This Yoto Mini review is not sponsored in any way. I have paid for two Yoto Minis for my little adventurers and believe they are worth every penny! However, this review does include some affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a product through these I earn a small commission which enables me to continue running this blog. 

One of the questions I’m frequently asked is what are my top tips for screen free journeys with toddlers. We have lots of different tactics, but of all of them the Yoto Mini is our biggest success.

We have used them on roadtrips through France, Switzerland and Ireland, as well as countless journeys in the UK. They can also be used around the house.

So if you are looking for a way to keep little ones entertained on a roadtrip, then I highly recommend the Yoto Mini as the perfect travel companion. 

What is a Yoto Mini?

Let me start this Yoto Mini review by first explaining exactly what it is. The Yoto Mini is a smaller version of the Yoto Player, an audio player which enables children to listen to stories and songs by inserting cards into the top of it.

The main difference between a Yoto Player and a Yoto Mini is the size. The Yoto Mini has been designed specifically to be used when out and about. It’s 7x7x4cm and is the perfect size for little hands. It doesn’t include all of the same features as a Yoto Player, which also has a room thermometer and a night light, but I personally think that its simplicity is what makes it so popular.

The Yoto Mini has a space in the top to insert the story cards and two easy-to-turn knobs which control the volume and enable the user to skip between chapters. It can be turned on and off with a button at the side.

And that’s basically it. It’s incredibly simple. But what we love about it most is that it’s incredibly easy to use. This allows the child to be independent in using it.

Our little adventurers use theirs all the time on our road trips. It’s one of my top tips for how to keep kids entertained in a campervan.

If you do plan to use it a lot when out and about, I’d recommend investing in a protective cover. (These mini adventure jackets are usually available with a discount when buying a Yoto Mini.) We also find this helps to identify which player belongs to which child.

You can also purchase headphones and a carry case if you want to keep everything together.

What age is a Yoto Mini for?

The Yoto Mini is recommended for age 3+. However it really depends on your child, as our littlest adventurer has been using it independently since the age of 2.

One of the great things about it is that is doesn’t have any small pieces. Plus, the cards themselves are quite robust and don’t bend easily.

Also, while I obviously wouldn’t recommend dropping it, we have had a couple of mishaps and have found the protective case to be useful.

What is the difference between a Yoto Player and a Yoto Mini?

The main differences between a Yoto and a Yoto Mini is the size and the number of features it has.

A Yoto Mini understandably has less features than the Yoto. However as well as for travelling, we also use it at bedtime and have never missed having a night light or room thermometer.

It’s fewer features are also reflected in the price. It usually retails at £59.99 compared to £99.99 for the Yoto Player (3rd generation).

While it is available through different retailers, I would recommend checking through the Yoto site as they often offer bundle discounts, like a reduction on a cover and half price set of starter cards.

Is a Yoto Mini worth the money?

As I’m sure you can probably tell from this Yoto Mini review, I 100% believe that a Yoto Mini is worth the money.

It is, without a doubt, the most used entertainment on our roadtrips. I love that while it entertains the children on long journeys, it also allows them to look out of the window at the scenery we’re passing. I’ve also found that since using it that their storytelling abilities have really improved.

In my opinion the Yoto Mini is also good value for money. Plus the cards cost around the same price as books, so are perfect to buy as birthday presents or with pocket money.

What Yoto Mini cards can you buy?

There are so many Yoto Mini cards available to buy, so whatever your child is into you’ll find something they’ll enjoy.

There’s stories, songs, fact books and even quiz cards. I find it helpful that the Yoto site separates the cards out into ages and genres, which makes it easy to search.

My three-year-old’s current favourite is the Thomas & Friends Steam Train Collection and my five-year-old absolutely loves The Magic Faraway Tree (which is read by Kate Winslet and is actually really soothing to listen to).  

You can also buy blank cards which you can record your own stories or playlists on. These are really nice to record messages from loved ones too.

I hope you’ve found this Yoto Mini review helpful. As ever, if you have any questions, please let me know.

Pin it for later…