The Vtech Kidizoom Plus Digital Camera is sturdy, ergonomically-designed and simple enough for most older toddlers to master within a few minutes. Out of the box, the Kidizoom can store up to 200 pictures via internal memory, but external cards are so inexpensive that there’s almost no reason to avoid one. The cable to connect it to your TV (RCA cables) and computer (mini-USB to 6-pin) are included. The memory card mounts as a volume so the Kidizoom doesn’t care if you’ve got a Mac or a PC.

It also shoots (grainy) video which is delightful for the toddlers if not a bit annoying for the adults (prepare for footage of your bum). My only compliant about the Kidizoom is that it’s also got several built-in video games, playable via the LCD display. A camera should be engaging enough on it’s own, and it could morph into a portable game console if you’re not too careful.

However, it’s so well-built and simple, that we recommend it. In the Daddy Daze labs, it worked as promised out of the box, survived many drops and continues to entertain the kids more than a year after the initial purchase.

Street price: $59

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