Tablet To Toy

Anyone who’s a parent (or has ever met a child) knows that kids of all ages love to fiddle around with phones and computers.

In fact, according to a survey by nonprofit group Common Sense Media, 52 percent of 5-to 8-year-olds have used a smartphone, iPad or video iPod.

So it’s no surprise that this holiday season, toy makers have turned Apple Inc.’s pricey tablet and smartphone into playthings for kids.

Crayola launched the $29.99 “iMarker” that lets kids doodle on an iPad with a stylus–just like a crayon on a coloring book.

Griffin’s remote-controlled toy helicopter, the $49.99 “HELO TC”, flies using a device that plugs into an iPhone, iPad or iPod. A free app turns the touchscreen of the devices into a cockpit that controls the helicopter.

Disney has also joined the app toy store.

The “Disney Spotlight Microphone”, starting at $69.99, lets kids sing along to songs from Disney shows like “Hannah Montana” and even record their own music video.

And Disney teamed up with Canadian toy maker Spin Master to create “Appmates,” a toy car based on the characters from the company’s “Car’s 2” animated movie. One car sells for $12.99. Using a free app, kids can “drive” on different courses by moving the car across the iPad screen.

Click the slideshow below to see the top-selling holiday gifts from years past.