I’m going to let you in on a secret. And it’s perhaps one of the greatest things I own.

The Yoto Player is — without a doubt — my favourite gift that my eldest daughter, Florence, has ever received.

Since investing in what is affectionately dubbed the “player” this time last year, the screen-free, microphone-free audio player has revolutionised how we approach everything from long car jouneys to bedtime and lazy Sunday mornings.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

I love it that much that I have recommended it to friends and family, even buying one for my sister’s kid (who is not even one yet) — it’s just that good.

So why do you need to invest? Read on to find out.

What is Yoto?

Since launching Down Under in July 2024, the award-winning audio brand Yoto has changed the way thousands of kids enjoy audiobooks, music, podcasts and more.

In fact, there was such an unexpected bout of popularity over Black Friday last year that Yoto Australia had to employ extra staff and upgrade their courier service to ensure Yoto orders made it by Christmas.

Designed with Montessori principles in mind, Yoto is the first screen, mic, camera and ad-free portable speaker system for children aged 3-12 years.

Built to be controlled by kids themselves, Yoto helps families unlock safe, autonomous playtime for their children via engaging audio experiences — whether that’s listening to the Frozen or Wicked soundtracks (as my three year old loves to do) or some of Julia Donaldson’s best-selling stories.

The machine itself (3rd Generation; $179.99) uses physical cards that are then loaded into the machine and played at the child’s leisure.

From audio books to songs, educational lessons and white noise, there’s something for every child, whether they are a toddler, young child or tween.

There is also a mini version of the Yoto ($129.99), which is great for travel or life on the go.

How did I find it?

Having owned a 3rd Generation Yoto Player for a little over a year now, I can safely say it is one of the parenting items that I would not do without.

Since investing in the machine, we’ve bought countless Yoto accessories, including additional cards, a card holder and the Yoto “adventure jacket” case which keeps the player safely protected.

Both of my children (including the one-year-old) absolutely love the gadget, and it has a firm home in my eldest’s bedroom.

I’m looking forward to continuing to use it as the years go by, and both kids have increasing capacity to listen to stories and plots.

The next Yoto accessory that I wish to invest in is the headphones, so that we can take the player with us when we go on long-haul flights to visit family in the UK.

I also have my eye on a few new cards for my daughter’s birthday present, and know there is nothing she likes more.

What’s coming next for Yoto?

Ahead of the end of this year, Yoto have plenty of fun new launches to get your kids into the wonderful world of Yoto.

Standouts include the new Spy Club card.

This interactive audio game will have listeners solving puzzles, breaking codes, and dodging lasers.

Players will be transported to Fleming High – what seems like a regular school on the outskirts of London…but something fishy is going on.

Mr. Boyd, the geography teacher, and leader of the school’s Spy Club, has disappeared! It’s up to Spy Club members, Jane, Ollie, Zora, Rohan – and you! – to solve the mystery.

I’ve also got my eye on the new Hogwarts Library Collection.

Here you can learn about all ten breeds of dragon, discover how to avoid Quaffle-pocking when playing Quidditch, and find out why Babbitty Rabbity’s stump ended up cackling.

These treasures from the Hogwarts Library will deepen your child’s knowledge of the wizarding world’s favourite animals, sport and stories.

Finally, I know my little musical toddler will appreciate ABBA Gold, featuring some of the band’s greatest hits.

For more information and to find out more about Yoto, head to the website here now.