UAE’s top gadget picks for your children’s Christmas gifts this year

As the countdown to the final stretch of the Christmas shopping bonanza commences, frustrated parents, godparents and siblings are probably hitting the panic button by now if the gifts for the children have not yet been purchased, wrapped and tied with a pretty bow.

 
Gadgets usually emerge as a best buy for kids; but in a market that has shiny new toys emerging as fast as Apple launches a new iPhone or iPad, Emirates 24|7 sifts through the aisles to bring you top picks that make perfect stocking fillers this Christmas – to fit all ages and budgets.

3-5 years

Said Kruti Sethi, mother of a three-year-old: “In my experience, kids this age don’t value expensive, new toys, but prefer those that have funny pictures, play songs and come with shiny buttons.
 
“What I am looking for as a parent is something that provides all three and is educational to boot.”
 
Many parents share Sethi’s need, with our vote going to the Leapfrog LeapPad Explore, which is often referred to as the iPad for younger kids.
 
This is specially a bonus for those parents who fear for their precious investment in the hands of little ones.

The Explorer and its second-generation model aren’t cheap (retailing at Dh750 at Hamleys, The Dubai Mall) but this educational tablet is packed with super features and can last well beyond the five years.
 
Features to entice kids include built-in cameras and a video recorder with microphone and over 100 games and apps, including interactive e-books and videos plus an art and animation studio, photo gallery and the ability to feature in your own interactive story.

Those looking for a more cost effective alternative can pick up a tablet such as the AOC 7-inch, with the Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system.

Download some educational apps and let the kids loose. Cobone has a deal on it, as cheap as Dh269, with a one-year supplier warranty

6-9 years

We are absolutely loving the Hello Kitty waterproof digital camera, which is perfect addition for children eager to capture all those special holiday moments, even underwater.
 
The waterproof case can go up to 40ft, with this 5.1 megapixel camera coming with nifty software to directly upload images to Facebook and Twitter.
 
The camera is available at various stores across Dubai, but we prefer Virgin Megastore as being the most cost effective at Dh200.
 
10-13 years

Kids have a certain soft corner for handheld games consoles, especially when holiday travel is an annual event.
 
The Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DSi are top buys, with Sharaf DG running special deals on them with prices starting from Dh399.
 
Launched earlier this year, it is the first hand held games console to feature 3D compatibility without the need for glasses.
 
If you have more than one kid, trust us, buy a second one and save yourself some grief.
 
14-16 years

If you haven’t already, by this age group, your child is probably crying for the latest, flashy smartphone to flash to friends.
 
A smartphone entertains, connects, captures images and even talks to keep a lonely owner from going insane, say the Groupon boys and we probably do agree.
 
The internet group buying site is retailing a spanking new Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini for just Dh1,299.
 
If you prefer something more educational and cost effective, why not fill your child’s head with stars with the help of the Smithsonian NSI Telescope with Tabletop, which starts at just Dh250.
 
It’s a cool gadget and makes for a perfect addition to a family camping trip this season.

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