Stylish Summer Toys for Savvy Kids

By Jean Aw (from NOTCOT) on July 12, 2010

Summer vacation is the perfect time to bust out the toys! So here's a selection of unexpected amusement we've pulled together to help make you the awesomest aunt or uncle around. (OK fine, these work for moms and dads, too.) Some are educational, some playful. Some get them outside, some help them geek out. Most are fun excuses for you to act like a kid again.

The Tiny Acorn iPod speaker is the perfect pocket-sized surprise. This handmade, apricot wood speaker includes a USB connector for charging, a standard audio jack to connect to audio sources and an FM radio function.

Is it a car? Is it a chair? Can it be both? This kid's toy car/chair designed by Hans Brockhage is both beautiful and amusing.

Oh, the trouble .. um, I mean CREATIVITY that can be had with this little gizmo... The Chobi Cam WP is a waterproof mini-camera the size of an eraser. Bring it to the beach or the pool!

It's never too early for a beautiful bike - one where the colors are customized as you wish. The "simple machines and bold design" of the Aristotle single-speed bicycle from Republic Bike is practical, pretty and fun.

Mario Kart Racers from Takara Tomy with an infrared controller bring Mario Kart into the real world! Now you don't have to wonder what would happen if what was inside your Wii came to life.

AR Drone is iPhone meets real world drone flying! You control a quadricopter with your iPhone! But it's more than just a remote-control aircraft. This mechanical bird uses its powerful on-board computer to detect targets in the real world that then become the enemies in a video game.

Everyone loves a good swing in the summer - hang this handmade recycled wine barrel swing from a tree or porch. You can sit back and watch a game of Deluxe Glo Bocce. The balls are translucent, so the LED light inside shines through to make them flash and glow in the dark. You can see them from more than 100 feet away.

Who can resist the ridiculousness of The Book of Whale Insults - because you never can tell when they may come in handy. About whales: "We may not know why just yet, but the fact remains that they're hurling insults around down there like you wouldn't believe. This comprehensive guide to the world of whale insultology will be indispensable for amateurs and lifelong Mainers alike."

Jumping from books to film, how excited are we for the Scott Pilgrim movie?!

In the mean time, there are the Scott Pilgrim Toys and the Scott Pilgrim Comics to entertain us.

And on work distractions, Scott Pilgrim Avatar Creator! Here's me... and my little sister (editor of NOTCOT.org!)...

You're never too young to start Moulding! Myfirst Roto Moulder is the world's first flat-pack, DIY rotational moulding machine - great for budding designers and artists. Myfirst roto moulder replicates the rotational moulding process, using cold set resins instead of heat.

Now that we're getting geeky, there's Geek Dad. But you don't have to be a dad to benefit from all the geeky fun and knowledge you can share with the little ones. With great tidbits about "everything from gaming to gadgets," it's a way to help mold the next generation of tech geniuses with fun projects like constructing "The Best Slip n' Slide Ever," turning any room into a space ship, and creating a customized comic.

While their little brains are working ...Life is An instant David Attenborough classic from BBC. Anyone who loved Planet Earth will adore these! Just make sure you don't pick up the Oprah narrated version accidentally. The series examines "the lengths living beings go to to stay alive," in the words of Sir David Attenborough. It's enthralling!

What are your highlights from this summer so far - and what are you still looking forward to?

More stories from NOTCOT:

8 Inspired and Creative iPad Cases
The Secret to Time Zone Hopping
5 Fun Gadget Pairings!
5 Excuses to Watch TV - Without Your TV!
5 Tech Finds That Make Life Easier
Kitchen Gadgets That Could Change Your Life

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JEAN AW is the founder of NOTCOT: Concept, Content & Creative, Editor-In-Chief of the NotEmpire*. . . Design Addict + UX Designer + Shopaholic + Tech Connoisseur + Design Writer + World Traveler   *NotEmpire = not an empire, composed of NOTCOT.com, NOTCOT.org, NotCouture.com, and Liqurious.com

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