Razor Bumper Buggie Puts an Amusement Park in Your Cul-de-Sac

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:33:00 GMT

Between its electric wagon and these motorized bumper cars, Razor is ensuring that our kids will never know the simple pleasure of wheeling around in a Radio Flyer. Like Razor's wagon, the Bumper Buggie ($129.99 at Target.com) packs dual 65-watt motors and gives you up to 40 minutes of vroom-vroom time on a single eight-hour charge.

For safety's sake, it goes a wee bit slower than the wagon (2 mph as opposed to 3), and it also includes a safety belt and a breaker switch, just in case. You really do need two or more to get the full bumper-car experience -- but with the holidays coming up, there's always a chance you'll spot another one scooting through your neighborhood.

Recommended for ages 3 and up, although with a 38" length and a maximum rider weight of 55 lbs., budding racers may outgrow it by their 6th or 7th birthday.

SmartShopper: Because We All Need a Personal Assistant

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:32:00 GMT

While it's a little ironic that the SmartShopper ($149.99) costs more than some of us budget for a week's worth of groceries, the gadget at least promises savings to our sanity. (Ever tried making a grocery list on a tight budget with multiple kids under foot?) Speak the items or errands you want to add, and the SmartShopper records and categorizes a list for you. Once you're ready to hit the store, just print the list and go.

Pros: It's cheaper than a personal assistant; its thermal paper ($7.99 for a three-roll replacement pack) doesn't require ink cartridges to print; it mounts to your fridge when not in use; and you can make your list out of kids' reach while moving about the house.

Cons: It's not exactly cheap; it runs on batteries (4 AA, not included); and although it comes pre-programmed with 2,500 items, you may find that you still need to add your preferred items, brands and errands to the library -- which, while easy enough in theory, becomes a lot tougher when you're trying to manage a busy home. But, hey, if it's good enough for Montel Williams...

droolicious : gifts under $150

Razor Bumper Buggie Puts an Amusement Park in Your Cul-de-Sac

SmartShopper: Because We All Need a Personal Assistant