Ereader Gifts for Kids

Upper elementary aged kids are very capable, when it comes to navigating many of the popular digital devices available.  However, at this stage, a parent may be reluctant to spend high amounts of money on tech gadgets, and with good reason. 

Moving into the tween stage, kids can become very scattered, forgetful, and awkward.  I've dealt with a few tech casualties with kids who are in the 10 and up age group.  On the other hand, some of the kid-tough electronic learning toys are just a bit too juvenile for these older kids.  While ereader toys for kids are more likely to withstand the rough handling, the content is just a bit immature for the upper elementary age level.

Ereaders can be good choices for this level, with some very inexpensive models available.  Not a replacement for the tablet computer craze, nevertheless, the devices are something other than a video game, and provide a means of augmenting your child's academic progress.

Kindle With Special Offers

Many of the same issues with selecting an ereader for a tween come into play for the upper elementary aged child.  Kindle, Amazon's ereader, provides a cost effective model (Kindle with Special Offers, Wi-Fi version $114), which includes web browsing, library lending, and games.  The only downside is the lack of touchscreen interactivity, though there are rumors of a coming tablet version. 

Barnes and Noble's Nook Touch is another inexpensive choice, retailing at $139.  The device is touchscreen operated, but is strictly an ereading device.  There are not apps, nor web browsing capabilities at this point.  The $249 Nook Color functions as more of a tablet, with color display, apps, and web browsing.

Computer Gifts for Children: Netbook vs. Laptop for Kids

Laptop computers used to be the ideal of young, and old, alike.  A decade ago, the prices seemed preclusive for average families, and madness ensued at the hint of a deep discount sale.  Since, though, prices on both laptop computers and desktops have dropped significantly, and have made computers a terrific birthday and holiday gift choice for children.  Netbooks have really climbed in popularity in the last 3 years, and are an affordable for gifting to children.  Further, the quality of netbooks have improved greatly, meaning that today, you get more for less.

If you are deciding on a laptop for a kid, vs. a netbook for a kid, there are some considerations to weigh, as both can be quite affordable, but management will not be completely equal.  Since a netbook doesn't have a DVD drive, any supplemental DVD software will require an external DVD drive.  This isn't a difficulty, but it does mean that your child won't be able to operate those programs on the go.  For a homeschooling family using Switched on Schoolhouse software, the DVD drive is necessary.  For the child who will use a netbook in more of a research and recreation capacity, this isn't a problem.  A laptop incorporates a DVD drive, and may be a better choice in a kid's PC, if DVD's are to be used.

Size can be a problem with some laptop computers.  A large laptop provides the most screen space, which is nice from an eyesight consideration.  However, even adults have a tough time keeping a 17 inch laptop well balanced, when using it in a portable setting.  I've experienced some serious close calls when my children (teens included) try to work with my laptop.  14-15" laptop computers reduce the screen size, but are a little more manageable for young computer owners. 

A netbook tends to be in the 10 to 11 inch size range, which means much smaller area of vision.  However, given many handheld devices children use today, this is still better by far than handheld video game sizes.  The size is much easier to manage, and easier for stowing in a tote or backpack when  you are on the road.

Whichever type of computer you select as a gift for your child, be sure to establish strong ground rules about where the computer is used, and where it shouldn't be taken.  Kids like to do the unexpected, and it wouldn't be difficult to sneak a netbook into a school bag.  Oversight is important for any type of computer for kid.

Read more about Tween Computer Choices. 

Research the current bestselling netbooks at Amazon.

MobiGoTouch Learning System

MobiGo Touch, ages 3-8

***Images are Clickable, for current Amazon Pricing and Availability.

 MobiGo, by VTech, is a touchscreen learning toy, with a slide out QWERTY keyboard.  VTech has provided learning toys for years, and has a track record for integrating great learning games, along with popular current technology trends, mirroring the action and style of grown up tech items.  Just as the slider cell phones are popular with teenagers, so the slide out style of this toy will appeal to their younger siblings.  Cartridges are sold separately, though the initial MobiGo system comes with a first game cartridge.  MobiGo retails at approximately $50, and is available in the yellow-orange-blue design pictured above, and in a pink-purple design, pictured just below.

MobiGo Touch for Girls

Having been introduced in past years, and with VTech set to unveil it's Innopad in the fall of 2011, just in time for the holiday season, you may see some good deals on this system, come holiday shopping time.  There are educational systems in many price ranges, and if your budget is tight, this is a more cost effective device for your youngster.  As age goes, this type of learning toy still appeals to my 6 and 7 year old youngsters, by age 8, might be a little too immature.  You can read a set of reviews of the MobiGo Touch here.