Remember those little battery-powered dogs that barked and sat? Well, animatronic toys have gotten a tech makeover thanks to FurReal Friends. These responsive toy animals — from kittens to monkeys to unicorns — can eat, poop, walk on a leash, bark, blink, sneeze and so much more. Many are activated by hand, but some of the fancier ones are controlled by apps.
Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander works at the intersection of parenting and the arts. You can find her work beyond ParentMap at gemmadeealexander.com.