High-Tech Fun: Our Top 5 Picks from VTech’s Fall Lineup

It’s never too soon to start planning for the holidays—even in the middle of a late summer heat wave. VTech recently previewed its latest educational toys and gadgets for Fall 2013, and let’s just say that there are definitely some products worth talking about. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite innovations for your previewing pleasure—all of which will hit stores in the next two weeks.

1) InnoTab 3S Wi-Fi Learning Tablet, $99.99 (Ages: 3-9 years)

The newest addition to VTech’s innovative line of children’s Wi-Fi enabled learning tablets features VTech Kid Connect—a communication app through which kids can connect with their parents and friends. In addition to its tablet-to-mobile and tablet-to-tablet communication options, the high-tech toy includes a kid-safe web browser, a rechargeable battery pack, and 20 free apps that are already included. This learning tablet is both fun and educational as it teaches science concepts, vocabulary enhancement, and handwriting skills through engaging games and creative apps.

2) Switch & Go Dinos – Jagger the T-Rex, $69.99 (Ages: 3-8 years)

We’ve seen a lot of transformer toys over the years, but we have to say that this one leads the pack. In just a few simple steps, Jagger the T-Rex goes from a construction crane to a giant T-Rex. Voice recognition technology allows the toy to respond to specific voice commands, such as “move forward,” when in dino mode, as well as to activate the launcher-fired drill bit in crane mode. Although he almost sounds too fun to be educational, rest assured—Jagger teaches kids fun historical dinosaur facts as they play.

3) Roll & Learn Activity Suitcase, $36.99 (Ages: 12-36 months)

Imaginative little travelers can pack for a learning-filled adventure with this fun educational suitcase. The interactive toy features an activity panel, a removable phone, piano keys, spinning gears, a fun dog character, and more than 30 melodies and sing-along songs. Kids can pack up and take their fun anywhere as they strengthen fine motor skills while learning new words, greetings, modes of transportation, and famous places.

4) 2-in-1 Shop & Cook Playset, $49.99 (Ages: 2-5 years)

Is it a shopping cart or a kitchen? Actually, it’s both. This 2-in-1 transformational playset for kids ages 2-5 encourages little ones to pretend to play in both the grocery store and the kitchen. The cart responds with sounds and phrases, and the kitchen includes everything from a stove to a cutting board. Young chefs will learn about food, colors, and numbers as they discover how to successfully follow directions while preparing an imaginative meal.

5) Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset, $49.99 (Ages: 1-5 years)

This interactive play set for toddlers teaches learning skills through cause and effect, all while encouraging creative play. Included vehicles (as well as those sold separately) respond to SmartPoint locations and feature fun effects for kids to marvel at. The coolest part—this play set also connects to the new Airport Playset and Construction Playset from the Go! Go! Smart Wheels series, so kids can create a mini transportation system all their own.