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Updated December 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table
LeapFrog
Learn and Groove Musical Table
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Bottom Line

Explore learning concepts through sounds, songs, and instruments. Wide recommended age range of 6 months to 3 years.

Pros

Parents who want to introduce their little ones to music early will enjoy the 70+ songs, tunes, and learning responses. Detachable legs help the table grow with your child, going from a flat toy on the ground to the tabletop design. Real sounds of the piano, drum, xylophone, trombone, and guitar. Classics like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" are included in lively versions that won't become annoying too quickly.

Cons

Some users note that it slides easily, so use caution not to lean on it.

Best Bang for the Buck
LeapFrog My Pal Violet
LeapFrog
My Pal Violet
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Bottom Line

Violet is a parent favorite for its cute, snuggly design and fun personalization. Great for kids from 6 months all the way to 3 years.

Pros

Kids will love hearing their name and choosing new songs to learn. Violet connects to your computer through the LeapFrog Connect app to program your child's name, favorite things, songs, and more. With 30+ songs to download, kids won't get bored. The different buttons on her paws control power, songs, activities, and night mode. A great value for the price, especially considering the wide age range she appeals to.

Cons

A few users have had difficulty getting Violet to connect to their computer, but it seems to be an issue on the users' end.

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
LeapFrog
Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
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Bottom Line

Interactive set of letters that uses your fridge or other magnetic surfaces to help kids ages 2 and up learn letter sounds.

Pros

A fun and multi-sensory way to introduce little ones to letters while working on motor skills and coordination. Kids are able to manipulate the letter tiles and connect them to the yellow school bus. When pressed into the school bus kids hear Tad the tadpole say the letter's name and sound. Pressing it again will cause him to say a word that begins with that letter and use it in a sentence. The music note plays one of 3 learning songs.

Cons

Depending on the magnetic strength of the surface you connect it to, the tile and bus may slide down.

LeapFrog Chat & Count Smart Phone
LeapFrog
Chat & Count Smart Phone
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Bottom Line

Sounds, songs, and games with Scout the puppy will entertain kids 18 months and up. Parents love how portable it is to bring on the go.

Pros

Take advantage of your child's obsession with your smartphone by giving them their own version that teaches counting, cause and effect, and conversation skills. Music button plays songs, and all 10 number buttons get Scout to count it out on the screen. Kids can even trade calls and voicemails with Scout, making it a fun pretend game toy. 2 volume settings mean it works in lots of settings.

Cons

The graphics leave room for improvement, but users still love the toy.

LeapFrog Learning Friends Play and Discover School Play Set
LeapFrog
Learning Friends Play and Discover School Play Set
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Bottom Line

A great toy for helping kids ages 2 and up transition to school. Includes opportunities for listening comprehension as well as pretend play.

Pros

A cute school set that encourages imaginative play and manipulation while following school routines. Discover 70+ stories, songs, and phrases by moving the Learning Friends. Lots of active details like a movable snack time table, doors that open and close, and a slide help develop kids' coordination and fine motor skills. Each Learning Friend has its own personality and phrases that come alive in the Circle Time area.

Cons

Parents love this set, although it doesn't explicitly teach the more concrete topics such as letters or numbers.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
168
Consumers
Consulted
28
Hours
Researched
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As leaders in toys designed to further core concepts for young children, LeapFrog offers innovative ways to reach children through the best teacher: play. Founded in 1995 by a father who wanted better technology-based solutions for teaching his kids to read, LeapFrog toys are now known for developmental games that inspire educational experiences. With everything from smart stuffed animals and playsets, you can find something to support your child’s learning. Each toy focuses on “Core Learning Skills” as mentioned on the packages. Varying from as young as 3 months all the way to 6 years old and beyond. Parents have access to resources for helping their kids succeed through LeapFrog’s apps and social media groups.

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