Learning doesn’t have to be a chore with these 19 fun tech gifts for kids

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Listen, I'm a mom. I try to give my kids presents that will stimulate their brains and keep them busy for a good chunk of time. Usually, I fail miserably. But this year, brands are going all out to deliver tech toys that are sure to dazzle kids of all ages.

Here are some of the hottest gadgets and tech gifts for kids 2020.

Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!

Bestselling tech gifts for kids

1. Sphero SPRK+

Sphero SPRK+

Sphero SPRK+ $96.99 at Target

Kids ages 5 and up can learn programming, complete activities and share their robot with family and friends.

2. Osmo Creative Game Kit

Osmo Creative Game Kit for iPad

Osmo Creative Game Kit for iPad
Osmo Creative Game Kit for iPad
  • Osmo Creative Game Kit for iPad $69.99 at Target

  • Osmo Creative Game Kit for iPad $48.99 at Amazon

You'll have to let your child borrow your iPad for this game system, but we promise it'll be worth it when you see how happy it makes him or her. The Creative Set combines technology, creativity, and problem solving to create magical (and customized) animated adventures.

3. Intelino Smart Train

Intelino Smart Train Starter Set

intelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set - Works Screen-Free and App-Connected - Robot Toy Train That Teaches Coding Through Play - Wooden Train Set Compatible - Ages 3+ (Amazon / Amazon)
intelino J-1 Smart Train Starter Set - Works Screen-Free and App-Connected - Robot Toy Train That Teaches Coding Through Play - Wooden Train Set Compatible - Ages 3+ (Amazon / Amazon)

Intelino Smart Train Starter Set $86.45 at Amazon

Kids of all ages will love this modern take on the classic train set. Built using smart technology, these toy trains are controlled with a mobile app and comes with 40 color snap tiles designed to control its steering and speed.

4. littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit

littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit

littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit (Walmart / Walmart)
littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit (Walmart / Walmart)
  • littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit $66.48 at Walmart

  • littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit $28.07 at Amazon

Party like a rock star with this next-level toy. You build it yourself and then customize how you want to play it. Best of all, as with Legos, the system is modular, meaning you can redo it as much as you want.

5. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch

VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch

VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch (Amazon / Amazon)
VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch (Amazon / Amazon)
  • VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch $39.99 at Amazon

  • VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch $39.99 at Target

This smart watch is made for kids! They can take video and selfies, learn to tell time and feel like a grown-up.

Best gadgets and tech gifts for kids

1. Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit

Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit

Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit Awaken The Elements. STEM Learning and Coding Toy for Kids (Amazon / Amazon)
Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit Awaken The Elements. STEM Learning and Coding Toy for Kids (Amazon / Amazon)
  • Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit $54.99 at Amazon

  • Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit $64.27 at Walmart

This toy combines coding and entertainment with "Frozen" themed fun! Kids can build Elsa's ice palace, throw snowballs and play with the beloved characters. No prior coding experience needed!

Related: Find and buy the best deals for parents online including sales on toys, new baby essentials, gifts and more on TODAY.com.

2. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit $99.99 at Game Stop

Caveat: Skip this if you're not into your kids taking over your living space. But if you are, this game is a winner. It's lively, vibrant and totally engaging — plus, it can be played in solo or multiplayer modes on the Nintendo Switch.

3. UBTECH Jimu Robot Mythical UnicornBot Kit

UBTECH Jimu Robot Mythical UnicornBot Kit

UBTECH Jimu Robot Mythical UnicornBot Building and Coding STEM Learning Kit
UBTECH Jimu Robot Mythical UnicornBot Building and Coding STEM Learning Kit

UBTECH Jimu Robot Mythical UnicornBot Kit $79.99 at Target

Bring a bit of enchantment into your kid's life with this mythical-inspired UnicornBot from UBTECH. Just download the free app to get started on building and coding your mini creature.

4. Thames & Kosmos Amazing Tightrope Walking Gyrobot Science Kit

Thames & Kosmos Amazing Tightrope Walking Gyrobot Science Kit

Thames & Kosmos Amazing Tightrope Walking Gyrobot Science Kit
Thames & Kosmos Amazing Tightrope Walking Gyrobot Science Kit
  • Thames & Kosmos Amazing Tightrope Walking Gyrobot Science Kit $30.99 at Target

  • Thames & Kosmos Amazing Tightrope Walking Gyrobot Science Kit $30.99 at Amazon

You're never too young to learn about physics! This Toy of the Year Award finalist lets you learn about the science behind gyroscopes with eight experiences and a cool robot capable of walking a tightrope.

5. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist, Preschool Toy [Amazon Exclusive] (Amazon / Amazon)
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist, Preschool Toy [Amazon Exclusive] (Amazon / Amazon)

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist $34.99 at Amazon

This coding toy for preschoolers will have kids learning and problem-solving from a young age. Kids can program the caterpillar's path while playing with the light up eyes and light effects.

6. FurReal Koala

furReal Koala

furReal Koala $29.99 at Target

This interactive koala comes to life with over 60 sound-and-motion combinations.

7. Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst, Robotics Stem Kit for Kids Age 8-12 (Amazon / Amazon)
Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst, Robotics Stem Kit for Kids Age 8-12 (Amazon / Amazon)

Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst $59.00 at Amazon

This kit is the perfect introduction to engineering - kids can build and rebuild endless variations of robot creations. The set includes over 50 parts and 10 challenge cards to help with inspiration!

8. BOTZEES AR Coding Robot for Kids

BOTZEES AR Coding Robot for Kids

BOTZEES AR Coding Robot for Kids, Educational STEM Toy, Early Programming, Remote Control Robot for Kids Ages 4+ (App Based) (Amazon / Amazon)
BOTZEES AR Coding Robot for Kids, Educational STEM Toy, Early Programming, Remote Control Robot for Kids Ages 4+ (App Based) (Amazon / Amazon)

BOTZEES AR Coding Robot for Kids $99.99 at Amazon

Kids can program this fun-loving robot to dance, drum, light up and more with the easy-to-use companion app. The robot also comes with 30 interactive augmented reality puzzles for even more fun and learning!

9. My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope

My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope

My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope - MFL-06 (Amazon / Amazon)
My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope - MFL-06 (Amazon / Amazon)

My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope $75.00 at Amazon

Kids love looking at things close-up, and the grosser the item, the better. This microscope is sturdy, it's easy to use and just wait until your kid can see a dead bug up close. Score!

10. LittleBits Hall of Fame Night Light Starter Kit

LittleBits Hall of Fame Night Light Starter Kit

littleBits Hall of Fame Night Light Starter Kit (Amazon / Amazon)
littleBits Hall of Fame Night Light Starter Kit (Amazon / Amazon)

LittleBits Hall of Fame Night Light Starter Kit $12.25 at Amazon

Why buy a nightlight when your kiddo can build his or her own? Yes, this is one cool (and practical) toy.

11. smART Pixelator

smART Pixelator

smART Pixelator (Amazon / Amazon)
smART Pixelator (Amazon / Amazon)
  • smART Pixelator $35.58 at Amazon

  • smART Pixelator $39.99 at Target

smART Pixelator allows kids to pixelate any design and build 2D and 3D projects by using Bluetooth connectivity, easy-to-follow lights and a variety of creativity tools.

12. Owleez

Owleez Interactive Pet

Owleez
Owleez

Owleez Interactive Pet $25.99 at Target

At first glance, I wasn't sure this would be a winner. But, my 8-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son loved teaching this itty bitty owl to fly.

13. 3Doodler Start Essential Pen Set

3Doodler Start Essential Pen Set

3Doodler Start Essential Pen Set $44.99 at Target

Your youngster will learn how to bring ideas to life in 3D. This award-winning product comes with a 3D printing pen and creations are not hot to touch, making it kid-friendly.

14. 4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit

4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit

4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit - Maglev Physics Stem Toys Educational Gift for Kids & Teens, Girls & Boys (3686) (Amazon / Amazon)
4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit - Maglev Physics Stem Toys Educational Gift for Kids & Teens, Girls & Boys (3686) (Amazon / Amazon)
  • 4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit $16.77 at Amazon

  • 4M Kidzlabs Anti Gravity Magnetic Levitation Science Kit $16.77 at Walmart

Kids will learn about magnetic forces from this interactive science kit that involves exciting hands-on experiments. Kids will get to float a pencil, levitate a screw and more!

Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:

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This gift guide was originally published on Dec. 19, 2017.