Latest news with #Tonies
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How These Companies Are Offering An Alternative To Screen Time
Boy Lying On Floor Of Bedroom Spending Too Much Time Using Mobile Phone getty As families enter Screen-Free Week (May 5–11), a growing number of parents, educators, and pediatric experts are rethinking what "healthy play" looks like in an increasingly digital world. Screen-Free Week, organized by Fairplay's Screen-Free initiative, encourages children and families to unplug from digital entertainment and engage in more meaningful, active experiences. Two companies—Tonies and Learning Resources—are joining this unplugged revolution with hands-on, sensory-friendly alternatives that aim to do more than just entertain. They're redefining what it means to play with purpose, particularly for neurodivergent children, and using storytelling, tactile design, and open-ended learning to re-engage young minds—without the blue light. 10 December 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia, Duisburg: Toniebox and playable figures. Photo: Christoph ... More Reichwein/dpa (Photo by Christoph Reichwein/picture alliance via Getty Images) dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images In honor of Screen-Free Week 2025, Tonies are donating over $300,000 in refurbished Tonieboxes and more than 5,000 Tonies to organizations, including Girls on The Run, Project Sunshine, Early Start Chicago, and Kids L.A.B. Therapy. But this gesture is about more than charity—it's about impact. A new independent study by the University of Wisconsin found that preschool-aged children who used the Toniebox showed 32% higher emergent literacy scores compared to those who didn't. The randomized control study focused on kids ages 3–5 and measured literacy gains over time. "As a screen-free, interactive audio experience for children, Tonies promotes language development, literacy, and socio-emotional learning for young readers and pre-readers," said Christoph Frehsee, President and Managing Director of Tonies USA. "Our screen-free design and library of beloved characters make it a treasure trove for imaginative play, learning, and exploration at home, in the classroom, and beyond." In an age of sensory overload, the Toniebox offers a unique simplicity. Children activate the device by placing a figurine—called a Tonie—on the speaker. With soft, squeezable ears to adjust the volume and simple taps to switch tracks, the design is intuitive even for toddlers and accessible for kids with motor skill delays or sensory sensitivities. Frehsee noted that this design wasn't accidental. "The Toniebox was specifically designed with the learning, developmental and sensory needs of all young children in mind… squeezing the ears instead of pressing small buttons not only makes it easier to use but provides low-effort and frustration-free experiences, particularly for children with motor skill delays." For neurodivergent children, the benefits go even further. Frehsee shared, "We consistently get feedback from families with neurodivergent children… that the Toniebox has been extremely helpful in regulating emotions, easing transitions like bedtime, and providing a greater sense of autonomy." The tactile experience can anchor focus in a way screens often can't, offering a calmer alternative to the overstimulation of video. In addition to new releases like Mo Willems' Elephant & Piggie , Story Pirates , and Canticos , Tonies has also introduced Creative-Tonies —customizable characters that allow kids to record their own stories or songs. According to Frehsee, "These stories provide models for navigating social situations and help children foster a sense of confidence… it's a way to encourage positive behaviors and emotional expression during transitional times like morning routines or bedtime." Learning Resources: Sensory-Driven Play That Works Like Therapy Boy playing with Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register - an alternative to Screen time. Learning Resources For parents who want educational play that doesn't rely on screens, Learning Resources has quietly become a go-to brand. Known for its hands-on STEM and sensory toys, the company's open-ended learning tools are frequently used in schools and therapy settings alike—and with good reason. "Our mission is to bring learning to life," said Darci Shaw, Senior Marketing Manager at Learning Resources. "Because we specialize in hands-on learning toys that are open-ended in nature, our toys are super friendly for neurodivergent kids." Shaw explained that many of their toys are rooted in multisensory learning, a strategy that activates not only sight and sound but also touch and proprioception (muscle and joint engagement). "Multisensory learning allows the brain to re-route from areas of deficit to areas of higher functioning," she said. "An autistic child may not succeed learning numbers from a visual app, but given colorful, textured counting toys, they engage more deeply." The results aren't just theoretical. Learning Resources regularly receives feedback from parents, therapists, and educators praising their toys' real-world effectiveness. One occupational therapist, Jessica Neves, OTR, MOT, shared, "What we find using these toys is that our patients progress toward their goals faster because they are having fun while they are learning." Products like the Big Feelings Pineapple and Cool Down Cubes are designed to help children recognize and manage emotions through interactive play. One parent of a child with ADHD described the Feelings Learning Kit as a "game changer," sharing how the kit sparked daily conversations about moods and strategies for self-regulation. Other parents have praised sensory tools like Helping Hands Tactile Tools and Sensory Trio Fidget Tubes, highlighting their role in calming routines, long car rides, or stressful transitions. One ABA therapist even noted how the brand's Alphabet Acorns Activity Set helped a nonverbal 2.5-year-old begin speaking words aloud. Inclusivity is central to the company's approach. Beyond their product lines, Learning Resources has launched a blog full of free printables, educational tips, and at-home activity ideas for families with special needs. "We're listening to our community," Shaw explained. "We use that feedback—combined with insights from therapists and educators—to guide our development process and ensure we're meeting a wide range of developmental needs." Screen-Free Isn't Anti-Tech—It's Pro-Engagement Happy preschool age children play with colorful plastic toy blocks. Creative kindergarten kids build ... More a block tower. Educational toys for toddler or baby. Top view from above. getty Neither Tonies nor Learning Resources takes a tech-phobic stance. Instead, both companies advocate for intentional, sensory-rich engagement—particularly during early childhood, when attention spans and emotional regulation are still developing. Their approach aligns with guidance from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends limited screen use for children under five and emphasizes play-based learning. What these companies understand—perhaps better than many Silicon Valley disruptors—is that the most powerful learning doesn't come from passive watching but from active doing. From hearing a story unfold through a beloved character to molding clay, solving puzzles, or role-playing emotions with a pineapple, real learning happens through interaction. As families reflect on their digital habits during Screen-Free Week, companies like Tonies and Learning Resources aren't just offering an alternative to screen time. They're offering a reminder that play can still be magical, educational, and meaningful—even without a charger.
Buzz Feed
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Just 25 Target Products That Anyone Who Is Currently Raising A Toddler Would Find Helpful
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Raising kids is real work — and, like any project, life gets easier when you have the right tools. 1. A very charming toy kitchen, the MVP of imaginative play, which is also made out of real wood. Is it weird that a toy kitchen might serve as the inspo for the reno you've been dreaming of? Nope. Target Promising review:"I absolutely LOVE this kitchen. We had a kid's craft before that was given to our kids as a Christmas present, which did NOT hold up well. It was broken within the first week or so. We held onto it for as long as we could until I found something I liked, researched what would last, and held up to its standards for the price. I love that this is actual WOOD! Not some FAKE wood. It is so cute as well. It did not take too long to put together either, and I would say maybe an hour and a half max for the kitchen and the refrigerator with two people. Definitely worth getting if you are thinking about it." — kb Price: $139.99 2. A blackout curtain panel with tiny tassels, because you must protect the naps AT ALL COSTS. Keep 'em napping for as long as you can! Target Each panel sold separately. 3. A pack of Magna-Tiles, a fantastic building system that will get used over and over and over again. Pro tip: commit to one building toy type and then just keep adding to it! It will still feel new to your crew and clean up will be MUCH easier. Target Promising review:"Creative play is endless with this toy. Nine months after buying our daughter keeps consistently coming back to play with her magnetic tiles. When our family gets together, all of the cousins (age range 1–8) will play with them. We've since gifted these tiles to two friends, and both moms later told me that they are one of their favorite presents." — Honest Mom 4. An outdoor lawnmower toy, because nothing is cuter than a toddler on a mission to mimic the world around nothing is better for them (and the sitter!) than being outside! Target Promising review:"I'm not lying when I say my toddler ran to this toy when he saw it. He loves seeing people mowing when we go on our walks and watching his dad mow our yard, so it was a no-brainer purchase. No regrets! He gets the biggest smile pushing it around the house and has even started taking it on our walks around the neighborhood." — Livvielou 5. A TonieBox starter set that comes with a Toy Story Tonie. This has been a staple in our home for YEARS now — my kiddos love choosing what music and stories they get to listen to and the Tonies (sold separately) come in all of their favorite characters. Target Promising review:"I have three kids and this is our third TonieBox! Tonies are so universally loved in our house that we needed one for each child. They all love listening to the tonies while playing/drawing/falling asleep. These are durable and worth every penny." — TheBarkingLot 6. A two-pack of faucet extenders, because hand washing is so important, and your back isn't meant to hoist a 40-pound child closer to a sink over and over again. Target 7. A conditioning hair detangler from The Honest Company, so your long-haired little won't hate having their luscious locks brushed. Now that you aren't dreading such a basic everyday task, maybe you can let your hair down a little, too! Target Promising review:"This has been the best clean ingredient detangling spray that I have ever tried. My daughter has super tangly hair, and our hard water doesn't help; this spray allows me to brush easily after her shower with no fuss. It leaves her hair silky smooth, and it smells DIVINE! I use it myself as well! Checks all the boxes for me." — KellyM 8. A folding travel potty seat, because you can't stay at home forever while potty training. You have to get out there, and your little one is going to have to go (probably at a really inconvenient time)! Now, you're prepared. Target Promising review:"This is seriously such a brilliant little invention. The carrying bag makes this easy to pop into a diaper bag or an overnight bag instead of carting around an entire potty seat. The suction cups make it so this doesn't slip and slide on different toilet seats. This has been the easiest way to make sure we don't get behind on potty training while visiting family members this holiday season!" — Haley 9. A super durable and leakproof kids' bento box, which will actually help you organize your brain and figure out what you need to put in there. Pssst: If you want to include a sweet treat, M&Ms look pretty cute in the circle compartment. Target Promising review:"I purchased this for my 7-year-old daughter. She had been asking for it after seeing some friends at her school lunch use one. She loves it! She specifically likes that her food stays in its own compartment and doesn't touch. She is a very picky eater, so this is a way to get her to help me get creative and think of ideas for each section. She takes it five days a week to school and has been very happy. No leaks!! Easy to open on her own. Very easy to clean." — mommymo 10. A surprisingly sleek spill-proof snack cup that is perfect for little clumsy, adorable little hands. The backseat of your car will thank you. Target Promising review:"I have a toddler, so snack time is all of the time! We love Mushie products, so we tried this snack cup, and I am so glad we did! It goes where she goes, keeps the snacks inside even when she runs with it/shakes it, is easy to clean, and is just as much of an extension of her as her binky is. I 10/10 on this product design, color palette, and aesthetic! Definitely recommend!" — SarahD628 11. A set of fun sheets to go with that brand-new big-kid bed. (Ahhh!) These will go perfectly with your nightly reading of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Target Promising review:"Little guy loved choosing his 'big boy' bedsheets and is thrilled to crawl in bed each time." — sisisi 12. An adorable kid-size corduroy chair, which is perfect for looking at a picture book, watching a show, or even for those oh-so-pleasant moments when they need a calm-down corner. Target Promising review:"My daughter is one, and she loves this chair. She will happily sit on it and watch Bluey all day. It's very comfy to lay and sit on. My 8-year-old sits on it from time to time, also. I would recommend this chair!" — Ash 13. A wooden Melissa & Doug magnetic daily calendar that does dates, weather, and schedule. You might even be able to use to convince your kids that they do not, in fact, need to wear their pink sparkle rain boots right now (even though they love them). 14. A My First Flybar foam pogo hopper, for those hectic times when your children are bouncing off the walls and you're still finishing up work. Let them get the wiggles out in a healthy way on this safe, foam bouncer. Target 15. A rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled children's toothbrush with an accompanying app that will get your kiddos pretty pumped to brush their teeth each day and night. Clean teeth without a fight? Take that win. Target Promising review:"This is the most incredible toothbrush for any kid that has any issues brushing. The app is a great fun tool my little one loves. She now looks forward to brushing and has brushed twice in a row just to get a gift from her sparkly." — TC Price: $34.99 16. A Welly first-aid kit that fits perfectly in your bag, because parents know the importance of a bandage when it comes to boo-boos. And these colorful ones especially apply to boo-boos that don't technically even need a bandage. Target This 24-piece set includes bandages, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, and a cool carrying case. Promising review:"The cutest mini first-aid kit. I like that it's small enough to conveniently carry in my purse. The adorable [bandage] prints make booboos less sad for our little ones. It is a little pricey but worth it because of the thoughtful design and compact size. I bought one for my husband to keep handy, too." — Sha Sha Shopper Price: $6.99 17. A toddler tower so your little one can safely reach the counter, and you can make those picture-perfect memories baking cookies together. We have used this for both our kids, and it has lasted us for years! Target Promising review:"We personally own two of these towers, one for each toddler. My daughter has been using hers for two years now, and it's been a game-changer. She is able to cook with me, learn how to make food from scratch and have fun in the kitchen. I would recommend this toddler tower to any parent!" — Meaghan W 18. A toddler bowling set so you can transform your own home into a super fun bowling alley. Find the perfect room or a hallway and let the good times *roll*! Target Promising review:"This is a fun little bowling set. We've actually bought a second one as a gift since we liked it so much. The quality is nice and the pins make noise when falling over. We like that the whole set can be stored away in the included holder. Beware — the bowling ball is pretty hard so watch out if you have a toddler that throws things…wink wink." — MC Price: $24.99 19. An apple slicer that makes 16 perfect, thin, snack-size slices every single time. Listen, kids demand a LOT of snacks, so you'll want this secret weapon in your tool belt. Target Promising review:"This slicer works great! I love how smooth it cuts regardless of the shape of the apple. I also love that it has the bottom part to finish, pushing it through at the end. Last, I purposely bought it for the smaller slices, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend for moms and anyone else who loves apple slices for snacks and meals." — Toddler Mom 20. A Hatch sound machine, which has a very loyal group of followers for a reason — it's a night-light and white noise machine that can eventually turn into a sleep trainer for toddlers. Anything that leads to healthy sleep habits is a parent's dream come true. Target Promising review:"Lives up to the good reviews! This sound machine has many different options for sounds and light colors. You can make your own presets on the app for your favorite settings for quick access. My baby loves it, but we also love it so much!! Before the baby was here, we used it in our room to get used to it, and it is so relaxing and helped us sleep even better!" — Emthebrowser Price: $89.99 21. A bath towel that can entice even the most reluctant of bathers to get into the water... but more importantly, it'll get them OUT of the water when it's time. Target 22. A four-pack of Re-Play divided plates to make feeding your littles even easier. This is the brand my family has used for more than five years, so I can personally speak to their durability and let me tell the real deal. Target Promising review:"Just bought another set! I love these plates. I already own about 10 of these and bought the earthy-colored set. These are the best! The ones I've had for YEARS still look new/great! They are not just toddler plates. Even my 6-year-old uses them; they're still big enough for him. Kids of any age can use these. I can't brag about these plates enough. They are hands down the best." — amberlar96 24. An all-in-one kneeler and elbow saver, which TBH is PURE GENIUS. Bathtime can be so fun for LOs (once you manage to get them in the tub, of course), but it can be a literal pain for grown-ups. Now you just need a splash guard. Target Promising review:"Amazing for bath time! I think I'd have no knees without it. If you have a taller-than-normal bathtub, it might not work as well, but it works great for us!" — Mom Price: $37.99 25. A six-pack of plain, white socks, because life is simply too short (and chaotic) to be sorting toddler socks. We invested in a bunch of these with my son, and they were still in good condition for my daughter a couple of years later. Simplify your life with these and you'll never go back! Target Promising review:"I bought these for my two-year-old, and they fit her perfectly. I love that they have a small grip; they have a bottom part of the sock. They wash nicely and do not shrink. I'll be purchasing more before they run out!" — Ivethoh Price: $7 Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
30 Walmart Toys That May Not Be Babysitters, But They'll Still Give You A Few Moments Of Peace
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. It's all about fostering that independent play. 1. A cottage playhouse so your kids can visit this pretend vacation you can take a little mini brain break while they entertain themselves. 2. A TonieBox starter set that comes with Mirabel, Elsa, and Moana, which has been a staple in our home for YEARS now — my kiddos love choosing what music and stories they get to listen to, and the Tonies (sold separately) come in all of their favorite characters. Walmart Promising review:"I bought this for my 3-year-old and she loves it! It's super easy for her to change out characters. I love that this set came with three characters to choose from. Love that the characters sing and tell stories. Makes it very entertaining for her age. Love how easy it is to power on and control the volume. Love that it comes with app for the parents." — amber 3. A Kinetic Sand set for those moments when you're stuck inside with bad weather, but you and your kiddos would much rather be at the beach. Walmart Promising review:"Our son loves this set. It came with a good amount of sand and it's good quality. The toys are a great mixture and he sits and plays for hours each week with it!" — CC Price: $21.23 4. This simple magnetic maze game that's not only super entertaining, but can also help with fine motor development. Walmart Promising review: I had to take a road trip with my four kids ages 3 months to 8-years-old by myself; it was 13.5 hours without stopping. Needless to say, it took us 18 hours. This was a hit. I got it for my 3-year-old, but my older two loved it as well!" — CB007 5. A Little Tikes pretend pizza-making kit, which features ingredients made out of a reusable, moldable material — making the experience more tactile and realistic for your aspiring chefs. Walmart 6. A play kitchen so cute you might even get design envy — but those feelings will be washed out by relief when your kids independently play with this MVP. Walmart 7. A wooden train set for your cutie conductor. While your little is developing engineering and building skills and imagining a small world, you can keep the other trains running on time... you know, like planning dinner, etc. Walmart 9. A bag of 25 balloons (for a grownup to blow up!) because after playing with Bluey figurines, your littles will be asking you to also play "Keepy Uppy." Walmart Promising review: " If you have a toddler who loves Bluey, you know about this game. Lots of fun for a low price. Vibrant colors and they don't pop easily." — Perla 10. A complete 140-piece set of Crayola markers, crayons, and colored pencils that will hold the attention of mini Monets and petite Picassos for a very long time. Walmart Promising review:"This art case is jam-packed with Crayola markers, crayons, colored pencils, and paper. The case itself is sturdy, keeping the art supplies neat and contained. My grandchildren love this set and have enjoyed hours of craft fun with its contents. This is a great gift for kids, and the price is right!" — marmey 11. A water table for hours and hours of outdoor fun. Sun's out means baby buns are out! Of course, whenever there's water involved you need to keep a good eye on them, but you'll feel zen as you sit back and watch this cuteness. Walmart Promising review:"Perfect water table! My 1, 5, and 7-year-olds all love to go out and play with it together. I love all the pieces to it and how the colors are more muted than the other loud colors water tables usually have." — anonymous 12. A cute 17-piece tea set from Green Toys to get a play party started, and you can possibly enjoy a real cup of tea. This eco-friendly set is also food-safe and can go in the dishwasher, so the imaginative play can include real treats! Walmart Promising review:"I was looking for the right tea set for my 5-year-old daughter. She had a ceramic one which was great but very delicate and had already broken, chipped off in many places. This one is perfect: it's a good size, has lovely colors, and my daughter loves to pretend play and makes tea for all of us :). We are an environmentally friendly family, so we love that its green and made with recycled material. Also love the fact that its dishwasher-safe!" — Walmart Customer 13. A 37-piece set of Magna-Tiles, which will be a staple in your house for years to come. Pro tip: Rather than buying different types of building sets, keep adding new Magna-Tiles to your collection. My kids have had them for five years, and we're still going strong and adding more! Walmart Price: $59.99 14. A play couch that can be anything they need it to be: a pirate ship, a fort, a reading nook, and also extra bedding for kiddos during sleepovers! Walmart Promising review:"Holds up amazing and washes extremely well. All the stains wash right out! My kids have had it since Christmas, and it still looks brand new! Couldn't recommend more." — Amanda 15. An absolutely darling magnetic dress-up set, which will be a hit at home and when you're traveling. You can make more than 200 different outfits with this self-contained kit, so get ready to see them get creative. Walmart My kids LOVED these kits (and anything from this company, really) when they were little. Price: $22.94 16. An indoor doorway gym set for kids, perfect for those days when you would go to the playground, but for some reason, you just can't. (Reasons including everything from bad weather to you not feeling like it.) Walmart Promising review:"Adjustable lengths. Strong enough for an adult and fun for toddlers. Just read the instructions on how it fits in the door jam, not the whole door frame. There's videos showing set up and installation too." — Fi 17. An LCD doodle tablet to inspire some serious creativity — and help you save paper. I can't be the only one constantly picking up paper scraps, right? Walmart 18. A set of hand puppets so the show can go on, and on, and on. Next thing you know, they've forgotten all about their tablet, and they're making scenery out of a cardboard box. Walmart Promising review:"Perfect set of hand puppets! I need the Zebra for some homeschool work, and so because of the awesome value for the whole set, I opted for this. It didn't disappoint! Good quality, great price!" — Elyse Price: $29.99 19. An 80-piece chalk set with stencils, a spirograph kit, and a nifty carrying case for storage that is so fun it might bring all the neighborhood kids to your yard. You got the kids to spend time outside AND work on their fine motor AND explore their creativity? Chalk that up to good parenting. 20. A set of binoculars made for kids to encourage them to start exploring the amazing world around them, whether that's inside your house or in the backyard. And you? You can sit back and enjoy the view of your kids playing independently. Walmart Promising review:"Omg, my great-granddaughter likes to play pirate, but she doesn't know how to close one eye to look through a telescope, so the binoculars are perfect. She loves to look at the moon and when airplanes fly by she gets so excited looking at them now. Loves to see the stars at night. This is a great idea for little ones that love adventures." — Jennifer 21. This two-piece balance board system which can help restore balance to your day if your kid needs something to concentrate on. It's not just a one-trick toy — it has so many uses! 22. A set of Stomp Rockets that are out-of-this-world fun. They get to play outside, and you get to sit and watch the good times. Big jumps only! Walmart Promising review:"This provided so much fun for the entire family...I can't believe how much time my family spent outside Christmas Eve playing with this rocket. It was a gift for my 5-year-old and his cousins (ages 6, 9, 14), my husband, my brother, and my dad had the most fun with this!" — EDemp 23. A Barbie Dreamhouse Pool Party house because you mean BUSINESS. This house is so cool it'll have you pulling up Redfin and daydreaming about moving... maybe it's time to call up Realtor Barbie. Walmart Promising review:"The coolest dream house I've ever seen. At almost 30, I'm wildly impressed and jealous of my 6-year-old. It's so neat! The attention to detail and neat traits it has — like an oven light, stovetop sounds, functional doors, toilet sound, and a whole elevator! Very cool. It's easy to put together but will take a little time just because it's a lot. Also, it's huge. Prob 3 feet high and 3 feet wide." — Charlene 24. A Mr. Potato Head, which is just plain silly and classic for a reason. Your favorite tater tots will sprout smiles and get a real kick out of having his hands come out of his head and his eyes where his mouth should be! Walmart Promising review:"My child can easily put pieces in and out of it. Toddler-friendly toy that lets him develop fine motor skills. The toy has been every day since purchase and has not worn out yet. That was my concern with things you push together and take apart. For the price it is great!" — anonymous 25. A Hot Wheels City motorized raceway play set because you know this toy has some serious staying power and will inspire the next generation of gearheads. Do you still sometimes wish you still had your own set? Yes, yes, you do. Buckle up for a good time! Walmart Promising review:"Purchased this for my grandson's fourth birthday. He loves the small cars. So fa,r he has enjoyed this set very much and is constantly playing with it. The set was received as advertised and promptly. All parts seem to be durable. I would recommend this set. My grandson is 4 years old." — marcus 26. A classic 150-piece set of wooden blocks that will stack up against any other toy. Littles love building their own cities and towers... and you love watching them knock it all over as you knock out your to-do list. Walmart Promising review:"The blocks come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. They are perfect for little hands to hold. My 1-year-old grandson and I have had a great time building and knocking over blocks. I'm looking forward to playing blocks with him for the next several years." — Patricia 27. A LeapFrog 100 Words book which will teach your little words in English AND Spanish — all while they're happily playing and learning names for things. That's a win-win. Walmart Promising review:"This interactive children's book is fantastic! The activities and illustrations keep kids engaged, and it's packed with interesting content. While there are more words than expected, it's great for sparking conversations and encouraging early readers to explore new vocabulary. Perfect for curious minds!" — Axel 28. A wooden Melissa & Doug magnetic daily calendar that is super fun to play with but, as a bonus, might help you convince the kids later that they do, indeed, need a jacket, and no, it's not shorts weather. Walmart Promising review:"I love this Melissa & Doug calendar. I'm using it for homeschool and speech. It's great. My daughter is learning all the months, days, seasons, temperatures, activities, feelings, and holidays. This is great for speech because there's so much language to learn from it." — zippy Price: $14.49 (originally $27.99) 29. A kid's flash guitar with a mic and stand, so your small Swiftie can get enter their own songwriting and singing era. Walmart Promising review:"Our 3-year-old LOVES it. It has push buttons that play rhythms along with the melody of prerecorded tracks. She plays along, sings into the mic and has us join in. I wish the built in strap was adjustable but she doesn't mind as she often walks around with the guitar hanging across her torso looking for her next duet! Great family fun!!" — Zee Price: $24.99 (originally $49.99; available in six colors) 30. A Furby allowing kiddos to experience the same thrill of staring into those big, wide eyes and communicating with this chirpy creature that you did as a kid. But these Furbies have had a serious glow-up — they even come with mindfulness exercises now! Walmart Promising review:"Love this new version of Furby. My favorite features are the light show and calming (I can't remember the actual name right now) sessions. The calm part is great bc it takes you through breathing exercises and relaxes you. This Furby also comes some old beloved antics." — Panda1213 Price: $34.95+ (originally $69.99; available in two colors) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. BuzzFeed The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Buzz Feed
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
If You Have A Toddler In Your Home You Might Want One Of These 23 Target Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Here are some tried and true recs from an internet mom friend (me). 1. A very charming toy kitchen, the MVP of imaginative play, which is also made out of real wood. Is it weird that a toy kitchen might serve as the inspo for the reno you've been dreaming of? Nope. Target Promising review:"I absolutely LOVE this kitchen. We had a kid's craft before that was given to our kids as a Christmas present, which did NOT hold up well. It was broken within the first week or so. We held onto it for as long as we could until I found something I liked, researched what would last, and held up to its standards for the price. I love that this is actual WOOD! Not some FAKE wood. It is so cute as well. It did not take too long to put together either, and I would say maybe an hour and a half max for the kitchen and the refrigerator with two people. Definitely worth getting if you are thinking about it." — kb Price: $139.99 2. A blackout curtain panel with tiny tassels, because you must protect the naps AT ALL COSTS. Keep 'em napping for as long as you can! Target 3. A pack of Magna-Tiles, a fantastic building system that will get used over and over and over again. Pro tip: commit to one building toy type and then just keep adding to it! It will still feel new to your crew and clean up will be MUCH easier. Target Promising review:"Creative play is endless with this toy. Nine months after buying our daughter keeps consistently coming back to play with her magnetic tiles. When our family gets together, all of the cousins (age range 1–8) will play with them. We've since gifted these tiles to two friends, and both moms later told me that they are one of their favorite presents." — Honest Mom 4. An outdoor lawnmower toy, because nothing is cuter than a toddler on a mission to mimic the world around nothing is better for them (and the sitter!) than being outside! Target Promising review:"I'm not lying when I say my toddler ran to this toy when he saw it. He loves seeing people mowing when we go on our walks and watching his dad mow our yard, so it was a no-brainer purchase. No regrets! He gets the biggest smile pushing it around the house and has even started taking it on our walks around the neighborhood." — Livvielou 5. A TonieBox starter set that comes with a Toy Story Tonie. This has been a staple in our home for YEARS now — my kiddos love choosing what music and stories they get to listen to and the Tonies (sold separately) come in all of their favorite characters. Target Each additional Tonie is $17.99. Promising review:"I have three kids and this is our third TonieBox! Tonies are so universally loved in our house that we needed one for each child. They all love listening to the tonies while playing/drawing/falling asleep. These are durable and worth every penny." — TheBarkingLot 6. A toddler bowling set so you can transform your own home into a super fun bowling alley. Find the perfect room or a hallway and let the good times *roll*! Target Promising review:"This is a fun little bowling set. We've actually bought a second one as a gift since we liked it so much. The quality is nice and the pins make noise when falling over. We like that the whole set can be stored away in the included holder. Beware — the bowling ball is pretty hard so watch out if you have a toddler that throws things…wink wink.." — MC Price: $24.99 7. A set of fun sheets to go with that brand-new big-kid bed. (Ahhh!) These will go perfectly with your nightly reading of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. 8. A super durable and leakproof kids' bento box, which will actually help you organize your brain and figure out what you need to put in there. Pssst: If you want to include a sweet treat, M&Ms look pretty cute in the circle compartment. Target Promising review:"I purchased this for my 7-year-old daughter. She had been asking for it after seeing some friends at her school lunch use one. She loves it! She specifically likes that her food stays in its own compartment and doesn't touch. She is a very picky eater, so this is a way to get her to help me get creative and think of ideas for each section. She takes it five days a week to school and has been very happy. No leaks!! Easy to open on her own. Very easy to clean." — mommymo 9. A surprisingly sleek spill-proof snack cup that is perfect for little clumsy, adorable little hands. The backseat of your car will thank you. Target Promising review:"I have a toddler, so snack time is all of the time! We love Mushie products, so we tried this snack cup, and I am so glad we did! It goes where she goes, keeps the snacks inside even when she runs with it/shakes it, is easy to clean, and is just as much of an extension of her as her binky is. I 10/10 on this product design, color palette, and aesthetic! Definitely recommend!" — SarahD628 10. A conditioning hair detangler from The Honest Company, so your long-haired little won't hate having their luscious locks brushed. Now that you aren't dreading such a basic everyday task, maybe you can let your hair down a little, too! Target Promising review:"This has been the best clean ingredient detangling spray that I have ever tried. My daughter has super tangly hair, and our hard water doesn't help; this spray allows me to brush easily after her shower with no fuss. It leaves her hair silky smooth, and it smells DIVINE! I use it myself as well! Checks all the boxes for me." — KellyM 11. A folding travel potty seat, because you can't stay at home forever while potty training. You have to get out there, and your little one is going to have to go (probably at a really inconvenient time)! Now, you're prepared. Target Promising review:"This is seriously such a brilliant little invention. The carrying bag makes this easy to pop into a diaper bag or an overnight bag instead of carting around an entire potty seat. The suction cups make it so this doesn't slip and slide on different toilet seats. This has been the easiest way to make sure we don't get behind on potty training while visiting family members this holiday season!" — Haley 12. An adorable kid-size corduroy chair, which is perfect for looking at a picture book, watching a show, or even for those oh-so-pleasant moments when they need a calm-down corner. Target Promising review:"My daughter is one, and she loves this chair. She will happily sit on it and watch Bluey all day. It's very comfy to lay and sit on. My 8-year-old sits on it from time to time, also. I would recommend this chair!" — Ash 13. A wooden Melissa & Doug magnetic daily calendar you might even be able to use to convince your kids that they do, indeed, need a jacket, and no, it's not shorts weather. Time saver! 14. A rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled children's toothbrush with an accompanying app that will get your kiddos pretty pumped to brush their teeth each day and night. Clean teeth without a fight? Take that win. Target Promising review:"This is the most incredible toothbrush for any kid that has any issues brushing. The app is a great fun tool my little one loves. She now looks forward to brushing and has brushed twice in a row just to get a gift from her sparkly." — TC Price: $34.99 15. A Welly first-aid kit that fits perfectly in your bag, because parents know the importance of a bandage when it comes to boo-boos. And these colorful ones especially apply to boo-boos that don't technically even need a bandage. Target This 24-piece set includes bandages, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, and a cool carrying case. Promising review:"The cutest mini first-aid kit. I like that it's small enough to conveniently carry in my purse. The adorable [bandage] prints make booboos less sad for our little ones. It is a little pricey but worth it because of the thoughtful design and compact size. I bought one for my husband to keep handy, too." — Sha Sha Shopper 16. A toddler tower so your little one can safely reach the counter, and you can make those picture-perfect memories baking cookies together. We have used this for both our kids, and it has lasted us for years! Target Promising review:"We personally own two of these towers, one for each toddler. My daughter has been using hers for two years now, and it's been a game-changer. She is able to cook with me, learn how to make food from scratch and have fun in the kitchen. I would recommend this toddler tower to any parent!" — Meaghan W 17. An apple slicer that makes 16 perfect, thin, snack-size slices every single time. Listen, kids demand a LOT of snacks, so you'll want this secret weapon in your tool belt. Target Promising review:"This slicer works great! I love how smooth it cuts regardless of the shape of the apple. I also love that it has the bottom part to finish, pushing it through at the end. Last, I purposely bought it for the smaller slices, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend for moms and anyone else who loves apple slices for snacks and meals." — Toddler Mom 18. A Hatch sound machine, which has a very loyal group of followers for a reason — it's a night-light and white noise machine that can eventually turn into a sleep trainer for toddlers. Anything that leads to healthy sleep habits is a parent's dream come true. Target Promising review:"Lives up to the good reviews! This sound machine has many different options for sounds and light colors. You can make your own presets on the app for your favorite settings for quick access. My baby loves it, but we also love it so much!! Before the baby was here, we used it in our room to get used to it, and it is so relaxing and helped us sleep even better!" — Emthebrowser Price: $89.99 19. A bath towel that can entice even the most reluctant of bathers to get into the water... but more importantly, it'll get them OUT of the water when it's time. Target 20. A four-pack of Re-Play divided plates to make feeding your littles even easier. This is the brand my family has used for more than five years, so I can personally speak to their durability and let me tell the real deal. Target Promising review:"Just bought another set! I love these plates. I already own about 10 of these and bought the earthy-colored set. These are the best! The ones I've had for YEARS still look new/great! They are not just toddler plates. Even my 6-year-old uses them; they're still big enough for him. Kids of any age can use these. I can't brag about these plates enough. They are hands down the best." — amberlar96 22. An all-in-one kneeler and elbow saver, which TBH is PURE GENIUS. Bathtime can be so fun for LOs (once you manage to get them in the tub, of course), but it can be a literal pain for grown-ups. Now you just need a splash guard. Target 23. A six-pack of plain, white socks, because life is simply too short (and chaotic) to be sorting toddler socks. We invested in a bunch of these with my son, and they were still in good condition for my daughter a couple of years later. Simplify your life with these and you'll never go back! Target Promising review:"I bought these for my two-year-old, and they fit her perfectly. I love that they have a small grip; they have a bottom part of the sock. They wash nicely and do not shrink. I'll be purchasing more before they run out!" — Ivethoh
Rakyat Post
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
Rave But Make It Toddler-Friendly: DJ Lenny Pearce In KL This August!
Subscribe to our FREE Australian DJ Lenny Pearce has carved a unique career for himself by remixing popular children's hits like Baby Shark, Cocomelon, and nursery rhymes into electronic dance tracks. Yep, the nursery rhymes you've sung for years have become party anthems for young children! With hit techno versions of songs like ''Wheels On The Bus'' and ''Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes'', the former Justice Crew member has created a dance movement for children, known as family raves or baby raves. Pearce is partnering with Tonies, a toy production company, to bring Lenny's Toddler Techno Tour to Australia and Asia from 5 July onwards. If you're a parent who has a child who loves dancing and singing (or you miss your party days), you're in luck because he will be performing at Jiospace, Kuala Lumpur on 16 and 17 August at 11.30am (yes, party in the am!). Tickets can be purchased from the official website Additionally, Pearce recently released an album titled Why does he look familiar? If Pearce looks familiar, it's because his twin brother, John Pearce, plays the Purple Wiggle in the popular Australian children's music group The Wiggles. Lenny Pearce has also collaborated with The Wiggles on an EDM remix album titled ''The Wiggles Sound System: Rave of Innocence,'' featuring remixes of classic Wiggles songs. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
