Editors’s note: While it’s still on sale, this Toniebox set is now only available for pre-order at Amazon. That said, Target has a similar Disney set in stock for $130 that will arrive before Christmas if you order today.
If you’re looking for an engaging activity for your children that doesn’t involve screens of any sort, consider the Toniebox. It’s a smart speaker beloved by parents and kids for its easy-to-use design and its ability to keep little ones occupied for stretches at a time. Simply place a magnetized character, or “tonie,” on top of the box, and music or a story begins to play.
The Toniebox is a big hit with New York Magazine parents across the board: Kathryn VanArendonk, features writer at “Vulture” and parent to a 4-year-old and 7-year-old, calls it “life-changing”: “It has really helped my 4-year-old self-regulate when she needs to cool down but has dropped a nap, and both my kids looooove it for bedtime.” “Strategist” contributing editor and mom of two Jessica Silvester also swears by it, saying, “Even by toddler standards, my son has an exceptionally low attention span. Nothing (other than certain Pixar films and the occasional Netflix series like The Octonauts) holds his attention for more than a few minutes, but the Toniebox does. I can cook an entire breakfast with him entranced in front of that speaker.” And “Strategist” contributor Steven John says his 2.5-year-old can operate it with ease (after an initial setup that requires getting onto the Wi-Fi network and syncing with an app).
If you need more convincing, this writer, who received one from the brand, and my almost-3-year-old, love it, too. Normally, you have to buy the speaker and tonies separately, but today, you can get this starter set that includes both the box and four characters for just $90. That’s 44 percent off the list price of $160, a steal considering the box itself costs $100 and each tonie ranges in price between $12 and $15. It also makes a fabulous holiday gift (which is why we included it in our list of the best toys for 3-year-olds), and, according to Amazon, will get here in time for Christmas. This particular set includes a blue speaker with Woody, Baloo, Aladdin, Winnie the Pooh, and Playtime Puppy, but you can also get one with a red speaker and all the same characters for the same price.
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