Atari Video Game Kit
Bring back the '80s with the classic arcade game that comes loaded with 10 favorites: Gravitar, Breakout, Pong, Centipede and more.
Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game
Everyone's favorite, irresistible app comes to life! Draw a card, build the structure and use the slingshot to knock down the pigs, just like on your phone.
$14.99, Toys "R" Us, Walmart, Target and Kmart
Smash Sticks
Battle with these foam-tipped jousting sticks that come equipped with an electronic score keeper and sound effects.
$29.99, Target and Toys "R" Us
USB Hidden Flash Drive Watch
Time for a handsome watch—this one boasts a secret USB flash drive with 8 GB of concealed storage. Think Bond...James Bond.
Helo TC
Downloading a free app enables any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to become the remote control for a lightweight twin-rotor helicopter. Take it for a spin!
iHip NFL DJ Headphones
When the jersey or sweatshirt thing has been done to death, high-quality headphones will appeal to any team's number-one fan.
Stump Stands
A stand that can hold an iPad, Nook, Kindle or any tablet up to a half-inch thick at three different angles for hands-free viewing is smart. End of story.
Polymer Power
Any kid would have a blast with this. It's a science kit for making utterly addictive slime to play with. (Caution: Young-at-heart adults will likely want to get in on the action.)
Pinball Magic
A fully functional mobile phone case will score big with any pinball wizard.
Lego Master Builder Academy (MBA) Starter Set
This gives brick fans 8 and up a taste of a new program specifically designed to teach high-level building techniques. Includes 178 pieces, an 84-page Designer Handbook, access to a dedicated website, and a storage box.
Electronic Guitar Bag
When sturdy, laptop-worthy messenger bag meets electric guitar, this results. Take note: each button on the neck is a major chord. Volume on the included amp goes to 11. Rock on!
Smithsonian Planetarium Projector
To sleep, perchance to dream, is likelier as images of planets, galaxies and a moving replica of the night sky beam across the ceiling.
Spy Gear Capture Cam
A camera with a motion sensor for kids? Yep—this clever cam detects motion, then automatically fires 1-3 photos. The spy-in-training can then upload to a computer (with the included USB cable) to analyze. Cue the music from Mission: Impossible.
Hess Truck
A holiday tradition since 1964, the Hess truck is still great fun to find under the tree. This year's version features a flatbed trailer carrying a cool-looking race car on a pull-out ramp. Sound effects, flashing lights, four-wheel spring suspension—gentlemen, start your engines.
Originally published in the December 2011 issue of Family Circle magazine.
This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and styles are subject to change.
