Music does wonders for a child’s brain development, especially when it comes to speech and reading. The problem is that tablets and smartphones—where music often resides—can do the opposite. That’s why Ben Drury created the Yoto Player, a screenless, portable smart speaker that costs $100. Aimed at children ages 3 and up, the player uses kid-friendly audio cards, inserted into a slot, to play music and books. (It also connects to wi-fi, so parents can download extra content via the Yoto app.) Penguin Random House, HarperCollins and other major publishers have all come aboard, believing in Yoto’s mission and broadening its content library. “When we show it to people with young kids, they instantly get it,” says Drury. —J.R. Sullivan
Buy now: Yoto Player