Unless you’ve recently invested in a pair of noise-canceling headphones, you may want to avoid these toys for kids. Described by parents as “unholy” and “hideously awful,” these gadgets are best left to the most patient of caregivers, or those with very thick walls.
Singing puppy
With over 40 songs, the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn – Learning Puppy will teach your child lots of colors and phrases while slowly driving you out of your mind. (Toys “R” Us, $18)
Cat keyboard
Thanks to the Internet, we all know that cats and keyboards go together, but the B. Meowsic Keyboard in the hands of an eager child makes anything but sweet music. (Target, $24)
Transforming dinosaur
Kids love this toy that transforms from a car carrier to a dinosaur. Parents aren’t as keen on the roaring and clicking and constant noise from Switch and Go Dinos. (Toys “R” Us, $50)
Laughing dog
You haven’t experienced irritation until you’ve walked past a Roffle Mates Roly the Dog in the middle of the night. It laughs manically, mocking your pain. (Fishpond, $39)
Bop It
Forget your nostalgia over this classic toy. Bop It calls out directions to kids, resulting in your increasing frustration as they play. (Amazon, $19)
Simon
Before there was Candy Crush, there was Simon. This infuriating game still exists, making repetitive electronic music as it challenges players. (Amazon, $31)
Annoy-a-tron
This tech toy was actually made to be annoying. The only upside is that Annoy-a-tron has a setting only teenagers can hear. It’s payback time. (ThinkGeek, $10)
Keychain game
The Space Invaders Keychain Game is so tiny your kid can bring it in the car, where you’ll be stuck listening to tiny laser guns forever. (ThinkGeek, $13)
Learning bug
With the name Crazy Legs Learning Bug, this toy is basically warning you away from the get-go. (Amazon, $12)
Voice distorter
The bad news — your kids think the word “fart” is even funnier when filtered through the Multi Voice Changer. (Amazon, $12)
Ball popper
You love the constant sound of a whirring motor, right? Best of all is the Playskool Explore “N” Grow Busy Ball Popper spews balls all over your living room once your kid discovers how to tip it over. (Amazon, $30)
Voice recorder
The only thing more annoying than your kid repeating himself or herself is your kid doing it electronically, over and over, with a Yada Yada Yada. (Amazon, $5)
Apptivity fortress
Once you introduce kids to the Imaginext Apptivity Fortress, forget about turning the volume down on loud apps. (Fisher-Price, $50)
DJ table
Your child’s DJ dreams can come true with the First Act Discover DJ Mixer. Your kid has great taste in music, right? (Toys “R” Us, $30)
Electronic drum kit
Good news. You can fulfill your kid’s drum-set wishes with a handy electronic drum set. (First Act, $30)
Furby
Years after its introduction, the Furby remains one of the most annoying tech gadgets on the planet. And kids still love it. (Amazon, $55)
Learning robot
The Cogsley Learning Robot can be taught by your child. As with training a puppy, it takes a lot of repetition. (Best Buy, $30)
Kids’ microphone stand
Thanks to Winfun Kids Fun Microphone and Stand, your child can sing along to One Direction over and over. (Amazon, $19)
Talking oranges
The only thing more annoying than Annoying Orange videos are these talking Annoying Orange plush toys. (NewEgg, $35)
Talking princess
Kids love Sofia the First, but parents long for volume control on Talking Sofia the First and Animal Friends. (Toys “R” Us, $32)
Singing guitar
The Dora the Explorer Tunes Guitar had us at “Hear fun phrases from all of your favorite characters.” (Amazon, $22)
More on tech gadgets
The benefits of buying refurbished technology
Child technology geniuses
5 New ways to stay connected with friends using technology

Leave a Comment