Where the Cool Things Are: Great Gift Ideas for Kids

Check out Crispy Gamer's holiday hit list for great gifts and surefire stocking stuffers for the kids in your life.
10/13/2009 12:21 PM | 2 Comments | Page 1 of 2

By now, everybody knows that videogames are a surefire hit with youngsters when gift-giving time arrives. Still, that doesn't mean your little button-mashers can't be creative, active or learning when Santa's sleigh touches down on your roof. The elves at Crispy Gamer have assembled their choice picks of the toys, books and gadgets that might just tear the little ones away from the couch or television. All the better for Mom and Dad to get their own screen time in, n'est-ce pas?


1. YooStar, $169.95, yoostar.com

What it is: This filmmaking kit brings special-effects technology into your home. With the included webcam and green screen, you'll be able to insert your family's frolics into scenes from "Sesame Street," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and other classic movies, TV shows or commercials. Then you can upload them to yoostar.com and share them with friends.

Why they'll want it: New clips will continuously be added to the affiliated Web site, so you'll be able to build your little thespian's repertoire as time goes on. Who doesn't want to insert their kid in the Addams Family's goth-cool world?

Another option: YooStar will only work with Windows (a Mac version is in the works), but Xbox 360 owners can get up to similar on-screen antics with You're in the Movies ($59.99). Once you perform the required actions, they get dropped into wacky short clips for everyone to watch.


2. Classics Illustrated, $9.95-$17.95, papercutz.com

What it is: It's never too early to introduce your potential polymath to graphic novels or literary greats. Some of the comics medium's greatest creators lend their talents to fresh, inviting interpretations of Dickens, Melville and others.

Why they'll want it: With master cartoonists like Kyle Baker adapting "Through the Looking-Glass" and Rick Geary envisioning "The Invisible Man," both parents and grade-schoolers will have something to enjoy in these handsome volumes.

Another option: Expand your Christmastime curriculum from comics based on classics to comics that became classics with "The TOON Treasury of Classic Children's Comics" ($40.00), which includes beloved masterpieces from Walt Kelly's "Pogo" and Carl Barks' Donald Duck comics.


3. Snow Shorts, $35, orvis.com

What it is: You know how you're always telling your absent-minded munchkins that they'd lose their head if it wasn't attached? Well, they can't lose this sled because it's attached to the seat of these insulated shorts.

Why they'll want it: Youngsters don't need any more excuses to go frolicking in the snow, but this one-of-a-kind winterwear will send them running to the nearest hill as soon as the flakes start to fall.

Another option: Too-cool tweens who aren't into turning their butts into toboggans probably won't mind strapping onto one of Burton's Mini-Shred snowboards ($169.95). Girls can carve powder on the super-sweet Chicklet and boys can speed down the slopes on the Chopper.


4. Vtech Kidzoom Plus digital camera, $59.99, vtech.com

What it is: Your kids have probably clamored for the camera when they want to capture a moment, and you've probably balked for fear of it falling from their fidgety little hands. This rugged point-and-shoot for the preschool set takes that fear away and has big buttons for those tiny fingers.

Why they'll want it: The included photo-editing software comes with wacky overlays and backdrops so that your kid can really unleash their imagination. Who knows, you may have the next Annie Leibowitz or Tim Burton on your hands.

Another option: Fisher-Price's Kid-Tough digital camera ($50) features a two-eye viewfinder that makes it easier for kids to center their shots.


5. ABC Zoo iPhone App, $0.99, xoxol.net

What it is: You probably know a two-year-old who's savvy enough to unlock an iPhone and launch a few Apps with their chubby fingers. So why not let them learn a little something while they're at it? ABC Zoo uses colorful visuals to reinforce the language-learning they're already getting from Mom & Dad.

Why they'll want it: Tapping the big, bold letters and goofy animal cartoons to hear them pronounced out loud will likely get toddlers even more excited to learn the alphabet.

Another option: Kindergarteners needing to practice their penmanship can get the chance with Letter Writer: Oceans ($1.99). Fishy friends will guide them through the motions, and lively animation and music make the experience fun and engaging.