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Don’t fret for one second about screen time. Gaming lets kiddos socialize safely and develop important skills like critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance. Whether you want to encourage a budding gamer, or know a teen on the verge of streaming superstardom, these are the gifts that’ll amp up their holidays.
When the gaming gets too real, reach for this tiny flesh jackhammer. It can deliver up to 40 pounds of force (read: deep tissue-level massage) in varying patterns and speeds to zap tension and get you back in play. Five attachments ensure you’ll always have the right tool to coax unruly muscles into game-readiness.
For photo-realistic game quality, super fast load times, and access to four generations of Xbox titles, this tiny futuristic box is your buy. It features the same user interface as its big bro, the Series X, and neat tricks like Quick Resume, which lets you pause multiple games at once so you can jump between them without losing progress. This’ll take your kid all the way from game-curious to YouTube sensation, no hardware upgrades necessary.
Go big with this crazy affordable monster screen from the company behind the official TV of Call of Duty. Cinema-quality resolution will help you feel the burn of your light saber, while respectably quick response times will keep fast-paced game lovers happy. And of course, multiplayer mode will look rad for everyone.
First, you’ll notice the acid-green keyboard, a funky clue this computer’s made for more than math class. (Though it can definitely pull double duty for both school and fun.) With excellent battery life (up to 6.5 hours!) and cooling capabilities (two fans!), it’ll handle gaming marathons and never-ending Zoom classes just fine. Solid graphics and an Intel Core i5 processor round out this swell deal of an entry-level laptop.
Give the gift of great game audio without distraction. Intuitive touch sensors on the speakers let you turn up the sound or tone it down with a quick finger flick, and built-in mics make it easy to strategize with buddies. Charge these comfy cans once to get 30 hours of play while they drown out annoying ambient noise, like the neighbor’s yippy chihuahua.
This go-anywhere console is the runaway hit of 2020, thanks to its versatility and Nintendo’s massive library of wholesome games. Play it as a handheld, prop it on a tabletop, or connect it to your T.V. for family fun. The Switch also supports online play, so your lil’ gamers can retreat into the popular world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons with their friends, where everything’s just fine.
Boost your gaming experience with this simple accessory. Blackout curtains axe glare and let you perfectly calibrate your screen’s contrast and brightness, sans solar interference. Bonus: They can up your home’s energy efficiency by keeping out winter chill (and summer heat), and can even reduce outside noise. Leaf blowers, begone!
This story was produced by WIRED Brand Lab for Target.
