Gallery: 13 Gifts for Kids That You'll Want to Play With Too
Sphero0101-Sphero-BB-8-(manufacturer-photo)
Let's just get this one out of the way. [BB-8](http://www.amazon.com/Sphero-R001ROW-BB-8-App-Enabled-Droid/dp/B0107H5FJ6/) is the toy this year, and for good reason. Even if your little ones aren't old enough to see the new Star Wars movie in theaters, there's no age limit (well, three and up, because of choke-sized pieces) to enjoying a goofy little robot ball flailing around the living room floor. $150.
Mattel0202-View-Master-VR-(manufacturer-photo)
You've got no limit to affordable virtual reality options. If you've got a family, though, start with the Google Cardboard-compatible [View-Master VR](http://www.amazon.com/View-Master-Virtual-Reality-Starter-Pack/dp/B011EG5HJ2/). It's durable, compatible with most iOS and Android devices, and works with a variety of "Experience Packs" that cover everything from space travel to safari adventures. $25.
Anki0303-Anki-Overdrive-(manufacturer-photo)
Racing toy cars has come a long way since you were a kid. [Anki Overdrive](http://www.amazon.com/Anki-000-00031-OVERDRIVE-Starter-Kit/dp/B00V6951I0/), the latest generation of Anki's app-controlled supercar system, introduces raised courses to the game that includes in-race power-ups, weapons, defense systems, AI opponents, and more. $125.
MEL Science0404-MEL-Chemistry-Sets-(manufacturer-photo)
Beer of the month. Wine of the month. Bacon of the month. Grown-ups get all the good subscription plan. Now there's [MEL Science](https://melscience.com/en/), though, which delivers three brain-expanding chemistry experiments to your doorstep each month, with 38 experiment sets in all to keep kids learning—and entertained. About $40 a month.
Lost My Name0505-The-Incredible-Intergalactic-Journey-Home-(manufacturer-photo)
Customized kids books are nothing new, but [Lost My Name](https://www.lostmy.name/en-US/books/thejourneyhome) takes the concept a step further in this children's tale that follows a junior astronaut's voyage from outer space to their home back on Earth. No, really; the reader's actual home, thanks to a satellite image that makes its way onto the page thanks to some of Lost My Name's clever tech tricks. $30.
Osmo0606-Osmo-(manufacturer-photo)
[Osmo](http://www.amazon.com/Osmo-Gaming-System-for-iPad/dp/B013JLGB2W/), an iPad accessory that turns real-world objects into digitized games, was around last year as well. This summer, though, it picked up a fancy new trick: An app that lets you draw any image perfectly, every time, through some clever mirror tracing tricks. It's a great example of a toy that's good now, and can get even better through simple software updates. $80.
littlebits0707-littleBits-Gadgets-Kit-(manufacturer-photo)
For the young maker in your life who's ready to step it up past inanimate Lego constructions, this new set from [littleBits](http://www.amazon.com/littleBits-Electronics-Gizmos-Gadgets-Kit/dp/B0147YATSW/) comes with all the ingredients needed for a dozen different electronics and robotics projects. Some supervision may be required, but you're never too young to tinker. $200.
Polaroid0808-Polaroid-ZIP-(manufacturer-photo)
From time to time, parents want to get all those playtime photos off their phone and into a physical album. The [Polaroid ZIP](http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Mobile-Printer-Printing-Technology/dp/B00TE8XKIS/) may be the lowest-hassle way to do so. It prints directly from your smartphone over Bluetooth or NFC, and can churn out a smudge-free, no-ink, 2x3-inch full color photo in under a minute. $130.
0909-HBO-Now-Logo-(manufacturer-photo)
[HBO Now](https://order.hbonow.com/) is handy for its back catalog of HBO shows and recent movies, sure. But! As of January 16th, it's going to be the first-run home of the new season of *Sesame Street*. That makes it a go-to streaming app for Grover fanatics—and their kids.
1010-Girl-Scout-Oven-(manufacturer-photo)
Is this essentially just an Easy-Bake Oven with good branding? Yes. But what a brand! The [Girl Scout Cookie Oven](http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Cool-Toys-50301US01-Scouts/dp/B00X9SPRKI/) from Wicked Cool Toys safely churns out everyone's favorite kid-peddled treats, with mixes and measuring tools available to help build some cooking skills along the way. It comes with a Thin Mints mix, but I'd recommend tossing in a "coconut caramel" (read: Samoas) refill if you really love them. $40.
kikkerland1111-Kikkerland-Animal-Multitool-(manufacturer-photo)
Maybe it's unreasonable to expect your kids to help out with minor repairs around the house, but you can at least get them interested in the process with a [7-in-1 multitool](http://www.kikkerland.com/products/animal-multi-tool/) that produces adorable animal shapes. Just make sure the first lesson is about safety. $20.
Amazon1212-Amazon-Echo-(manufacturer-photo)
If you don't start a dance party in the next five seconds you're facing a full-on meltdown. Do you fumble your phone out of your pocket and hope for the best? Or do you just say "Alexa, play Fitz and the Tantrums" and reach for the sippy cup? It's the latter, trust me. Amazon's voice-activated [Echo](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X4WHP5E/) Bluetooth speaker is great for lots of reasons, but it's essential for keeping your eyes and hands focused on your kids and not your playlist.
Pirasta1313-Pirasta-Lets-Color-America-(manufacturer-photo)
Coloring books are so played out. [Gigantic coloring posters](http://www.pirastanyc.com/collections/frontpage/products/spaced-out)? Now we're talking. You can fill a whole month of weekends trying to fill in every last inch of this United States coloring poster from Pirasta NYC—and when you're done, you can go ahead and move on to one of their three other all-encompassing designs. $32.
