The Latest Toys and Trends

By: Isabel Kallman
Founder of AlphaMom.com
VTech Advisory Council member

One of the greatest things about running a parenting Web site is that I get to watch the hottest trends as they happen and evolve. As I talk to moms from across the country I hear first-hand about the day-to-day issues they are facing and their strategies for handling them with style and ease. Whether it’s introducing your child to online play or finding unique ways to have fun with the family during these tough economic times, VTech has a ton of new products that hit shelves this August and align with this year’s hottest trends.

Get connected

Recently my five-year-old son asked me for his own laptop that hooks up to the Internet. As a self-professed “digital mom,” I understand the fun social benefits that come with going online, but also the risks that privilege can entail. That’s why VTech’s Nitro Web Notebook is my new secret weapon. Using the Nitro Web Notebook, my son can log on to PlanetVTech.com, VTech’s virtual kid-friendly world where children can safely interact with other kids. Plus it's jam-packed with 70 interactive learning activities in language arts, math, science, logic and even Spanish—to keep your kids learning while they play! Now my son has his very own cool laptop and I know he is safe while he learns and has fun.

Get moving

On my Web site I constantly hear from moms looking for ways to help their rambunctious children release their extra energy – especially on those days where they may be stuck indoors. Which is why I’m delighted VTech is introducing its new Jungle Gym line that offers a fun and active way for kids to get moving. My favorite is the Ride & Learn Giraffe Bike that allows toddlers to peddle as they learn basic skills like letters, numbers, colors and object identification. But the giraffe isn’t the only animal in VTech’s jungle of fun— whether they are exploring Monkey Moves Smart Seat™, Twist & Learn Gorilla Pals™ or Bouncing Colors Turtle™, your children can engage their minds and bodies while having fun.

Get reading

Moms are turning to technology to help make their kids’ reading list a fun and interactive experience. At my house, we’ve enlisted the help of our new best friend—Bugsby the Bookworm. Bugsby is VTech’s interactive new reading tool that helps kids brush up on their reading skills and prepare for the new school year. Children can explore Bugsby’s magical world by simply touching the pen to the pages of the book and listening as the story comes to life with their favorite characters like Dora and Wonder Pets. It is a great way to ensure your kids aren’t just learning how to read, but also learning how to love to read. And, Bugsby is totally portable, keeping the kids entertained in the backseat on the way to swim class this summer.

Get creative

As the hard economic times affect this summer, parents continue to find creative ways to make the most of their more limited budgets. Moms are planning day trips in their own towns or creating their own “staycation” at home. So whether you are traveling with the V.Smile Cyber Pocket™ or planning a fun game day at home with V.Smile Motion™, VTech has great new Smartridge titles to get your kids excited about their new adventure. Whether they are a fan of UP!, Monsters vs. Aliens, Ni Hao Kai Lan or NASCAR, children are sure to find one of their favorite friends in VTech’s expanded Smartridge library. Plus, as children embark on a fun new adventure with their pals, they will be learning basics in phonics, science, math, spelling, logic, music and more.