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16 best robotics, gadget, toys & gifts ideas for Christmas 2018

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Black Friday has started and the Christmas season isn’t far off!

Getting the perfect Year-end or Christmas gift for you or your loved ones can sometimes be a pain or a chore as there are just so many choices out there today.

We’ve got you covered. Instead of spending hours going through loads of information, we’ve picked up some of the best robotics & gadget toys and gifts for 2018’s Christmas which are available on Amazon with some top positive and critical reviews for your quick and easy reference.

This article will focus mainly on products which are in the categories of STEAM learning, fun, children, and family. Look out for a fun-filled holiday with products featured in Amazon’s Holiday Toy List 2018.

Kindly note that prices may vary and that all links below are affiliate links. You do not pay extra for purchasing through any of the links below. 

1. Untamed T-Rex by Fingerlings – Scratch (Orange) – Interactive Collectible Dinosaur – By WowWee

Why should I buy this?

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie was a fun experience.

If you miss the dinosaurs from the Jurassic Park series, here’s your chance to grab a T-Rex that responds to you.

Available in 8 colours, these little T-Rex grips on to your fingers.

Get 2 of them and you’ll be able to start a battle in the UNTAMED Battle ARena mobile App.

Awards & Ratings:

Amazon’s Choice

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Amazon Customer:

Cute interaction when you pet it and small enough my daughter can take with us in the car or going to stores so she loves that

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by HardCorps325:

Died after first day of use. Buy extra LR44 batteries

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1 T-Rex model

4 LR44 batteries

Suitable for?

Boys and girls from 5 to 15 years old.

2. Think Fun Robot Turtles STEM Toy and Coding Board Game for Preschoolers – Made Famous on Kickstarter, Teaches Programming Principles to Preschoolers

Why should I buy this?

Robot Turtles was designed by programming expert Dan Shapiro and was the most-backed board game in Kickstarter history when first released.

For 2-5 players, includes cardboard and cardstock components. Easy to learn with a clear, high quality instruction manual. You can start playing immediately!

Though this is made for preschoolers to learn programming, no electronic device is required at all. Adults can also enjoy this good old-fashioned cardboard board game.

Awards & Ratings:

Amazon’s Choice, Major Fun Award, Teachers’ Pick Award from Scholastic Instructor Magazine, ASTRA Best Toys for Kids and more. Featured in the New York Times, NPR, Bloomberg, TechCrunch and more.

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by M.:

In just a short while, Robot Turtles has become my son’s favorite board game.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by GWK:

My problem is that once you get the concept, it’s quite boring and lacks replayability.

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x Game Board
– 1x 4 Robot Turtle Tiles
– 1x 4 Jewel Tiles
– 36x Obstacle Tiles
– 4x Bug Tiles
– 4x Code Card Decks (44 Cards Each)

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 4 and up

3. Crayola Light-up Tracing Pad Blue, Coloring Board for Kids, Gift, Toys for Boys, Ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Pink or Blue model available:

 

Why should I buy this?

This tracing pad not only Glows in the dark and it also lights up and has a paper locking frame which makes tracing really easy.

Great for practising hand-eye coordination and finger motor skills.

Awards & Ratings:

Amazon’s choice

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Campsite Pro:

Fairly inexpensive, Works really well, Children do not tire of it, still in frequent use. Can use low-cost paper with it, Not complicated to use

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Calebini:

One pad has a big scratch on the screen, which will likely not affect function so much as it’s unsightly

Unboxing & Play video:


What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x Coloring Board,

– 1x Graphite Pencil,

– 12x Short Colored Pencils,

– 10x Tracing Sheets,

– 10x Blank Sheets.

– 3x AA batteries required but sold separately. I’ve included a link here in case you need some.

Suitable for?

Boys aged 6 to 10.

4. Holy Stone HS190 Foldable Mini Nano RC Drone for Kids Gift Portable Pocket Quadcopter with Altitude Hold 3D Flips and Headless Mode Easy to Fly for Beginners


Why should I buy this?

This palm-sized mini nano RC Drone for kids is so small it can be packed into its controller.

For those of you who have tried controlling a drone before, you would know how hard it can be to keep a drone in mid-air without any automated controls or functions.

However, with Holy Stone’s beginner friendly drone, almost anyone can fly and control a drone now. It clears off major challenges faced by almost every drone user such as providing an Altitude Hold Function, 3D Flip, One Button Take off, Headless Mode which means you won’t have to remember which part the drone is facing, One Key Return whereby the drone will return to you with the push of a button and many more great features.

Awards & Ratings:

None

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Amber Espinoza:

I’m happy to report that my 5-year-old has flown this over and over. It’s hit walls and is still going strong.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Amazon Customer:

After 2 flight sessions, each lasts about 5-10 minutes, we have one drone with a broken motor and the other 2 having tilt issues.

Unboxing & Play video:


What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x HS190 Quadcopter
– 1x 2.4GHz Controller
– 4x Spare Propellers
– 4x Propellers Guards
– 1x Propellers Crowbar
– 1x USB Charger
– 1x Screwdriver
– 1x User Manual

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 5 and above.

5. Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set – Toy of the Year Finalist

Why should I buy this?

Similar to Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics Science Experiment Kit whereby no phone or tablet is required. Botley’s easy-to-use remote programmer transmits your commands and sends him rolling.

The key difference here is the remote control feature. However, there does not seem to be a way to customize the design for Botley. Botley compensates this with a lower pricing range as compared to Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics Science Experiment Kit.

Awards & Ratings:

– 2018 Primary Teacher Awards Gold

– Amazon’s Choice

– Toy of the year awards 2019 finalist

High customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Dennis Wijnker:

Our kids were super excited to get Botley the Coding Robot. We have a 3-year old, a 5-year old, and an 8-year old. They could hardly wait to get Botley out of his box.

Low customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Amazon Customer:

We had to search for many batteries for the robot and the controller, so that tested my kids’ patience! 

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

– 1x remote programmer,

– 1x detachable robot arms

– 40x coding cards

– 6x double-sided tiles

– 27x obstacle building pieces

– 1x starter guide with coding challenges.

5x AAA batteries required but not included. I’ve included a link here in case you would like to pick up some AAA batteries.

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 5 and above.

6. LEGO 6212644 75954 Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Building Kit, 878 Pieces

Why should I buy this?

Harry Potter books and movies fans alike will get to build and own a piece of the legendary Hogsworth Great Hall. Some of our favourite characters such as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Hagrid, and many more are also included.

Children and parents alike can use sharpen their hand motor skills by building this set. They can then role play, recreate or create new scenes from the Harry Potter series.

Awards & Ratings:

Amazon’s choice for Harry Potter Lego.

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Rob Goblin:

The instructions were almost flawless and we put in around 4 hours plus breaks and lunch from start till finish

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Lenie S.:

Nothing wrong with Legos, but the box was beat up because of insufficient packaging.

Unboxing & Play video:


What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 878 pieces of lego parts

– Hogwarts Great Hall with house banners, tower with movable spiral staircase, potions room and treasure room

– 10 minifigures: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Susan Bones, Professor McGonagall, Professor Quirrell with dual Lord Voldemort face, Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and Nearly Headless Nick

– buildable Basilisk and Fawkes creatures, plus Hedwig and Scabbers figures

Suitable for?

Boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14

7. Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit – Build a Wand. Learn To Code. Make Magic.


Why should I buy this?

Not only will you be making and owning your own wand. You can also literally create magic with it on your electronic device such as a windows, apple iOS, android, or Amazon Fire OS device.

Learn to code with 70+ creative challenges and games. Make magic on a screen, with a wave, flick, and twirl. Create, share, and play with the Kano community.

Awards & Ratings:

Amazon’s choice

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Amazon Customer:

I was very impressed with the quality of the packaging, from the cool Harry Potter logo on the front of the box, to the fact that all of the pieces were very neatly displayed and easy to access.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Pam:

Won’t work with most tablets. Customer service is extremely limited due to hours. They will call back later to help you.

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

– Wand parts, PCB with codeable LED, button, batteries, step-by-step book, stickers, poster, and free Kano app.

– Tablet not included.
Suitable for?

Boys & Girls ages 6 and above.

8. Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics Science Experiment Kit


Why should I buy this?

This kit allows children to learn the fundamentals of coding and robotics. No software is required here, this means you or your child won’t be sticking to an ipad, smartphone or computer to play with it.

This is good old pure hands on hardware play and learn, just like the good old days but more advanced as the hardware has built in sensors and sound.

Don’t like the default robot model? No problem! You can customize and build something to your own liking – an animal, a transport vehicle, a humanoid model, it’s up to your creativity.

Awards &  Ratings:

This kit is the 2018 national parenting product award and Astra best toys for kids 2018 winner.

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Radar626:

The instruction book is VERY thorough and easy to follow. It takes the users step-by-step through the process in a fun and memorable way so that the lessons stick with the users…

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon- 4/5 stars by SW:

I liked that no external device was required, but this was a little basic for even my 7-year-old second grader, though too advanced for my 3-year-old.

Unboxing & Play video:


What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 417 pieces

– 30x experiments

– 1x 64 page tutorial explanation booklet.

Suitable for?

Boys and girls from grades K-2 and ages 4 to 8.  

9. K’NEX Thrill Rides – Bionic Blast Roller Coaster Building Set with Ride It! App – 809Piece – Ages 9+ Building Set

Why should I buy this?

Not only can you build your own roller coaster this Christmas, you can even ride it in 3D or 2D.

There are 2 standard models to be built which comes with step-by-step instructions. The complete model stands around 2.9 feet tall!

A great fun way to learn and understand more about gravity, especially when you’re dropping from 2.9 feet with your roller coaster in 3D.

Awards & Ratings:

2018 National Parenting Product Awards Winner

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 4/5 stars by Amazon Customer:

The K’NEX Thrill Bionic Blast Roller Coaster with Ride It App Building Set (Pieces 809) is a beast to put together and the end results alone have questionable value.

Top critical rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Parker-Moore Family:

You need plenty of space to build these kits, in the end they can easily topple over especially if you have pets in the house.

Play video:

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What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 809 parts

cardboard Virtual Reality (VR) viewer

– Motor, coaster track, coaster car and tech robot themed graphics

– 2 AA batteries required, I’ve included a link here in case you need some.

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 9 and above.

10. Transformers: Generations Power of the Primes Titan Class Predaking

Why should I buy this?

If you’re a fan of the transformers series and support decepticons, you won’t want to miss this titan class collection.

This set includes 5 transformer figures which can be combined and transformed into one big Predaking model.

When combined, it stands at 18 inches tall.

Awards & Ratings:

None

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 4/5 stars by Geoff:

Pulling the figures out of the box you’re immediately hit by how large they all are

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 3/5 stars by Lane Williams:

…the sticker sheet, as I feel it would make more sense to already have the decals and the like painted on for the price he’s at

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?
What you get are these components:

– 5x Voyager Class Predacon figures: Divebomb, Headstrong, Rampage, Razorclaw, and Torox

– 1x Onyx Matrix accessory

– 1x poster

– 1x instructions

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 8 and above.

11. littleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit – Kids 8+ Build & Customize Electronic Super Hero Gear

Why should I buy this?

Avengers: Infinity War is arguably the biggest blockbuster movie of 2018.

Instead of imagining being a superhero, littleBits Avengers Inventor Kit will help you take your first steps to creating, building and coding your very own superhero gear while learning STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math).

Awards & Ratings:

Tillywig Toy Awards – Brainchild Awards winner

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Autodidact:

I got this for my 4 year old daughter for something for us to do that required following instructions and yet had plenty of room for imagination.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 4/5 stars by Steven Howe:

I think an $80-$100 price would have been more reasonable.

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 9 electronic building blocks

Over 18 activities for Superhero kids to build, play and code.

– Gauntlet arm base, cover, stand, carbon stickers, 9V battery.

Note: Either iPhone (iOS 10.0 or later) or Android (5.0 or later) is required to build and control your Avengers gear. Amazon devices not compatible at this time.

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 8 and above.

12. LEGO Star Wars Tm Kessel Run Millennium Falcon 75212


Why should I buy this?

Build and own a Lego replica of the legendary Kessel Run Millennium Falcon from the Solo: A Star Wars movie.

This LEGO brick version of the iconic Corellian freighter from the Han Solo movie is huge! It measures over 4” (11cm) high, 18” (48cm) long and 11” (30cm) wide.

It features a 2-minifigure cockpit with detachable canopy, 2 spring-loaded shooters, sensor dish, ramp, rotating top and bottom laser turrets with 2 gunner seats, plus a detachable escape craft.

Awards & Ratings:

None

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by FJforrest:

This was a great build!

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 1/5 stars by Sergio L. Sandoval:

Wasn’t in any protective packaging and it looks like it had been dropped and run over

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1414 lego pieces

– Han Solo figure, Chewbacca figure, Qi’ra figure, plus Lando Calrissian and Quay Tolsite figures

– Kessel droid and DD-BD droid

Suitable for?

– Boys and girls aged 9-14

– Fans of lego

– Fans of Star Wars

13. Kano Computer Kit Touch – Build & Code A Tablet

Why should I buy this?

While many devices allow you to build your own computer or electronic projects, Kano stands out as it allows you to build a touchscreen computer.

No technical knowledge is required. Learn to code with 100+ creative challenges and stories, make art, music, and games.

Awards & Ratings:

– National Parenting Product Awards 2018 winner

– Tom’s Hardware Editors choice 2018

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Jeff Ten Bosch:

For me, this was a really great way to get my daughter excited about technology. She couldn’t wait to put this thing together. And she put it together all by herself.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 4/5 stars by Key Amber:

I’m not going to lie I was a bit intimidated when I opened the box, but the build instructions were very user friendly(a 10 year could probably do it alone) and my son and I had fun putting it together (took about 20-30min).

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x Step-by-step book

– 1x 10.1′” Hd screen

– 1x Raspberry Pi 3

– 1x battery

– 1x DIY speaker

– 1x wireless keyboard, case and stand

– 1x memory

– 3x USB ports

– 1x HDMI and power cables

– 1x sound sensor

– Stickers,

– Kano unique operating system

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 6 and above.

14. Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console

Why should I buy this?

Sony has a long line of success in the gaming industry, the new Playstation 4 (PS4) slim is lighter and slimmer while still allowing users to save up to 1TB of games and files.

The price is lower than the Playstation 4 Pro, which would be a better option to have if you have a 4K TV and some extra cash. Otherwise, the PS4 slim would be the recommended entry level device for most gamers.

PS4 arguably has the best overall game library with strong game titles such as Spider-Man, Uncharted 4, Assassin’s Creed, Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, Rachet and Clank and many more great titles.

Awards & Ratings:

None

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Yinong:

If you do not have a 4K TV, then you do not need PS4 pro. Slim is just fine.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 1/5 stars by Sarah:

Worked for a few months before the hard drive died for no apparent reason.

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x PlayStation 4 Slim Console

– 1x power cable

– 1x HDMI cable

– 1x DualShock 4 wireless controller

– 1x micro-USB cable for charging the wireless controller

– 1x mono headset for voice chat.

Suitable for?

All genders and ages

15. Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con

Why should I buy this?

One of the most sought out gaming consoles of 2017 and 2018.

At home the main unit rests in the Nintendo Switch dock, which connects the system to the TV and lets you play with family and friends in the comfort of your living room.

Lift Nintendo Switch from the dock and instantly transition to handheld mode for on-the-go gaming. By sharing Joy-Con, players can go head-to-head while away from home. You can also enjoy the same great games in tabletop mode by using the included stand to prop the system up.

Remove the detachable Joy-Con from either side of Nintendo Switch for more play styles:

One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand

Two players can each take one

Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)

Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Bring together up to 8 Nintendo Switch systems for local face-to-face multiplayer.

You will also have access to Nintendo only game titles such as the Mario series, Legend of Zelda series, Splatoon series and many more.

Awards & Ratings:

– Trusted Reviews Awards 2017’s trusted product and console of the year.

Top customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by KF Mush:

1) the screen has never gotten a scratch after hundreds of hours of use. Even with some fairly casual handling a couple of drops. Not a scratch. Maybe I’m lucky, but IMO, the plastic seems sufficiently durable.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 2/5 stars by KMC:

The joysticks on the controller have started to drift so my player will look up for no reason, or starts running.

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x Nintendo Switch console

– 1x Nintendo Switch dock

– 1x Joy-Con (L) and 1x Joy-Con ®

– 2x Joy-Con strap accessories

– 1x Joy-Con grip

– 1x HDMI cable

– 1x Nintendo Switch AC adapter

Suitable for?

Boys and girls ages 6 and above.

16. Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console

Why should I buy this?

If you’re a fan of microsoft, would like something cheaper than owning a PC for a powerful gaming experience, then the Xbox One X might just be for you.

Some strong game titles such as the Halo and Gears of War series are made strictly for the Xbox. So if you’re looking to get a console to play those games, the Xbox is right for you.

Awards & Ratings:

None

Top positive customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 5/5 stars by Ryan Dinan:

The X truly lives up to the hype of being incredibly fast and delivering superior visuals – as well as audio (Dolby Atmos!) – compared to any other console in existence.

Top critical customer rating with partial review in Amazon – 1/5 stars by Ebonybeauty92:

After two weeks it was basically unusable

Unboxing & Play video:

What’s inside?

What you get are these components:

– 1x 1TB Xbox One X Console

– 1x power cable

– 1x HDMI cable

– 1x wireless controller (with AA batteries)

– 1x instruction manual

Suitable for?

All genders and ages

Is there something better you’d like us to review and add?

Do let us know, please feel free to share your comments below.

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Have a great one!

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