Keeping your kids entertained — without screens — doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Thankfully, the toy market has evolved to cater to the newest and littlest generations, and one innovative brand has it really figured out: Tonies.
The bestselling audio player and Shop TODAY Gifts We Love winner has been a family favorite in recent years. As of January 2024, the brand shared in a press release that it has sold a million Tonieboxes in the United States and over 88 million Tonies worldwide. With its global success, many mega-corporations have collaborated with the toy brand, releasing their own special Tonies for kids to listen to and play with, including Disney, DreamWorks, Peppa Pig, and most recently, YouTube children’s sensation Ms. Rachel.
So, what are Tonies? And when will Ms. Rachel join the gang? Below, we're highlighting everything you need to know about the award-winning and trendy toy.
What are Tonies?
A Toniebox is an interactive audio player for kids ages three to eight, which can be customized with various (and very familiar) characters called Tonies. The Toniebox is portable, squishy and perfect for little hands. Each Tonie can be swapped out and features its own playtime, including storytime, songs to sing along to, cognitive learning and so much more. According to the brand, this screen-free toy promotes creativity and independent play, which will ultimately help children build confidence.
“The Toniebox is a child’s first device, long before we should expose them to their own personal screens. It’s like a first companion that helps children discover imagination and make sense of a big world of wonder with our magical characters and captivating stories — no screens, just pure joy,” said Christoph Frehsee, President of Tonies USA, in a press release.
Along with the character Tonies, the company also offers options that focus on routines for all young ages, from potty training to sleep and even audiobooks.
How to get the Ms. Rachel Tonie
So what can we expect from the Ms. Rachel Tonie? The beloved child icon and educator debuts on July 20. While it's not on sale yet, you can sign up to get alerts of her official release via the brand’s website.
Kids will be able to bring Ms. Rachel Tonie wherever they go, and without a screen, while she and her friends offer interactive play, learning, and of course, her popular songs like "Big Feelings." According to the brand, Ms. Rachel will focus on learning tasks such as routines, the alphabet, feelings and colors.
If you and your family are new to Tonies, you'll need to have a Toniebox to enjoy Ms. Rachel. However, the brand offers options of a starter kit and ways to build and customize a bundle.
The Toniebox is the audio home base player for your child's favorite Tonie figurines. The brand offers starter sets (and bundles) that come with a speaker and options for different characters such as Elsa and CoComelon.
Be sure to sign up on the Tonies website above and get notified when Ms. Rachel becomes available, which is expected to launch on July 20.
Tonies bundles to shop
You can buy set bundles of their favorite characters, or the Tonies website offers a build-your-own bundle.
Surprise Frozen fans with this starter bundle that allows them to sing-along with Anna, Elsa and Olaf.
This National Geographic bundle, sold through Amazon, will keep your adventure-loving kid engaged through learning and exploring their favorite interests.
Tonie accessories to shop
Elmo can teach kids about musical instruments and sings popular Sesame Street songs and classic songs such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Drop a beat with Poppy; her song list includes tunes like "Best Day Ever" and "Drop the Beat."
The police pup will take your child on rescue missions and adventures with dinosaurs.
Mickey has a story to tell that teaches kids all about perseverance and friendship.
These headphones are also great to take the Toniebox on road trips and planes.
From Frozen to Peppa Pig to a space theme, there's a Tonie's bag for every type of listener.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
We selected the best Tonies based on Google search trends and research online, choosing our favorites based on bestsellers and customer reviews.
