Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or just a family friend, chances are you have some children on your holiday shopping list. If the kids on your list are anywhere near as overzealous as I was at their age, you probably already have at least one itemized holiday wish list in your possession. With all of the digital toys out there, it can be hard weeding through the trendy tech products to choose gifts with real staying power.

Luckily, Unplggd recently shared a guide for gift-givers. Check out the suggestions below on how to choose tech gifts that won’t become obsolete before the New Year.

Quality vs. Quantity
You know what they say about getting what you pay for. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. When it doubt, opt for a slightly pricier item and a warranty. Be especially wary of display items and open boxes. You might regret saving a few dollars if you end up with an inoperable (and nonreturnable) piece of equipment three months down the road.

Thinking Ahead
Buying your child an older model of a product might save some money immediately, but you’ll pay more in the long-run. The landscape of technology changes fast and even brand-new tech toys will become out-dated eventually. Buying up-to-date tech now ensures a longer lifespan for your child’s device.

No toy-ish devices
Kids grow up quickly, and though a kid-friendly version of an iPhone, iPad, or other popular device might seem like a fun idea, it won’t be long before that child is old enough for the real thing. Before purchasing a toy version of an adult electronic, ask yourself if the cost is worth it. Depending on the child’s age, it might make more sense to hold out for the real thing.

Know when to introduce your child to technology
Don’t spring a warehouse of tech toys on you child all at once. Introduce digital toys gradually and as with all toys, use these objects as a teaching tool for learning skills like sharing and responsibility. If your child seems like he’s not ready to handle more high-tech toys, there’s no rush.

Keep this advice in mind as you head into the holiday season. Spark is always on the look out for new ways to integrate play and learning through interactive technology. Sometimes digital toys can be a great way to do that!

We’d like to hear from you: Share your thoughts and experiences with hi tech toys for kids.