One of the greatest joys of the holiday is giving kids gifts that inspire, motivate, or are just an all-out blast. Tech-life columnist, Jennifer Jolly is here with the year’s best “playful presents” for kids of all ages.
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Engage youngsters in fun augmented-reality ghost-hunting adventures at the LEGO® Hidden Side™ Newbury Haunted High School. This awesome toy combines a buildable LEGO model with an app to deliver a fully interactive play experience – interacting with the model makes things in the app come alive. With continuous updates, tough boss ghosts to battle, new mysteries to solve, cool items to find and ghosts to defeat and collect, this LEGO Hidden Side set takes LEGO play to a new dimension! This building toy for kids is full of cool details to kick-start hours of imaginative play. Kids will love to build and play with this school playset and try to defeat the ghost figures haunting the school. With two hero minifigures, Douglas Elton, a cute ghost dog figure and 4 other minifigures, this school toy is designed for role-play fun.
• Download the LEGO® Hidden Side™ app and point your phone at the Newbury Haunted High School to make this school set for kids come alive. Move the phone around to discover an ever-changing environment hidden around the model.
• This school toy features a lot of fun play-starters, including a hidden chamber, bus station out front, computer lab, library, bathroom, chemistry room and bell tower. The entire school can change from normal to haunted.
• Set in the fictional town of Newbury, where ghosts haunt people and buildings, LEGO® Hidden Side™ playsets let kids play out exciting ghost-hunting adventures that combine physical LEGO models with fully-interactive augmented reality.
• Build and play with the physical building set and then bring it to life as you interact with the set while viewing it through the AR app.
• Using the LEGO® Hidden Side™ app is like looking through a window to a cool and spooky Hidden Side filled with challenging mysteries to solve, ghosts to defeat and unique ghost bosses, like Mr. Nibs, to overcome in each set.
• To get the full augmented reality experience, a tablet or mobile phone is required, but not included.
Available at shop.LEGO.com, LEGO brand retail stores, and major retailers nationwide
Facebook: facebook.com/LEGO
Twitter: twitter.com/LEGO_Group
Instagram: instagram.com/lego
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Birdie is a durable three wheel, kid-powered scooter. Custom designed by Bird’s industry leading vehicle designers, Birdie provides a fun way for children ages 3+ scoot around the driveway, play with friends, ride alongside their parents as they check out a local farmer’s market, or to simply have fun and enjoy some fresh air. Birdies feature the following:
• No slip grip: Birdie’s ergonomic grips are designed to provide better handling and prevent children’s hands from slipping off handlebars. Additionally, Birdie comes with safety stop buttons designed to prevent handlebar removals.
• Durable design and frame: Made with airplane-grade metal, Birdie features wide footboards and ultra-wide wheels for enhanced stability.
• Smooth steering: Birdie’s lean-to-steer design provides flexible control as little riders navigate playtime.
• Three wheels for increased stability: Crafted for ultimate stability, Birdie’s three wheels offer a sturdier, stable, and wiggle-free ride.
• Reliable brakes: Birdie’s stomp brake helps your little rider come to a stop quickly and reliably.
• Height-adjustable t-bar: With an adjustable neck that can be moved up or down, Birdie grows with children making it a sustainable investment.
• Safety tested: Birdie has undergone extensive safety testing to provide your child with a safe ride.
• Trusted Bird brand: Birdie comes from the minds of Bird’s industry leading vehicle designers and globally recognized Bird brand. Flock together as a family in Bird style!
Available at shop.bird.co, Amazon, Nordstrom and Walmart.
Instagram: instagram.com/bird
Twitter: twitter.com/birdride
Facebook: facebook.com/bird
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LifeProof has the holiday hook-up with an array of protective cases for the new iPhone devices. FRĒ cases are now slimmer than ever before and are offered in multiple different colors to match your look. NËXT offers drop, dirt and dust protection for those who don’t need water protection but want something built to last. SLAM and FLiP give the fashion-forward protective and stylish case options. SLAM is one piece paired with bright colors and graphics. FLiP offers a wallet case that tucks into the back of the case. Cases start at $40 and you can find them at lifeproof.com or your local carrier store.
Facebook: @LifeProof
Twitter: @LifeProof
Instagram: @LifeProof
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The Piper Computer Kit build-it-yourself DIY computer kit for kids ages 8+. It’s simple, yet smart and fun while teaching kids about coding and engineering in the familiar and engaging customized version of the Raspberry Pi edition of Minecraft. This game-based learning environment encourages kids to tap into their imagination, which fosters confidence and creativity. On sale: $199 until 12/20, regular $299. Buy from www.playpiper.com & Amazon: amazon.com/Piper-Computer-Kit-Minecraft-Raspberry.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/piper-inc
Facebook: facebook.com/StartWithPiper
Twitter: twitter.com/startwithpiper
Instagram: instagram.com/startwithpiper
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GameStop is your headquarters for everything “gaming on the go” this holiday season. Go to your local GameStop store or to GameStop.com/PowerA to get this season’s “must-have” consoles: The Nintendo Switch for $299.99 or the Nintendo Switch Lite for $199.99. Plus, from Dec. 15 – 25, you can get select Nintendo Switch accessories for 25% off, including great PowerA accessories.
And, if you want holiday GameStop gifts for less, GameStop’s trade-in program makes console and gaming bundles even more affordable. All you have to do is gather the games, consoles, accessories, even phones and other electronics that you’re no longer using and bring them to GameStop for cash or credit toward the gifts you want to give. That way GameStop can save you money towards what you really want for the holidays.
For more information on the best gaming gifts and accessories, visit GameStop.com/PowerA.
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Gaming accessories are the perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite gamer, plus they elevate your game play! Go to your local GameStop store or to GameStop.com/PowerA to get your favorite PowerA gaming accessories.
If you love the Nintendo Switch, then you’ll want to power up with the PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock for $24.99. If you’re a Zelda fan, PowerA has designed this cool Link Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller with motion control and programmable buttons for $49.99.
If you’re more of a Pokémon fan, then check out the Nintendo Switch Lite Enhanced Wireless Pokémon Graffiti Controller for $49.99 and Nintendo Switch Lite Pikachu Graffiti Stealth Protection Case which comes with a screen protector and a cleaning cloth for $14.99.
These unique PowerA Nintendo Switch stocking stuffers and more can be found at GameStop or GameStop.com/PowerA.