Looking for a toy that lasts this Christmas?

Give your kids the gift of imagination this festive season

In an era where screen-based gifts are at an all-time high, it’s no secret that buying presents for the little ones is a challenge.

A new study from makers of kids’ audio players, Yoto, has shown that Irish parents are facing an uphill battle when it comes to keeping their kids engaged due to the prevalence of screens, which are taking away the appeal of toys. 

This research also showed that 4 in 5 Irish parents (84%) believe their children’s attention spans are shorter than ever before, with a further  82% saying their children play with screen-free toys for no more than 40 minutes at a time. 

A little over half (55%) admitted that playtime without screens lasts just 20 minutes or less.

Children’s lack of desire to engage with traditional toys can be frustrating at the best of times, but especially in the lead-up to Christmas. Many parents are left unsure of what present to get that their kids will actually engage and play with for an extended period.

Kids just don’t want to play like they used to and parents agree. 63% of parents said new toys hold their child’s attention for only three months, and one in four claim that toys lose their appeal in under a month. A mere 7% say a toy stays around in their child’s play rotation for more than a year.

It’s getting harder and harder for parents to find toys that will grow with their child that aren’t screen-based.

Despite this, Irish parents do continue to buy toys, with 36% of Irish parents buying new toys every month, which is hardly sustainable or good for the pockets.

92% of Irish parents cited that it was important that toys grow with their children rather than being quickly outgrown or forgotten.

So what can be done? Enter the Yoto Player.

Available both online and in Smyths Toys Superstores, the Yoto Player – and its smaller sibling, the Yoto Mini –  are designed to provide an imaginative experience to help foster the development of children in a way that excludes screens. 

Designed with Montessori principles in mind, it allows children to play independently and provides access to a whole world of stories, music, and activities in a safe environment. 

All you have to do is pop a Yoto card in the top of the player to  unlock a world of listening experiences. From audiobooks to music albums, kid-friendly podcasts to radio stations, there is sure to be something for every playtime scenario.

What makes Yoto such a sound investment is that because of the huge amount of content available that grows with your child, rather than your little one outgrowing it. This longevity is often sorely missing from other modern-day toys. It also means parents don’t have to worry about their kids losing interest in the Yoto Player after only a little while!

The wide range of content that is able to be loaded onto the Yoto Player makes it suitable for toddlers right through to tweens. You can listen to Disney and Roald Dahl classics along with Paw Patrol, KPop Demon Hunters and Marvel stories.

There is also incredible Yoto Originals content which explores science, nature, and cultures around the world, as well as stories and songs. It even features free family-friendly radio stations along with a hugely popular podcast, Yoto Daily – cementing it as a gadget that the whole family can get in on.

Outside of storytelling, it also doubles as a nightlight and a clock, what’s not to love? 

This multi-award-winning, internationally best-selling, screen-free audio player is perfect for children ages 3 to 12 and is sure to keep them playing for years to come. 

The Yoto Player retails for €99.99 while the Yoto Mini is available for €69.99. They are available to purchase both online at yotoplay.com and online and in-store at Smyths Toys.