Some people never grow up. They might age, go into debt and get mortgages, but they don’t get older in spirit. And that’s great! What follows is a gift guide for a person still holding onto their inner child. They’re gifts for the young at heart and the person not afraid to let loose. Or you know, for kids.
8BITDO
The 8BITDO is a modern Nintendo controller. It’s Bluetooth, friends. But it’s Nintendo. The controller is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows and the Wii. However, when used with iOS, two controllers can connect to a single device, allowing classic head to head battles. Touchscreen-only game? The company says it’s trivial to map the proper keys. At $30, it’s an easy buy for the gamer young or old.
Disney Infinity 2.0
Okay, hear me out. This game mixes Minecraft with Marvel superheroes. It’s pretty damn awesome and fun for all ages. The latest incarnation of Disney’s video game brings new functionalities and a host of new characters. But as is the growing trend, you have to buy new characters to play as them. If that’s kosher with you, we can wholeheartedly recommend Disney Infinity 2.0. If you found the LEGO video games fun, you’ll love this one.
Parrot Minidrones Rolling Spider
Drones are awesome, but they can be expensive, too. Parrot has been in the drone game for years now and just released the Rolling Spider drone, which can fly and roll. At $100 it’s a great way to introduce someone to the future without clearing out the piggy bank. Plus, it works great and is easy to fly. Expect the drone to be buzzing around the house minutes after the gift is opened.
Sumo Beanbag chair
A Sumo chair is what happens when the lowly beanbag chair grows up, gets a degree and settles down. It’s comfy, large, but at its core, still a beanbag chair. So it’s awesome. At $139 its a bit more than your average department store model, but the Sumo probably won’t pop when your buddies plop down in it.
Anki Drive
Anki Drive is what happens when incredibly smart people take classic slot cars and mix in a healthy dose of robotic learning. The cars are controlled by a connected smartphone and as players earn points, the cars can be upgraded with new abilities. Play against a friend, or if you want to lose, play against the computer (which is also controlled by your smartphone). But be warned, the track is huge and the game is very addicting.
A starter kit that ships with two cars and an oval track is $149. There are several tracks and cars available.
Red Five X-wing Starfighter
Everyone loves Lego kits. This Red Five X-wing Starfighter is one of the best. But set aside a weekend for assembly. There are 1,559 pieces and it includes a display stand that will look fantastic sitting in a cubicle. It even ships with a tiny R2-D2! LEGO.com warns that this model is hard to find, but the site currently has it in stock for $200.
Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2 Wheel
Maybe a Porsche is out of the budget for this holiday. So how about just a Porsche wheel? The $249 Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2 Wheel is a way to get the Porsche feel without draining the bank. The wheel is wrapped in automotive-grade Alcantara material and utilizes a belt-driven motor for a real-world feel. The controller works with Windows, Xbox 360 and the PS3. Maybe open the box and spray it with a new car smell air freshener for added effect.
Have a bigger budget? Fanatec offers even more expensive wheels along with pedals, shifters and even handbrakes for drifting around corners while sitting on a couch.
Wall Scrabble
Everyone loves Scrabble. Even me, but I need a copy editor to play. Still, this $1,500 version hangs on a wall and has everything you need to play Scrabble with a giant: classic wooden letters, a bag to hold everything and a chalkboard to keep track of the score. Magnets keep the tiles in place. And rage quitting hits a new level when you tear this off the wall.
R-KAID-R
Maybe the NES is too modern for the gamer in your life. That’s where the R-Kaid-R by Love Hulten comes in. It’s a finely crafted portable arcade system. The battery lasts eight hours and ships with its own leather bag to keep the unit well protected. Best yet, each unit is individually crafted to ensure the highest quality. But that also means it’s expensive — €2,499.00, expensive.
