Tonies

Tonies is a German children’s audio entertainment system and brand created by TONIES GmbH. The core ecosystem centers on two elements: the Toniebox, a small, fabric-covered speaker designed for kids, and Tonies, figurines that contain pre-recorded audio. When a Tonie figurine is placed on top of the Toniebox, the corresponding audio plays automatically. Content ranges from stories and fairy tales to songs and lullabies, with additional titles available in various languages.

The Toniebox is designed to be simple and child-friendly, featuring a soft exterior, a few tactile controls, and no display. It connects to a home network to download content and manage settings through the accompanying Tonies app or cloud service, after which the audio can be played offline. The Tonies figurines are durable, character-based audio chips; each figure represents a specific title or collection.

TONIES GmbH markets the system as a way to encourage screen-free listening for children while providing a diverse library of content. Content is generally obtained by purchasing individual Tonies, with additional bundles and new releases offered over time. Licensing agreements with publishers, studios, and music labels enable a range of stories, nursery rhymes, and music across different languages and regions.

Geographically, Tonies began in Germany and has expanded to several European markets and online stores. The platform emphasizes parental control and offline playback, appealing to families seeking a simple, tangible way to access children’s audio without screens. Critics note ongoing costs for new Tonies and limited availability outside certain markets, but the system remains popular for its ease of use and durable design.