Kids in elementary school are at an age where they are ready to explore the computer (not the Internet) freely for entertainment and education. They also enjoy video games and gadgets. There are plenty of great gift options for this age group. These are some of the newest out there.
1. I Spy Funhouse
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This colorful I Spy computer game is fun, but challenging. Choose I Spy Funhouse for your more focused little computer user and be prepared to help them play along. Some of the objects are tricky to find for even grown-up eyes. Then again, this is a great excuse to play a game together.
2. Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist
Photo Courtesy of Mattel
Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist allows girls to design Barbie outfits on their computers from a virtual choice of tops, skirts, pants, dresses, shoes and accessories. The kit comes with a USB card scanner, software, 50 fashion cards and carrying case. Apprentice stylists choose the pieces of their outfit and scan them into the computer to create a special style. Software allows girls to play games and create magazine covers as well. Barbie iDesign is for PC. It is not Mac compatible.
3. Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs
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Mia's Readying Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs is a cute reading game for early elementary school kids. Mia the Mouse sets out to keep the Bugaboos from attracting the attention of the humans in the house. To do so, she must play reading games and solve a variety of puzzles. Kids have complete control of this adventure as they roam the house looking for clues and collecting objects. The free aspect of the game is part of the appeal, but it's also possible for them to get stuck. Great graphics make Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs a treat to play.
4. LeapFrog Didj Custom Gaming System
Photo Courtesy of LeapFrog
The LeapFrog Didj is a handheld gaming system designed to be the next step for kids graduating from the Leapster. It's got snazzier graphics and games that are more entertainment than education. An adult can customize the learning skills, while kids can customize game play.
5. VTech V.Smile Cyber Pocket
The VTech V.Smile Cyber Pocket is a portable, educational game system. With a flip-up LCD screen and a touch pad and stylus, younger kids will feel pretty cool with this game, which also plugs into the TV for big-screen play. Cyber Pocket utilizes the VLink device, which allows kids to unlock games online and compare their scores with other players. It also allows parents to see how their kids are doing with the learning skills in each game.6. Crayola Keyboard, Mouse and Frame Mousepad
These computer peripherals in kid-friendly sizes and colors are sure to bring on a smile. The mousepad is customizable with a photo or artwork. The mouse is an optical mouse. It is slightly smaller than a traditional mouse and houses a small snow-globe like beach scene. The best part is a well-kept secret which isn't mentioned in any of the product descriptions I've seen... when plugged into the USB port, the mouse starts blinking in different colors. So very cool!7. U.B. Funkeys Dream State
Photo Courtesy of Mattel
The latest addition to the U.B. Funkeys family is the Dream State collection. The newest Funkeys allow users to unlock the "Nightmare Riff" and "Daydream Oasis" areas of the game. Special Dream State Funkeys also allows players to chat with others and play multiplayer games with friends, while still maintaining the "safe" aspects of the world. Newcomers to U.B. Funkeys should remember to purchase a starter kit, which will include the U.B. Funkeys USB base.