My toddler and I do not always agree on what makes a good Tonie. Mostly because she isn’t the one wondering how many more times we’re going to hear that song before lunch.
I love our Toniebox, but that does not mean every little character gets a permanent spot in our house. I want stories she enjoys and songs I can handle hearing approximately a million times.
If you’re trying to decide which Tonies are worth buying, here’s my honest review of three I returned—and three we play daily.
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3 Tonies I Returned: What Didn’t Work for Us
Toy Story Tonie Review: I Wanted the Movie Songs
The story is cute. I will give it that.
But when I buy a Toy Story Tonie, I want to hear the songs from Toy Story. Most of these weren’t the movie songs I was hoping for, and the singer’s voice sounded so off to me that I couldn’t get past it.
Maybe my expectations were too specific, but I wanted a little nostalgia. Instead, I kept thinking, who is singing this??
If you’re buying it mainly for the story, you might feel differently. For me, the songs were enough to send it back.
Cute story. Not the sing-along moment I had pictured.
More interested in the story? Find the Toy Story Tonie on Amazon.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Trolley Tonie Review: Is This Still the Same Song?
The messages are good! I appreciate that part.
But why do all the songs sound exactly the same?? To my ears, it felt like we had been listening to one very long song.
Considering how often my toddler wants to replay things, I need at least a little variety within the Tonie itself.
I wanted to love this little trolley. I just did not want to keep listening to it.
Good messages, but I personally needed the songs to sound like different songs.
Maybe this trolley is more your speed—find it on Amazon.
Snoop Dogg’s Doggyland Tonie Review: My Toddler and I Disagree
My toddler liked this one. I did not.
I wanted to like it, but the songs were annoying to me, and the content felt aimed at kids a little older than her. I could see us feeling differently at another stage, but right now? It wasn’t one I wanted in our daily rotation.
And yes, I am factoring in my own listening experience. I live here too.
She would probably have kept it. Unfortunately, I handle the returns.
Your toddler might take her side—find the Doggyland Tonie on Amazon.
3 Favorite Tonies We Play Daily
Winnie the Pooh Tonie Review: Literally No Notes
The songs are SO cute. The story is great. I could listen to this one a million times, which is convenient because that seems to be the plan.
It’s one of those Tonies I’m happy to see her pick up. Like yes, absolutely, let’s check in on Pooh again.
If you’re wondering which Disney Tonie we actually keep reaching for, this is it.
I tried to think of a con for this section, and I have nothing.
Would buy again. Would listen again. Will probably listen again in five minutes.
Invite Pooh into your daily rotation—find him on Amazon.
Creative-Tonie Review: Sometimes Mom Needs to Change the Playlist
I love that I can change the songs and stories on our Creative-Tonie instead of being committed to the same audio forever. You can also record your own, which is such a sweet option.
A little character that can get a whole new playlist? Yes, please.
My only complaint is that I haven’t found as much free material I want to use as I’d hoped. The flexibility is great, but I would love more free choices.
Still, being able to switch things up makes this one a keeper.
For when she wants the same little character and I would love a different song.
Give yourself permission to change the playlist—shop Creative-Tonies on Amazon.
Bizzy Tonie Review: This One Earns Its Shelf Space
Such a cute story and song! I love the lessons about working hard, and the interesting facts give us a little something extra along the way.
Also, this is a LONG Tonie. And I appreciate a Tonie that settles in and tells us a whole story.
It has a good mix of things I enjoy hearing and things I’m happy for her to hear. Another one where I genuinely have nothing to put in the con column.
Cute story, good lessons, interesting facts. Bizzy can stay.
This little character earns its shelf space.
Get yourself a cute bee friend here! (Amazon)
Which Tonies Are Worth Buying Again?
For our house, Winnie the Pooh, our Creative-Tonie, and Bizzy are the keepers. They get played, they get enjoyed, and they don’t leave me quietly hoping she’ll choose something else.
That’s what I’m looking for when I buy Tonies: a few favorites we actually use. Same rule as the rest of our toys—go deep, not wide.
I don’t need every little character. I need a few we love enough to hear on repeat.
Because apparently “on repeat” is the only setting we use.
Which Tonie does your kid love that you secretly wish would go missing? Please tell me I’m not alone.