Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Best Tablets for Kids

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Tablets for kids are a popular item on wishlists and parent’s shopping lists and this holiday season there are more options than ever.

From toy tablets like the LeapPad 2 and the more advanced Nabi 2 to full Android tablets like the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7, and even a few iPads that won’t break the bank.

While searching the the best tablets for kids, parents will want to consider durability, parental controls, educational app selection and battery life.

Price is a factor to consider, so all of the best tablets for kids are available for under $329, with the cheapest option starting at $99. Be sure to consider the cost of buying apps and accessories when comparing the tablets.

Buying a tablet for a kid is a major decision, and the age of a child is important to consider. It may prove easy to pick a tablet for a 3 to 5 year-old, but as kids get older, the decision to pick between a tablet that is primarily a toy and one that can grow with a child.

LeapPad 2 Tablet for Kids

The LeapPad 2 is a popular tablet for kids that is aimed at children 3 to 9 years-old, with a focus on learning and education. The LeapPad 2 offers a 5-inch screen and two cameras that interact with apps to allow kids to  put themselves in the game. The tablet is designed to withstand the use of children, but parents can purchase a gel skin to add protection to the tablet. The tablet runs on four AA batteries. Because the tablet is designed for kids, parents don't need to worry about kids connecting to the Internet or buying apps or in-app purchases accidentally. LeapPad includes 5 apps, and offers access to 325 apps and cartridges. Cartridges can cost as much as $25 and apps in the LeapPad app center range from $5 to $25 per app. There are a number of branded apps with Barbie and other characters, as well as learning games with generic characters that fill in the cheaper price range. Best for: Young children LeapPad 2 $99 at Amazon

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