Toy Tablets for Kids: Touchscreen Toys and Tablet Computers vie for a Share of the Market

When you are thinking ahead to birthdays and holiday gifts for your kids, the tech world can't be avoided.  Touchscreen toys are hot, and the market is ever more competitive.  Last year's LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids was nearly impossible to find by Christmas, and only recently has it regained a spot on my local Walmart's shelf.  Likewise, the InnoTab from VTech was a hot item, a little less rich in features and a little easier on the budget.  Both companies are introducing updated versions of their tablets for children with LeapPad Explorer 2 due to hit the shelves in mid-August and with the InnoTab 2 due out in the fall.

LeapPad Explorer 2 and InnoTab 2 are due out in coming months,
making it possible to obtain older versions at a discount through various sources. 
Even now, InnoTab prices have dropped at Amazon.

This is excellent news on many fronts.  First, LeapPad will include lots of new free content.  In my previous assessments, I felt that there was almost as much value in tablets like Kindle Fire for older kids because of the content costs associated with toy tablets.  LeapFrog provides more value in its coming edition.  InnoTab 2, meanwhile, will include added features and memory.  A camera was lacking in the first model and that plus video cam are part of the new version.  The older models may see some price reductions as releases near for new toy tablet games for kids, so if your budget is crimped, you should watch with eagle eyes for deals. 

Both companies have a tendency to appear as Black Friday doorbusters.  I've picked up things from both brands in the post-Thanksgiving shopping deals and loved the products.  Keep your eyes open and plan now if you need to budget.  Watch eBay, too, as the older versions are likely to be sold second hand to make room for new items.  Excellent if new isn't a priority in your home.

Keep your eyes open for the Meep Tablet for kids, coming later this year from Oregon Scientific.  This tablet may change the landscape dramatically as it includes parental controls and is specifically crafted for kids.


Keep your kids' interests in mind.  A toy that pretends to be a tablet may not suit older children in spite of the claims of companies that they are great for the age group.  My 8 year old distinctly rejected this idea for his birthday and preferred Legos.  If you are looking at the 8-9 year old age range, real tablets may be a better choice.

Dealing with the possibility of touchscreen toys for youngsters, keep your eyes out and be ready to act when items release, especially if you are intent on having these quality toys for the holiday season.  You can keep up with LeapPad products and InnoTab devices for kids at Amazon, among other retailers.

Toy Vs. Tech: Toy Tech or Real Tech Gifts for Kids?

As a mom, I want my children's experiences with tech gifts to be productive, whether with a learning toy, or with a serious piece of tech equipment.  I also recognize that independent exploration can be just as valuable as programmed direction of a child's learning activities.  However, the younger the child, the more direction and supervision is necessary.  This is especially true with higher priced tech items such as computers, laptops and netbooks, but can also be a factor in working with tech toys designed for a younger age group.

In our house, we've come to a determination that under age ten, an expensive tech gadget isn't even a consideration as a personal gift, due to maturity issues.  Handheld video game systems, netbooks, iPods, and similar sought after items on a child's wish list are too expensive to easily replace, and the kids know, as well, that there is a coming of age sense of trust that will go along with such gifts.  They can dream, no doubt, but it's just good sense, from our perspective, to be wise in this sort of gift giving.

Child targeted electronic learning systems, and other tough child gadget gifts, however, if within reach in terms of cost, are equally acceptable as child gifts from about age 4.  My children, when in that under 4 age range, haven't really had the interest, nor the need, to spend time with such gadgets, and are much happier with age appropriate toys.  From age 4 to 7, electronic learning systems, such as Leapster, have held their attention well, and have been within their capacity to operate.  At ages 8-9, there may be a passing glance, but little targeted interest in these early learning electronic gifts.  Still, I'm not quite ready to put more expensive gadgets in the hands of my 8-9 year olds, and so I look for non-electronic alternatives in that time frame.  One consideration at that age might be a desktop computer, as it is non-portable, and stays anchored in one place, less prone to accidents and damage. 

For my sons in that age range, there are some interesting electronics, in terms of race cars, helicopters, and motorized building sets that seem to satisfy the tech interests, while for a daughter in that age group, I tend toward girl gifts like electronic diaries, or text messaging toys.  If I see a reasonable demonstration of maturity, I may give way a little bit on game consoles, or iPods, or ereaders.  Guidelines are great as a starting point, but need to be evaluated on an individual basis.  Watch that you don't create problems with a less responsible child, though, who wonders why they don't get equal treatment at a given age.  Have a solid response ready, and discuss the issues that cause you to hesitate in purchasing costly tech presents.

Every home will have different dynamics, every parent, an individual response.  When it comes to real tech items, verses tech toys, keep your own interests, as well as your child's, balanced with important factors that give credence to your decision.

Read about age ranges for tablet toy alternatives for kids.