AppAdvice Gift-Guide: For Kids
December 4, 2011
In our third-in-a-series of Gift-Guides, we look at 12 of the best accessories, apps or iDevices for kids. Enjoy!
Launched earlier this year, Disney’s line of AppMATes (Mobile Application Toy) features six vehicles from Cars 2, including Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater. Each is used interactively on the iPad screen (called the “play mat”) using the free Cars 2 AppMATes app. Impressive.
The iPhone might get most of the press, but the iPod touch is also very cool. Now in its fourth-generation, the top-selling iPod is the perfect gift for those Steve Jobs of the future. Available in black and white, the iPod touch comes in 8GB, 32GB, and 64GB models,, starting at $199.
Swedish-based Toca Boca has only been on the iOS development scene since March. Still, during that time the company has developed an impressive line of kid’s apps for both the iPhone and iPad.
Among the hot titles are Toca Store, Toca Hair Salon, and our favorite, Toca Tea Party. The company’s next title, Toca Kitchen arrives on December 15.
With the Big Grips Frame, your iPad/iPad 2 is easily protected from the smaller hands in your house. The frame is big, squishy, and easy to grab. It also comes in kid-friendly colors such as pink, blue, green, and gray. Frame: $34.95, w/Stand: $49.95.
One part case, another part learning tool, the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case is perfect for parents and kids alike. Not only does it protect your investment from baby spits, food and the like, but it comes with three free Fisher Price apps. Best of all, the case is only $15.
We’ve mentioned the Crayola Color Studio HD numerous times since it arrived and we do so because it’s a keeper. Now usable with two free apps (Crayola ColorStudio HD, Crayola Paint & Create HD), the iMarker digital stylus easy becomes a marker, crayon, pen or paintbrush, but without the mess. Available for $29.99.
Add this clever little gadget to your iPhone and it transforms your camera into a mini microscope capable of 60x magnification.$39.95.
Created by Sesame Street, both e-books are based on the popular real-life titles. While parents will find Grover’s voice annoying almost from the start, the kids will absolutely love him and his lovable pal, Elmo. Prices begin at $.99.
Available for the iPhone and iPod touch, the Woogie 2 is huggable and squeezable and just $19.95. Perfect for children looking for a cool way to watch movies and listen to music on their iDevice. $19.99.
This arcade cabinet is designed for use with iPad and iPad 2 and features a joystick and buttons for intense gaming. The wooden design provides style and durability. $99.99.
Compatible with a ton of iOS games including Arcade Jumper, Atari’s Greatest Hits and many, many more.
This appaccessory brings LEGO to iOS without doing away what made LEGO popular in the first place – real-life model building. Available for $29.99, the Life of George kit comes with the free iPhone/iPod touch app.
Coming Tuesday: AppAdvice Gift-Guide: iPad Cases
On 11/30: Appcessories; on 12/2: iPhone Cases
Cars 2 AppMATes by Disney
Launched earlier this year, Disney’s line of AppMATes (Mobile Application Toy) features six vehicles from Cars 2, including Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater. Each is used interactively on the iPad screen (called the “play mat”) using the free Cars 2 AppMATes app. Impressive.
The iPod touch (fourth-generation) by Apple
The iPhone might get most of the press, but the iPod touch is also very cool. Now in its fourth-generation, the top-selling iPod is the perfect gift for those Steve Jobs of the future. Available in black and white, the iPod touch comes in 8GB, 32GB, and 64GB models,, starting at $199.
Toca Boca series of apps for iPhone/iPod touch and iPad
Swedish-based Toca Boca has only been on the iOS development scene since March. Still, during that time the company has developed an impressive line of kid’s apps for both the iPhone and iPad.
Among the hot titles are Toca Store, Toca Hair Salon, and our favorite, Toca Tea Party. The company’s next title, Toca Kitchen arrives on December 15.
Big Grips Frame by Big Grips
With the Big Grips Frame, your iPad/iPad 2 is easily protected from the smaller hands in your house. The frame is big, squishy, and easy to grab. It also comes in kid-friendly colors such as pink, blue, green, and gray. Frame: $34.95, w/Stand: $49.95.
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case by Fisher Price
One part case, another part learning tool, the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case is perfect for parents and kids alike. Not only does it protect your investment from baby spits, food and the like, but it comes with three free Fisher Price apps. Best of all, the case is only $15.
Crayola Color Studio HD by Griffin
We’ve mentioned the Crayola Color Studio HD numerous times since it arrived and we do so because it’s a keeper. Now usable with two free apps (Crayola ColorStudio HD, Crayola Paint & Create HD), the iMarker digital stylus easy becomes a marker, crayon, pen or paintbrush, but without the mess. Available for $29.99.
Mini Microscope for iPhone by Discovery
Add this clever little gadget to your iPhone and it transforms your camera into a mini microscope capable of 60x magnification.$39.95.
Monster at the End of This Book and Another Monster at the End of This Book
Created by Sesame Street, both e-books are based on the popular real-life titles. While parents will find Grover’s voice annoying almost from the start, the kids will absolutely love him and his lovable pal, Elmo. Prices begin at $.99.
MyPhones by Griffin
These headsets are great for listening to music (or apps) and come with soft washable ear pads. In other words, the perfect gift for kids on the go. $29.95.Woogie 2 – by Griffin
Available for the iPhone and iPod touch, the Woogie 2 is huggable and squeezable and just $19.95. Perfect for children looking for a cool way to watch movies and listen to music on their iDevice. $19.99.
iCADE Arcade Cabinet for the iPad and iPad 2 by Ion Audio
This arcade cabinet is designed for use with iPad and iPad 2 and features a joystick and buttons for intense gaming. The wooden design provides style and durability. $99.99.
Compatible with a ton of iOS games including Arcade Jumper, Atari’s Greatest Hits and many, many more.
Life of George by LEGO
This appaccessory brings LEGO to iOS without doing away what made LEGO popular in the first place – real-life model building. Available for $29.99, the Life of George kit comes with the free iPhone/iPod touch app.
Coming Tuesday: AppAdvice Gift-Guide: iPad Cases
On 11/30: Appcessories; on 12/2: iPhone Cases
