Shopping for kids is a hit or a miss because of how unpredictable they can be. They tend to change their interests in such a short amount of time that the gift you buy may not excite them after a few days!
Many children seem to love anything technology because of how popular it is. They can do so much with the press of a few buttons, like play games or watch videos.
While too much screen time is not always beneficial, technology is a great tool to occupy the growing child’s mind for a bit of time.
Some technology doesn’t come with a screen either, making it a little more ideal for playtime. There are also multiple items that are based on technology but don’t actually use it.
If you are thinking about buying a child who is obsessed with technology a gift, consider these few tips to lead you in the right direction.
Know What Tech They’re Into
There is so much technology in the world that there is no way one kid wants it all. There is a good chance they love one or a few types of technology depending on their interests.
They might love gaming, listening to music, graphic design, or so many other tech-based activities that all require different equipment.
Knowing their technology use habits is a great place to start! Think about what they always talk about or even specifically what they ask for.
If the child is not your own, you might talk to a parent to find out what they like and the technology that they would really like to use.
Being aware of the child’s interests is the perfect way to narrow down your search for the right item.
Consider Their Age
It seems like, with kids, even just a year in age difference can completely alter their interests, personality, and level of responsibility. Age is important to remember when thinking about ideas.
You wouldn’t want to give a young child a brand new laptop, but you also wouldn’t give a pre-teen a learning tablet. The technology a kid loves will definitely change depending on their age group.
You can find technology that is timeless, or opt for an age-specific item that they will love for a few years before finding a more mature version.
Some technology even grows alongside the child, like a tablet that has the option to use parental blocks. The parent can give more freedom to overtime as the child grows older and more mature.
To help you out in your search, many technology products are labeled with the intended age of use. You can decide what item fits the age of the child you are shopping for!
Try Tech-Themed Books
As a child grows, their brain continues to develop and mature. Spending too much time in front of a screen isn’t good for anyone, especially the still-developing child.
Books about interesting technology could inspire any kid to read, even the one who complains about it. If it is about something they love, they won’t be able to get enough.
Robots are an intriguing topic for kids, and luckily, there are tons of books about them. Cool Things Chicago has a thorough guide to robot books for kids that could broaden their interests while mitigating screen time.
You can even inspire them to read a book about robots with a robot toy they can play with as well. Making the character in the book tangible is a great way to draw their interest!
Robots tend to interest kids, making them a great book subject for the tech-obsessed kid.
Go for Cool Accessories
When you don’t know exactly what tech to buy, accessories for what they already have are awesome!
Think about the consoles they have and the wearable technology they use to find accessories that will fit.
Controllers, video games, watch bands, keyboards, and so much more can enhance the technology a child uses on a daily basis.
Protective cases are also a great option to help keep expensive technology safe and looking sharp at the same time.
The technology itself is always fun, but making it even more exciting can also benefit the young users.
Find Items that are Interactive
A lot of the time, technology keeps kids trapped in their bedrooms playing by themselves all day. Solo videogames or tablet apps consume so much time spent alone.
It can be fun to mix it up a bit with something that family and friends can enjoy together. There are multiplayer video games that everyone can enjoy.
Some board games even use technology to make them exciting! Find the cool items that everyone can have fun with to spend even more time together.
Don’t Buy the Most Expensive Product
It is important to remember that kids are just that: kids! They are bound to be a little too rough with expensive items at times, so it might be worth it to opt for a budget-friendly alternative of the hottest item.
A lower-cost version of an item they want is a great way to see how they interact with it first before saving up for the big-ticket item.
For example, kids enjoy gaming, but don’t need the most spectacular monitor for the games that they play. You can easily find a monitor that has a stunning display without the high price tag.
Stick to a budget to make sure you don’t go overboard with items they might grow out of. When they are older you can find the more impressive item that you can trust them to keep in good condition!
Not Everything Has to Be Tech
Even if they can’t get enough of technology, you don’t have to give them something with a screen!
You can always find something new that will spark their interest, like an outdoor activity or a trip to their favorite place.
Some items are even tech-themed but don’t use technology themselves, like printed clothing. They can rock clothing that shows their interests off every time they wear it.
Finding things to do outside of using technology will give kids more options to keep them busy and learning from so many more resources.
Shopping for the kid who loves technology shouldn’t be difficult if you know the right places to look. Try to stick to what they are interested in to make them as happy as possible.
