When your littlies start growing up and entering their school years, educational toys make way for ones that focus purely on entertainment. After all, you need something to keep them out of your hair or keep them occupied when their friends come over.
With so many options on the market right now, it can hard to work out what’s the latest and greatest which is why we’ve narrowed down our favourites for kids aged 6-12.
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Star Wars Secondary Hero Droid, $139
If you don’t want the hassle of a pet and are sick of being nagged, then treat your child to their very own robot. This mini R2-D2 is about the closest thing you’ll get to real deal. Loyal and interactive, he doesn’t need to be feed or taken for walks but, with more than 40 pre-programmed commands, he’ll obey your little one just as much as a dog. Make him dance, walk where you want and even make cool noises. Age 6+
DC Super Hero Girls Walkie Talkies, $59.99
Get them away from screens and up and about acting out adventures with their own wrist walkie talkies inspired by Supergirl and Batgirl. Your little super heroes can stay in touch up to 10m away and communication is simple, just turn the dial and talk. The three adjustable sizes ensure a snug fit for all wrists. Ages 6+
DreamWorks Trolls Selfie Star Video Recording Microphone, $29.99
Your budding superstar will love turning the living room into an arena and, thanks to the extendable selfie stick, they can even record their performances via a smartphone so you can watch them back later (no need to play captive audience!) Download the custom app and they can turn their recordings into music videos complete with animation. Ages 5+
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera, $69.99
A simple, point-and-shoot camera can offer hours of fun and this one requires no complicated cord hook-ups to retrieve the photos. Just load the film, let the camera determine the right settings then click the button and out pops the pic – just like an old-school Polaroid. Available in five colours: pink, white, blue, yellow and black. Ages: as appropriate.
LEGO Technic Heavy Lift Helicopter, $198
Before they can fly this amazing 2 in 1 model, they have to build it which means more bang for your buck. Featuring authentic helicopter details, your child is so in control of the aircraft it’s as if they are sitting in the cockpit. Spin the contra-rotating rotors, lower the loading ramp, open the cargo bay doors, lower the winch and hoist up the included cargo. Then, when they’re bored of that, they can dismantle the model and rebuild it into a powerful Tandem Rotor Helicopter. Ages 10-16.
