The ProTech Holiday Gift Guide: Make This the Easiest Holiday Shopping Season Yet 🎄

IT’S THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Your Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 🎁

Mariah Carey has defrosted and it’s time to worry about buy holiday gifts. 😅

Before you tap "add to cart" to buy your kids something you might regret later, check out our complete downloadable 2025 ProTech Holiday Gift Guide.*

We’ve rounded up our favorite tech, games, gadgets, and screen-free solutions for kids of all ages. We’re here to help you have the easiest shopping season yet. 🙏

Watch our very own Melvin and Joshua break down the list here.

_{*Prices listed are as advertised at the time of publication.}

📱 Bark Phone - Built-in AI monitoring, GPS tracking, and screen-time controls keep kids connected responsibly. (Free Device, plans start at $39/mo)

📱 Gabb Phone - No browsers, no social media, just texting, calling, music, and over 1,000 parent-approved apps. (Starting at $104.99, plans from $24.99/mo)

📱 Troomi Phone - Unlock safe apps, filtered browsing, and new features as your child earns responsibility. (Free Device, plans start at $24.95/mo)

⌚ Cosmo JrTrack 5 (Ages 6+) - GPS tracking meets peace of mind. SafeZone alerts, two-way calling, and contact-only messaging keep kids close wherever they go. (Now $75, plans start at $10.99/mo)

⌚ Bark Watch (Ages 6+) - The only kids’ smartwatch with AI-powered monitoring for texts and photos. No games, no social media. ($7/mo device, $15/mo plan)

⌚ TickTalk 5 (Ages 6+) - For the kid who loves to chat but not scroll. HD video calls, group messaging, and encrypted connections—all within your control. (Starting at $159, plans start at $9.99/mo)

💻 Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (Ages 6+) - Sleek and built for learning. Parent-approved app store and customizable filters let you shape their digital world. (Starting at $64.99)

💻 Apple iPad (A16, 11th Gen) (Ages 5+) - The creative powerhouse. Perfect for art, homework, and video calls—with Family Sharing and Screen Time controls. (Starting at $324.99)

💻 LeapFrog LeapPad Academy (Ages 5+) - The digital classroom kids love. Preloaded with learning games and apps that build reading, math, and coding skills. (Starting at $99.97)

🎮 Nintendo Switch - The family favorite. Play anywhere with a massive library of kid-friendly games and screen-time settings. (Starting at $299)

🎮 Nintendo Switch 2 - The ultimate family upgrade. More storage, smoother gameplay, and improved Parental Controls for online safety. (Starting at $449)

🎮 Nex Playground - Turn your living room into an active play zone. AI-powered games get the whole family moving—no controllers required. (Starting at $249)

SETTING UP NEW GIFTS
Setting Up Your Kid’s New Tech the Right Way ✋

Got your child a new device? 👀

Before you hand it over, keep these six steps in mind to make it a tool for growth, not a headache:

1️⃣ Talk First - Before they go online, talk openly about what they may see—like pornography, bullying, and violent content. As The Mediatrician, Dr. Michael Rich, says, if you haven’t had that talk, they’re not ready for an internet-connected device.

2️⃣ Set Rules Together - Make a Family Tech Contract to decide when, where, and how the device is used. Here’s a great place to start.

3️⃣ Talk Safety - Teach them what to share (and not share) online. Use our family-friendly tech conversation videos to help begin these conversations.

4️⃣ Turn On Controls - Use built-in tools to manage time and content. Our Apple Family Sharing and Google Family Link guides can help.

5️⃣ Customize It - Use our Parent ProTech guides to disable distractions, add learning apps, and check location settings.

6️⃣ Stay Involved - Keep checking in and growing together. We challenge you to even take a few minutes to let your child teach you about the digital world they love. And remember: If you need help setting up new tech, we have guides, walkthroughs, and resources to help you get started!

🕹️ DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party (E) - A safe, creative adventure for younger kids—no online play, just fun mini-games and imagination. (Switch, $39.99)

🕹️ LEGO® Party! (E) - A hilarious, family-friendly competition with 60 mini-games that encourages laughter and teamwork over competition. (Switch, $44.99)

🕹️ Pokémon Legends: Z-A (E10+) - The next-gen Pokémon experience—real-time battles and exploration in a futuristic Lumiose City. (Switch, $59.88)

🕹️ Donkey Kong Bananza (E10+) - Smash, swing, and explore through endless hidden secrets. Action-packed fun with classic charm. (Switch 2, $69)

🕹️ Mario Kart World (E) - A thrilling open-world racing adventure—explore, collect, and race with friends in vibrant new worlds. (Switch 2, $79)

🕹️ Sonic x Shadow Generations (E10+) - Double the action. Nostalgic Sonic speed meets a dark, story-driven Shadow campaign. (Switch 2, $37)

📸 Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera (Ages 3+) - Built for adventure! Waterproof, shockproof, and ready for memories underwater or on land. ($24.75)

📸 Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera (Ages 14+) - For the aspiring creator. Capture stunning 4K videos and pro-level content made easy. (Starting at $498)

📸 VTech Kidizoom Duo Camera FX (Ages 3+) - Kid-proof fun with dual lenses, silly filters, and zero internet connection required. (Starting at $64.99)

🎲 Blank Slate (Ages 8+) - The party game that builds connection through laughter and words. Simple, social, and screen-free fun. ($19.99)

🎲 GraviTrax Starter Set (Ages 8+) - A hands-on STEM experience that teaches physics through marble-run design. ($61.69)

🎲 Happy Salmon (Ages 6+) - Fast, loud, and full of energy. The ultimate 90-second family game. ($9.97)

🏓 Pickleball Starter Set (Ages 14+) - The easiest way to bring family fun outside—sets up in minutes and keeps everyone moving. ($79.99)

🚲 PlasmaCar Lightning Glow Rider (Ages 3+) - A kid-powered ride that lights up as they move—no batteries, no screen time, all smiles. ($89.99)

🏐 Spikeball Game Set (Ages 10+) - The high-energy team sport perfect for backyards or beaches—get ready to dive, leap, and spike. ($69.99)

TRENDING
What’s the Best Kid-Friendly Smartwatch? ⌚️

Smartwatches are one of the most popular first devices for kids, but not all of them are created equal… 😅

In this video, Melvin reviews seven of the top parent-approved options, comparing features, safety tools, and cost. Melvin’s daughter even put each of the devices to the test.

You’ll see how each watch handles things like GPS tracking, school mode, and parental controls, along with a few surprises we found along the way. Plus, grab our free side-by-side comparison PDF to make the choice even easier.

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