The Best Spy Gear for Kids
- HANNAH M.
- UPDATED May 28, 2019
- in Pretend Play Toys
Best Overall
DBPOWER
RC Quadcopter Drone
Creative and imaginative play are developmental essentials for kids, and spy gear is one a great way to encourage them to pretend, get physical and really interact with the world around them. The glamorous life of spies is popularized in plenty of shows for kids, so there’s a big market for spy toys that leaves parents wondering if they’re really making the best pick. We’ve taken a look at 14 of the best spy kits and equipment picks that will keep your little secret agents undercover and having a blast.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
DBPOWER RC Quadcopter Drone
Upgrade Choice
SpyNet Ultra 5 Vision Modes Goggles
Best Budget Buy
ALEX Toys Undercover Spy Case Gear
How to Pick the Best spy gear for kids
1. Recommended Age
When you’re choosing toys or gear for kids, focusing on the manufacturer’s recommended age range is always wise. These recommendations are made to help parents choose products that are safe, healthy and fun for their kids, and heeding them helps to be sure that your purchase will be one your kids will enjoy and be able to use without an issue.
2. Type of Toy
There are many elements to a good spy kit, and we’ve covered a lot of them here. Our list features some comprehensive spy kits as well as some single-unit equipment pieces. Kids who are already into spies and creative play might have some starter kits and need more advanced tech pieces to fill in the gaps, while younger users starting out could benefit from a comprehensive beginner’s kit.
3. Batteries Needed
A lot of spy equipment relies on batteries or electricity, and the toys seen here are no different. While some don’t require batteries or already have them included, other require them to function. Battery powered toys without batteries are no fun, frustrating both kids and parents. Know which batteries you’ll need and keep them on hand to skip the drama and get right to playtime!
4. What’s Included
Again, there are many elements to a good spy kit, and we’ve covered both kits and single-unit tech pieces here. Some of the kits on our list are more comprehensive than others, which may mean adding to the collection with additional purchases. For other items that record video, knowing if external memory or expensive batteries are needed can be a factor in purchasing decisions.
5. Difficulty
Spy play can be a lot of fun for kids of many ages, which means there’s gear on the market for a wide age range. Some items are very simple for younger users to handle, while other picks are a bit more complex or sophisticated, requiring the user to play very safely and responsibly. We’ve indicated the potential difficulty ranges of the picks on our list to help you decide if they’re best for your child.
6. Safety Hazards
Safety is paramount, and protecting children from any possible safety hazards that may be present on their toys or gear is essential. When it comes to spy kits, the most common safety issue noted is a choking hazard, in the form of small parts. Whenever a choking hazard is indicated, products must be kept away from children under 3. Additionally, at least one listing here includes a drone – drones are subjected to unique FAA regulations for safe use, and most require registration.
The Winners
#1
DBPOWER Predator Quadcopter Drone
Best Overall
The DBPOWER RC Quadcopter Drone features a real 720 p HD camera that’s an awesome addition to any spy’s growing arsenal. It’s a pick that gets it done, and it includes extra blades and batteries to keep the Predator drone in action. It’s an easy drone for first timers to master, but it does have delicate parts – we recommend it for kids 14 and up, and the manufacturer agrees. In action, the quadricopter drone can capture amazing images with a powerful motor that allows it to reach impressive heights. It’s worth noting that personal use drones need to be registered with the FAA in almost all cases for safety reasons, so better safe than sorry.
- You'll love: The 720 p camera makes great captures and the powerful motor allows the drone to reach impressive heights
- Watch for: Personal drone users need to register their drones with the FAA in almost all cases
Recommended Age: 14+
Type of Toy: Drone
Batteries Needed: 1 Lithium ion battery not included
Included: Drone with camera, controller, batteries, charger, spare propellers, user manual
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Safety Hazards: Drone must be registered with FAA
#2
SpyNet Ultra Vision Goggles
Upgrade Choice
The SpyNet Ultra 5 Vision Modes Goggles is a day and night surveillance goggles that offers a super cool features like simple switching between modes, video and photo recording and the ability to see up to 50 feet in total darkness. “Ghostly” and “thermal” viewing modes contribute to important imaginative play, mimicking effects they’ve seen in favorite spy films. Videos and photos can be stored on a MicroSD card, which isn’t included, and easily uploaded to the computer for sharing, storage and analysis – yet another impressive feature on a product designed for kids.
- You'll love: It's easy for kids to use, but viewing modes, image and video capture and easy transfer of captures make it feel like a more adult device
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 8+
Type of Toy: Goggles
Batteries Needed: 4 AA batteries not included
Included: Goggles
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#3
ALEX Toys Undercover Spy Case
Best Budget Buy
This cool on-the-go spy kit, ALEX Toys Undercover Spy Case Gear has plenty of toys for facilitating creative spy play, including dist for fingerprinting, a magnifying glass for examinations, a flashlight to illuminate dark areas, binoculars that help kids hone in on distance targets and more. There’s a lot to do here for a low price, so the value on this spy kit is great. It’s compact and portable, so it’s an ideal toy for trips and vacations where there will be new clues and places to (safely) explore.
- You'll love: There's tons to do in a portable kit at a budget price
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 8 – 12 years
Batteries Needed: Included
Included: Case, ink, pad, binoculars, flashlight, magnifying glass, fingerprinting powder, brush, markers, files, batteries
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#4
Spy Gear Spy Night Goggles
Best spy gadgets for kids
The Spy Gear Spy Night Goggles is an easy to use pick for little spies with cool features they can master easily. Two bright LED lights allow illumination of their important missions and blue tinted lenses allow for improved night vision after dark. 2X magnifying lenses let them take a closer look at clues to aid their investigation. This pick encourages creative play and imagination, making these spy goggles the perfect addition to spy roleplay. It’s worth noting that this pair does not have infrared features that are present on some other spy goggle toys.
- You'll love: They're easy to use and master, making them an ideal pick for younger users
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 6 – 10 years
Type of Toy: Goggles
Batteries Needed: 3 AAA batteries not included
Included: Goggles
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#5
Project Mc2 Ultimate Spy Bag
Best Spy Gear For Girls
The Project Mc2 Ultimate Spy Bag is a favorite pick of clever girls and science lovers, and the Ultimate Spy Bag is an ideal pick for aspiring NOV8 agents. It looks just like the bag used by fan favorite Adrienne Attoms. The makeup theme is cute and feminine, but it hides 20+ pieces of spy tech including fingerprinting powder, a magnifier, a message launcher and much more. An accompanying app for iOS adds case files and tracking to the fun of this set, but the app isn’t available for Android, so kids without an Apple device at home will miss out on that functionality.
- You'll love: It's an awesome pick for getting girls involved in spy play fundipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 6+
Type of Toy: Makeup themed spy kit
Batteries Needed: Included
Included: 20+ makeup-themed spy utilities
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#6
SpyTec Highly Sensitive Audio Wall Probe
Best Real Spy Gear For Kids
Probably the most real spy gear pick on our list, The Spy Tec Highly Sensitive Audio Wall Probe provides up to 100 hours of monitoring technology with ~70 DB sound sensitivity. The 4 audio channels deliver crystal clear audio reception with limited feedback and interference. The receiver can transmit to an included earpiece, another recording device or via FM to a broadcasting device. It’s able to penetrate brick, glass, wood walls, cement walls, iron walls and steel walls, so there’s not much it can’t do, which is exactly why teaching kids responsible use of this powerful device is essential.
- You'll love: It's real, honest to goodness spy gear that allows them to hear things through wallsmet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua
- Watch for: It's delicate, expensive equipment that can cause many kinds of problems when misused, so teach all kids the proper etiquette and use of this device
Recommended Age: 10+
Type of Toy: Wall probe
Batteries Needed: Included
Included: Wall probe
Difficulty: Intermediate – Advanced
Safety Hazards: None
#7
Spy Gear Video WalkieTalkies
No Wi-Fi or data is needed for these cool Spy Gear Video WalkieTalkies, a pocket sized walkie talkies which feature a cool black design that makes them look like real spy gear. Two way audio and video communication is possible with an impressive range of up to 160 feet, enhancing creative play and encouraging physical play. The long range communication offers extra fun to spy missions, and red and grey button variations distinguish the two units from one another. The devices are easy to set up and feature clear LCD screens and headphone mode for extra stealth.
- You'll love: The 160 foot range is impressive and encourages physical play; Headphone mode is a unique way to stay stealthy during missions
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 6 – 8 years
Type of Toy: Walkie talkies
Batteries Needed: 6 AAA batteries not included
Included: 2 walkie talkies
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#8
Spy Net Secret Mission Video Watch
The Spy Net Secret Mission Video Watch has real spy gear features including video and audio recording. It’s able to capture an impressive four hours of audio or 20 minutes of video, and can hold up to 2000 photos, so it holds up better than a cheap cell phone for actual footage captures. Charging the watch takes about two hours, and it has a battery life of about 3 hours with constant active recording and playback. The 1.4″ screen on the device lets kids preview the content they’ve captured, and a convenient USB cord connects to the device and a computer so that images and video can be transferred and the cool, capable little watch can be charged.
- You'll love: It has an impressive storage capacity and kids can charge it while they sort through their images on the computer
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 8 – 15 years
Type of Toy: Video watch
Batteries Needed: Included
Included: Watch, battery, charging cable
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#9
Spy Gear Ultimate Ninja Night Vision
Short and long range vision modes allow kids to scope their targets from afar, eventually zooming in and focusing on their goal. Unlike most goggles with this many features, the Spy Gear Ultimate Ninja Night Vision is totally hands free, strapping easily to your child’s face for easy navigation and imaginative play. Infrared goggle attachments flip down over the lenses to activate night vision mode, which allows impressively clear sight in dark areas. The head strap on these goggles adjusts simply for comfort, meaning they’re great for a variety of head sizes and kids can grow into the pick easily.
- You'll love: The infrared flip-down lenses improve night vision immensely o eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 6+
Type of Toy: Night vision goggles
Batteries Needed: 3 AAA batteries not included
Included: Goggles, guide
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#10
SpyX Lazer Trap Alarm
Siblings will love this laser trap alarm – in the war of “don’t touch my stuff”, the winner is the one with the best tech. The SpyX Lazer Trap Alarm is a (very) mini version of the real thing. We say very because the 4 foot receiver range is a little short, but it’s still long enough to span most door frames. This 3 piece set allows kids to devise endless unique configurations, getting creative in securing their belongings.
- You'll love: It's a unique piece of gear that adds an immersive element to spy play and kids will love securing their favorite things with it
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 6+
Type of Toy: Alarm
Batteries Needed: 6 AAA batteries not included
Included: Alarm, receiver
Difficulty: Beginner – intermediate
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#11
Peaceable Kingdom Vault Door
Keeping a diary can be a big part of childhood, and one with a lock and key lets your child feel comfortable freely expressing their personal thoughts and feelings. The cool lock and vault design on this diary is great for both boys and girls. When used in spy play, the Peaceable Kingdom Vault Door makes a great secret notebook. Kids can create and record observations, doodles and thoughts or tape in “evidence” they find. There’s tons of creative potential here.
- You'll love: There's massive creative potential and it encourages kids to write things down
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 5+
Type of Toy: Locking diary
Batteries Needed: None
Included: Diary, lock, key
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#12
Travels American Revolution Spy Decoder
Decoders are old school cool spy tech, and kids who love writing will enjoy creating and decoding secret messages with these high quality metal discs. The Travels American Revolution Spy Decoder rotate fluidly in order to facilitate the creation and decoding of many unique cryptograms with limitless possibilities. Similar to espionage tools used during the American Revolution, this toy fits into a pocket easily. It’s a great travel pick, and it rides along easily on all their spying endeavors. It’s a unique pick to add to an existing spy kit, especially for kids who love history.
- You'll love: It requires critical thinking and reading, so it's boosting their brain power while they're having fun
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 8+
Type of Toy: Decoder
Batteries Needed: None
Included: Decoder
Difficulty: Beginner – intermediate
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
#13
SpyX Lite Hand
This unique SpyX Lite Hand flashlight toy worn over the hand looks like high tech spy gear and adds an extra immersive element to imaginative spy play. 4 bright LED lights illuminate dark areas, letting them play safely, spot hidden clues and get the drop on their opponents. The light hand sits right on top of their hand, keeping their palm and fingers free for engaging in play. The glove has an on-off mode for play in daytime so kids can enjoy using the device without killing the battery.
- You'll love: It's a unique flashlight that looks like high tech spy gear
- Watch for: There's choking hazards present, so it's not suitable for kids under 3
Recommended Age: 6+
Type of Toy: Stealth flashlight
Batteries Needed: 2 AAA batteries not included
Included: Light hand
Difficulty: Beginner
Safety Hazards: Choking hazard
DIY, Craft and Décor: Ideas for RC Car lovers
Spy Kit For Younger Users
Kids of all ages can get into the spy theme, but a lot of kits are designed for 6-8+. Younger kids can surely join in on the fun with safe additions to a homemade spy kit – check out Christina’s ideas over at The Shirley Journey.
A Party For Little Spies
When it’s time for their next birthday, consider this awesome, inexpensive spy theme from Ed and Robin at Frugal Family Times.
Homemade Spy Kits For Older Users
There’s plenty of cool spy gear that parents and older kids can make and use as well, and a lot of it makes use of things you already have at home. Check out this awesome compilation of ideas from Angela at Savvy Homemade – we really like the cipher wheel.
Quick Decision
DBPOWER RC Quadcopter Drone – Best Overall
It’s a real drone with a powerful camera that’s perfect for any spy
SpyNet Ultra 5 Vision Modes Goggles – Upgrade Choice
They’re easy to use with lots of vision modes that offer kids more immersion in their creative playtive play
ALEX Toys Undercover Spy Case Gear – Best Budget Buy
There’s plenty to do and see in this kit, and the price tag won’t hurt your feelings
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For your little aspiring doctors, we give you the complete guide to kids doctor sets that may help to nurture your child’s interest in becoming one.
Hannah H.
Hannah is both a parent and a freelance journalist and author. You go, girl! She is an impeccable wordsmith and her warm and witty outlook on life makes her pieces a joy to read.
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