Age 9. Brian the Brain
The animatronic Brian the Brain is like a goofy uncle, capable of playing word games, remembering trivia, and telling jokes. Stocked with facts from the Encylopaedia Britannica and a dictionary, the Mega Brands toy looks like a brain in a bubble and is helpful for both homework and downtime — it can store telephone numbers and dates, has a digital clock, a socket for an MP3 player and can even put on a light show. Recommended for ages 8 and up; $99.99.