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15 Best Alphabet Learning Toys: 2024 Picks

Updated
Our favorite toys that encourage kids to learn the alphabet.

Kids learn best when education meets fun. But can letter recognition really be exciting for kids?

We’ve spent the past week searching for the best alphabet learning toys. We discovered many great options that are so entertaining your kids won’t even realize they’re learning while they play.

Our list includes the top mom-approved toys, games, and other letter-learning products that are unique, long-lasting, and exciting for kids. And if that’s not enough, they’re incredibly educational and will take your child that much closer to early reading skills.

Read our reviews to find the best alphabet toys for your little learner.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the School Zone Workbook
Best Alphabet Learning Book
School Zone Workbook
  • 320 pages
  • Durable glossy cover
  • Innovative learning tools
Product Image of the Educational Bathtub Toys
Best Alphabet Bath Toy
Educational Bathtub Toys
  • 100% non-toxic
  • Easy to attach
  • Lightweight
Product Image of the Toddler Wall Posters
Whimsical Charts
Toddler Wall Posters
  • Double sided design
  • Fun and educational
  • 120-pound poster paper
Product Image of the Fridge Magnetic Letters
Best Fridge Magnets
Fridge Magnetic Letters
  • 26 interactive letter tiles
  • Comes with a tile reader
  • Batteries included
Product Image of the Spin & Sing Alphabet Zoo
Musical Learning
Spin & Sing Alphabet Zoo
  • Three ways to play
  • Playful musical responses
  • Animated light-up LED colors
Product Image of the LeapFrog AlphaPup Toy
Best for Movement
LeapFrog AlphaPup Toy
  • Used as pull-along toy
  • Variety of playful songs
  • Interactive and educational
Product Image of the Peaceable Kingdom Bingo
Most Interactive
Peaceable Kingdom Bingo
  • Improves concentration skill
  • Fun learning activity
  • Budget-friendly
Product Image of the Teytoy Alphabet Cards
Early Learning for Babies
Teytoy Alphabet Cards
  • Bright colors
  • Handcrafted from soft polyester
  • Non-toxic and safe
Product Image of the Hide & Seek Pop-Up
Most Portable
Hide & Seek Pop-Up
  • 50 pop-up buttons
  • Built to last
  • Also teaches colors and shapes
Product Image of the Learning Resources Alpha Pops
Uppercase and Lowercase Learning
Learning Resources Alpha Pops
  • Great learning resource
  • Made for small hands
  • Promotes school readiness


The Best Alphabet Learning Toys of 2024

Here are 21 great ABC toys for kids.

School Zone Preschool ABC Workbook

Best Alphabet Learning Book

Are you looking for an all-around learning option to support your preschooler’s progress at school? This amazing book incorporates over 300 colorful exercises that’ll make learning exciting. Adventures will unfold as they progress, with plenty to choose from.

The lessons focus on the basics of learning letters, numbers, shapes, colors, phonics, math, and more. It features progressive activities that challenge your preschooler as they learn.

User Experience

From the moment I began using this book for homeschooling my toddler, I noticed its vibrant colors and engaging activities grabbed his attention. It's super easy to find specific topics to teach, making it perfect for introducing new concepts to young learners. My child eagerly completes tasks, as this book truly makes learning fun. Even friends and family have noticed their little ones enjoying this educational resource.

Educational Floating Alphabet Bathtub Toys

Best Alphabet Learning Bath Toy

Bathtime can be a fun learning experience with these eco-friendly foam floating toys. They are large, light, and comfortable to use. Your child will easily learn their letters alongside 26 different animals.

Preschoolers get a chance to develop their hand-eye coordination as they insert the letters into the self-correcting animal puzzles. They can also take them to their swimming session and have fun with friends.

Personal Perspective

Excellent bath time toy for kids of all ages, these colorful, non-toxic foam letters and animal shapes have been a hit in my household. My youngest enjoys the animal noises and colors, while my five-year-old has improved his letter recognition by matching letters with corresponding animals. My eldest likes to use the letters to create words, making this product a fun and interactive learning tool for everyone. Although some of the animal choices can be a bit odd, it doesn't take away from the overall experience. These foam pieces have teeth marks from my little one, but they have held up well and continue to provide endless fun and learning during bath time.

Toddler Learning Wall Posters

Whimsical Charts

With this set, you get phonics basics, a weather charts, shapes, colors, and more. These make an incredible learning experience for toddlers and older kids, whether in a homeschool setting, day care, or otherwise.

They’re double-sided to include further information, making it a great bargain. Help prepare your little one for phonics with the uppercase and lowercase alphabet chart with corresponding images.

See which ones your kid can identify and take it from there. The learning here is endless!

Community Feedback

Great learning tool, but with a few drawbacks. These educational posters were a bit flimsy and ripped easily, and the adhesive that came with them was so strong that it removed paint from my wall. However, they were versatile enough to be used as a giant booklet for homeschooling and for playing interactive games, making them a valuable addition to our learning environment.

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letters

Best Fridge Magnets

With 26 interactive magnetic tiles, your little one will probably spend a lot of time glued to the fridge.

This magnetic set comes with a bus, and when your little one presses a letter on the bus window, they get to learn its name and sound. If pressed twice, Tad, the bus driver, uses the letter in a word or a sentence.

Exploring the world of letters will be tons of fun as they play and sing along to the alphabet song. Designed for ages 2 and up, the tiles are crafted for tiny hands and will help develop motor and coordination skills. Choose from a yellow school bus with Tad as the bus driver or a pink bus with Violet.

First-Hand Impression

My toddler absolutely loves playing with these interactive magnetic tiles on our fridge. The included bus not only teaches them the names and sounds of each letter, but also helps with motor skills and coordination. Plus, the alphabet song keeps them entertained while learning and exploring the world of letters.

LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo

Best Musical Learning Toy

This is a good toy that’ll introduce your child to all the letters from A to Z. It also teaches animal names and sounds. It’s a spinning ball full of options for learning, depending on where it stops.

It features three modes, including letters, music, and animals, all of which are explored by spinning the wheel. You could easily turn this unique toy into a fun learning game!

User Experience

When I first gave this toy to my baby, I was unsure if they would be interested, but it turned out to be a hit! This globe is not only entertaining and fun, but also educational. However, the music could be louder to enhance the learning experience, and it would be nice if there were more interactive features. The fact that it comes with batteries is a bonus, and the overall quality of the product is great.

LeapFrog AlphaPup Toy

Best Toy for Movement

This sweet pull-along pup is designed to introduce your child to the world of letters and familiarize them with words while they practice their new walking skills. If your child loves animals, this might become their new prized possession.

It features interactive letter buttons, floppy ears, and a wagging tail that makes it fun to play with. Choose from a green or purple version. It’s designed for kids from 1 year of age and is great for introducing phonics while working on motor skills. Just ensure children do not play with this near the stairs.

Personal Perspective

I'm thrilled with this sweet pull-along pup that has been a fantastic way to introduce my child to letters and words while also helping them practice their walking skills. As a huge animal lover, my child quickly became attached to this adorable toy, which features interactive letter buttons, floppy ears, and a wagging tail. We chose the green version, and it has been perfect for our little one who is just over a year old. This pup not only teaches phonics but also aids in developing their motor skills. However, I always make sure to supervise playtime to prevent any mishaps near the stairs.

Peaceable Kingdom Alphabet Bingo

Most Interactive Alphabet Learning Toy

This interactive alphabet learning toy might make a perfect gift for a socially active kid who loves playing with others. It’s geared toward children ages 4 and up and intended for two to six players. This bingo game is not only interactive but a great tool for learning.

It features uppercase letters and various objects that children will learn to recognize. With six boards, 26 letters, and 72 chips, you can imagine how much fun they’ll have. This is an excellent game for younger kids on family game night!

Community Feedback

In my experience, this game has been a fantastic tool for teaching the alphabet to young children, including my own granddaughter. The combination of letters and corresponding items makes it enjoyable and accessible for kids of different ages and learning stages. Not only does it serve as an educational aid, but it's also a fun family game that can be enjoyed by everyone. This engaging and easy-to-follow game has even become a favorite among older children and speech therapists alike, making it a valuable addition to any home or daycare.

Teytoy Soft Alphabet Cards

Early Learning for Babies

Designed with soft but durable cloth, these letters are suitable for the youngest among us. They’re a good way to stimulate your little one’s communication, sensory, and imaginative skills.

You’ll get a chance to bond with your child as you play together. The cards are filled with material to make them soft, with letters on the front and cute animals on the back.

You also get a cute storage bag for the letters, and they’re machine washable if they get dirty.

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, these colorful fabric cards have been a visually stimulating and educational toy for my child. They are easy to maintain, as they can be hand-washed and dry quickly. While the cards feature a variety of animals, some of them are quite obscure, which can be confusing for a young child. The carrying case with plastic clips presents a choking hazard, so I would recommend replacing them with a safer alternative, such as Velcro.

Hide & Seek Pop-Up Letters

Most Portable Alphabet Learning Toy

If you want to enhance your preschooler’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills, this toy can do the job. With 50 pop-up buttons and colorful flaps, surprises and giggles will abound. It incorporates letters, numbers, and shapes for a rounded learning experience.

It’s a great memory game, as kids have to guess what’s under the flaps. It comes in a sturdy design so that it can be passed down. It’s also portable, so taking it to grandma’s over the weekend or on the next road trip is no problem.

User Experience

My experience with this well-made and durable toy has been quite positive. My young child enjoyed pressing the buttons to reveal letters, numbers, and shapes, making it a great educational tool. While the toy is very basic and doesn't require batteries, it's perfect for those who prefer not to have an overload of loud, battery-operated toys. This toy is ideal for teaching ABCs, counting, and improving fine motor skills in children as young as one or one and a half years old. However, it may not hold their attention for long periods like other toys, but it serves as a great supplement for daily lessons.

Learning Resources Alpha Pops

Uppercase and Lowercase Learning

Is it OK for kids to play with food? Definitely — if they’re learning their ABCs with this alphabet of popsicles!

Designed for kids over 2 years, you’ll get 26 double-sided pops. Teach your little ones to match the uppercase and lowercase letters, and introduce them to color and letter identification. As they get older, you can use these for spelling simple 2-letter words.

They’ll also enhance their fine motor skills as they separate the popsicles, match the cases, and stick them back together.

Personal Perspective

After purchasing these alphabet popsicles, I found them to be a valuable learning tool for my toddler, helping them interact and learn letters and color matching. The toy is durable and the material is suitable for little hands, but the fact that there are only 13 sets with different letters on each side is a downside. Although my child was more focused on matching colors, I believe they still serve their purpose in teaching the alphabet. In the future, I may consider buying another set to have the whole alphabet for more educational opportunities.

LeapFrog Scribble and Write Tablet

Best Toy for Writing Letters

Learning to write has never been easier. Your child will get to practice writing uppercase and lowercase letters and learn their numbers too.

It’s engaging and interactive and reinforces learning with fun activities. It’s carefully designed for both left-handed and right-handed children. It comes with an easy-to-grip stylus that encourages proper finger placement, and it’s also portable. We often kept this toy in our vehicle for our little ones to use during long drives.

The tablet has two levels. Level one encourages scribbling, while level two aims for accuracy. This toy was designed for ages 3 years and above.

Community Feedback

My experience with this writing tablet has been mostly positive, as it has successfully kept my young child entertained and engaged in learning. The speaking voice on the toy is incredibly clear, making it easy for my child to understand and follow along. One of the best aspects of the toy is its simplicity, ensuring that children can use it without having to navigate through complex options. However, I did notice that the red light used for tracing can be a bit faint, making it difficult to see at times. Additionally, the eraser slider tends to get jammed on one side, making me question the toy's durability.

Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Letter Puzzles

Best Alphabet Learning Puzzle

Learning ABCs will be tons of fun with these durable wooden letter pieces. All the parts have a specific match, which means they’ll only fit if matched correctly. This makes it easy for kids to develop a sense of mastery, and they’ll enhance their skills immensely.

The pieces feature both uppercase and lowercase letters with labeled colorful images. This puzzle set, geared toward children ages 4 and up, could make an exceptional gift. Plus, it comes with a wooden storage case.

First-Hand Impression

These alphabet puzzle toys quickly became a favorite for the two-year-old I gifted them to. The quality of the toys is great, and the simple design helps children learn their alphabets more effectively. However, I noticed that some of the puzzle pieces fit together even when they were not the correct letters, and the choice of "inchworm" for the letter "I" seemed a bit odd. On the downside, I had to return the set due to tiny wood splinters coming off the puzzle pieces. Nevertheless, my three-year-old was able to identify all the letters and their corresponding items or words, which made me happy with this product overall.

Just Smarty Talking Wall Chart

Smart Learning

Toddlers and young children will marvel at this creation. Learning letters and numbers might be the easiest thing they do with this chart. It’s an excellent addition to your nursery or even your game room.

It features nine sing-along songs and beautiful pictures to keep them engaged. It’ll offer intuitive learning and help them develop the skills to prepare them for preschool and beyond.

User Experience

My 3-year-old has been struggling with learning her ABC's, but this interactive learning toy has definitely caught her attention. The wall-hanging feature is great, although adding weights at the bottom would help prevent it from curling back up. Both my son and daughter have enjoyed using it, and it's proven to be a valuable tool in teaching them letters and sounds.

Just My Style ABC Beads

Best Alphabet Learning Toy for Big Kids

Designed for children 6 years and above, these beads are the most interactive option for reinforcing letter recognition and basic spelling. With over 1,000 vibrant-colored beads and a variety of fun charms, your child can create beautiful jewelry to wear or share.

Your kids can mix and match to their liking and create their own designs. The kit also comes with easy-to-understand instructions.

If you also have little ones at home, make sure they can not get their hands on the beads, as they can become a choking hazard.
Headshot of Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Editor's Note:

Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased the Just My Style ABC Beads kit and my experience with it has been a mix of delight and frustration. The vibrant colors and variety of beads make for endless creative possibilities, and both my granddaughter and niece loved making their own personalized accessories. However, the packaging leaves much to be desired, as the beads often fall out of their compartments and mix together. Additionally, I found the distribution of letter beads to be quite odd, with an overabundance of some letters and a scarcity of others. Despite these drawbacks, this kit has provided hours of engaging and educational fun for my family, and with a few improvements, it could be truly outstanding.

ProSource Foam Puzzle Floor Mat

Floor Fun

Safety is of high importance for our kids, and this mat makes a safe and comfortable play area. It comes with easy-to-assemble tiles that feature colorful letters and numbers.

Your child can play with the tiles, rearranging them to learn alphabetical ordering, or play with other toys on the mat. The non-slip tiles are lightweight and safe to use on any playing surface.

Community Feedback

These playpen mats are not only adorable, but they provide a safe and cushioned space for my little one as she learns to walk. The large squares fit perfectly in her play area and are super easy to clean. However, I did notice some inconsistencies with the letter tiles, but overall, these mats are a great value for the price.

How to Choose Alphabet Toys

Children are curious little explorers who learn by doing. Getting the right toy is important because they’ll enhance their skills as they play. While choosing alphabet toys, you first need to consider your child’s age.

Toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids will have different needs and use different toys. Toddlers may use soft alphabet cards, preschoolers could enjoy basic games or books, and older kids might use puzzles. There are numerous types of alphabet toys out there.

Choose safe materials because children are bound to put these toys in their mouths. BPA-free plastic, wood, and cloth are some of the good ones. They should not pose a choking hazard, so they need to be large enough to be safe (1).

Durability also counts since toddlers and preschoolers might engage in vigorous play. Check if all learning toys, including cloth toys, are washable and whether wooden toys are breakable.


FAQs

What is the Best Way to Teach a Child the ABCs?

The best way to teach a child the ABCs is through play and daily reading. Alphabet toys, books, songs, and pointing out letters in the environment can make learning interactive and fun.

Should Children Learn the Alphabet In Order?

While learning the alphabet in order can provide a clear structure, it’s also beneficial for children to explore letters randomly, especially those in their name or common words, to make learning more meaningful.

Should Kids Know Their ABCs Before Kindergarten?

Knowing the ABCs before kindergarten is helpful but not mandatory. Early exposure can give children a head start in literacy, but many will formally learn and master the alphabet during their kindergarten year.

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Headshot of Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Reviewed by

Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Hospital of New York for the past 14 years. Jennifer also has extensive experience teaching Maternity and Obstetric Nursing, as well as Pediatrics Nursing.