Terrific Toys from Consumer Reports

December 06, 2011|By Consumer Reports

Looking to put the “Ho! Ho! Ho!” in your holidays? If there are children on your list longing for some of the season’s hottest toys, you’ll want to know what Consumer Reports ShopSmart has to say. It scouted the store shelves, then had its electronics reporter highlight some great choices. Experts looked for toys that would be fun to play with but that would also build skills and that the whole family would want to play together.

One hit — the $13 Techno Source 20Q for kids 6 and up. It’s an electronic take on the
old-fashioned 20 questions game. If it guesses your object in 20 or fewer questions, it wins. It won nine out of 10 times.

The $30 Paper Jamz Pro Mic, for kids 8 and up, will thrill your budding musician.
It even corrects your voice if you sing off-key.

Kids 2 to 6 can jam with B Toys’ Meowsic Music Keyboard and Microphone, $26.
Play it freestyle or play along to 20 included songs.

And mini-moviemakers 5 and up will love the Hot Wheels Video Racer. It’s a little more expensive at $60, but the built-in camera records Hot Wheels action, or the car can be strapped onto a helmet for an action cam!

Or you can go low-tech with the $20 Tetris Link, for kids 6 and up. This fast-paced stacking game can challenge the whole family.

Another cool toy is Wild Planet’s Ultimate Night Vision Goggles for kids 8 and up. The goggles use infrared technology to let you see in the dark. They cost $50.

And when it comes to powering up your favorite electronic toys, Consumer Reports suggests rechargeable batteries, which give you the most bang for your buck.

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