Do you ever worry that your kids spend too much time glued to their iPads? You're not alone. I've noticed that my 3-year-old, Charlotte, spends more time in front of a screen than she does playing with anything else.
Admittedly, sometimes, I turn on the TV to keep Charlotte occupied while I try to finish my chores. But I don't want Charlotte's education, social skills, and development to suffer from this.
Recently, I noticed several of Charlotte's friends at school carrying vibrant boxes and tiny character figurines. They would gather, completely absorbed by this little box — called Toniebox — that spun incredible tales. This piqued my interest—could this be the screen-free solution Charlotte needed?
Further research showed that the Toniebox is played with 148 times more than any regular toy. Listening to audiobooks is both entertaining and educational, improving vocabulary and literacy skills—so it is seriously beneficial. Many reviews said the Toniebox even helped with bedtime routines.
I picked up the Toniebox for Charlotte, priced at $199.95, its durability and educational benefits make it a worthwhile purchase. I ordered the pink box with some of her favourite characters, named Tonies — Moana, Frozen, Trolls, Lion King, and Gabby Dollhouse.
The delivery arrived, and I couldn't wait for Charlotte to open it and start listening to her favourite stories. The box itself was soft, squishy, and kid-proof—meaning it is almost indestructible.
Charlotte's smile was unstoppable as she popped on the Moana Tonie and began listening, completely sidelining the TV. With 7 hours of battery life, theToniebox keeps her entertained for extended periods. Plus, it includes a headphone jack, which is perfect for those times when we need a break from hearing the same tales on repeat.
The Tonies attach magnetically to the top of the Toniebox, so the story doesn't stop playing even if she turns the box upside down. To navigate through the stories and songs, pop, tap, tilt, and squeeze the ears on the Toniebox.
Charlotte loves the Toniebox so much that she carries it around everywhere —even during car rides to school and back. She's been making a list of all the other Tonies she would like. This newfound interest keeps her engaged and learning, even on the go. You can pick up individual ones anytime for $29.95 and build your own collection over time.
The Toniebox was a game changer for us when it came to reducing the dreaded screen time. I can't believe that Charlotte is still thoroughly enjoying it more and more every day.
So, if you're a parent who struggles with these things, too, we highly recommend the Toniebox—your kids will love it.