In an era dominated by smartphones and tablets, screen-free audio devices are gaining traction among parents concerned about children's screen time. The Yoto Player, an award-winning gadget priced at £89.99, is designed for children aged 3 to 12+ and uses physical cards to play stories, music, and educational content without a screen.
Yoto has launched its first Yoto Originals Week, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its exclusive audio content. The company released 14 new Yoto Originals titles on May 11, and shoppers can enjoy 20% off the entire range until May 18. Additionally, over 11 hours of Yoto Originals content is available free via the Yoto app until May 18, covering age groups from 0-3 to 11+.
The device boasts a library of over 1,000 titles, including classics like The Gruffalo and the Harry Potter series, as well as music from the Spice Girls and the Beatles. Yoto Originals are produced in-house by Yoto Studios, collaborating with authors, musicians, and sound artists. Dom Hodge, Head of Yoto Studios, emphasised the commitment to human-made audio, stating: 'We are committed to placing human-made audio at the heart of everything we produce.'
Customer reviews on Trustpilot are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 2,000 reviews. One parent noted: 'The independence this gives at bedtime has been wonderful.' Another added: 'My 3 year old loves this and plays with it daily, sometimes for two hours or more!'
Alternatives include the Toniebox (£99.99), which uses figurines instead of cards, and the Voxblock (£59.99), a connectivity-free device focusing on books. However, the Yoto Player remains a popular choice for screen-free entertainment.
