I Bought Three Yotos in 2022 — Here’s Why I’d Buy Them Again in a Heartbeat

Nov 28

If you’re looking for a screen-free gift that actually gets used, let me save you the trial-and-error: the Yoto Player is hands-down one of the best toys we’ve ever brought into our home.

I bought three Yoto Minis as Christmas gifts back in 2022. Three years later, it’s still our most-used “toy,” morning, noon, and night.

I’m not exaggerating when I say my kids listen to their Yotos every. single. day.

Sometimes for stories.

Sometimes for music.

Sometimes for quiet time.

Sometimes All the time to settle down at bedtime.

In the car. At a sibling’s sporting events. On travel days - definitely on travel days.

My kids Yotos and the stories they listen to have become a non-negotiable comfort item, one of the steps deeply embedded into their bedtime routine.

And honestly? I enjoy listening to the stories with them as much as they do!

So what is a Yoto, exactly?

The Yoto Player is a screen-free audio player for kids that uses physical cards (like modern-day cassette tapes) to play stories, music, educational content, and everything in between. Kids simply pop in a card, and the magic begins.

It’s simple, tactile, and totally kid-led — no scrolling, no glowing screens, no overstimulation.

Note: My youngest was 2 years old when he got a Yoto for Christmas. At that time, much of his interaction with the Yoto was parent-led.

Over time, he learned how to use the buttons (pretty simple because there are only two of them) and understood that inserting a card turned on a story.

He started listening to mostly nursery rhymes or short picture books. He’s 5 now and his capacity for listening to longer books has increased tremendously.

All that to say — if your child doesn’t “take” to it right away, it’s not a lost cause (or money wasted). Keep trying and introducing different books or content — the Yoto has so much to offer!

Why We Still Love It

1. It builds independence

My kids don’t need me to turn it on, find a book, or cue anything up. They can choose a card, pop it in, and sink into a good book. The autonomy is huge.

2. It fuels a love of storytelling

Listening to stories has expanded their vocabulary, deepened their curiosity, and strengthened their focus in the sweetest, most organic way.

3. It solves the screen-time battle without drama

When my kids ask for “something to do,” I say:

“Want to listen to a story on your Yoto? Do you want to listen in the kitchen or on the couch?”

9 times out of 10, a simple invitation like that works!

4. It’s magic for bedtime

My kids Yotos are synonymous with their lovies for bedtime. There is no bedtime without a Yoto player nearby.

One of the features I love most? I can set “Night Mode” to turn on at a certain time, enabling the device to turn the volume to zero so my kids don’t stay up too late listening to stories or music.

5. It grows with your kids

Toddlers use it — think picture books, nursery rhymes, early readers, podcasts, transition timers.

Big kids use it — think chapter books, podcasts, music playlists, homework help.

The available content is endless and continues to grow.

The Yoto is one of those rare toys that doesn’t get outgrown — it evolves with them.

Why I Think It’s The Gift to Give This Christmas

With so many toys that light up, beep, flash, or gather dust after a week, the Yoto stands apart. It’s beautiful, functional, educational, calming, and completely screen-free. And I can say with near certainty: if you buy one, you’ll end up wanting a second, and a third…and so forth!

Does each child need one?

Need? No. Is it nice to give each child one if possible? Yes.

There are many times we’ll listen to a book or podcast together as a family in the home or car, but each kiddo having one definitely helps with daily quiet time in their rooms and on travel days.

If you’re building your holiday list, or you want gift ideas your kids will use long after December, I put together a curated list of our favorites — including our top Yoto card picks.

Tap here to shop my Christmas 2025 Gift Guide.

Trust me — this is the toy they’ll still be reaching for in 2026… and beyond!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase. I only share products and brands I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!