Xbox Kinect or Leap Pads?

mamarazzi

H's grandma gave the kids birthday money and a check for Christmas and told us to get them something they'd like that they didn't receive yet.  We were thinking Leap Pads or an Xbox 360 with Kinect.

FWIW, we have a Wii, MobiGo and Leapster.  DS1 has played Kinect and loved it and DS2 would surely like it as well.  Plus it's something we could do as a family.  The boys are really into playing on our iPhones right now, so they'd probably really like the Leap Pads, too.  I can't decide which would be better.

amiamish

We have both and since you already have the mobigo and explorer I would go with the kinect. There are lots of fun games for it. Ds1 just got Carnival, and Toy Story 3. He loves playing on the xbox. The Adventures game that came with the kinect is great too. I want to get a sports pk game next.

Littlejen22

I think the only reason most people got the LeapPad is b/c it was considered an "it" toy this year and was selling out, causing a frenzy.  I think it is overhyped but that's only my opinion FWIW.

MrsCali_Bride

If you have the room for it, get the Xbox 360 with Kinect. We currently don't have the room and we already have a Wii so we got him the LeapPad. The Xbox 360 with Kinect is something that the entire family can play and be active while using. The LeapPad is something that each kid can use on their own, you can take it with you on road trips and it has some fun learning games, videos and apps but it is more of a one person thing rather than a family fun time thing.

FWIW, I didn't buy it for him bc it was the "it" thing. I was actually talking to my old coworkers a few weeks ago and saying  how lucky I was that he didn't want the hot toy. Three or four days later (three weeks before Christmas) he suddenly tells me that he wants the LeapPad for Christmas. He told us daily. We were lucky and were able to get one for him less than a week later when TRU had them early in the morning. On Christmas morning he was extremely excited when he opened the box and found the LeapPad. He exclaimed, "A LeapPad?! For me?!" and tore into the case to start playing with it.

jettagurl

Since you have the Wii, I don't know why you'd get the Kinect....I'm no video game buff, but that seems silly to me.  We have the Wii, and that is plenty for our us.

I'd maybe buy one Leappad for them to share....we just got one, with 4 games so far (my mom is giving them 3-4 next weekend)....and it has been totally fine.  They get 30 min or so, then the trade/put it up.  They have to ask me for it, and usually bring it back after 30 min or so.  They will even watch each other play.  I think they've each played it maybe 3 times since Sunday....so it's not like they are on it all day - it gets the same amount of use as any other toys.  

Maybe rather than the two of those things....what about the craze of getting an iPod Touch?  or a kid's tablet (there are a couple 7" ones out).  I got a Toshiba Thrive tablet (10", comparable to the iPad - and better, says my anti-apple husband, because it has an HDMI, 16g) for $350 at Staples.  It's android/google supported - awesome.  After you buy 2 leappads, 2 cases and a few games, you'll be close to that $$ anyhow.  

AggieCouple

We have a wii and I'd love a kinect!  I think it is a lot more kid friendly. I had a hard time finding good wii games for our kids for Christmas but saw a lot of kinect games I thought they'd like. 

shouldbworkin

Get the kinect, sell the wii on Craigslist and buy some refurbished ipod touches.  I think the touches are better than the Leappad anyway. 

katie277s

I say go for the Xbox and kinect.  It will most likely get more use (over a longer period of time) than the Leap Pads, and everyone can enjoy.  We love playing the Wii together as a family (just brought it back out into the living room this week) and I know that for all of us, it'll last for a long time.  

Littlejen22

MrsCali_Bride:

If you have the room for it, get the Xbox 360 with Kinect. We currently don't have the room and we already have a Wii so we got him the LeapPad. The Xbox 360 with Kinect is something that the entire family can play and be active while using. The LeapPad is something that each kid can use on their own, you can take it with you on road trips and it has some fun learning games, videos and apps but it is more of a one person thing rather than a family fun time thing.

FWIW, I didn't buy it for him bc it was the "it" thing. I was actually talking to my old coworkers a few weeks ago and saying  how lucky I was that he didn't want the hot toy. Three or four days later (three weeks before Christmas) he suddenly tells me that he wants the LeapPad for Christmas. He told us daily. We were lucky and were able to get one for him less than a week later when TRU had them early in the morning. On Christmas morning he was extremely excited when he opened the box and found the LeapPad. He exclaimed, "A LeapPad?! For me?!" and tore into the case to start playing with it.

Oh, I totally believe that some kids it and some kids will get it instead of a Leapster b/c they planned on buying a Leapster originally.  I do think though that many people (everywhere, not just here) bought it b/c it was the "it" toy, the same reason other toys are so popular every year.