If you want to be the hip, high tech mom this Christmas, then skip the trikes, trains, and treehouses. Go for the gadgets. But beware -- if its not the real thing, you won't fool the kid.
The New York Times reports (November 29) that For Toddlers, Toy of Choice is High Tech: "Cellphones, laptops, digital cameras and MP3 music players are among the hottest gift items this year. For preschoolers. Toy makers and retailers are filling shelves with new tech devices for children ages 3 and up, and sometimes even down. They say they are catering to junior consumers who want to emulate their parents and are not satisfied with fake gadgets."
My own little junior consumer loves all the gizmos; cell phones, laptops, cameras, and anything that flashes, blinks, blips, clicks or has buttons can entertain for ...well, let's be honest....minutes. But, he knows the only phones worth talking on are the real ones that actually work. Mom's computer has more buttons than any other device in the house. And, the camera captures every moment. Anything less than the real deal just isn't fun.
(Un)Lucky for us, in our neighborhood Toys R Us and Best Buy are side-by-side. A trip to either can send all your child's sensories into overload. All the buzzes, jingles, jangles, and bling can make you spin. This year, Alex will celebrate Christmas the good ole' fashion way...you know, like back in the 20th century with traditional gifts like Hot Wheels, Thomas the Train and a very first tricycle. Even jetsetting moms and their traveling kids need to turn off the blackberry now and then. I'll wait til he's at least 2-years-old before I paralyze him with his first play station.
