Finding the perfect gift for kids can be tricky. Kids are drowning in “stuff,” but toys often get used once only to collect dust for months. Enter Yoto, a toy that is beloved in my house and many thousands of others. Yoto is a win for kids and their grownups. It’s educational, engaging, and fun—with no screen involved.
Yoto Players are audio players designed for kids to enjoy stories, music, and more—all while fostering independence (and giving parents a break.) Yoto has been a blessing for my family. My 2 and 6-year-olds use their Yotos every single day–at home, in the car, and even to stay calm at the doctor’s office. Here’s why Yoto is the perfect gift for kids—and why parents love it too!
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.
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1️⃣ Yoto Grows with Your Child
One of the best things about Yoto? It’s not a toy that ends up being used once only to sit there and collect dust.
- Toddlers love listening to songs and stories.
- Preschoolers enjoy interactive stories and music.
- Older kids enjoy chapter books, podcasts, and educational content.
With an ever-growing library of age-appropriate Yoto Cards, this is a gift that grows with your child. No more outgrowing toys in six months!
2️⃣ It’s Screen-Free Fun
Parents everywhere are looking for ways to reduce screen time, and Yoto makes it easy.
With Yoto, kids can:
✔️ Listen to stories and songs without staring at a screen
✔️ Explore audio at their own pace
✔️ Build independence while listening to content they love
It’s a win-win: kids stay entertained, and parents don’t have to worry about too much screen time.
3️⃣ Yoto Works On the Go – At Home, in the Car, Anywhere!
Yoto is perfect for travel, quiet time, or just keeping kids entertained on the go.
- In the car or stroller: It makes getting anywhere much more pleasant 😅
- At a restaurant or doctor’s appointment: Keep kids entertained without handing them a phone.
- At bedtime: Yoto’s nightlight and white noise features make it a dream gift for sleep routines.
- At home: parents can get stuff done (dishes! laundry! cooking!) while your kid is immersed in the wonderful world of Yoto
Plus, with Bluetooth capabilities and a headphone jack, it’s a lifesaver for keeping kids engaged without disturbing others. I also use the Yoto app a ton when we’re out of the house, even if my kids don’t have their actual Yotos! You can play any Yoto cards on your phone or in your car through the app.
4️⃣ Kids Learn Through Stories & More
Stories are powerful teachers, and with Yoto, kids can soak up new knowledge while having fun.
Yoto Cards include:
📚 Classic and new children’s books
🎶 Music for movement and fun
🌎 Educational content on history, science, and languages
Every time kids pop in a new card, they’re expanding their imagination and learning in a way that feels natural and exciting.
5️⃣ MYO Cards Unlock a World of Possibilities
Yoto’s Make-Your-Own (MYO) Cards are a game-changer for personalized listening.
- Record grandparents reading bedtime stories
- Add your child’s favorite songs
- Create custom language lessons, routine reminders, or personal messages. I even use a MYO Yoto card to help my kids take turns with toys. They thrive on the routine of it and it reduces arguing! 🙌
MYO Cards give parents the freedom to make Yoto even more special and unique to their child’s interests.
The Perfect Gift for Kids & Parents Alike
Yoto isn’t just another toy—it’s a long-lasting, screen-free, educational gift that parents and kids both love. It’s been the #1 most used toy/device in our house, and unlike iPads or other devices, I feel good when my kids use the Yoto, knowing that they are listening to content that is safe and engaging.
Whether for quiet time, travel, or learning, Yoto opens a world of possibilities for screen-free fun that grows with your child.
🎁 Ready to give the gift of Yoto? Check out the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini for a gift that keeps kids entertained—and parents happy!
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.