9 best educational Tonies to help encourage independent learning

Age suitability: 6+ | Running time: 55 minutes

For fun (or gruesome) facts that teachers might not cover in the classroom, then Horrible Histories is the way to go. This Terrible Tudors Tonie is filled with fun facts the period and the Tonie itself is from modelled after one of the most famous, recognisable and captivating figures from the era - Henry VIII.

Age suitability: 5+ | Running time: 60 minutes

For a kid, there's probably very little distinction between dinosaurs and whales - they're all enormous, powerful and fascinating creatures that you don't see everyday. This Nat Geo Kids Tonie is jam packed full of fun facts and details about whales, their habitat and more. Even I learned something listening to this one!

Age suitability: 3+ | Running time: 75 minutes

For Peppa Pig fans like my little nephew (age four), this Learn with Peppa Tonie is perfect. He adored it. Not only did he love the super recognisable figurine, but he was also super engaged in learning about everything from bodies and emotions to community and the wider world alongside his favourite piglet.

Age suitability: 4+ | Running time: 74 minutes

As we know, exposing children to the wonders of different cultures from a young age is really important, and this West African Tales Tonie will be a fascinating introduction for many. As well as listening to the traditional folk tales, there is also a fun quiz at the end to test your little one's newly acquired folklore knowledge.

Age suitability: 7+ | Running time: 61 minutes

Horrible Histories books have been around for decades, and now Tonies are getting in on the gruesome and gross side of history that, let's face it, kids find the most interesting. With 11 chapters covering everything from superstitions to the gladiators, learning about the Romans has never been so fun - and there's not a screen in sight!

Age suitability: 5+ | Running time: 60 minutes

My four year old nephew was super excited when he spotted this Nat Geo Kids Dinosaur Tonie in my testing pile (testing toys for a living gives me loads of cool aunt points). As he was a little bit younger than the recommended age, we listened to it together and he was completely engrossed from start to finish. And so the dino obsession continues.

Age suitability: 5+ | Running time: 60 minutes

For an out of this world (ahem) screen-free experience, then you can't go wrong with this space-themed National Geographic Kids Tonie. Full of facts and tales about everything space - from the solar system, space explorations and even aliens, this Tonie is perfect for budding astronauts and adventurers.

Age suitability: 5+ | Running time: 60 minutes

Whether your child has seen penguins on TV or in real life, take the opportunity to broaden their knowledge with this hour-long National Geographic Kids Tonie that is all about penguins - from their habitat and what they eat, to how they play and how they differ from other birds.

Age suitability: 3+ | Running time: 70 minutes

The wonder of Blippi in Tonie form. This audio character is filled with fun facts and songs that will keep kiddies engaged as they learn. As they can operate the audio player themselves, this Tonie offers a great opportunity for your three-year-old to start playing (and learning) more independently.

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