As a mom of a rambunctious four-year-old, I know all too well how easy it is to fall into the screen-time trap. Between juggling work, errands, and trying to keep Ella entertained — the iPad had become my go-to solution.
But I was feeling guilty about excessive screen time and worried Ella was becoming the dreaded “iPad baby.” I’d see her eyes glued to the screen, mindlessly watching videos, and it bothered me.
After some research, I discovered the Toniebox. I’d seen other moms raving about it in my parenting groups, calling it a “lifesaver” and the perfect screen-free alternative. It’s a colorful, soft, interactive story box that plays audio and provides educational benefits. I was skeptical whether Ella would actually use it, but we decided to give it a try.
So, I set out on a month-long experiment to see if the Toniebox could truly live up to the hype. Here’s how it went…
Week 1:
When it arrived, the box itself was soft and durable — perfect for a kid like Ella who tends to drop things. She was immediately drawn to the bright red color. “What’s this, Mommy?” she asked, poking at the squishy corners.
The setup is straightforward — charge it, sync the Tonies (adorable hand painted figurines that magnetically stick to the top of the box), and we were ready to roll. No complicated apps or screens, just Ella, the Toniebox, and a whole new world of audio.
I’m not gonna lie, the first few days were a bit of a struggle. Ella kept asking for the iPad, and I almost caved a few times. But when I redirected her to the Toniebox, she was curious and willing to explore, especially since we were listening to Frozen, her favourite story. The fact that she could control it herself — adjusting the volume with the soft ears or skipping tracks by tapping the sides — made her feel like it was her very own special device. By the end of the week, she was getting the hang of it, even if it hadn’t fully replaced screen time just yet.
Week 2:
As we entered week two, I noticed small changes in Ella’s behavior. She wasn’t asking for the iPad quite as often. Instead, she’d grab her favorite Tonie figurine (Elsa, of course), place it on top of the Toniebox, and settle in to listen. I loved that the Toniebox encourages imagination — she was no longer glued to a screen! Instead, she’d close her eyes and sway to the music or listen intently to the story.
She even started talking about the stories afterward, retelling parts with her own flair. It was a noticeable shift, and I was here for it.
Week 3:
By week three, the Toniebox had become a staple in our routine. One afternoon, she placed her “Creative Tonie” on the box — it lets you upload your own recordings — and listened to a story my husband and I had recorded for her. The joy on her face was priceless.
Not only that, but Ella got more engaged in learning. Some of the Tonies we’d picked are educational — covering topics like animals and nature. She was asking questions like, “Mommy, did you know penguins can’t fly?” and “How big is an elephant?” It was clear that she was absorbing the information and thinking about it in new ways.
Week 4:
By the fourth week, Ella was a Toniebox pro. She had her favourite Tonies lined up (Paddington Bear, Moana, Encanto and Lion King), effortlessly switched between them, and even asked for new ones. The iPad? Forgotten. It’s not that she didn’t need it anymore — she didn’t want it. The Toniebox is now her go-to, whether she’s winding down before bed with a soothing story or dancing around the living room to upbeat tunes.
What surprised me most is how the Toniebox helps with bedtime. The calming stories and lullabies make the transition to sleep much more easily (something that had always been a challenge with screen time). She chooses a story, listens quietly, and drifts off to sleep. It’s our little bedtime ritual — I can’t tell you how much more peaceful our evenings are.
Final Thoughts:
In only one month, we went from being an iPad-reliant household to embracing the magic of screen-free play and learning. The Toniebox sparks Ella’s imagination and curiosity and empowers her with a sense of independence. I’m thrilled with the change — we’re just so proud of Ella. Research shows that kids play with the Toniebox 148 more times than other toys — we’ve seen the proof!
If you’re a parent looking for a screen-free alternative that actually keeps your little one engaged, I highly recommend giving the Toniebox a try!