10 Best Spy Gear for Kids in 2024
Selina Marie
When it comes to the world of intrigue and discovery, your child is going to want to report whatever they find out into the world. Having little spies around the house can create endless possibilities for your children. It can introduce your child to a fun, educational style of play wherein you can introduce even more complex games and other toys as they continuously develop their investigative skills.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Twelve pack of pens
Six different neon colored shells
UV light attached to the pen cap
Ink write invisible, dries invisible, only shows under UV light
Clips easily to your shirt pocket
10 Best Spy Gear for Kids Reviewed
1. Invisible Disappearing Ink Pen
Twelve pack of pens
Six different neon colored shells
UV light attached to the pen cap
Ink write invisible, dries invisible, only shows under UV light
Clips easily to your shirt pocket
Some pens have arrived dried out; order extra if you need the leeway
Write your secret messages with this pen and leave it for little spies to uncover. A few seconds after the ink has dried, it’s ready to be decoded. Simply shine the light from the cover of the pen down onto the message to read the invisible ink. Make family note passing and communication extra sneaky and fun with this awesome twelve pack of pens, featuring two pens each of six bright colors.
Read moreDurability
These spy gear toys perfect for stocking stuffers or party favors, or just a delightful addition to any kid’s spy gear collection. The UV flashlight runs on three button cell batteries and features a pocket clip so you can be ready anytime, anywhere.
Safety
These pens wash off easily and are non-toxic. This neat trick can make mundane tasks and routines feel mysterious and exotic. Use the spy pens to pass notes and reminders between family members during hectic weeks. Just make sure to put them somewhere easy to find!
Entertainment Value
It’s a cool trick with a spy theme that you can apply to all kinds of daily activities. Being able to write and read secret messages with fellow spy siblings and parents will make any kid feel special.
2. Project Mc2 Ultimate Bag
Inconspicuous pink purse to carry everything
Lipstick secret message launcher
Nail polish flashlight
Fingerprint dusting makeup powder & perfume air blower
Compact magnifying glass
Difficult to open for little fingers
This chic, sleek Ultimate Spy Bag is sure to be a hit with glamorous girls and guys all over. All pieces come inside a cute pink carrying purse which looks just as unassuming as a normal accessory. Inside, you’ll find tons of cool spy gear disguised as everyday items.
Read moreDurability
Your children can learn basic investigatory skills in a fun, pretty way. The fingerprinting kit and magnifying glass are especially cool additions to this set.
Safety
Usually when you hear “spy gear,” you think of night vision goggles and secret decoders. There are no serious chemicals in this case, so it is safe for children. It’s nice to see this sort of beginner’s science and investigative toy packaged for kids who might like brighter, more traditionally feminine aesthetics.
Entertainment Value
A shimmery makeup powder doubles as a fingerprint dusting kit. A fake perfume bottle blows the air away to reveal prints left behind, while a compact unfolds to magnify them. A faux lipstick tube hides and launches secret messages, and a nail polish uncorks to reveal a disguised flashlight.
3. Kidwinz Shock Proof Binoculars Set
Durable, rubber coating made to survive the rigors of spy games
Soft and easy on the eyes
Easy zoom function that will give them up to 8X magnification
Lifetime Warranty, 60 day refund or replacement
Only designed for daytime use
The world is a big place, and our eyes can only see so far. This set of binoculars from Kidwinz custom-designed to give your child a better look at the world around them, giving them up to 8X magnification for their spy missions and wildlife observation.
Read moreDurability
This set of binoculars is a great piece of observation equipment that will last them for years. The rubber coating makes them both durable and easy on the eyes of youngsters, and the lifetime warranty is great insurance for you in the event of breaking.
Safety
They are also shockproof, making them kid-friendly and ready for outdoor adventure.
Entertainment Value
The easy zoom and focus function of this set of binoculars makes them perfect for the first set for your young spy or outdoor enthusiast.
4. Scientific Explorer Kit
Most materials included
Materials are mostly easy to refill/replace
Two mysteries to solve and eight activities
Manual walks you through activities and lessons
There’s no list upfront to tell you the additional materials you’ll need
Scientific Explorer’s Spy Kit includes two mysteries that need solving and eight educational activities to help young detectives and spies collect clues! Children will match fingerprints, test DNA, examine powders and liquids, and decode secret messages! There’s tons to do and tons to learn so hurry up and get those investigative notepads out!
Read moreDurability
This spy gear for kids includes two packets of baking soda, two packets of citric acid, two packets of flours, twelve suspect cards, six pH strips, three coffee filters, two markers, two plastic bags, two sets of decoder glasses, two graduated cylinders, a rubber band, a shoe print, a test tube and cap, and an activity guide. The great news is that many of these items are easily replaced via the grocery store or Amazon if you ever need refills!
Safety
All of the experiments included are easy to complete and totally safe for kids. They’re also easy to replicate with common household goods so you don’t have to worry about tracking down rare replacement materials. Kids will love practicing science and learning all about real crime scene investigative tactics!
Entertainment Value
Recommended for children ages eight and up, this kit is full of activities to excite and educate. Children will learn all about actual forensic practices. The activities might need a little adult supervision but allow children a sense of autonomy and accomplishment, and the guide helps you understand the scientific methods you’re applying in order to solve the mysteries!
5. Ultimate Night Vision Goggles
Increased spatial awareness
50 ft. Vision range
25 ft. LED range
Molded eyepiece
Infrared night vision technology
Lacks wireless capabilities
Lack app programs
Many bad guys conduct their affairs in the dark. As such, secret agents need to be equipped with the latest in night vision technology that will allow them to see enemy movements or unscrupulous activities even in the dead of the night. The Ultimate Night Vision is one of the best spy gadgets we have for kids.
Read moreDurability
The contoured design is quality manufactured for comfort, not to mention the capability and effectiveness of the technology behind the goggles themselves. Not only does it conform to the vision, when it blocks out the periphery it enables the child to see further ahead within the range of the 50ft suggested for the range of the product.
Safety
The Ultimate Night Vision also allows for short and long-range viewing so that no enemy activity will escape the prying eyes of a dedicated kid spy. The LED technology can emit light in the dark for up to 25 feet.
Entertainment Value
It’s a space-age looking binocular that even those from the Impossible Missions Force can only hope to have. It features real infrared night vision technology that allows kids to see in the dark up to 50 feet away and even in pitch black conditions. The eyepiece is molded into a frame that conforms to the shape of the kid’s face at eye level providing superb night vision capabilities without the distracting effects of surrounding light.
One of the biggest benefits can be the gaining of spatial awareness with this. Think of how often, we lose our bearings in the dark! These can provide early training in gaining an intuitive feel for where things are located in a darkened room, even after the fun and games of using the product have ended.
6. Mission Alpha Set
Night vision goggles with built-in LED
Retractable zoom lens
Tactical mirror
Motion alarm system
Sound recording pen
Short range night vision
VR feature
For beginning kid spies, we strongly recommend the Mission Alpha Set. Why? Well, it already contains some of the fundamentally important reconnaissance and espionage gadgets for kids. It comes with night goggles so they can see their enemies and whatever it is they’re doing even in the pitch black darkness of the night.
Read moreDurability
This is the best beginning spy kit….and, in our opinion, the most imaginative! It has everything that an active imagination desires. Everything that a kid can relate to from spy movies or any tech-driven superhero.
Safety
The motion detector that shows the enemy just out of view! The ticking of the clock, as you try to get in and out of a place without being detected. The zoom lens allows your kid to scope-out the situation a distance away -- will it be a go or a no-go?! This will set into motion the aptitude to quick decision making and problem-solving skills.
Entertainment Value
The goggles have a built-in LED as well as a fully retractable zoom lens to allow kid spies to magnify the scenes that they are watching. This allows them to make split-second decisions that can spell the success or failure of the mission. The Mission Alpha also comes with a tactical mirror for those off-view situations where one cannot really take a peak without getting seen. It also features a motion alarm to notify kid spies if their cover has been compromised or if there is an imminent threat heading towards them. Lastly, the Mission Alpha comes with an ordinary-looking pen that actually serves as a recorder so kids can effectively record conversations with the enemy without the latter ever knowing his or her communication is being taped.
7. SmartLab Secret Message Decoder
Two kits included for play
Booklet helps explain the function of the materials
Fun stickers and colorful design
Several different ways to write and share secret/coded messages
Materials aren’t super high-quality
Too complicated for some children
SmartLab’s Secret Message Decoder has enough materials for two spies to write, share, and protect secret messages together. An included 24-page activity booklet helps children to understand the mechanics behind their invisible ink and decoders. Overall, this is a fun and colorful STEM toy marketed to young girls but easily enjoyable by everyone!
Read moreDurability
The kit includes a 24-page booklet and two cases, each featuring: a UV light pen, a red filter, a red marker, a wax crayon, a spray bottle, two code wheels, a message mask, and a sticker sheet. These materials won’t last forever but they’re certainly enough for kids to enjoy a good long run of decoding messages.
Safety
The materials used in this kit are nontoxic and safe for children ages eight and up. The materials included are small, so keep them away from younger siblings that still have oral fixations. Each case can fit all the necessary gear and still fit comfortably in a backpack or purse if you need a point of reference on size.
Entertainment Value
The adage that secrets don’t make friends has some fatal flaws: sometimes entrusting intimate information to those closest to us is what helps to strengthen our bond with them. This decoder kit allows kids to share their fun and silly secrets in a way that makes them think and apply logic skills and some creativity in order to protect that information.
8. SNAPTAIN Drone
Altitude hold options
3D view mode
Easy to fly for beginners
Gesture control
Propeller protection
Some users had trouble keeping the app connected
Soar overhead and scout the land below with the Snaptain Drone! All spies need eyes on the ground and if you can have a set in the air, that’s even better. This drone has a range of up to 80 meters and allows you to instantly upload the video footage from your phone. With HD footage, 360-degree flips and rolls, and a steady hover function, this is a great drone for kids and especially for children looking to enhance their spy gear!
Read moreDurability
The drone is easy to track and can take off and return with the push of one simple button. This makes flying easy for beginners and allows children to keep track of their drone even when it’s out of sight. With new technology, you can trace the flight course on your phone screen and watch the drone complete the journey you’ve set!
Safety
With high-quality ABS material and propeller guards, the Snaptain is protected against sudden drops and shocks. A built-in G-sensor allows you to adjust the horizontal and vertical position of your drone via your phone by detecting its center of gravity.
Entertainment Value
Drones are a high-tech gift but with so many innovative new technological advances, they’re more accessible than ever, even to beginners. This drone is great for those that are just starting out. The controls are intuitive, it has safety mechanisms in place to keep it from getting lost or easily crashing, and it’s a blast to fly!
9. Spy Alley Classic Family Board Game
Six great characters to play as
Encourages social bonding
Fun for kids and adults alike
Encourages deductive reasoning
Simple, easy to understand gameplay
Not much of a challenge for practiced strategy gamers
Players all assume the identity of spies from different countries and try to uncover opponents’ identities while keeping their own a secret in this thrilling game. In addition to all of the secrecy and veiled information surrounding who’s who, players must also complete their mission but collecting codebooks, disguises, keys, and passwords.
Read moreDurability
You won’t have to jump back and forth referencing a rulebook. The game is pretty self-explanatory and while there are fun twists and functions that add flair, it isn’t complicated and you can dive right in.
Safety
The game is meant for two to six players ages eight and up, takes roughly 30-45 minutes per round, and is filled with a whole host of cartoony, charismatic characters. With features that appeal to both kids and adults alike, it’s no wonder this game has won ten national awards!
Entertainment Value
Family interaction, memorization skills, problem-solving, and logic and reasoning are among some of the highlighted developmental skill sets this game promotes.
10. Ourlife Kids Waterproof Camera with Video Recorder
Hard protective and waterproof shell
1.5 hour continuous recording time and up to 32 gigabytes of storage supported
Easy to use, kid-friendly design
One year warranty included
Included 8 gigabyte card can quickly fill up with videos
If you have a kid who wants to take footage and photos when they go swimming in the summer, this product from Ourlife is perfect for you. This camera can support up to 32 gigabytes of memory, giving them plenty of room for photos and short videos out at the pool or beach.
Read moreDurability
The protective case is waterproof and highly-protective, making it safe for water sports and waves alike.
Safety
This product will work great for outdoor spy missions and vacations alike provided superior utility and long-term use. There isn't much assembly required, but there are a few smaller pieces so they should be kept away from small children.
Entertainment Value
This camera will give your child a chance to document and record all that they observe on spy missions and summer vacations alike. The easy to operate design is great for young users, and the protective case makes this camera ideal for action.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
When it came to factor in our choices, we wanted to go a bit deeper into the motivations and selections of each choice for your child. These aren’t just any toys to play with. Our products are some of the top-of-the-line spy toys accessories, if not slightly ahead of the curve even. Some of the most basic options on our list are the disappearing ink pens, and night vision goggles although there are many others to choose from.
Safety
We know that parents are increasingly concerned about harmful chemicals affecting the health and wellness of their children. We also recognize the fact that parents want to get the most out of what they pay for, such that the quality of the product should never be compromised.
When testing these assumptions, we read the reviews and feedback of parents so that we understood more of the usefulness of these gadgets and whether they are more than likely to recommend to other people to buy such spy gear for their children.
Entertainment Value
We wanted to make our spy gear for kids as realistic as possible, while still bending the imagination and getting to the fringes while maintaining the basic sense of adventure and heroism within the child. The LED light feature is easily recognizable from many movies that involve mystery and darkness. The wireless communication will keep them plugged into the unseen without much confusion.
The manufacturers have gone to great lengths to keep the toys basic, but intriguing, advanced, but simple. With the magnification features of the spyglasses, sometimes with a zoom lens and colored tinting, or with the basic forensics kit, the seeds have been planted in a fertile imagination for handling deeper complexities in the future--from the Video TRKR to the Go Pro!
Durability Safety Entertainment Value 
Role-playing is an important developmental tool for kids especially in terms of their cognitive and social competencies. By giving them the right tools to facilitate role-playing activities, you ensure their optimum development. With this list of the top 10 spy gear for kids, you’re now in a better position to decide which of these you will be giving to your child this coming Christmas or even on his or her birthday.
Traditionally, of course, children might want to play with action figures. In the absence of action figures, your child becomes the action figure. Research has shown that the toys children play with during their formative years, can impact their sense of belonging, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Whether your child might not be literally a spy, soldier, prince or princess, we all understand the virtues of these representatives so we can think about a better future and a better world.
Other Factors to Consider
Social Development
Having gadgets and gear is a necessity for your super-spy because it gives them the ability to communicate and observe secret worlds around their home that they might not usually have access to. This sort of play helps encourage your child to improve their observation skills for a more competitive future.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What if I’m not tech-savvy enough to relate to this for my child?
In our world these days, pretty much anything can be Googled, or there’s a tutorial on YouTube! Trust me, if your child is interested and can learn, so can you. Ideally, these toys shouldn’t just be for the children themselves. It should provide greater interaction between parent and child, fostering their development, social skills, and reasoning capabilities.
q: Why is spy gear so expensive?
You have to factor in the expense to the manufacturer. Most are like the latest technology in the adult world--whatever is new, fresh and hot is going to come at a price. Competitor’s pricing sometimes drives market value, in addition to the cost of parts and shipping to the retailer.
q: What do I do when the toy is no longer trendy or my child loses interest?
There’s always a market for these items and there’s probably an excellent resale value. There’s a buyer for every product under the sun! E-bay and Amazon aren’t the only options, either! There are swap meets, estate, and garage sales! It is suggested that some of these products be held on to longer, as the value may increase. Either way, it can be made into an activity where the entire family can get involved!
q: Can I find additional accessories for these spy toys?
There are additional accessories for both the creative parent and the creative child! Check the product information on Amazon to see whether the product offers additional accessories for purchase. We also want to encourage our buyers to not just rely on one retail seller or brand to give you all that you or your child might need.
Get creative! There are so many ways that you and your child can even use household items as accessories. This helps to further the imagination of the child in seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary….might even give the adult fresh eyes, as well!
q: Would some of these be suitable for Halloween?
What better holiday could it be suited for!? In fact, this is one of the best examples of where creativity comes into play! Just mix and match items to have the best experience! Use the Go Pro to record your trick-or-treating experiences. Act out your best scenario in the neighborhood. Use the night vision, the zoom lenses, and the LED to see further in those bushes for….some more candy!
q: Does a manufacturer’s warranty come with these products?
While we stand by our products, each one is unique. We suggest that you ask your retailer before purchasing or call the manufacturer directly. The more popular brands should have a warranty. While this is possible, it is not a guarantee and may be few and far between. The best bet is to find the best resale value when the toy has outlived its usefulness.
q: How old should they be for cameras and devices that require smartphones?
Use your own discretion, but most of the cameras and drones are recommend around 8 years minimum.
q: Are the batteries Included?
Check each item, but drones and cameras often include batteries that are specific to the device and rechargeable. Some of the cameras use AAA batteries, but sometimes these are included with purchase.
q: Can I limit/monitor their recording and surveillance?
Yes. Many of these devices include wi-fi connectivity and parental controls that will keep you at the helm of their investigations.
q: Are these products multi-use?
For the most part, yes. Many of these devices are designed for younger or older users.
q: What’s the average flight time for a quadcopter?
The average flight time for quadcopters is around eight minutes, making any of the options available better than average by far.
Sources
- , The Benefits Of Action Figures For Child Development, Informative Articles
- , 10 Learning Toys That Stimulate Child Development, Guide
- , How Toys Impact Children's Development, Informative Article
- , Toys That Affect Children's Behavior, Informative Article
- , Actions and Action Figures: Gift Giving as Brain Development, Guide
- , Do children's toys influence their career choices?, Informative Article
- , Dr. Toy Talks about Superhero Play, Discussion
