
Top 10 Bilingual Toys for Kids That Will Teach Your Child Spanish
As a child, there’s no joy quite like opening up a new toy on your birthday or Christmas morning. Now, as a parent, finding the perfect toy for your child can be a bit stressful, especially with all the options on the market. You want to find something that will give your child hours of fun—and doesn’t break the bank. It’s also a huge plus if this toy is educational.
Why not get your child a couple of fun bilingual toys that teach Spanish? Here are the top ten choices of bilingual toys for 2020.
1. Toy Cash Register
Ages: 3 and up
If your child loves watching you buy things or count money, this talking cash register is sure to be a hit. Not only is it a fully operational toy, but it talks in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. It comes with a working microphone to manage imaginary store clean-ups and a credit card for quick payments. There are 69 total pieces, including life-size bills and coins.
The only downside is that this does require batteries (which are not included), and it has a lot of working pieces that could break. However, this toy provides a fantastic educational opportunity, not only for Spanish but also for counting and finances.
2. LeapFrog Learning Center
Ages: 6 months to 7 years
Do you want to expose your child to Spanish at a young age? Try this bilingual toy that transitions with the child through their first several years. Several different aspects of the learning center are designed for different ages. For example, the phonics section is for children from 2 to 5, and the musical table and learning lights remote are for babies from 6 to 36 months old.
The center includes a removable table top for babies who aren’t yet standing. This table includes a phone, laptop, globe, mini piano, and more. The sounds are in English and Spanish, so your child’s first words could be in Spanish!
3. Spanish Bingo
Ages: 3 to 5
This game is a great option for preschoolers just starting to learn the Spanish language. The boards have both images and Spanish words on them to help your little learner recognize and read the Spanish vocabulary. The game comes with multiple boards and matching tiles to put on each image. The words cover a vast vocabulary that includes animals, nature, clothing, market, vehicles, and colors.
This game is specifically for younger kids as the boards are small and the words are written on them for easy recall. While some older kids may enjoy a few rounds of this game, it has a clear age range.
4. Dance and Groove Rockit
Ages: 6 to 36 months
This bilingual toy is great for young babies just beginning to learn about the world around them. Rockit is a fun, interactive blue character that carries a small friend called Glow. They talk to each other and sway along to the music, encouraging your baby to join in. There are fun lights, shapes, and letters that will teach your child English and Spanish vocabulary.
While this toy has many features, it is only designed for younger kids, which would be a drawback if you want a bilingual toy that will last for years. However, as a baby bilingual toy, it certainly does the job!
5. Spanish Scrabble
Ages: 8 and up
How can you go wrong with a classic? Spanish Scrabble is the perfect way to practice Spanish vocabulary with older kids. Whether you are homeschooling your children and looking for an educational game or want to see them practice outside of school, Scrabble is a great option for bilingual fun with the whole family.
Spanish Scrabble is just like the English version, but the special tiles on the board are written in Spanish, and the ñ is included in the pieces. It may be difficult to think of Spanish words at first, but this is a great way to encourage critical thinking in Spanish.
6. Preschool Laptop
Ages: 3 to 6
If you have a spunky toddler who is obsessed with your laptop, this play laptop is a great option for them. It has a small, pixelated screen that is quite different from the tablet screen so you don’t have to worry about excessive screen time. There are 30 activities to enjoy, including letters, sounds, numbers, foods, and beginning Spanish vocabulary.
With so many learning opportunities, your child can sit down with you as you work and learn vocabulary in English and Spanish. Just make sure you have new batteries because the product comes with demo batteries.
7. Baby Alive
Ages: 3 and up
If your child is a budding doctor or is nurturing, this realistic baby doll is a great option. Baby Alive comes with a stethoscope, juice box, thermometer, bandages, and brush, and she relies on your child to nurse her back to health. She expresses what she needs in both English and Spanish, and her nose even turns red when she’s sick.
Your child can learn how to care for a new baby and do basic doctor procedures. If you have a new baby on the way, this is a great way to teach your child how to care for a baby brother or sister while practicing their Spanish.
8. Sound Puzzle
Ages: 3 and up
Some of the first Spanish words that a child learns are the letters and numbers. The brand Melissa & Doug has created two different puzzles to help your little learner practice their Spanish letters and numbers in a fun way. The puzzles are sold separately, but they are both great options for early learners. The puzzle pieces are colorful and easy to grab, and the puzzle says the words in Spanish once you put the piece in its place.
This bilingual toy may seem simple, but it is the perfect way to practice fine motor skills, matching skills, numbers, and Spanish vocabulary. Also, while the age recommendation says 3 and up, if your toddler doesn’t put everything in their mouth, you can use this toy with even younger children.
9. Bilingual Salad Playset
Ages: 3 and up
For some fun, educational imaginary play, consider this food playset. It includes two bowls, two dressings, a fork, a spoon, and multiple salad ingredients. Each piece is made out of wood and painted with non-toxic materials. Both the English and Spanish words are written on each object for great bilingual play.
If your child can already read, encourage them to practice the Spanish words. However, if they are still learning, play with your child and read them the words so they can hear and repeat the Spanish vocabulary.
10. LeapFrog 100 Words Book
Ages: 18 months and up
The last item on our list of bilingual toys brings to life a Spanish-English book. It is available in multiple designs and vocabulary, and the words are written and spoken in both languages. The vocabulary includes everything from pets to opposites to activities. This is a wonderful option if you don’t speak Spanish because you don’t need to read the correct pronunciation to your child.
The one downside is that the batteries included are only for a demo, so you will need to have extra batteries available.
A Final Option
If you are looking for the perfect bilingual toys for your child, another option is online Spanish classes with a live teacher. Homeschool Spanish Academy offers fun, engaging classes for kids ages 4 and up. Your child is sure to love them and to start speaking Spanish after one session. Try a free trial class today and see how much your kids can benefit from live Spanish classes!
What other bilingual toys should we add to this list? Leave a comment and let me know!
Looking for more Spanish learning resources for children? Check these out!
- Ir + a + Infinitive: The Near Future Tense in Spanish - February 26, 2021
- Latin American Food: 15 Must-Try National Dishes of Latin America - January 2, 2021
- The Ultimate Guide to Subjunctive Conjugation in Spanish - December 27, 2020