Fed up with the kids having all the fun? Fight back with these cool, clever and (inner) child-friendly toys
PARROT MINIDRONES JUMPING SUMO ROBOT
As you play with the latest offering from the French tech outfit Parrot, you’ll feel your face heading very definitely into smile mode. Controlled via your smartphone, this speedy mover takes basic directions from your left hand while your right hand has the jump (nearly three feet upwards) and other pre-programmed tricks like spin jumps, slalom swerves and other very slick moves. You can capture (and show off) all your action on in-built stills and video too. £139.95
PARROT ROLLING SPIDER
A couple of years ago, the AR Drone quadricopter took the market by storm, but here is its younger, niftier sibling. It’s six times lighter, now with a set of wheels, but with all the same in-flight stability. The resulting mid-air acrobatics are quite something, a single on-screen swipe sends it into action and the on-board accelerometers and gyroscopes mean it’s very hard to crash, even for inexperienced “flyers”. £89.99
DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+
There are others in the genre of consumer flying machine, but none offers the all-round abilities of this super-steady and easy-to-fly model. Controlled via your smartphone in the remote control unit, you’ll see what the on-board camera sees, with a range of up to 700 metres and features like an altitude lock and stable hovering option. Yes, there’s a price for that privilege, but as the adage goes, you get what you pay for. £915
EMIGLIO
Designed to be a pre-schooler’s first robotic companion (and get them ready for the inevitable automaton takeover), this gadget is quite pleasing for bigger kids too. Controlled by the so-called cosmic bracelet, there are sound effects, a voice modifier and spring-loaded hands. £95.28
MIP
This clever fellow is controlled using GestureSense technology, so wherever and whenever you move your hands, off goes your little buddy. Make him dance, or give him a tray and make him collect something from the other side of the living room – best described as a robotic hybrid of Buckaroo and Jenga. You can also plug him into your smartphone and control him from there instead. Endless fun. £99.99