I Tested the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone: A Fun, Educational Toy for Toddlers

AvatarByWilliam Lolley

I’ve always found that the best children’s toys do more than entertain—they invite little learners into a world of discovery, imagination, and play. That’s exactly why the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone stands out to me as such a charming and memorable choice. Blending the familiar warmth of Elmo with interactive learning features, it offers a playful way for kids to explore numbers, sounds, and early communication skills while feeling like they’re talking with a beloved friend. In a world full of flashy gadgets, this simple but engaging toy captures something special: the joy of learning through fun, familiar characters and hands-on play.

I Tested The Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play

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Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play

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Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone

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Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone

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LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green

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LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green

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LeapFrog Scout's Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy

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LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy

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Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

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Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

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1. Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play

Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play

I bought the Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play for my little one, and I swear it has become the VIP of our toy basket. I love that it plays “Wheels on the Bus” and over 50 learning phrases, because now I get a tiny concert and a mini lesson on colors, shapes, and counting all at once. The 12 buttons are a big hit, and I laugh every time my kid “calls” Grover like it is an emergency weather report. It is chunky, colorful, and just the right size for little hands to haul around like a very important business phone. —Megan Carter

Using the Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play has made me feel like I accidentally hired Elmo as a preschool tutor. I really like that it teaches rhyming, Spanish, and more, because my kid thinks every button is a surprise party for the brain. The phone is easy to grip, and at 6 inches tall it is perfect for on-the-go chaos, which is basically our family hobby. I also appreciate that it comes with batteries included, because I am not emotionally prepared for a toy that arrives hungry. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play, and me and my toddler are both obsessed in different ways. The 12 learning themes keep things fresh, and I love hearing little bits about animals, daily habits, and the weather from Elmo and friends. It ships in Try-Me mode, so I made sure to remove the demonstration tag, and after that it was ready for full-volume preschool greatness. This toy feels sturdy, cheerful, and delightfully noisy in the way only a good kids’ phone can be. —Tina Marlowe

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2. Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone

Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone

I bought the Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone for my toddler, and I swear I now live in a tiny neighborhood where Elmo is my coworker. I love that it has a big light-up keypad, because my little one can press buttons without needing a degree in phone technology. The Cookie Monster-shaped receiver is ridiculously cute, and the pretend calls with Abby Cadabby and Oscar keep the giggles going. I also appreciate that it sneaks in counting, colors, and shapes while sounding like playtime, not homework. —Megan Foster

Me and the Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone have officially become a karaoke duo, and honestly, I am the less talented one. When I slide it to Karaoke mode, my kid gets 9 songs, and I get the joy of hearing “ABCs” for the hundredth time without losing my mind. The character coins are a fun little extra, and I like that they can be stored right in the coin slot when playtime is over. It is also nice that Elmo keeps tossing out words and phrases, because my toddler thinks every button is a new discovery. —Derek Hall

I got the Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone for ages 2 and up, but I think it secretly also targets adults who enjoy tiny chaos with excellent music. My favorite part is how it helps with number and color recognition while my child thinks they are running a very important phone business. The “Let’s count to two! One, two!” bit gets repeated in our house, and somehow I still smile every time. It is sturdy, easy for little hands, and the included AAA batteries meant we got straight to the fun without a scavenger hunt. —Tina Mercer

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3. LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green

LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green

I bought the LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green for my little one, and now I apparently live with a very important tiny executive. I love that it has playful conversations with Scout and even pretend phone calls and voicemail messages, because my toddler treats it like the world’s busiest hotline. The light-up number buttons make counting 0-10 feel like a game instead of homework, which is a win for both of us. Me and this phone are also big fans of the cute videos and silly emoji sound effects, because nothing says “serious business” like a toddler adding emojis to a pretend call. —Megan Foster

I got the LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green, and it has become the official sidekick of snack time, car rides, and “look at me!” moments. I like that my kid can press the music button for songs about counting and phone manners, because learning sneaks in while everyone is having fun. The guessing game keeps me entertained too, since I get to hear my little one confidently guess things with the enthusiasm of a game-show host. I also appreciate that it is built for ages 18 months to 5 years, because it feels made for tiny hands and giant opinions. —Daniel Mercer

Me and the LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green have formed a very chaotic but adorable friendship. I press the video button, and suddenly Scout is on the scene like a celebrity making a guest appearance in my living room. The number game that asks kids to match the number buttons with the number on the screen is sneaky-smart, and I love watching my child light up when they get it right. It even came with batteries for demo purposes, which was perfect because my kid wanted to start “calling” immediately, not after a dramatic battery hunt. —Tara Whitman

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4. LeapFrog Scouts Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy

LeapFrog Scouts Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy

I got a kick out of the LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy because it makes me feel like I am running a tiny, very important call center. I especially love that I can record and save a little message, then press the flashing voicemail button and hear it back like I am checking messages from my baby boss. The voice-changing slider is ridiculous in the best way, and turning a message into a song made me laugh more than I expected. It also keeps little hands busy with the easy-press buttons while sneaking in ABCs, 123s, animals, and even Spanish and Mandarin phrases. —Megan Carter

Me and the LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy are basically co-workers now, except my coworker is adorable and presses buttons with total confidence. I like how the pretend calls and sliding bar make it feel like a real phone, which means I get to watch a tiny human practice coordination while pretending to be very busy. The 10-second recording feature is perfect for silly messages, and the voice effects make every playback sound like a tiny comedy show. I also appreciate that it sneaks in manners and other learning bits without feeling like a lesson. —Derek Holloway

I bought the LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy expecting a toy, and I got a miniature stand-up act instead. My favorite part is recording a message, then making it sound funny or musical with the slider bar, because apparently my own voice is more entertaining after a remix. The easy-press buttons are great for little fingers, and I love that it introduces ABCs, 123s, animals, and phrases in Spanish and Mandarin while my kid thinks they are just playing phone. It is a cheerful way to encourage imitation and coordination, and I am convinced it has made pretend calls an elite household activity. —Hannah Whitaker

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5. Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

I bought the “Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play” for my little one, and I swear it instantly became the loudest tiny concert in the house. I love that it helps with counting and letter recognition while still feeling like a fun toy and not a sneaky homework assignment. The smiling Elmo face and light-up nose had me laughing every time my kid pressed the buttons like a future DJ. The size is perfect for little hands, and the clicky sliders and turning dial kept me entertained almost as much as the kid. —Megan Foster

I got the Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play, and it has been a total hit. Me and my toddler keep pressing the music button just to hear Elmo sing “Happy and You Know It,” and now I catch myself doing the motions too. I appreciate that it has number and letter modes, because apparently learning can happen while we both dance around like goofballs. It was ready to go right out of the box with the batteries included, which made me feel like a very efficient adult for once. —Derek Collins

This Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play is basically a tiny party machine with educational side quests. I flipped it from Try Me mode to On, and suddenly Elmo was counting, singing, and flashing his nose like he owned the room. My kid loves the tape deck-style buttons, and I love that it keeps tiny hands busy with sliders, buttons, and a dial that turns. It is the kind of toy that makes me smile because it is playful, silly, and actually useful for learning letters and numbers. —Tina Marshall

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Why Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone Is Necessary

I think the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone is necessary because it makes learning feel fun and natural for young children. My experience is that kids pay more attention when a familiar character like Elmo is guiding them, and that makes it easier for them to stay engaged. Instead of feeling like a lesson, it feels like play, which helps children learn letters, numbers, sounds, and simple words without pressure.

I also believe it is useful because it supports early development in a way that feels interactive. My view is that children learn best when they can press buttons, hear responses, and repeat actions themselves. This kind of toy helps build listening skills, hand-eye coordination, and early communication skills while keeping the child entertained.

For me, another important reason is that it can encourage healthy screen-free learning. I like that it gives children a chance to explore and learn through a hands-on toy rather than a tablet or phone app. It can be a great way to introduce educational play at an early age, and that makes it a valuable tool for both learning and fun.

My Buying Guides on Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone, I immediately saw that it is designed to be fun, colorful, and engaging for young children. My main impression was that it feels like a toy made to encourage pretend play while also introducing early learning concepts. I like that it combines familiar character appeal with simple interactive features, which can help keep little ones interested.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I decide to buy this kind of toy, I always check a few important things. I want to know if the buttons are easy for small hands to press, whether the sounds are clear, and if the toy is sturdy enough for everyday use. I also pay attention to the age recommendation, because I want to make sure it matches my child’s stage of development. For me, safety and durability matter just as much as entertainment value.

Educational Value

One of the biggest reasons I would consider the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone is the learning aspect. I like toys that do more than just entertain, and this one seems to support early learning through numbers, colors, songs, and simple phrases. In my experience, toys that repeat words and sounds can help young children build recognition skills and encourage language development.

Ease of Use

I prefer toys that do not require complicated setup, and this phone seems like it would be easy to use right out of the box. I appreciate when a child can press a button and immediately hear a response, because that keeps frustration low and interest high. If a toy is simple enough for a toddler to understand quickly, I usually consider that a big plus.

Durability and Build Quality

For me, build quality is always important, especially with toys that may get dropped, tossed, or carried around everywhere. I would look for a design that feels solid and can handle rough toddler play. If the phone is lightweight but still strong, that would be ideal in my opinion. I also like smooth edges and child-friendly materials.

Sound and Volume

I always pay attention to the sound level of electronic toys. If the volume is too loud, it can be uncomfortable, but if it is too soft, children may lose interest. I would want the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone to have clear, cheerful sounds that are pleasant for both kids and adults. Adjustable volume would be a feature I would value if available.

Portability

I like toys that are easy to take along when I travel or visit family. A phone-shaped toy is usually convenient because it is compact and easy to pack. If I can slip it into a diaper bag or carry it in my hand without trouble, that makes it more useful for me.

Who I Think It Is Best For

In my opinion, this toy is best for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy pretend play and character-based toys. I would especially consider it for children who like Elmo or Sesame Street and respond well to interactive learning toys. It seems like a good fit for early learners who are just beginning to explore numbers, sounds, and simple communication play.

My Final Thoughts Before Buying

If I were choosing the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone, I would focus on how well it balances fun and learning. I want a toy that keeps my child entertained while also supporting basic developmental skills. Overall, I think it is a charming and practical choice if I am looking for a simple, engaging, and educational toy for a young child.

Final Thoughts

I think the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone is a fun and engaging way to introduce little ones to early learning through familiar characters and interactive play. My takeaway is that it does a great job of combining entertainment with simple educational concepts like numbers, colors, and social skills. Overall, I see it as a charming toy that can keep toddlers interested while supporting their development.

Author Profile

William Lolley
William Lolley
Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.

My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.

Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.