sound, light, and
touch sensors in a set that allows users to create humanoid,
animal, or vehicle robots that respond to their commands.
Programming software is included and available for both PC
and Macintosh, plus with Bluetooth support, users can even
command their robot from their mobile phone. The robot can
react to touch, sound, light, movement, and color. The set
comes with illustrated instructions.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: LEGO Mindstorms NXT
at Amazon.com]
|
|
 12Robosapien
Robosapien is a
battery-powered "humanoid" that can dance, pick up objects,
walk, whistle, yawn, push, kick, and even give a "high five"
in ways that mimic human behaviors. Sensors in the robot's
feet allow him to walk around objects. Robosapien was
developed by former NASA robotic physicist, Dr. Mark W.
Tilden, and is far more graceful than other toy robots. Kids
operate the 14-inch tall robot with a remote control. The
humanoid includes 67 pre-programmed functions and can be
programmed to perform functions in a chain. Don't think that
this toy is only for boys—girls (and parents, too!) will
have a blast with this highly entertaining robot as much as
boys.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Robosapien Robot
at Amazon.com]
|
|
13Zoo Tycoon 2
We love
Microsoft's Zoo Tycoon series, and this edition features improvements that enhance gameplay, not to
mention offer an exciting visual experience for players.
With Zoo Tycoon 2, players can build, manage, and
maintain their very own zoo in 3D, complete with realistic
animals that act like their real-world counterparts,
exhibits, and more.
Success comes to players when they research specific
animals, manage their funds effectively, hire and monitor
staff, and build thriving as well as eye-pleasing exhibits.
These factors add tremendous educational value to the fun.
New to this edition is a Zoo Guest mode which allows players
to step into the zoo they've created and experience it
first-hand as a guest. New ways to build make it easier for
players to create exciting exhibits, random and dynamic
challenges enrich gameplay, and free downloadable content
adds variety. There is now an option that is excellent for
younger players--kids can choose to play "freeform", which
offers unlimited funds and immediately-available animals,
scenery, and buildings. This is an outstanding
simulation software for kids. Children can build their very
own zoo, but they use their brains as they do. They are
managers as well, and they learn quite a bit about animals
as they play. Although not explicitly educational, this
program is excellent for developing thinking skills.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2 (CD-ROM)]
|
|
14
 iQuest
Interactive Talking Handheld
The
iQuest is an electronic
handheld unit that allows kids to play educational games, maitain
an address book and schedule/calendar, consult a dictionary, use a
calculator, and more. The unit comes with a set of qzzes
designed to develop 5thto 8th grade skills in Math, Scien, and
Social Studies. Owners of the iQuest can purchase more quiz packs
separately if they wish. Kids can take electronic notes, consult
the Merriam Webster's
School Dictionary, add reminders and events
to their calendar, and use the unit as a calculator. Although
there is a volume control, the unit starts up at a default volume
level that is a little too loud. However, all in all, the iQuest
is a handy little portable handheld that kids will be proud to
own.
For more information or to buy: iQuesti
|
|
15Quantum
Pad
The Quantum Pad brings special books designed for the system to
interactive life. Children use the attached stylus (a "magic
pen") to activate hotspots on the pages of these books. Words
and sentences are read aloud with a touch of the pen, maps come
to life as children point their pen on different countries,
states, and cities; and "paper keyboards" allow kids to compose
their own tunes! The educational possibilities are endless for
the toy. The Quantum Pad is a sleeker-looking unit than its
LeapPad cousin--it appears less like a toy than the LeapPad, and
thus it goes over well with older kids. But most parents know
that even preschoolers are attracted to things that don't "look"
their age. The point here is that purchasing a Quantum Pad for
your kids will likely take care of your 3 year old as well as
your more technologically savvy 9 year old, as long as you
purchase a book or two that is appropriate for your 3 year old's
educational level (which you would likely want to do
regardless). The sampler book included in the package is
terrific! The geography games are entirely addictive (for adults
too)--you have to race the clock to find as many requested
states, capitals, or, in the case of the map of Europe,
countries. There's a solar system spread, work with fractions
and multiplication, a spelling bee, and more. The system is very
expandable -- which is both a pro and a con. The good news is
that the system is not going to blow out of steam too quickly;
and the bad news is that it can get quite costly.
[For more information, user reviews, or to
buy:
Quantum Pad
at Amazon.com]
|
|
16
 Kids
Travel: A Backseat Survival Kit
Surviving long car rides with
minimal complaint is not an easy task, but Kids Travel: A Backseat
Survival Kit can certainly help save the day. Car games, quizzes,
activities, and song lyrics fill the sturdy, colorful pages of
this fantastic spiral-bound book. An attached pouch includes
supplies to enjoy the book's games (including markers, game
pieces, and more) and a clip board holds pages of printouts that
kids can use to play games such as Country Bingo and Lost on
Earth. This kit is exciting, including directions for classic and
all-new car games, quizzes that kids can give to their parents,
and more. Best for
chhildren ages 8-14. This
kit has all the supplies kids need to play the car games, and
features clear instructions and colorful instructions. Excellent!
[For more information, or to
buy:
Kidstravel: A Backseat Survival Guide/Includes Book, Pad, and Pouch With Game Pieces
at Amazon.com]
|
|
17
The Shrinky Dinks Book
We love
Shrinky Dinks! But we weren't impressed with the Shrinky Dinks
oven that we tested. A more economical way to make shrinky
dinks--a delightfully fun art activity for kids--is to get the
book, The Shrinky Dinks Book. You may want to purchase a refill
kit at the same time (it contains 8 plastic sheets). You will have to bake the artwork in the
"big" oven, but baking is brief and accurate this way.
Excellent activity! Children trace objects onto the included
special plastic sheets (this book is brimming with great things to
trace), and then fill them in with color. Once baked, they
magically shrink and harden.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: The Shrinky Dinks Book
or Shrinky Dinks Refill Pack
at Amazon.com]
|
|
|
|
18
 Wee
Enchanted Garden
This fabulous kit will delight children for hours. Kids construct
a "wee" garden in a wide bowl by adding soil, planting
seeds, adding a tiny house, and arranging tiny items in the
planter. The plants grow quickly.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Wee Enchanted Garden Kit
at Amazon.com]
|
|
|
|
19
My Fabulous Life in Pictures
This
scrapbook truly is "fabulous". It's a spiralbound
keepsake for kids, filled with pages designed to showcase
their life--their family tree, favorite things, best
friends, pets, and so forth--through photos, drawings, and
picture cut-outs. There's a page that frames photos of faces
with goofy hairstyles; spaces for collage projects;
fill-in-the-blank questionnaires; party pages; "My 20
Year Predictions" page complete with an envelope bound
into the book to be used as a time capsule; and even a
"Page of Shame" for those unavoidable bad photos.
Included are stickers to help kids decorate the pages along
with a package of templates to use for cutting photos just
right. This is a very creative--and
creativity-inspiring--book by Klutz Press. See more products
from Klutz in our article.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
My Fabulous Life in Pictures
at Amazon.com]
|
|
20
 Draw Thumb Things
This creative
stocking stuffer idea is a little spiralbound book with a marker
and stamp pad attached. Flip open the book and you'll find ideas
and instructions for making thumbprint art! Stamp a large
thumbprint and then three little fingerprints in a row, add some
details with the marker, and you have a train! Kids can draw a
"Purple People Eater", aliens, a rocketship, and so
forth, right into the book. It's an adorable idea, sure to inspire
plenty of unique designs.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Draw Thumb Things (Fine Art at Your...
at Amazon.com]
 Scrambled Egg Silhouette Puzzle by Binary Arts
This
metal puzzle set contains nine colorful pieces within an
egg-shaped frame. A challenge booklet, containing 36 puzzle
challenges (birds, ducks, and other shapes) using the metal
pieces, slips in and out of the back of the frame. Also
available is the classic Tangram Silhouette Puzzle.
Both are attractive and appealing sets.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Scrambled Egg
at Amazon.com]
|
|
A Classical Kids Christmas
A collection
of joyous Christmas songs and carols make up this superb
children's audio recording. Children embark on a Christmas
adventure complete with an engaging storyline, an exceptional
children's choir, and the true meaning of Christmas. Excellent for
children ages 8 and up! See also more selections from
Classical kids in our article.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: A Classical Kids Christmas
at Amazon.com]
|
|
|
Need more gift ideas? See the current top sellers at
Amazon today (updated daily):
Amazon.com's Holiday Toy List 2008
Top Sellers in Toys
See Also:
|
|
|
|
Need more gift ideas? See the current top sellers at
Amazon today (updated daily):
Top Sellers in Toys
|
|
|
|
|
|
