Cool Stuff – November 2019
By Christine Davis
Intelino Smart Train
This is the classic toy train, reinvented. This set includes smart tracks, smart train, colour snaps to help control the train’s actions, as well as decals for customizing the look, a USB charging cable and a quick start guide. Download the mobile app and get on board. Available at Apple stores and Best Buy. $149.99
Sphero Mini Soccer
Get the ball rolling with this app-enabled robotic ball and eight cones to inspire creative challenging. This sporty take on the popular Sphero Mini lets little coders program their robots with precision around the cones, learn block-based programming and play hundreds of free STEM-based activities. Available at sphero.com. $49.99 US
Pillow Pets
You’ll get two toys in one with Pillow Pets that fold up to cuddle or open to use as a pollow. Toddlers will love the licensed character collection including Paw Patrol, while older children will like the movie-themed choices like Frozen II, not to mention countless other options. Available at Home Hardware, Costco, Indigo and Cineplex. From $29.99
BuddyPhones Wave
These kid-safe, kid-proof and kid-friendly headphones are designed specifically for kids with a volume-limiting feature that keeps their music and games at a safe level. The offer wireless freedom up to 10 metres and a 25 hour batter life. Set Modes specifically for toddlers, kids, travel and study. Available at Amazon and buddyphones.com. $79.99 US
Jakks Pacific indoor tents
Create a fun indoor play space with these Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol indoor tents. They feature bright graphics that can be seen inside and out and are lightweight and easy to assemble for children and parents alike. Available in assorted configurations. Available at Toys ‘R’ Us. $29.99 – $59.99
Artie 3000
From Educational Insights comes the first ever drawing robot that also helps children learn to code. Suitable for ages 7+ Artie combines the right and left brain via art and coding with seven different coding interfaces that can be used to create designs of varying complexity, which Artie then draws on paper. Available at Amazon. $69.99
Barbie Dreamtopia Magical Lights Unicorn
This toy combines two of little girls’ favourites in one for imaginative play. Help Barbie feed and ride her unicorn and put it to sleep by tapping its horn. Suitable for ages 3 to 7. Available at Toys “R” Us. $89.99
STEM at Play Yum! Candy Making Lab Kit
Think like a scientist with 16 hands-on experiments that will have you making jelly and crystal rock candy, testing for sugar, seeing how it dissolves, and much more. The fact-filled colorful lab guide is chock-full of pictures and information for hours of fun in your own sugar-coated lab. Additional household items may be required. Available at Amazon. $34.99 US
Beyblade Burst Turbo Slingshock Cross Collision Battle Set
Bladers will be thrilled with the Cross Collision Beystadium, which features a quadruple rail system that propels tops through the rails and into the Battle Ring for intense head-to-head clashes. Set includes everything needed to battle. Available at Toys “R” Us. $79.99
My Partner Pikachu
Engaged with Pikachu like never before with this interactive figurine from Wicked Cool Toys. The touch sensor toy makes his arms and ears move, his tail light up and sound effects with more than 39 touch combinations and give random reactions to each combo for almost 200 different reactions for children to experience. Available at EG Games, Walmart and Toys “R” Us. $29.99
Lego Friends Rescue Mission Boat
Kids will enjoy the gifts of hours of animal rescue adventures with this set. Little explorers can play out a number of animal-saving scenarios with the highly equipped boat, which also includes three mini doll figures, a narwhal toy figure and a robot figure. Available at Toys “R” Us, Mastermind Toys, Walmart and Indigo. $109.94
STOCKING STUFFERS
Kariderm Organic Lip Balm
Protect little lips with this lip balm, available in vanilla and mint scents, that combines organic shea butter with pure vegetable and organic waxes and oils to nourishes and protects lips from wind, cold winter weather and the sun while providing natural gloss. Available at kariderm.com and various retailers. $4.95
Make Your Own Motor Boat
This two-blade propeller can be mounted to a homemade toy boat made from just about anything, including sticks, a scrap piece of wood or something you pulled from the recycle bin for plenty of floating fun. Secure the waterproof motor to the deck or hull using some string and the four mounting loops. AAA battery included. Available at Lee Valley stores and leevalley.com. $9.95
Toggles for Goggles
Stuff their stockings with these goggle accessories. Available in letters, numbers, animals, emoji, characters and more, they can be used to personalize goggles for winter travel or spell the owner’s name so they don’t get lost or mixed up. Available at togglesforgoggles.com. $3.49 US each
