Virtually Anywhere: Using Toys to Stay Connected

Though I once shot an Evilina glare at anyone who dared to substitute a Tweet or a Blackberry message for some old-fashioned face time, I confess: I’ve reluctantly joined the ranks of addicts who crave 24-7 connectivity. Our children, however, will never have to make such a transition: They were born into a world that prefers to beep in touch. Rather than loathing the drawbacks of their Facebook existence or yearning for the cyber-free days of yore, we might as well use their social media fixation to turn them into better human beings—or, if that’s a tad grandiose, at least to entertain them.

That’s exactly what Mattel’s forthcoming Puppy Tweets will do for your kid—and, in this case, for the zillions of dog-loving adults. In Fall 2010, the high-tech toy will allow your favorite canine companion to publicize its everyday activities on Twitter. Just attach a sound and motion sensor to Rover’s collar and connect its USB receiver to your computer, and woila, your pet can keep you updated on his latest roamings with pre-recorded Tweets such as “I’ve finally caught that tail I’ve been chasing and…OOUUUCH!” If you and your kid are poochless—or simply perturbed at the idea that some people adore their pets just a hair too much—instead check out the iCarly Chat ’n’ Play Set from Playmates Toys. With this electronic set, fans of the iCarly TV series can stay connected to the cast of iCarly via 4.5” collectible figures that activate the sounds of the play set via sensor recognition. The figures actually speak out 150 sound bytes from the show, bringing the small screen to life—and keeping your girl endlessly fascinated. If your kids’ eyes glaze over at the mention of chattering figurines, sign ’em up for Nanovor Online Battle Game (http://www.nanovor.com/), from Smith & Tinker. In this digital monster battle game, children can create teams, battle and trade with their cyber-friends, and collect over 100 Nanovor—all while using the (free!) downloadable application (PS: There’s green goo involved). Then finally, the mighty Crayola takes its place in the cyber craze with Lights, Camera, Color. Inside specially marked boxes of Crayola Crayons, your kid will snoop out a code that gives him or her instant access to Crayola’s site. From there, choose any photo on your computer, and in a snap, the site will strip that photo of its color. Throw in some decoration and a few captions, and just like that, you’ve got a customized page in your own coloring book. You’ve also got yourself one web-savvy kid—like it, love it, loathe it or not.