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My kid had been asking for a Toniebox for two years, but I always talked her out of it. I'm no Grinch, but each basic starter kit is $100, which isn't pocket change. When we finally got a Toniebox during a Prime Day sales event, testing it not only convinced me that it's perfect for my kids and worth every penny, but it's such a great device that I'd recommend it to any parent of young children. Here's why.
Also: The best October Prime Day deals live now
The Toniebox is a portable audio player covered in soft, padded fabric, making it easy for kids to handle. It's light enough for my three-year-old to carry and kid-friendly enough for my five-year-old to navigate. It's a fantastic and interactive way for kids to enjoy screen-free entertainment, free from questionable content. It's currently on sale during October Prime Day, where you can buy it for $70.
Each Toniebox uses small, colorful figures called Tonies, available in various popular characters. Each Tonie figurine represents a different track list with audio recordings, which can be music, a story, or both, similar to a modern-day CD or cassette. Unlike a CD, the tracklists are triggered by a built-in NFC chip within each Tonie figurine.
My kids love Disney princesses, so they got that Toniebox starter bundle. This bundle includes four princesses, a Playtime Puppy Tonie with nursery rhymes, a charging dock, and a pink Toniebox, all for $100 during the Prime Day sale.
Also: Skip the iPad: This tablet is redefining what a kids' tablet can do
When the kids want to hear music from Cinderella, they place the Cinderella figure on the Toniebox, and the music starts playing. If they want to skip to the story, they tap the right side of the Toniebox, and the Cinderella story begins playing. When they're tired of Cinderella and decide to switch to Moana, they can replace the Cinderella Tonie with the Moana one, and the music will start playing immediately.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
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