I saw some interesting discussion on Twitter the other day about the Yoto Players (particularly the Yoto Mini) as a cute child-led audio player for curated music lists / audiobooks / podcasts / ad free kids radio stations. Seems like great timing as they've just launched an Australian store with a welcome sale through August 31.
Yoto Mini (2024 Edition)
$99.99 (was $119.99)
Yoto Player (3rd Generation)
$149.99 (was $169.99)
These are (mostly) screen free audio players where kids insert NFC cards to play whatever is on them, with a pixel representation of the current track, big tactile volume / select track knobs, and support for playing bluetooth audio or outputting to either bluetooth or cabled headphones.
Their cards (albums / playlists / audiobooks) are mostly about $15 - $20 each (or ~$50-60 for bundles of six or so), but the smart play seems to be getting a few make your own cards and curating your own. You get one make your own card with the player, and can pick up the Starter Pack which comes down to $10 in cart with a player purchase to get another along with a few starter cards.
Shipping is free for orders over $55.
Recently listened to Charlotte's web and was surprised at how much the my 6yo can retain, even when they don't look like they are listening 100%.
I thought about these players but end up just using disconnected device with audiobookshelf