We researched the best toy pets, considering age recommendations, battery life, and interactive elements. Our list includes a playground of monkeys, a mediation mouse, and even a digital pet you might remember from the ‘90s. Here are the best interactive toy dogs, cats, birds, and more for kids of all ages. And if Sunny turns red from anger or blue from sadness, kids can lift her spirits by patting her head, offering food, or speaking to her in a sweet tone. She may even chat back with one of her 30 programmed sounds. Users love this “super cute” toy, but say it can be loud and easily activated by surrounding noise. To limit the unwanted music breaks, make sure to turn off party mode when not in use. Some customers also note that the toy’s color tends to fade easily from repeated use, but that doesn’t deter from the fun. Price at time of publish: $16 If your child just needs some soothing tunes to keep calm, turn on the sounds only mode to hear 20 minutes of sounds or music. Kids can also press the Mouse’s belly to make it glow, providing a little extra comfort. Though many customers deem Meditation Mouse a life-saver, some say it lacks certain functions, like volume control or music timer, that would make it a perfect toy pet. Price at time of publish: $33 The sounds, however, can be difficult to turn off. According to the toy’s instructions, a few pats on the head should do the job. Nevertheless, some customers said they didn’t have the magic touch and, instead, had to take out the batteries to quiet the koala. Price at time of publish: $40 Pickles does more than eat: The toy pig responds to sounds and movement. With over 30 sounds, Pickles has a plethora of responses that includes giggling, burping, and even talking back. Price at time of publish: $18 Puppy also has three different learning levels that can be adjusted for your child’s age. In the first level, suited for ages 6 months, Puppy sings songs and says phrases that introduce colors and numbers. The second, for 12 months and older, uses playful prompts to help children search for shapes and colors, count from one to 10, and howl the alphabet. The third level encourages imagination for children 18 months and older through silly sounds and phrases that get toddlers moving and acting like their furry friend. Keep in mind, kids are meant to play with this toy—not cuddle with it. Although the dog’s ears and tails are soft to the touch, its body is made of durable plastic. If you’re looking for something more snuggly, this is not the toy for you. Price at time of publish: $30 For families that like a quiet home, Kamie is the ideal toy, as she only makes noise when being fed, walked, or petted. Just leave her be, and she shuts off. Former customers rave about the hours of fun Kami provides kids. Just make sure to buy AAA batteries with the toy, as they are not included. Price at time of publish: $28 Tamagotchi pets haven’t gotten easier to take care of since the ‘90s, so make sure the person you’re buying for has the time to tend to them. Also, make sure they don’t mind noise: these creatures can be loud and there is no volume control. Price at time of publish: $20 Unlike the original version, the Digimon X allows you to battle AI opponents of varying strengths. Another upgrade: you can raise two monsters at once. The Digimon X is also backward compatible, so kids can connect to the classic versions for some epic battles. Customers enjoy the toy, but say the Digimon X monsters require a bit more attention than their predecessors. This might be entertaining for some kids but frustrating for others, so make sure to discuss responsibilities with your child before purchasing. Price at time of publish: $25 Though it’s not a plush pet, the furry exterior is as soft as a real rabbit. That said, you still shouldn’t snuggle with it at night as you can feel the plastic frame underneath. Price at time of publish: $50 Customers rave about the soother’s soft exterior and ability to lull kids to sleep. A few, however, note that the lid to the battery chamber can be a little loose. Because of this, it may be best to place it on a dresser or shelf rather than in bed with a child. Price at time of publish: $50 Fisca’s robotic dog uses a rechargeable battery, which is great for your wallet and the planet. The downside of this, however, is that the battery must be removed and charged after 60 minutes of play. Price at time of publish: $67 All of these features do come at a cost, with Cubby being one of the more expensive toy pets on the market. You will also need to purchase the batteries separately. Price at time of publish: $104 These fun features come with a high price tag, but hundreds of rave reviews argue that the HatchiBabies are worth it. But the Wrapple is more than an accessory: You have to care for it by petting its head, tickling its side, and rocking it to sleep. If not, its eyes go from green to red. You can also talk to your Wrapple, who will happily talk back, or meet up with another Wrapple to hear the due chat and sing. Despite a high-pitched voice, customers agree it’s not that noisy or annoying to hear. Several did note that the battery has a short life, so make sure to stock up when purchasing your Wrapple. Price at time of publish: $25
Material
Material is less about the longevity of the toy and more about the comfort aspect. If you are purchasing for a younger child, for example, Schacht suggests looking for a toy pet that is “soft and tactile, as often these best friends are also bedtime companions.” For older children who may be more interested in the technical element, a robot-like toy may be more appropriate.
Interactive Elements
Toy pets often fall into one of two categories: virtual and physical. The former, according to Schacht, are typically small and require constant care. The latter can also require care, though it’s minimal. These types of toy pets are more focused on entertainment, as Schacht explains these can respond to your voice, be trained to do tricks, or light up their whole body so you know how they are feeling. It’s important to determine what your child wants out of their toy pet before purchasing.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this article, Leah Rocketto, a writer who has spent years covering parenting content with a focus on kids’ toys, performed hours of research on products and consulted Laurie Schacht, the President and Chief Toy Officer of Adventure Media. Schacht has spent more than 20 years evaluating and selecting the top toys on the market. Although many refer to the pet as a Tamagotchi, the name actually refers to the shape of the device, as Tamagotchi translates into “small egg.”
