Great Solar Gadgets
Racecars, boats, planes and animal gadgets are fun toys for kids. But they usually require batteries—producing waste in the process—a prospect that’s no good for your wallet or the planet. Pretty much any motorized toy can be powered by a built-in solar panel instead—and lots of the latest assembly type toys do just that. These solar gadgets are more than just unique gift ideas—they teach kids about alternative energy, and give them a hands-on feel for assembling an electrical device
By Land…
The racecar is one of the most popular solar-powered toys on the market. OWI’s Super Solar Race Car Kit ($10.95, www.owirobot.com) is extremely easy to assemble and appropriate for kids over three. If you’re looking for a little more power and a larger model, try the Sonic F1 Solar Racer Kit ($15.95). This sleek model gives young kids a chance to assemble and race a high-speed car and the solar cell lasts for about two years. For older kids, check out the futuristic-looking Solar Racers at Uncle Milton (unclemilton.com) The package includes two racers, each with a PV cell, and a straightaway track, and no assembly is required. The kit sells for about $83 on Amazon, a bit pricier than the previous models, but with the added appeal of racing with a friend.