Must-Have Toys and Electronic Gadgets for Ages 13-16 by:Michele Wallace

Purchasing gifts for the early to mid teen bracket can be expensive and exhausting

. With the help of other parents and auction websites, it doesn't have to be frustrating or expensive. Learn the ins and outs of purchasing great electronic games and gadgets that won't break the bank but are sure to please your teenager. I've put together a list of several great gifts for under $100.

Consoles

Sony's Playstation: Of course the "biggest and baddest" is the Playstation 3 but a higher number of games are available for the Playstation 2. In addition to more game availability, Sony's Playstation 2 is very inexpensive in comparison. Purchase a Playstation 2 with extra memory cards and several games for around $300 and save a lot in the long run.

Playstation 3's most talked-about feature is the Blue-Ray DVD player. Combine a Playstation 3 with a projector and surround sound to create a relatively inexpensive home theater system. Home theater and gaming console in one, you can't go wrong.

Popular Console Games

God of War: Based on Greek mythology, this action packed, hack and slash game is very gory and bloody. The first God of War few in the series are available for Playstation 2 or Playstation Portable only. God of War III is set to release for the Playstation 3 in March 2010.

Guitar Hero: What teenager doesn't love music? Guitar Hero is not your usual hack and slash game and it doesn't contain any blood or gore. The game is played with a special guitar that plugs into the console just like a game controller. Each guitar has 5 buttons, a strummer and a whammy bar. Multiple guitars may be used simultaneously to create great competition between players.

Rock Band: Like Guitar Hero, Rock Band is a musical game with no blood or gore. Your teenagers won't be talking about shooting or hacking people to bits with this game. Rock Band incorporates a guitar like Guitar Hero with bass guitar and drums. The full set comes in a packaged deal or you can buy each component separately.

Rock Band and Guitar Hero introduce your teens to music they may not recognize right away. Metallica, David Bowie and Black Sabbath are a few of the older bands in Rock Band. Guitar Hero: Metallica includes several Metallica songs and more than 20 guest bands. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith includes Ted Nugent, Joe Perry and Cheap Trick to name a few.

Handheld MP3 and Video Players

InVion: This very compact MP3 and video player is inexpensive and brings hours of enjoyment on a single battery charge. Charge it directly from your computer or laptop with a USB connector and you're good to go. Prices range from $9.99 to $17. Storage capacity ranges from 1 to 2 GB.

Creative Zen Nano: Several versions of the Zen Nano are available, so choose wisely. They're very inexpensive and easy to add music and video.

Computer Games

Call of Duty: Military-like first-person shooter game. Teens love this game. Not only is it action packed, it's historically accurate. Dates coincide with actual dates of important events in World War II. Call of Duty is available for nearly every gaming platform, not just computers.

World of Warcraft: Created by Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft is a real-time multi-player game. Internet access is required. Your teen will come into contact with other players from around the world. It's your basic hack and slash game with a twist; they're hacking monsters with the help of other players. World of Warcraft is based on the popular Warcraft game also created by Blizzard Entertainment.

Starcraft: The original Starcraft game has been in circulation for several years. Blizzard Entertainment officially announced Starcraft II in 2008. The old Starcraft community is looking forward to new graphics, classes and a multi-player overhaul. New Starcraft fans are looking forward to building cities, defending them and fighting epic battles with their friends.

Cell Phones

The major cell phone companies now offer prepaid cell phone plans. Some offer free texting with very inexpensive mobile equipment. Watch out for high activation fees and other fees that may not be immediately disclosed. Ask a lot of questions and create a list of pros and cons for each company and piece of equipment you consider.

About the author

Learn more about gaming and personal computers at Buzz on IT. Buzz on IT provides information based on more than 20 years of experience and a dedication to educating people on the care and keeping of computers and electronic equipment.

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