We’ve been diligently testing new toys and games over here so we can share our favorites for today’s Holiday Gift Guide Games and Toys for kids of all ages. I think this is the kids’ favorite part of the having a blogging mom! If you still need gift ideas for your children and those young at heard, take a look at some of our favorites. Links to products are affiliate links. We received some items for review, but all opinions are those of my kids or my own.
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As a Nintendo Ambassador, we got a first look at the Nintendo 2DS back in October. It’s perfect for younger kids who envy their older sibling’s Nintendo 3DS (like Jaxson). Nintendo created the 2DS to be sturdier than its older sibling. Because it’s only one piece and doesn’t flip open, it’s less prone to breaking. What I love about the 2DS is that it’s capable of playing the 3DS games (but only 2-D and not 3-D) so the kids can share game cartridges. It comes in electric blue or crimson red and comes with a neoprene pouch that holds 3 cartridges. Make sure you buy extra stylus pens because if you’re kid is anything like my 4-year-old, he’ll lose them. (As a Nintendo Ambassador we received a 2DS.)
Of course if you get a game console, you need video games to play on them. Some of the kids’ favorites are:
Pokémon X & Pokémon Y for the 3DS (which is compatible on the 2DS above). Sophia actually wrote a Santa a letter back in October requesting Pokemon X for Christmas. Luckily, Santa’s helper gifted her one a little early. She’s a huge Pokemon fan and enjoys how she can interact with her little pocket monsters in different ways, not just fight in battle. The kids received Pokemon Y as a birthday gift so now Jaxson is in on the action too (but it’s still a wee bit difficult for him). The cool thing about having both games is that your characters can interact in both of them!
While Sophia isn’t a huge fan of the actual LEGO Friends building sets, she couldn’t stop talking about LEGO Friends game, which is available for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS (both compatible with 2DS). The different friends send the player on different missions and adventures. As you accomplish each, you learn more about each character. You can also adopt a pet to train, groom, and enter into pet shows. I think this game has renewed Sophia’s interest in the actual LEGO Friends building sets.
Both kids are really into LEGOs and they’ve recently been watching Legends of Chima. While the game is too difficult for Jaxson, Sophia enjoys the adventure element of LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval’s Journey. She enjoys reading fantasy books, so she likes how each animal tribe has special skills. The game is available on Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita.
(GIVEAWAY ITEM) Last year Santa brought the kids Skylanders Giant starter kit. Not only have both kids become huge fans of the Skylanders franchise, my husband did too. This year Santa will be gifting them the new Skylanders SWAP Force starter pack for our Wii U. Our family had a chance to preview the game with new swap-able characters at the Family Activision Summit. I enjoyed chatting with the game developers about this new version. Not only can you use your characters from the Skylanders Giants and Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, there are new characters that can be taken apart and reattached to another to create a brand new character. It’s pretty awesome. Skylanders SWAP Force is available for pretty much any game platform: Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 3 and Playstasion 4. I’m giving away an XBOX 360 Skylanders SWAP Force starter kit at the end of this post.
Another game that Jaxson fell in love with the Family Activision Summit is Wipeout: Create & Crash, based on the popular television series. My kids were introduced to this game show over the summer when they stayed at my parents. While they found the tv show boring, they had fun creating their own Wipeout course and sending the rest of us through it. This game is available on Nintendo Wii & Wii U, Xbox 360, and Nintendo 3DS.
Both my husband and Jaxson have raced each other often on Hot Wheels World’s Best Driver. The game allows drivers to customize classic Hot Wheels vehicles and race them on different courses. It’s a classic racing game that’s fun for kids of all ages. It’s available on Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360.
Furby Boom is a very hot toy this holiday season. Furbys have become more high tech since they first appeared. The new Furby Boom becomes even more interactive when you download and sync it with the free companion app (for iOS or Android). The kids named ours Day-Koh (I’m not sure what that means in Furby-speak) and he (she?) speaks a mixture of Furb-glish. Day-Koh is kinda cute. The kids play with him on his own and on the app. Through the app, they can feed him, send him to the potty (he leaves “surprises”), and give him check-ups. When he’s happy enough, he lays little eggs which hatch into virtual Furblings. Just make sure you put it away at night so the cat doesn’t accidentally wake him up in the middle of the night and scare the bejeezus out of you. Not that I, um, have experience that. We received a Furby Boom from MomMixer.
For some reason Jaxson is obsessed with board games. I’m not sure how I’ve escaped playing HiHo! Cherry-O until I bought it for his birthday last month. He’s really into numbers right now so it’s a great game for preschoolers. I just love playing classic games with the kids. Currently in rotation is our home is Connect 4 and Hasbro Hungry Hippos. Don’t tell Jaxson but he’s getting a few more board games for Christmas!
Whew! What a list. Ready to for a chance to win a Skylanders SWAP Force starter pack for the Xbox 360? Enter via the Rafflecopter form (if you don’t see it, just hit refresh) and make sure you read the terms and conditions.
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My girls are all about American Girl accessories. My little mister is wanting John Deer or Lego stuff.
My guys would love this for their XBox. Some great items to choose from. Thanks for the post.
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Any of the Lego games are also a great gift. Lego Marvel Avengers is the latest, but on the cheap you can pick up Lego Batman 2 (DC Superheroes), Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. All of them entertain for hours and hours while teaching puzzle and problem solving.
My kid is all about clothes this year and shoes. I would not say no to a nice bottle of wine.
My wish list has an iPad mini for my daughter.
remote control cars
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Emory wants the new NBA 2K14 for his xbox and some 49er slippers. Kori wants a DS and some barbie dolls. I’m going to look into the ds2 you mentioned because that is our exact situation. Emory got one last year, now she wants one but she needs something that can stand up to hurricane Kori. Lol
Mandi, I am grateful that the 2DS doesn't have that hinge because Jaxson would just flick the 3DS open and shut, open and shut, just for fun.
I want a Wii U gaming system
My son wants the Nerf Mega Centurion for Christmas.
My son wants Chima Legos
On my wish list this year is a bubble bath and a box of chocolates while my husband deals with the children.
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My Little Pony and LEGO/building toys always appeal to the kids.
I can't decide what I want- other than that long nap that I always want.
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A 3DS and the Swapforce! As they age…their list seems to become more expensive and out of reach!