Even though the Spy Gear collection was probably designed for younger children, an unexpected (or was it planned?) side effect is that their products will clearly inspire adults.

Agent Action Briefcase

The Agent Action Briefcase is one of those excellent toys that an adult can use to product something small and important. For example, if you have some data on a CD Rom, there is a special holder for it. With some AAA batteries, you can rig the motion sensitive alarm to go off the moment anyone touches it. It also has a special flashlight that can be rigged to project from the outside of the briefcase, and a spy scope that will also come in handy for all sorts of close-ups. Best of all, two little buttons close to the handle allow you to literally shoot some tiny plastic missiles. Of course, you won’t hurt anyone with the blunt tipped projectiles, and hopefully, you won’t want to.

I suppose one could get in touch with their inner child with the Agent Action Briefcase. You can get it for about $24.95.

Spy Video Car

One of the most limiting aspects of Remote Controlled Toys is that the user must always be within eyesight of the toy. However, the Spy Video Car allows the controller to put his or her eyes on the front of the car, and steer it to wherever he or she wants to go.

With the power of 6 AAA batteries, the car zips along floor at jackrabbit speeds. It has no trouble going along on carpet or other rough terrain, and steers very well. On front of the car is an adjustable video camera that can transmit video in real-time.

The controller, which also takes 6 AAA batteries, attaches to a special receiver that looks like a cross between sunglasses and a headband. A small video screen shows the controller exactly what the car sees, even from a distance of 75 feet.

The Spy Video Car has got to be the ultimate spy toy, period. It is available for $119.95.

The Mobile Spy Ear

The Mobile Spy Ear is for those who just love listening in where they should not. I’m not certain how much a parent would encourage a child to do this act of electronic eavesdropping, but the Mobile Spy Ear can work even through walls.

Unfortunately, it is not as effective as the Spy Video Car, since it does not operate on remote control. It can move across the floor by pulling it back, and then letting it go to where the “behind closed doors” conversation is taking place. That might be just the edge a young spy needs to listen in. It is available for about $19.95.