If you have a little one at home, you know how much they love to repeat the actions they see you do. They’ll set their spot at the table, put on their own shoes, and brush their own hair. Even young toddlers want to be involved — the great news is this is an important part of a child’s development.
Looking to include your child in daily activities while encouraging responsibility and modeling chores? A toy vacuum can do just that.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best toy vacuums out there, and we’ll look at some of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping.
- Six built-in learning games
- Three fun cleaning songs
- Teaches numbers, colors, and pretend play
- Brightly colored balls
- Easy-to-grasp
- Helps steady new walkers
- 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner
- Removable hand vacuum
- Lightweight & brightly-colored
- Great accessory fitting
- Child-friendly
- Easy to use
- Realistic role play
- Replica design with iconic colors
- True-to-life-sound
- Brilliant toy replica
- Removable debris drawer
- Simulated cyclone action
- Perfect for small hands
- Non-toxic BPA-free material
- Durable
- Adjustable design
- Fun and educational
- Realistic vacuum sounds
- Wooden kid-sized vacuum cleaner
- Easy to assemble
- No batteries required
- Looks realistic
- Battery included
- Affordable
How to Choose a Toy Vacuum Cleaner
You may have a lot of questions when picking out a toy vacuum for your child. We’ll answer the main ones here.
Do You Need a Functioning Vacuum?
Many toy vacuums are strictly toys, and may or may not make noise. Then there are some “toy” vacuums that actually work, so determine what you want in a toy vacuum before you start shopping.
How Old is Your Child?
A toy vacuum for a young toddler will be quite different from a toy vacuum geared for an elementary-aged child (1). One of the main differences will be in the height of the vacuum. You might also find toy vacuums geared toward older children have more features they’ll love.
Corded, Battery-operated, or Entirely Manual?
You’ll run into the whole spectrum here when it comes to toy vacuums. Toy cordless vacuums and rechargeable, fully functional toy vacuums also exist. Non-functioning toy vacuums may run on batteries for sound and lighting effects. Always remember to keep batteries away from little ones. If your child’s vacuum comes with a cord, always supervise your child when they are playing with it.
What’s Your Budget?
You’ll find something at every price point. From brand name models you’d use yourself to well-respected toy brands and economy versions, toy vacuums are quite popular. Determining how much money you want to spend can help narrow the list of options.
Other Considerations
What kind of space do you have for storing your new toy vacuum? How many children do you have and how long do you expect this toy to be used?
The Best Kids Vacuum Cleaner Toys of 2022
Here are our favorite toy vacuums on the market.
1. LeapFrog Pick Up and Count Vacuum
Most Budget-Friendly
This toy vacuum will not only teach your child about colors and numbers but also will let you save a few bucks at its good price point. Ten colorful dust pieces are included to provide hours of imaginative fun for your child. With over six built-in educational games and three cleaning songs, your child will surely learn to love cleaning.
Great for children ages 2 years old and up, this cleaning set has two easy-to-roll wheels and moves easily from space to space. Now, who says cleaning is boring?
2. Fisher-Price Corn Popper
Best Classic Vacuum Toy
This classic toy is easy for young toddlers to maneuver. Brightly colored, lightweight, and with a low center of balance, this baby vacuum allows your child frustration-free pretend play.
Wide-set wheels let this unit run easily over both carpet and smooth floor. The balls in the unit pop when in use, and make a satisfying noise your little one will love.
Suitable for children ages 24 months and older, this is also a perennial favorite for older children as well. No batteries are needed.
3. PlayGo 2-in-1 Toy Vacuum
Great Two-In-One Vacuum
This lightweight and brightly-colored vacuum sports two pieces. A handheld vacuum and an upright vacuum have lights, whirling beads, and sound effects.
This toy vacuum is suitable for children 2 years of age and older and runs on three C batteries. It’s not a functioning vacuum cleaner, but it’s a great addition to your creative play area.
4. Casdon Little Henry Toy Vacuum
Best for Learning
The Little Henry Vacuum can teach kids how to really vacuum! If they’re trailing around after you, wondering how it’s done — this is a super choice.
The vacuum really works! It picks up small bits of paper waste or Poly Beads. It’s sucked into a drawer which can be easily emptied.
Similar to the original Henry vacuum, this one has cord reels for storage, and you can fit all the accessories inside. It’s suitable for kids from three to eight years old. If you have a Henry vacuum, now you and your child can be matching!
5. Dyson Little Helper Vacuum Cleaner
Lightest Functional Vacuum Toy
This fully functional Dyson shares the same design and colors as the full-size vacuum in your home. If you’re looking for a toy vacuum that really works, this is worth a second glance.
This is a lightweight stick model with working suction and cyclonic action — just like the real thing. It weighs in at about 2 pounds and runs on three AA batteries.
Different vacuum attachments provide variety and encourage problem-solving skills. Sound effects add to the realism. Suitable for children aged 3 years and up.
6. Casdon Dyson Toy Vacuum
Most Realistic Toy Vacuum
This Dyson toy vacuum is a great way to get your little helper involved in regular household chores. Working suction even allows your child to help keep the home a little tidier.
This vacuum toy sports twist-and-turn action — just like the real deal. Sounds and moving colored balls make playtime more engaging. A removable debris drawer makes clean up after play easy.
At 25 inches tall, this vacuum is suitable for children from 3 years. Four C-type batteries are required.
7. Kids Vacuum Cleaner Toy Set
Best Toy Vacuum for Older Toddlers
This two-in-one vacuum set is the perfect size for older toddlers. An easy-to-grasp handle and sturdy structure allow confident walkers to maneuver with ease.
Realistic swirling star beads move in the body of the vacuum when running. This toy also produces vacuuming sounds when in use. While not a functional vacuum, it’s great for pretend play.
Both a handheld vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush and a sprayer are included in this set. For ages 3 years and up. It’s time to build good cleaning habits in the early formative years!
8. Fisher-Price Light-up Vacuum Toy
Cutest Toy Vacuum Cleaner
This cute vacuum cleaner sports a cute character face. Press the canister buttons to add sound effects and lights when in use. Your kids will surely love learning songs, phrases, colors, and numbers while cleaning.
This toy is recommended for children as little as 1-year-old. Your little one can tilt this vacuum up and down for maximum comfort and interactive play. This toy runs on three AAA batteries which are included with the product.
9. Melissa and Doug Wooden Vacuum Toy
Best Wooden Vacuum Cleaner
This all-wooden set consists of 10 pieces and includes the vacuum and shaped “pieces of debris” to clean up. Wooden pieces of popcorn, coins, and cereal are all included.
Roll the vacuum cleaner over the top of these pieces and they disappear from view (into the base). Simply remove the base tray to retrieve your debris and vacuum again.
A great alternative to plastic and electronic noise, this wooden vacuum tilts and has a dial that turns and clicks. Brightly colored, this is an attractive toy that’s suitable for children ages 3 and older.
10. Black + Decker Toy Dustbuster
Best Handheld Vacuum
Now, your little one can get into tight corners and underneath furniture with the Black + Decker Dustbuster handheld vacuum.
It’s very realistic to the real thing! When you press the button, the Dustbuster makes authentic vacuum noises. The little beads inside whirl around, replicating dust and debris.
This toy vacuum was designed to create hours of fun, while teaching kids about household chores. Parents love that their little ones can now “clean” alongside them which makes domestic chores all the more enjoyable.
11. PlayGo Household Vacuum Cleaner Toy
Working Toy Vacuum for Toddlers
This vacuum cleaner actually vacuums. It comes with a removable vacuum cleaner bag that makes the experience even more real.
As a bonus, you’ll like the light-duty cleaning this toy vacuum can do. Realistic sound effects and fun lights will have your child loving their vacuum playtime. This product runs on three AA batteries and is suitable for children aged 24 months and up.
12. Disney Minnie Happy Helpers Toy Vacuum
Character Vacuum for Disney Fans
This Disney vacuum cleaner incorporates Minnie Mouse into clean-up fun. The oversized molded bow twinkles when in use, for added vacuuming delight. It also makes realistic vacuuming sounds.
The transparent vacuum center has pearlized beads that spin and swirl when the vacuum is in use. It’s suitable for children 3 years of age and older. This toy runs on the included three AA batteries.
13. Miele Toy Canister Vacuum
Best Toy Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Upright vacuums may be in style right now, but canister vacuums are a classic choice. If you’re looking for a toy vacuum that looks like the canister vacuum you own, this Miele replica is a great choice.
Fun and realistic, this toy offers a sleek European design and has lights and sounds. It runs on four C batteries and is suitable for children 3 years of age and older.
