Consumer Reports Offers Toy Recommendations For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- In case you haven't looked at the calendar lately, you have just about a week left to finish your holiday shopping.

If you're still looking for some ideas for the kids on your list, Consumer Reports' ShopSmart found plenty that you maybe haven't thought of, but are sure to please.

Want to get a toy that will thrill your kids for more than 20 minutes?

Consumer Reports' ShopSmart magazine scouted the store shelves, and then had its electronics reporter key in on some great choices.

"We were looking for toys that would be fun to play but that would also build skills and that the whole family would want to play together," Carol Mangis, of Consumer Reports, said.

One hit, the $13 Techno Source 20Q for kids ages six and up. It's an electronic take on the old-fashioned 20 questions game.

If it guesses your object in 20 or fewer questions, it wins. If not, you do.

"We were shocked," said Mangis. "It beat us nine out of 10 times!"

The $30 Paper Jamz Pro Mic - for kids ages 8 and up - will thrill your budding musician. It even corrects your voice if you sing off-key.

Kids ages 2 to 6 can jam with B Toys' Meowsic music keyboard and microphone for $26. Play it freestyle or play along to 20 included songs.

Mini-moviemakers, ages 5 and up, will love the Hot Wheels Video Racer. It's a little more expensive at $60, but the built-in camera records Hot Wheels action, or the car straps onto a helmet for an action cam!

Or, you can go low-tech with the $20 Tetris Link, for kids ages 6 and up. This fast-paced stacking game can challenge the whole family.

Consumer Reports ShopSmart says another cool toy is the Wild Planet's Ultimate Night Vision Goggles for kids ages 8 and up.

The goggles use infrared technology to let you see in the dark. They cost $50.

Finally, when it comes to powering up your favorite electronic toys, Consumer Reports suggests re-chargeable batteries for the most bang for your buck.

RELATED LINKS:
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports ShopSmart Magazine
More Consumer News