Are looking for an amazing gift for your grandchild? Yoto is the perfect option. It’s fun, engaging, educational, and grows with your grandchild–and screen-free! A win for kids, parents, and grandparents alike! 🎉
The Yoto Player and Yoto Mini are screen-free audio players designed for kids to enjoy stories, music, and more—all in a way that encourages imagination and independence. Yotos are used and loved by hundreds of thousands of children across the world–including my own. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gifting Yoto!
Why you can trust me:
- My kids have used Yoto at every age from 1 to 6, so I’ve seen it all!
- We have 100+ Yoto cards in our house. I’m also a MYO enthusiast.
- I am in Yoto’s Creator program. My cards are Tender Tales.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means when you click the link and make a purchase, it costs you nothing but I get a tiny slice of the pie. This helps me support my family. Thank you!
What Is Yoto?
Yoto is a kid-friendly speaker that plays audiobooks, music, and educational content using Yoto Cards. Think of them like CDs, except kids as young as 2 can control them; they don’t scratch; and you can create your own content. Yoto cards look like credit cards. Kids insert the cards into the player to start listening. My kids love having control over what they play, and they don’t need my help. It gives them a sense of independence.
✔️ No screens—just audio fun!
✔️ No complicated setup—once the Yoto is set up, just put in a card and play.
✔️ Built for kids—durable and easy to use
It’s a gift that grows with your grandchild, making it perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids!
Why Grandparents Love Gifting Yoto
1️⃣ It’s a Gift That Lasts
Unlike toys that lose their appeal after a few months, Yoto grows with kids. The card library includes:
- Bedtime stories & fairy tales
- Classic and modern books
- Sing-along songs
- Educational podcasts
As your grandchild’s interests change, they can collect new Yoto Cards—making this a gift that keeps on giving!
2️⃣ It’s Screen-Free
Tired of seeing your grandchildren glued to tablets and phones? Yoto provides engaging entertainment without screens, helping kids enjoy stories while using their imagination. It also gives parents a chance to do dishes, cook, or anything else–all while their kids are engaged and learning with fantastic content.
3️⃣ It’s Perfect for Any Occasion
- Home: Kids can listen to stories or music
- Bedtime: Wind down with a soothing story or meditation
- Car rides: Yoto has been a lifesaver for keeping my kids entertained on long drives (and short ones too)
- Quiet time: Encourage independent play and learning
4️⃣ You Can Make It Personal!
With Make-Your-Own (MYO) Cards, you can record your own voice reading a story or leave special messages for your grandchild. Imagine them hearing you tell a bedtime story—even when you’re not there! You can do this simply, just by using the microphone on your phone or a computer. MYO cards can be used in many ways, including for music, books, jokes, and podcasts. There are truly endless possibilities (but don’t feel overwhelmed by it to start!)
How to Gift Yoto
🎁 Step 1: Choose the Right Player
- Yoto Player – The bigger player. Best for home use. Features a nightlight & clock.
- Yoto Mini – Compact, travel-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go listening. My kids love their minis and this is what I recommend to my friends and family.
🎁 Step 2: Pick a Few Yoto Cards
I believe the best way to start with Yoto is to pick cards that your kids are already familiar with. They’ll branch out and try new things with time, but in my experience, it’s the best way for them to immediately love the Yoto. Some common starter options include:
- Popular stories: Dear Zoo, The Gruffallo, Frog and Toad
- Music: Laurie Berkner, The Beatles, Casper Babypants
- Educational Cards: Brain Bots Science Fair, Magic Treehouse, Grandpa’s Glove . These are great for older kids (6-8+).
🎁 Step 3: Add a Personal Touch
Consider including an MYO Card with a recording of your own voice! You can read your grandchild’s favorite book, tell a story from your childhood, or sing a sing if you are musically included. You can even simply share a special message. My father (my kids’ grandfather) recently recorded himself on his phone telling a simple story about a submarine that sank. My children listened to it about 20,000 times. It’s a simple way to make your gift even more meaningful and fun. You don’t have to get started on this right away. You can gift your child the Yoto and add a MYO card at any point. Don’t put pressure on yourself at the beginning!
A Gift They’ll Love (and Parents Will Too!)
Yoto is more than a gift—it’s a way to foster learning and creativity for your grandchild. And with MYO cards, it’s a way for you to connect with them and share your own stories (or just read them a book they already love!) Whether your grandcihld is listening to a bedtime story, dancing to music, or hearing your voice on a MYO Card, Yoto is a gift they’ll love for years.
✨ Give the gift of stories, songs, and imagination—screen-free! Order a Yoto today. You’ll be happy you did!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the Yoto Player or Yoto Mini?
Although you can’t go wrong, I recommend most families purchase the Yoto Mini. It’s the less expensive option, and it’s more portable. The cases, called Adventure Jackets (which you should definitely buy for device protection), allow kids to carry them on their wrists. The larger Yoto does have better sound and bigger pixel icons. For most families, though, the Mini is the best bet.
What cards should I order first?
Here’s the good news: You don’t (and shouldn’t!) start off buy purchasing a ton of cards. Kids get overwhelmed by too many choices. This is what I recommend for starting out:
- Buy 1-2 cards your child will be familiar with. Checking out Yoto’s best-selling cards is an easy way to get started. It could be a book they love or a character they are familiar with from a show, like Daniel Tiger. This will be a “safe” way to get them excited about Yoto.
- Buy 1-2 cards you would love to introduce to the child. Maybe it’s a story or music you enjoy.
- Buy a MYO pack. As you get into trying Yoto, MYO cards will unlock endless possibilities of learning and imagination for your kiddo.
I have multiple grandchildren. Can they share cards?
Siblings in the same household can share physical cards. Families who live in different locations can use the Yoto app to create a Family Account. MYO cards can be used to “copy” cards that are purchased in the store.