Is the Tonies Box Worth It?
What is a Tonies Box?
If you’re not familiar, the Tonies Box is a screen-free audio player designed for kids. Instead of buttons or a touchscreen, kids simply place a Tonie character (a small figurine) on top, and it starts playing stories, songs, or educational content. There are Disney characters, classic books, lullabies, and even Creative Tonies, which let you record your own stories or upload personalized audio. It’s soft, durable, and made for little hands—aka, perfect for toddlers.
Our Experience with the Tonies Box
Okay, mom friend to mom friend—let’s talk about whether it’s actually worth it. You’ve probably seen it floating around, maybe wondered if it’s just another kid gadget that’ll collect dust after a week. But after having ours for two years, I can confidently say… it’s a MUST in our house. We listen to it every single day.
We bought it when my daughter was 9 months old, and even at that age, she could pop the little characters on and watch the magic happen. Now, was she fully controlling it? Not really. But she loved the music! Around age 2, she figured out how to skip songs, and now it’s one of her favorite things.
We bring it on every vacation—it’s the perfect screen-free entertainment for winding down in a hotel room, car rides, or just making an unfamiliar place feel cozy.
Pros of the Tonies Box:
- The characters double as toys. My kids love playing with them, so it’s like getting a toy and an audiobook or soundtrack all in one.
- They’re bigger than cards. There’s another similar toy that uses cards, and honestly, I feel like those would get lost in 0.2 seconds.
- It’s soft and squishy. This thing has been dropped a million times, and it’s still going strong. No cracked screens or broken pieces here!
- Gives kids control over their music. My daughter LOVES picking her own character and deciding what she wants to listen to. It’s such an easy way to give toddlers some independence.
- Creative Tonies are amazing. You can add your own songs, record grandparents reading a story, or even save sweet messages for your child.
- Great for gifts. Family members always ask what to get, and Tonies characters are such an easy win. They’re fun but don’t take over the house like giant plastic toys.
Cons of the Tonies Box:
- The voices aren’t the same as the Disney movies. If your kid is a stickler for the exact voices from the movies, this might throw them off. It doesn’t bother us, but it’s worth mentioning!
Where to Buy a Tonies Box
We love ours, and if you’re ready to grab one for your little one, you can find it HERE! (affiliate link)
And don’t forget—Tonies make such great gift ideas! If your little one already has a Tonies Box, adding new characters to their collection is always a hit.
Our Top 5 Favorite Tonies Characters
There are SO many Tonies to choose from, but these are the ones that have been on repeat in our house!
1️⃣ Laurie Berkner Band – The ultimate dance party Tonie! It’s packed with silly, catchy songs that you’ll find yourself singing even when the kids aren’t around.
2️⃣ Cookie Monster – Because, let’s be real… Sesame Street is toddler gold. This one is great for little Sesame Street fans!
3️⃣ Lullaby Fox – The sweetest calm-down Tonie. We use this one for naps and bedtime, and it’s so soothing.
4️⃣ Creative Tonies – These are amazing because you can record anything onto them—grandparents reading bedtime stories, favorite songs, or even little messages from mom and dad.
5️⃣ Moana – If your kid loves Moana, this one is a must! It’s full of songs and stories from the movie, and we never get tired of it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence about getting one, I say go for it—especially if you want a screen-free way to entertain your little one. It’s been a staple in our house, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!
Do you have a Tonies Box? What’s your kid’s favorite character? Let me know in the comments!