A kid’s laptop is a great, interactive toy for any child.  Though it must be kept in mind that they are toys, the look and feel of the laptop will mimic that of the computer their parents use.  Most are sold pre-loaded with games that are designed to aid in a child’s learning basic motor and reasoning skills.  They make perfect gifts for anyone from the ages of 3-8 (check the age indication on your kid’s laptop of choice before purchasing), and will quickly become any child’s favorite toy.

                For younger children, consider a laptop that is brightly colored to hold a child’s attention.  These toys are incredibly sturdy and usually battery powered, so there is no need to worry about dangerous cords or your small child’s ability to take their favorite toy everywhere they go.  Different manufacturers offer different games on each, so find one that will reinforce a skill set that is age appropriate, like learning the alphabet or playing simple memory games.  Those designed with the youngest users in mind will also feature rounded edges for added safety, and are light and cool enough to sit on a child’s lap.  These typically offer fewer, but larger, brightly colored buttons, many sound effects, and are often decorated with characters from a favorite television show or movie.  Kid’s laptops for younger users are usually priced at $40 and below and can be purchased from almost any toy store.

There are even more options available for kids between the ages of 5 and 8.  Some are sold with up to 100 games included, so there is little chance that you child will tire quickly of this toy.  Basic word games are a common offering, but laptops for kids can also be purchased that help teach basic foreign language skills or reinforce the teaching of addition and subtraction.  For children on the younger end of the age range, consider a model in their favorite color, or one that matches their favorite toy.  Many of the major television shows and blockbuster movies for children now sell a tie in laptop for kids, which will guarantee that your son or daughter takes advantage of this educational toy.  Most retailers offer a kids laptop computer both online and in-stores for less than $50.

Children who are on the older end of the spectrum, and those who have shown particular interest in their parents’ computers will love kids laptops that are designed to look just like those used by adults.  They are lighter weight than an actual laptop and are cordless, but are a similar size and feature the full keyboard of a standard laptop.  From screen to case, these are almost indistinguishable from a real laptop, but offer the educational games that make a kid’s laptop such a great addition to any child’s toy collection.  With these laptops, you and your child can spend working evenings together.  The price for these laptops is dependent on the number of games they offer, but are typically priced at around $60.

These toys are the perfect way to ensure that a child’s playtime is educational and give children an early introduction to computers.  They are a great alternative to video games, and do not require the purchase of the game system and games separately.  As more and more manufacturers offer a kid laptop, it has become easier to find one specifically suited to your child’s interests and educational needs. 

This holiday season, consider buying a kids laptop for your child or relative.  You will know that you are giving a child hours of safe, educational entertainment that can be used anywhere.  Laptops with the broadest age recommendations will grow with a child, allowing them to progress through the games as they age and learn.  Use these toys as a way to smoothly transition your child to early lessons on computer skills.  Computers are being introduced in formal education at an earlier age than ever and this will increase their comfort with technology and pave the way to success.