Many shoppers looking for the latest tech gear for kids probably do a ton of research, but there are a few standout tech toys kids could be clamoring for, according to one expert on tech for children.
The Samsung Galaxy 3 Kids is a fully functioning tablet that parents can switch into "kids mode," which limits the types of apps available, said Andrea Smith, technology editor at Living in Digital Times.
That item is priced at a hefty $200, runs on the Adroid Jelly Bean operating system and has 8 gigabytes of internal memory plus a micro SD card slot that can handle up to 32 gigabytes of extra storage, according to the company.
(Read more: All I want for Christmas is ... a new iPad?)
A cheaper and simpler option for the younger set already addicted to mom and dad's iPad is the VTech InnoTab 3s, which has a list price of about $70.
Shoppers who would prefer that kids play less virtually have tons of options, too.
(Read more: Grandparents skimp but splurge on grandkids)
Smith noted the Zoomer robot dog, which performs and does tricks, and speaks to kids when they talk. For about $89, it's cheaper than a real dog—but doesn't play fetch the same way.
The Furby Boom, for $49, works with a mobile app. It can keep kids entertained in the real world and lets kids create their own virtual Furby cities, though the toy's nonstop chatter could get annoying for parents, Smith said.
—By CNBC's Althea Chang