If you’re looking for a toy vacuum for your mini-me, you’ll need it to look like the real thing and have some fun effects too. If it looks nothing like yours and doesn’t excite your little one, they will not be drawn to it. They will keep trying to use your big vacuum, which puts your child at risk of serious harm (1).
So we’ve examined all of the “cleaning” toys we could find to save you time and help you discover the safest and best toy vacuum for your kids. These vacuums look like the real deal, although some are designed to be a little more appealing to the younger age. Our top picks include features such as learning games, sound effects, and real (child-friendly) suction!
Whether you want your little one to develop their cleaning skills or avoid your dangerous larger appliances, these quality toy vacuums for kids are the perfect solution.
- Six built-in learning games
- Three fun cleaning songs
- Teaches numbers, colors, and pretend play
- Includes real suction
- Replica design with iconic colors
- True-to-life-sound
- 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
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 that 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 (2). One of the main differences will be the height of the vacuum. Toy vacuums geared toward older children often 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. If you want to avoid suction and sounds, look for a simple wooden design.
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 you want to spend can help narrow the list of options. The toy vacuums on our list range from $14 to $45, with the average being around $25.
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?
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite toy vacuums on the market.
LeapFrog Pick Up and Count Vacuum
Most Budget-Friendly
This toy vacuum will teach your child about colors and numbers and let you save a few bucks at its good price point. It picks up the ten colorful dust pieces, counting as it goes, to provide hours of educational and imaginative fun for your child. With over six built-in learning games and three cleaning songs, your child will surely learn to love cleaning.
Great for children ages 2 and up, this cleaning set has two easy-to-roll wheels and moves easily from space to space. Now, who says cleaning is boring?
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, making a satisfying noise your little one will love. However, as much as we love this fun toy, it would be cruel for us to avoid mentioning that the popping sound can wear on a tired mom’s ears after a while.
Suitable for children ages 24 months and older, this is also a perennial favorite for older children. No batteries are needed.
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. They both 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.
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. The waste is sucked into a drawer your child can easily empty.
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 3 to 8 years old. If you have a Henry vacuum, now you and your child can be matching!
Dyson Little Helper Vacuum Cleaner
Lightest Functional Vacuum Toy
This fully functional Dyson toy 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, we highly recommend this option.
This lightweight stick model has 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.
Casdon Dyson Ball 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.
The vacuum toy sports twist-and-turn ball 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.
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!
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.
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” (popcorn, coins, and cereal) to clean up.
Roll the vacuum cleaner over the top of these pieces, and they’ll disappear from view (into the base). Simply remove the base tray to retrieve your debris and vacuum again.
This wooden vacuum is a great alternative to plastic toys and electronic noise. As there are no electronic parts, it’s easy to clean the toy, and it should outlast your little one’s childhood years. It tilts and has a dial that turns and clicks. This brightly colored, attractive toy is suitable for children ages 3 and older.
Black and Decker Toy Dustbuster
Best Handheld Vacuum
With this Black and Decker look-alike handheld vacuum, your little one can get into tight corners and underneath furniture.
This toy model looks just like 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.
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.
You’ll love that your little ones can use it to clean up after themselves. And the 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.
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. It’s suitable for children 3 years of age and older. This toy runs on the included three AA batteries.
Miele Toy Canister Vacuum
Best Toy Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Upright vacuums may be in style, but canister vacuums are a classic choice. This Miele replica is a great choice if you’re looking for a toy vacuum that looks like the canister vacuum you own.
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.
FAQs
What is a Toy Vacuum?
A toy vacuum is a child-sized, often colorful replica of a real vacuum cleaner. It’s designed for pretend play and sometimes has realistic features like sounds or actual suction. Toy vacuums let kids mimic adults and engage in imaginative household play.
What is the Best Toy Vacuum on the Market Right Now?
The best toy vacuum on the market might vary based on current trends and releases. Brands like Dyson and Fisher-Price often have popular models that are well-received for their realistic features and durability.
Why Do Toddlers Like Vacuums?
Toddlers like vacuums because they’re often fascinated by household objects and enjoy imitating adult chores. The sounds, movement, and the ability to “clean” like grown-ups can be very appealing and satisfying in their play.
What Age is a Toy Vacuum For?
Toy vacuums are typically suitable for toddlers starting around age two or three when they show interest in pretend play and can handle the toy size and functions. Ensure the toy vacuum is sturdy and does not have small parts that could cause choking hazards.
Does the Kids’ Dyson Hoover Work?
The kids’ Dyson Hoover is a popular toy vacuum that has a simulated cyclone action and real suction, albeit much less powerful than a real vacuum. It’s designed to pick up small pieces of paper or poly beads, providing a realistic experience for the child.
