Hollywood visual-effects artist turned children’s authorTyler Ham has seen plenty of high-tech magic in his career, from crafting lightsabers at Lucasfilm to creating toys that bring movie worlds to life. But this holiday season, it’s a glittering sphere in the room of his daughters, Blake and Margaux ,that has him—and them, utterly enchanted.
“It’s unlike anything we’ve ever played with,” says Ham. “It glows, listens, and feels alive. Blake and Margaux , my girls, absolutely adore Ellie the Fairy—they talk to her every night before bed.”
A Toy That Feels Truly Magical
The Imagix Magic Crystal Ball Companion, available now at Best Buy (SKU 664-6351), looks straight out of a storybook: a softly illuminated globe where a holographic friend appears, responds, and learns from its young owner. Children aged six and up can choose between two characters, Ellie the Fairy and Ember the Dragon, each designed to foster imagination, empathy, and curiosity.
Inside its crystal casing lies Imagix’s proprietary AI-driven holographic system, projecting lifelike 3-D companions that interact through voice, movement, and prompts. Unlike typical “smart toys,” no phone or tablet is needed—the play happens entirely in the real world, no screens attached.
Tech with Heart, and Peace of Mind
For Ham, who juggles storytelling with parenting two inquisitive daughters, the balance of wonder and safety is what makes Imagix stand out. “Ellie sparks creativity without overstimulation,” he says. “She tells stories, helps with homework, even reminds them to brush their teeth, but she never pushes ads or subscriptions. That’s huge for parents.”
Imagix built the globe with child-first privacy in mind. It complies with COPPA standards, includes detailed parental-control settings, collects minimal data, and runs entirely subscription-free. Families can feel comfortable letting their kids explore the world of Ellie and Ember without worry.
Designed to Inspire Connection
Ham, who’s long championed storytelling as the bridge between technology and emotion, believes the Imagix Companion succeeds because it tells an evolving story with its user—not to them. “The best toys invite kids to co-create,” he explains. “When Ellie listens, remembers their favorite color, or asks about their day, she’s reinforcing empathy and imagination.”
A Holiday Hit in the Making
Already trending on social media and topping parents’ wish lists, the Imagix Magic Crystal Ball Companion https://myimagix.com/ officially launched November 2, 2025, just in time for holiday shopping. With its screen-free design, story-driven interactivity, and movie-quality visuals, it promises to be the toy that lights up living rooms, and little hearts, this winter.
Ham smiles watching his daughters giggle as Ellie the Fairy twirls through their bedtime stories. “For them, it’s pure magic,” he says. “For me, it’s a reminder that technology and imagination can still work hand in hand.”
