The annual gift-giving season is upon us, and over the next five weeks I’ll run down some of my picks for the best tech ideas to put on your list, and to consider giving to others.

This week, toys and fun things for kids.

Lego Boost

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Lego as a device for creative, unstructured fun. Lego Boost brings some more technical to the play by merging play with programming. I’ve written about how it is packed with potential. A kit, which brings hours of fun, is $199.

Cozmo

This cute programmable robot is for an older kid who is ready to explore more sophisticated coding possibilities. Exclusively sold in Canada at Best Buy for $250.

Sphero R2-D2

For the past couple of years, Sphero has been all about BB-8 droids that you can operate with a smartphone. This year, R2-D2 gets the attention. Get your own R2 unit for $250.

Hatchimals

The great Canadian invention is what every kid wants. They get to care for an egg until it hatches, and then nurture the young creature as it matures, digitally. There are many Hatchimals to choose from starting at $85.

Kidz Gear headphones

Young kids may not know how easy it is to damage their hearing. Kidz Gear headphones have a limiting device so that you can make sure that the sound from their Nintendo 2DS or iPad Mini doesn’t blow their doors off. Around $30 for wired headphones, also wireless option.

SmartMax magnetic construction toys

Perfect for younger kids, these magnetic construction components are too big to swallow, and are great for learning how to build. Early exploration with the power of magnets and magnetic fields will set toddlers up for long careers in science and technology. Between $45 and $180 depending on the kit.