12 Cool Gadgets for Kids: Tech-Savvy Surprises for Every Age!
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
From AI-robot companions to kids-friendly smartwatches and drones, the world of tech-infused gadgets for kids has never been more exciting. Whether you're shopping for a tech-loving toddler or a gadget-obsessed tween, there's a wealth of innovative, educational, and downright fun devices to discover.
In this guide, we'll showcase 12 of the coolest, most cutting-edge gadgets that are sure to delight kids and spark their curiosity about the wonders of technology.
We have also noted the age recommendations for each gadget, so you can find the perfect fit for your kids of every age.
On our list
#1 Hatch Rest (Kids Every age)
#2 Echo Dot Kids (3-12 y/o)
#3 Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids (3-7 y/o) & Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro (6-12 y/o)
#4 MyFirst Care Buds (3-12 y/o)
#5 MyFirst Camera 3 (4-15 y/o)
#6 Miko Mini (5-10 y/o)
#7 KidiStar DJ Mixer (5-10 y/o)
#8 Garmin Bounce (6-12 y/o)
#9 Nintendo Switch Lite (6-16 y/o)
#10 Amazon Kindle Kids (7-12 y/o)
#11 Meta Quest 2 (10+ y/o)
#12 Ryze Tello (14+ y/o)
#1 Hatch Rest
Hatch Rest
Hatch Rest is an all-in-one bedside sleep assistant that combines a nightlight, sound machine, dimmable clock, and alarms, helping kids of every age sleep better and rise on time.
When it's time to sleep, the Hatch Rest gives Time-for-Bed cues with soothing sounds and light to help kids wind down. Calming sleep sounds can be set to play throughout the night to drown out unwanted background noise, helping your kids stay asleep.
When it's time to wake up, the Time-to-Rise alarm gradually brightens the light and plays a gentle audio cue. These bedtime and wake-up routines help kids develop healthy sleep habits.
A subscription to Hatch Membership also unlocks a range of benefits, including access to a growing library of sleep content like soundscapes, lullabies, sleep stories, meditations, and more.
Hatch Rest (2nd Gen)
Sleep Assistant for Kids of Every Age
✓ Nightlight
✓ Sound Machine with 18+ Sounds
✓ Dimmable Clock
✓ Time-for-Bed & Time-to-Rise
#2 Echo Dot Kids
Echo Dot Kids
The Echo Dot Kids is a voice-controlled smart speaker designed specifically for children ages 3-12. With its kid-friendly design and curated content, the Echo Dot Kids encourages learning, creativity, and fun in safe and engaging ways.
Kids can ask Alexa questions to satisfy their curiosity, play music or bedtime stories, set timers and alarms, or even help with their homework. A 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ unlocks a vast library of age-appropriate audiobooks, interactive games, fun Morning Routines, customized Alexa voice, and educational Alexa skills.
Alexa will automatically provide kid-friendly responses and filter explicit songs. Parents can also set daily time limits and review activities in the Amazon Parent Dashboard, ensuring a safe, educational, and entertaining experience for their children.
With another Alexa device or Alexa app, parents can also quickly connect with their kids through Drop In, an intercom-like feature that allows them to check in on their children. If there are multiple kids in the home, parents can use Announcements to broadcast messages to all Echo Dot Kids devices, like calling them to dinner or reminding them of an upcoming activity.
Echo Dot Kids (5th Gen)
Smart Speaker for Kids 3-12 y/o
✓ Alexa Voice Assistant
✓ Drop In & Announcements
✓ Library of Entertainment
✓ Parental Controls
#3 Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids / Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
Looking for a tablet computer built specifically for kids? The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids is the perfect choice for kids ages 3-7, while the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is designed for older kids ages 6-12.
Both tablets feature a 10.1" high-resolution 1080p display with a large 32 GB of storage, a long-lasting 13-hour battery, and robust parental controls, allowing parents to manage time limits, pause and resume the device, approve app download requests, and adjust content filter settings.
Both models support access to a range of educational apps and games, and an Amazon Kids+ subscription provides an additional library of ad-free books, games, and more. The Pro version for more mature kids has expanded content and also includes access to a filtered web browser and voice and video calling for a more "grown-up" feel and experience.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids
Tablet for Kids 3-7 y/o
✓ 1080p HD Screen
✓ 32 GB Storage
✓ Ad-Free Content
✓ Parental Controls
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
Tablet for Kids 6-12 y/o
✓ 1080p HD Screen
✓ Voice & Video Calling
✓ Expanded Ad-Free Content
✓ Parental Controls
#4 MyFirst Care Buds
MyFirst Care Buds
If your kids love listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the MyFirst Care Buds are a great option to consider. These wireless earbuds come with attachable anti-lost strips to prevent them from getting lost, and the case has a handy strap for easy carrying.
MyFirst Care Buds support a maximum volume of 85dB, the recommended safe listening level for children. When it detects the kids are moving, Smart Transparency Mode is automatically enabled, letting ambient sounds automatically in for safety during outdoor activities.
There is also an Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) microphone that allows for clear voice calls, which is useful for virtual learning or video chatting.
MyFirst Care Buds
Hearing-Safe Earbuds for Kids 3-12 y/o
✓ 85dB Maximum Volume
✓ Smart Transparency Mode
✓ ENC Microphone
✓ Anti-Lost Strip
#5 MyFirst Camera 3
MyFirst Camera 3
Not a mere camera toy, MyFirst Camera 3 is a real digital camera designed specifically for kids ages 4-15 years old. The camera delivers high-quality 16MP photos and 1920 x 1080 videos, with a 2-inch IPS screen for easy framing and viewing.
MyFirst Camera 3 even features an additional Selfie Lens and Macro Lens, with the former allowing kids to easily capture self-portraits, and the latter enabling close-up shots of small objects and details. Preloaded Frames are also available for kids to add creative touches to their photos.
The shockproof case and neck lanyard make the MyFirst Camera 3 durable and easy to carry around. With child-friendly design and intuitive buttons, the MyFirst Camera 3 empowers kids to capture their world and express their creativity through photography.
MyFirst Camera 3
Mini Digital Camera for Kids 4-15 y/o
✓ HD Photos & Videos
✓ Macro & Selfie Lens
✓ Preloaded Frames
✓ Shockproof Case
#6 Miko Mini
Miko Mini
Miko Mini is an AI-powered robot companion that can engage children in interactive play, storytelling, and educational experiences. The robot is equipped with handpicked content and activities to nurture a child's intellectual, social, and emotional development.
What sets it apart from other AI assistants like Alexa-powered Echo Dot Kids is that Miko Mini features an expressive "face" display and "moving feet" from rubberized wheels, creating a more human-like personality.
The integrated camera and sensors can detect kids' moods and actions as well as the environment, enabling it to tailor responses with appropriate conversations, facial expressions, and movements. The Miko Mini can even dance and play hide and seek with your kids, creating a more engaging and human-like interaction.
The Miko Parent App keeps parents involved by allowing them to control the usage, receive progress reports, adjust settings, and more. The robot also has a privacy shutter to cover the camera when not in use, ensuring your child's safety and privacy.
Miko Mini
AI Robot Companion for Kids 5-10 y/o
✓ Face & Voice Recognition
✓ Adaptive Learning
✓ Dance Moves & Other Fun
✓ Miko Parent App
#7 KidiStar DJ Mixer
KidiStar DJ Mixer
If you're looking for a gadget that will make your kid the star of their own show, the VTech KidiStar DJ Mixer is a must-have. This DJ turntable is specially designed for kids ages 5 and above, letting kids unleash their creativity and become the life of the party.
Kids can create custom mixes with the 15 built-in songs or connect to Bluetooth devices to play their favorite songs and remix them with various sound effects and instrument sounds. It even comes with a built-in microphone for sing-along fun.
The colorful light effects add to the excitement and energy of the performance, making the KidiStar DJ Mixer a truly immersive and engaging experience for young music enthusiasts.
KidiStar DJ Mixer
DJ Turntable for Kids 5-10 y/o
✓ 15 Built-in Songs
✓ 2000+ Sound Combinations
✓ Bluetooth & Audio Cable
✓ Built-in Microphone
#8 Garmin Bounce
Garmin Bounce
If buying your kids a smartphone is not something you're comfortable with yet, the Garmin Bounce is a great alternative. With LTE connectivity, Garmin Bounce supports phone-free texts and voice messages so parents can stay connected with their children.
Through the Garmin Jr. app, parents can also locate their kids in real-time and even get notified when they arrive at or leave a parent-defined area, such as school or home. The Assistance feature gives an extra layer of safety, letting kids easily send help requests with their live location in case of an emergency.
Garmin Bounce also comes preloaded with features that can motivate kids to stay active, including sports apps to track activities, challenges to earn rewards, and the ability to play quizzes and games. Parents can even assign tasks and chores with redeemable coins for rewards, helping to teach responsibility and independence.
Garmin Bounce
Smartwatch for Kids 6-12 y/o
✓ Two-Way Texts & Voice Messages
✓ LiveTrack & Assistance
✓ Step, Sleep, & Activity Tracking
✓ Swim-Friendly
#9 Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite
Play various games from Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and more with the Nintendo Switch Lite, a dedicated handheld gaming console designed for on-the-go play. The device comes in colorful options like yellow, turquoise, coral, blue, and grey, making it an appealing choice for kids.
Nintendo Switch Lite supports multiple players with connections to up to 8 Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch Lite, allowing kids to enjoy multiplayer games with their friends and family.
If you're worried about your kids spending too much time gaming or accessing inappropriate content, Nintendo Switch Lite offers robust parental controls through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Via this app, parents can set playtime limits, restrict access to certain games, customize online features, and monitor their children's gaming activities.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Handheld Gaming Console for Kids 6-16 y/o
✓ Vast Library of Games
✓ Built-in Controllers
✓ Multiplayer Support
✓ Parental Controls
#10 Amazon Kindle Kids
Amazon Kindle Kids
Amazon Kindle Kids can be a great gift for book-loving kids. Designed specifically for reading—no apps, videos, or games— the Kindle Kids provides a distraction-free experience that helps to foster a love of reading in children.
Amazon Kindle Kids features a 300 ppi high-resolution black and white display that is easy on the eyes, like reading a physical paper. The lightweight and compact build makes it comfortable to hold and carry around, while the glare-free screen allows for easy reading even in bright sunlight.
A subscription to Amazon Kids+ provide unlimited access to a vast library of children-friendly books and audiobooks, including popular fictions, manga comics, to historical reading, science, and more.
Amazon Kindle Kids
E-Reader for Kids 7-12 y/o
✓ Ad-free Books & Audiobooks
✓ 300 ppi Resolution
✓ Glare-Free
✓ Light & Dark Mode
#11 Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 is originally meant for kids ages 13 and up, but Meta now has introduced limited kids accounts for children ages 10-12 years old, allowing them to use the VR headset under parents-managed accounts.
With Meta Quest 2, children can access a vast library of games, educational apps, and interactive experiences, allowing them to explore new worlds, learn new skills, and engage with technology in a whole new way.
Some exciting examples include taking virtual field trips to historical sites, diving into interactive science lessons, or even practicing their artistic skills in a 3D space. There are also a range of active games that can get them up and moving, promoting physical activity and exercise.
Meta Quest 2 is easy to set up and has intuitive controls and responsive motion tracking, making it easy to use. A virtual boundary known as Guardian can be set up to define the safe play area and prevent kids from bumping into real-world objects.
Meta Quest 2
VR Headset for Kids 10+ y/o
✓ Immersive Gaming & Education
✓ Movement Tracking
✓ Easy-to-Use Controllers
✓ Guardian Virtual Boundary
#12 Ryze Tello
Ryze Tello
For adventurous kids who are interested in technology, the Ryze Tello is a beginner-friendly drone that allows them to learn the fundamentals of drone piloting and coding in exciting ways. Ryze recommends a minimum age of 14 years old for the Tello drone, but younger kids may also be able to use it with adult supervision.
Built with the industry-leading DJI flight control system, Ryze Tello flies stable, smart, and is easy to use. The drone can perform aerial stunts and tricks easily, providing a thrilling flying experience for young pilots. It has a range of safety features like Auto Takeoff/Landing and Failsafe Protection, ensuring a safe and carefree flight experience.
A high-quality image processor from Intel enables the Ryze Tello to capture 5MP photos and 720p HD videos, while 2 antennas ensure a stable video transmission for up to 100m of flight distance.
Ryze Tello even allows kids to learn programming skills. The drone is programmable with Scratch in the Tello Edu app, where kids and teens can drag and drop code blocks to command Tello to perform corresponding movements, serving as an interactive programming simulator that sparks their interest in technology and coding.
Ryze Tello
Mini Drone for Kids 14+ y/o
✓ DJI Flight Control System
✓ Intel Image Processor
✓ Programming Simulator
✓ Compatible with VR Headset
Final Thoughts
As technology continues to evolve, the options for engaging and enriching children's experiences have expanded exponentially. These cutting-edge gadgets not only provide entertainment but also foster critical skills like creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy – setting the stage for a generation of tech-savvy, well-rounded individuals.
As parents, it's essential to carefully evaluate each option, considering the age-appropriateness, safety features, and educational value to ensure our children reap the full benefits of these innovative technologies.
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
Recommended Reading
