Ah, the holiday season. This is the time of year when children are thrown into a frenzy about the latest tech toys being rolled out, and parents are thrown into a frenzy about what to get and where to get them. After all, how would you know if that toy tablet is a better buy for your youngster than that talking mouse? And even as junior yearns for that gizmo with the flashing lights and incessant music, is it really appropriate for their age? The choices are endless, the decisions fraught.

Worry no more. PCMag has braved the store aisles and shopping sites for you. We've winnowed down the crop to the hottest tech toys of 2011. Some were released over the summer, while others were rolled out specifically for the holiday season. Our picks run the gamut, from a case that turns your iPhone or iPod device into a safe toy for babies, to a motorized dinosaur, to the latest take on laser tag. We have pretend laptops, kid-friendly tablets, and even a karaoke machine made of paper. To make things even easier, we've grouped the tech toys by age and included the recommended age rangeprovided by the manufacturer.

So read on and add the perfect tech toy to your gift list this holiday season. The wrapping, however, is up to you.

Age 1-3 Years Let's face it, toddlers need distractions, too. These toys are meant to entertain, and possibly even teach them a little in the process.

Age 3-5 Years Preschoolers are all about doing things by themselves. The tech toys for them are geared toward kid-size versions of grown up gadgets, as well as devices that encourage learning in a fun way.

Age 5-10 Years Toys for the big kids include musical instruments made out of paper, Nerf's latest blaster, and gear for your budding James Bond.