Gift Guide: Gifts for Sci-Fi loving families

December 2, 3:27 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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In honor of the release of the newest installment in my favorite Sci-Fi show - The X-Files, today's gift guide is for Sci-Fi loving families. Science Fiction is one of my family's favorite genres. From monsters to aliens to the characters who lived a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, there's a lot of room for something creative to put under the tree this year. Here are a few ideas...

Perfect fun for everyone to get involved in a project - the Lego Star Wars Clone Wars AT-TE Walker set. This set comes with two clone troopers, a Battle Droid, Anakin Skywalker, Ashoka and Rotta mini figures. They're made for a little older kids (9+), but with close supervision younger children that won't put the pieces in their mouths can definitely enjoy this too.

If you're near a Disney park, there are some super cool Disney character plush toys dressed as Star Wars characters. We bought the Mickey Mouse Jedi ($12, Disneyland's Tomorrowland gift shop) on our trip to Disneyland in October (read about that HERE). You can also find a pre-owned but still new Jedi Mickey on eBay and some other places online.

HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures will be met with a "oooohhh, cool" when they're opened on Christmas morning. That's what my girls said when I opened our Hexbug. Afterall, what's more sci-fi than a futuristic robotic bug. It combines several types of sci-fi ideas! There are several designs and colors of Hexbugs, all of which fit in the palm of your hand and are controlled by remote control. The button are pretty simple, so even a young child can operate it. But they're officially recommended for kids eight and up.

The movie WALL-E was recently released on DVD and is sure to be a hit with kids who like space stuff. It features lovable robots in a future world and mostly takes place on a spaceship. It gets two thumbs up from both my 2.5 year old, my 1 year old and me. Read my whole review HERE. The Disney Store has lots of WALL-E toys too, many on sale.

The new animated children's movie Monsters vs Aliens may not hit movie theaters until the Spring, but sci fi families can get started on the adventures now with books for young children, like The M Files, Team Monster and others. (Watch the trailer for Monsters vs Aliens at the bottom of this story.)

With the new Star Trek movie coming to movie theaters next year, Star Trek toys are pretty hot gifts. Among the cool things, replicas of the original Star Trek's communicators and phasers. These are really more for kids at heart and older children. The Star Trek Barbie and Ken dolls are better options for younger kids. (Watch the trailer for the new Star Trek at the bottom of this story.) 

These alien-looking Tyke Lights by MOBI are fantastic night time companions. Both of my girls have one of these. They're friendly looking colorful and lovable lights that can go anywhere, not just sit on a shelf or plug in a wall! We have one rechargeable one and one that runs on batteries. They're both great but I prefer the rechargeable one because my girls like them on all night long. These have made a world of difference in their sleeping at night. They like to have them near their heads or even snuggle with them as they fall asleep! You can watch a video demonstration of the Tyke Light HERE. 

Check out the “Hug Me I’m an Alien” tees for kids. Sold exclusively at StarChild (the first alien-themed gift shop in Roswell, NM). They’re available in both infant and kids sizes for $7.95. You can get one in the store at 108 W. First, Roswell, New Mexico or by calling 505-627-6990. My daughters love the attention they get wearing their little alien shirts around town. Definitely the best souvenir we picked up on that vacation. The shop also stuffed and bendable aliens too, all of which my girl have and love playing with.

Of course, The X-Files: I Want To Believe comes out on DVD today. What Sci-Fi gift guide would be complete without it. Though, I caution you. This movie is *not* for children. It is scary and creepy. It's perfect to pop in the DVD player at night and snuggle up tight after you put your little monsters to bed. I saw this movie at its Hollywood premiere and several more times in theaters afterward and it got better every time. While it's not for kids, there are several episodes of the TV show that are child-friendly and I let me girls watch those. In fact they love Mulder and Scully and get excited when the theme song comes on our TV! And you can buy lots of X Files action figures and Barbie and Ken sets on eBay.

Children of sci-fi families may also enjoy the gifts in my little space lovers guide.

Monsters Vs Aliens trailer:

Star Trek trailer: