There are few toys or products this year that have me more excited than the UNICEF Kid Power Bands ($40). The bands work like most activity trackers but have the added benefit of a charity component too. For each UNICEF Kid Power Band purchased, Target will donate $10 to the US Fund for UNICEF. Families then download the Kid Power app and go on various "missions." Each mission teaches kids about different cultures around the world. As kids get moving, the band tracks their movements, earning them Kid Power Points. Points translate into funding by UNICEF's corporate sponsors, who purchase therapeutic food packets that are delivered to severely malnourished children around the world.
My kids have been wearing their bands for one week now (we were lucky enough to be early testers) and they love them. They compete to see how many steps they take each day and how many packs of food they're donating. The built-in watch means that teachers will allow them to wear the bands in school too — meaning they can continue to earn power points throughout the day. The combination of getting kids active and having them do some good makes this a bonafide must have (and go-to gift) in my book.
— Rebecca Gruber, moms director
