Toys for troops’ tots - Off Duty, Technology - Navy Times

COURTESY OF FISHER-PRICE Ahoy, mates! Perfect for younger kids and toddlers, the Fisher-Price Ocean Boat comes with a minisubmarine, working propellers, action figures, nautical instruments and even a giant crab that fits in the ship’s cargo hold. It’s a great way to get future sailors interested in maritime life. The best part? It floats. Cost: $40 www.fisher-price.com

COURTESY OF JAKKS PACIFIC INC. Now kids can watch “GI Joe” on a big screen at home. The EyeClops Mini Projector connects to a DVD player, iPod or game console and projects an image up to 60 inches on any surface. It can also run on batteries so you can take the show on the road. Cost: $99.99 www.jakks.com/mini-projector

COURTESY OF HOT TOYS LTD. This action figure from Hot Toys comes with an M249, a shotgun, an M9, body armor, a tactical ruck and a menacing non-reg goatee. (Maybe he has relaxed grooming standards.) You’ll be amazed by the details in this 12-inch figurine; you can also get a variety of other models, including Navy SEALs, a Marine SAW gunner, a spec ops sniper or even a private military contractor. Cost: $139.99 www.hottoys.com.hk

COURTESY OF HORIZON HOBBY CORP. The Blade mCX is a palm-sized, remote-controlled aircraft that can zip in and out of small spaces. It’s easy to use and is a great beginner radio-controlled toy. It weighs an ounce, so even if it takes a hard landing, it won’t sustain too much damage. The dual-motor coaxial counter blade lets it fly far and high on little energy for longer play time. Batteries included. Cost: $89.99. www.horizonhobby.com (search for Blade mCX)

COURTESY OF MAX WORLD OF TOYS Take command of the fleet with this battery-powered remote-controlled destroyer, complete with onboard firepower. The boat will sail at five to 10 miles per hour with a control range of up to 60 feet. It’s a 1:115-scale model of the real thing, making it more than two feet long. Batteries and remote control are included. Cost: $55.00 www.amazon.com (search for “Smasher Remote Control Warship”)

COURTESY OF DOG TAGS DIRECT Hand down a piece of military heritage to your sons and daughters with their own dog tags. You can have a set made at pretty much any military installation. They make a great stocking stufferbecause they’re personalized (perfect for “wanderers” who always get lost at the mall). Cost: $6.99 a pair (with silencers) www.dogtagsdirect.com

COURTESY OF THE SMITHSONIAN STORE Your young aces can fly off into the wild blue yonder with this authentic-looking Air Force bomber jacket from the Smithsonian Store. Made with World War II-era patches and zippers, the polyurethane shell looks like leather while the map lining gives the feel of the real deal. Jackets come in a variety of youth sizes. Cost: $65-$72 www.smithsonianstore.com

COURTESY OF AIRFORCEGEARONLINE.COM Got a new addition to the family? Share your pride in your service with your little soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with this classic plush teddy bear. Wearing a service-specific T-shirt, this little guy is perfect for all ages. Cost: $18-$19. www.armygearonline.com, www.navygear.com, http://airforcegearonline.com

COURTESY OF AIR HOGS Is it an airplane? A helicopter? A piece of modern art? A little of all three. The Switchblade is a remote-controlled flying machine that switches from helicopter mode to jet mode in midair. Launch it from the ground or from your hand and watch it fly, with a range of several hundred feet. It’s a good starter for kids interested in remote-controlled aircraft. Cost: $69.95 www.buyswitchblade.com

COURTESY OF FATHEAD Forget about posters — Fathead wall graphics are where it’s at. Like this giant F-22 Raptor, reproduced in exacting detail. Stick it on a kid’s room wall, move it around, reuse it. Fighter jets not your thing? Try a 3-foot service branch logo. Or even a life-size decal of Tony Romo. Still not sold? They’ll do custom decals based on your original photos. Cost: $69.99 www.fathead.com

COURTESY OF JAILBREAK TOYS Hail to the chief! Jailbreak Toys designed this 6-inch action figure of President Barack Obama for his campaign. He has eight points of movement so you can pose him in his presidential best. For added realism, you can also buy a first lady action figure. Or, for a real treat this holiday season, go for the limited-edition Inaugural Obama — his suit is electroplated in gold (for an extra seven bucks). Cost: $12.99 www.jailbreaktoys.com

COURTESY OF CAPSTONE PRESS This sturdy 32-page hardcover book is a pictorial guide to the military’s vast assortment of vehicles. It includes descriptions of tanks, helicopters, planes, ships, subs and more. Perfect for ages 9 to 12, the book provides an up-to-date insight into military technology. Cost: $17.99 www.capstonepress.com

COURTESY OF TOTAL PAINTBALL GEAR The Tippmann X7 Frostbite Sniper Package is the baddest thing to happen to toy guns since the Red Ryder BB gun. Here’s what you get for your $700: the rifle, a dual universal offset mount, a GemTech silencer, tactical hand guards, a bipod, a sniper barrel and a 9x40 Rubber Armor scope. Cost: $699 www.TotalPaintballGear.com