kids gadgets

The UK’s next big playground craze launches today!

Bumpeez mania is set to sweep the nation as the toy that is widely tipped to be the UK’s next big collectible playground craze launches at over 40,000 shops across the UK and Ireland today.

Bumpeez consists of two parts – a circular chip featuring a cool character, which is encased in a removable silicon ring that comes in a variety of different shapes, colours and sizes. When the chip is in the ring the Bumpee can be bounced against walls and used to play more than 25 games and perform tricks with the different shaped rings requiring a varying degree of skill to bounce. There are over 100 characters to collect including special limited edition gold, silver and swirly Bumpeez.

Loads of fun for just £1.99 a pack, Bumpeez will ensure hours of entertainment for kids this summer.

Girl Geek Chicklets: flying away with the kids this summer

I’m sure kids will love theses fun, colouful passport covers when going on their holibobs - I know I do and I’m *errrrrrm* not even a kid anymore!  No more panicking at the check-in scrambling around for all your passports in your hand luggage, the Bobo Kid Covers come in 5 different bright colors, so depending on how many bambinos you have, you could have a different colour for each of your babes. We like!

They are available from www.bobokids.co.uk , price £13.

My BBC2 Something for the Weekend Gadgets

Samsung Navibot

The Samsung Navibot is the latest Robotic Vacuum Cleaner in home cleaning technology.

The Navibot robotic vacuum is the first to have a camera on board, which takes up to 30 images per second to create a visual map of your home and plot the most efficient route to clean determined by its ceiling shape recognition function.

To avoid the bumps and falls the Navibot has infra red sensors spread across various points of the body. This stops the unit from crashing into walls and even falling down the stairs. The device has two “smartgate” sensors, which create an invisible fence or guarding system of the objects in the room to steer clear of.

When the Navibot’s battery is low during operation, it will return to its charging dock for a quick auto-charge and continue where it left off. Once it’s finish cleaning every corner, it will find the shortest route back to the charger.

The Samsung Navibot comes in two models, which are available at the end of April from around £350.

BoostAPak

The BoostApak is a combination of a backpack and a portable booster seat all in one, aimed at children between 4-12 years old or 15-36kg or under 1.35m (135cm) tall.

The law requires all children travelling in cars to use the correct child restraint (i.e. a booster seat) until they are either 135 cm in height or the age of 12 (which ever they reach first). After this they must use an adult seat belt.

Designed by the guys that brought us the Trunki (the animal shaped suitcase for kids that featured on Dragons Den), the BoostApak is a convenient way to have a booster seat available wherever you go – making it ideal for school runs, holidays and parents on the move.

It is quick and easy to set up with its unique fold out seatbelt guides. When it’s not in a car, it can also be used in social venues such as restaurants, cafes etc.

The hard plastic shell means that the BoostApak is able to store travel essentials in a strong and durable rucksack, without crushing the contents.

The ergonomic design even protects growing spines and encourages better posture for children. The product was a finalist for innovation at the leading global trade fair, ‘Kind and Jugend’.

The BoostApak is available in May for around £40.

 Boombox Freeview DVD Projector

The Boombox Freeview DVD Projector is exactly what it says it is, a combination of CD/DVD player, with a projector and a Freeview tuner all in one.

This portable all-in-one cinema/entertainment device makes it possible to display up to a 75-inch display on any wall, ceiling or other flat surfaces, under dimmed light is obviously the best way to view the picture. Its flip open LED-powered projector can be used to watch your favourite DVD films, or live TV channels using its in-built freeview tuner.

There is also a card slot for an SD card and one for a USB device to watch videos and view photos.

And finally, the unit can play CDs, tune into FM radio and amplify your chosen mp3 player.

The Boombox could be the perfect item for any party, from screening rom-com for a girl’s night in, to even watching the upcoming World Cup matches for the boys.

The Boombox Freeview DVD Projector is available online now for around £330.

girl geek chicklets: Vtech Kidizoom Plus digital camera

Get your kids snapping with their very own camera the Kidizoom Plus 2. It’s a 2 mega pixel camera with 2 x zoom. It also take video clips, plays 5 different games and allows you to edit and enhance your photos with fun effects, stamps and borders. It also comes in blue for boys!

Simply connect to a TV to view your photos and video clips on a larger screen. It also features dual viewfinders, colour screen, built-in flash, SD card slot and changeable face plates for personalisation. The instant dial selector makes selecting functions easier and quicker.

It comes with its own carry strap, CD-Rom and cables to link to PC and TV and you can buy a matching camera bag to carry it around.

Price around £50 and suitable from 3 years