I have a 6 and 7 year old and would like to get them a handheld game/toy for Christmas. My older kids have the nDs and PSP but don't think that 6 and 7 year olds need those games at this point.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
TRL
We purchased the Leapster 2 Star Wars Edition for my 6 year old and the LeapFrog Didj for my 7 year old and they both LOVE them. Glad we bought them! Several age/grade appropriate games!
V-smile handheld- not as exciting as the DS, PSP, or Gameboy but I think it is the only option left.
LEAPSTER--HANDS DOWN! :)
You can buy games that are age appropriate. Make sure you buy the right age, it is indicated on the front.
The Nintendo DS's are popular but they are mindless games. Kids have enough of that. At least the Leapster teaches.
My older daughter has a Nintendo but she is almost 10. For the ages you mention, a Leapster will keep them interested.
I do a bit of "research" when buying toys such as this. After reading several reviews from other parents, Leapster seems to be the best choice, better than any V-Tech toys too.
Leapster will provide learning games for your kids. The games include kids' favorite characters (SpongeBob, etc.) so the kids will be interested in playing.
There are several games to choose from including ones that help with Math, spelling, etc. It's fun for the kids.
Save the Nintendo DS and PSP's for later in life.
Also, check out ebay for the games---many people sell their old games for a lot less than you will pay retail. GameStop stores may have deals too. You can trade in your old games for new ones.
Leapsters are great! They are made by Leap Frog.
I know that most (if not all) the responses have been about electronic games; however, I would encourage you to look at other "hand-held" games. There are various little games that develop manual dexterity (such as the ball in a cup game - where the ball on a string is attached to a handle below the cup and you try to catch the ball in the cup) and also develop mental dexterity (such as the wooden triangle with golf tees in it - where you jump the tees and try to end with only one left). Kids always enjoy these and, as they get older, they get bombarded with enough electronics. Another item that is fun to play with is an abacus - plus it helps develop math skills. Or a wooden map puzzle of the U.S. with removable parts.
Game Boy is great. My 4 and 6 year old love them. Also, try for that girl! My daughter had 4 boys and had a girl for #5 and she is the Princess. They all adore her.
If your older kids have Ninentdo's I'd get the younger ones the same. My son is 5 and has one and loves the Super Mario Bros games, not to mention the other fun things to do on it (calendar, camera, etc...).
A benefit of everyone having the same is that they can play against each other on the games.
K.
Last year we bought Leapster for our 4 year old and DS Lite for the 7 year old. Our DS was lost, long story, it's not lost but cant be found in a friends house. So this year we are buying both girls DS Lite's this year. Last year it was a fight to get the little one to play the leapster, she was bored with the games, and the older one never wanted to share her game. There are learning games to be found for DS, but you have to look at them. One of her favorites, that was lost was the Bee game.
Aren't boys the best. I have three of them and consider myself to be very blessed also. My older boys had a leapster when they were that age. It has more educational but fun games for them. I know V-tech also has a handheld now, but I think it might be more for preschoolers. I know the leapster has games for boys that age. Good luck.
In September my husband bought our daughter a DS Lite for her 4th birthday. She tried to play it, but it was hard for her so we finally bought her a Leapster2. She love it and when she outgrows it we will give her back the DS. I would probably buy them both the DS the Leapster is for younger children.
I'd do the DS. I'm a proponent of educational toys, but the reality is that if their older siblings have DS's, a leapster will just be a "baby toy". They will probably outgrow them way too soon, if not right away.
My 6 year old Grand daughter loves her Leapster. She has had it since she was four so she most likely will out grow it in the next year.
My daughter is 6. She use to have the Leapster and sooo outgrew it. She prefers her DS Lite it def occupies her much more. The games for Leapster were to young to keep her attention.
