The Best Toy Phones for When Imagination Calls

Speaking as a parent (and someone who’s purchased a number of different toy phones for my kiddos over the years), I’m incredibly impressed with the VTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone—we bought it for our first son years ago (right after he turned one), it was one of our daughter’s favorites when she hit the 18-month mark and now with our third, it’s starting to get noticed and reached for even though it’s a bit duller and softer sounding in its old age (not bad for a five year old toy!). The phone’s vibrant colors are what distinguish it right off the bat, and then we get into its “realness” factor: The glossy touch screen, iconographical apps and true-to-life phone sounds grab your little’s attention and make your phone a whole lot less exciting in one fell swoop. Being able to slide and swipe through screens certainly doesn’t hurt its authenticity score, either. What’s more, there are the educational elements, like the letters, numbers and shapes that feature in the phone’s stored-up songs and melodies. We really could keep singing this phone’s praises, but for less than $20, it’s a steal that’s worth taking for a spin on your toddler’s own time!

Flip phones are en vogue again thanks to Gen Z, and nobody’s too young for a little vintage cool factor. The teal and coral Infantino Flip and Peek Fun Phone features a flip-up mirror for babies (at the 4+ month age mark) who are enjoying self-recognition and visual tracking, soft buttons for tactile stimulation and help with dexterity, and even bi-lingual phrases and sound effects to foster language development. And with its durable, high-quality construction—made from BPA- and phthalate-free materials—it’ll stand up to the rough and tumble play your little one puts it through.

When it comes to sniffing out inauthenticity in a product, toddlers are pros. Whether it’s a set of keys, a remote or a phone, they want the real thing. And the Discovery Toy Starter Smartphone gets them very close; the make-believe mobile device comes pre-loaded with activities, 20 songs, sound effects and lights and dedicated “quiz modes” to teach your 2 to 4 year-old animals, colors and numbers. On top of all that, the sensory fidget popper case is what really has us obsessed with this toy phone for tiny technophiles.

The Fisher-Price #Selfie Fun Phone’s large mirrored screen allows baby to see themselves (something they’ll love to lean into during tummy time), and the orange grip stand on the back—aka the “pop socket”— lets them turn and twist to their heart’s content, making clicking noises as they go. The sensory experience doesn’t end there, though. They can shake the phone up and down or left and right to hear rattling noises, and if they get the urge to chew, they’re encouraged to! The textured blue edging on the phone feels good on just-cutting teeth, and since it’s crafted from BPA-free materials, your baby can drool, suck and mouth the chewy bumper case as much as they want.

You know that iconic Fisher-Price pull toy—the rainbow telephone pull toy with a painted grin and cherry red nose? Well, the version you can shop today is even more adorable and so much friendlier than the original. It has sound effects, a spinning dial and a cute, cherubic face with eyes that move up and down as your little chatterbox pulls it along. Fledgling walkers can sit and make pretend phone calls, while older tots can pull it along behind them while they prattle about whatever’s on their mind. And feel free to encourage them as you hear them walking and talking—ask them what their friend has to say on the other line, pretend you’re calling them to “catch up” or see if they’d like to call in the order to your favorite pizzeria for Friday night dinner plans!

This interactive toy excels at blending amusement with learning, captivating tiny human minds with its playful purple colorway and engaging features. Toddlers can explore the smooth, glossy bubble buttons to discover and hear letters and numbers, react to Violet the pup’s videos with their favorite emojis or just press their ear up against the phone to buzz their fluffy bestie and see what she’s up to. The built-in brainteaser activities, including a guessing game and a number matching game, offer excellent enrichment opportunities as well.