EARTH DAY SALE - 15% Off Select Tonies

Back to Beyond the box articles' list

Introducing Beyond the Box: A New Adventure in Screen-Free Fun Starts April 1st!

Happy April Fool’s Day! Today we launch the Beyond the Box blog!

Enjoy some laughs on April Fools with the Clever Tonie Kids Comedy Set

Happy April Fool’s Day, tonies® fans! Today’s a big day around here—we’re launching Beyond the Box, a brand-new blog from tonies® that’s all about helping parents and teachers unlock the full potential of the Toniebox and its adorable little storytellers, the Tonies — all for the benefit of our little listeners and their discovery of imagination! 

No fooling around (okay, maybe a little), this is your go-to place for creative ideas, practical tips, and a deep dive into why screen-free entertainment is such a win for kids.

And since it’s April Fool’s Day, we think the perfect way to get things started is with a bang—or should I say a chuckle? Say hello to our Clever Tonies Kids Comedy Set, narrated by the super talented and always funny, Jane Lynch. What better way to kick off a day made for silliness?!

What’s Beyond the Box All About?

If you’ve got a Toniebox at home, you already know it’s a kid-approved hit. Those little Tonies, hopping onto the audio player to play their audio stories, have a way of lighting up faces and sparking imaginations. But here’s the thing: there’s so much more to explore with this screen-free system, and that’s where Beyond the Box comes in.

We’re here to share clever ways to weave the Toniebox into your daily routine—think smoother mornings, calmer bedtimes, and playtime that’s packed with value. Plus, we’ll spotlight how that endless library of stories, featuring characters kids know and adore, keeps the magic going.

But it’s not just about fun (though there’s tons of that). We’ll also dig into the why behind screen-free time. Through Beyond the Box, we’ll share research that shows how stepping away from screens can boost creativity, improve focus, and even help little ones wind down.

And don’t get us wrong—screens have their place—but Beyond the Box is about celebrating the simplicity of the Toniebox and the difference screen-free toys and routines can make in so many lives. Whether you’re a parent juggling a busy household or a teacher looking to shake up the classroom, this blog is your partner in crime.

A Fool-Proof Start: The Kids Comedy Clever Tonies Set

Check out the fun to be had with Clever Tonies Kid Comedy Set

April Fool’s Day deserves a launch with pizzazz, and the Kids Comedy Clever Tonies Set delivers. Narrated by Jane Lynch is a set of four Tonies is a family entertainment night in the making. Here’s what your little jokers will get:

  • Comedy: The lowdown on what makes something funny.

  • Joke-Telling: How to land a punchline like a stand-up star.

  • Knock Knock Jokes: A lineup of “who’s there?” classics.

  • Pranks: Safe, silly tricks that’ll crack everyone up.

  • Riddles: Brain-twisters to keep the fun rolling.

With 46 minutes of content (10-12 minutes per Tonie), it’s perfect for kids to stay entertained. Jane’s voice is pure gold—warm, witty, and totally captivating. You’ll probably catch yourself laughing along as your kid masters a knock-knock joke or plots a harmless prank.

But here’s the real kicker: it’s not just silly fun. This set sneaks in some serious skills—boosting confidence, sharpening creativity, and getting pre-readers hooked on stories, all without a screen in sight. Kids listen, imagine, and maybe even start crafting their own jokes. That’s the Tonie magic at work.

Why Screen-Free Matters

We’ve all heard the buzz about screen time, right? It’s a hot topic for parents and educators, and for good reason. That’s why Beyond the Box will dive into the research behind screen-free play. It’s pretty eye-opening. We’ll dive into topics like the benefits of cutting back on screens, creating calmer, more pleasant bedtime routines and inspiring creativity.

But it’s not just about the science and studies. It’s about what you get to see every day: kids lighting up as they hear a story unfold—no flashing lights needed. The Toniebox hands them the reins to their imagination, letting them picture every scene and feel every emotion. And with characters like Simba, Elsa, or the Gruffalo popping in via the Tonies library, they’re never short on friends to join the adventure.

We’ll keep sharing these insights on the blog, so you can feel good about every Toniebox moment.

Mornings, Bedtimes, and Playtime—Made Better with Tonies

Let’s talk more about those real life scenarios for a sec. Mornings can be chaos—getting everyone fed, dressed, and out the door feels like herding cats some days. Bedtimes? Sometimes it’s a negotiation just to get the lights off. And playtime? You want it to be fun and meaningful, not just filler. And sorry, not sorry, but as parents, we all want a break from being the Greatest Showman every day. Enter: the Toniebox. Now let Beyond the Box show you how to use it to their and your advantage every day. 

For mornings, try popping on a Tonie with an upbeat story or song—something like the Disney favorites or a Clever Tonie with a quick lesson. It keeps kids occupied while you sneak in that extra cup of coffee. We’ll share ideas for building a morning playlist that’s part distraction, part motivation—because every little win counts.

Bedtimes get a glow-up too. A soothing Tonie, like the Sleepy Friends collection, can turn “one more story!” into a cozy wind-down routine with extra snuggles instead of extra complaints.

Ocean Sleepy Friends 3 Tonies Set | bundle
We’re here to help kids relax and drift off so they can recharge for the bright day ahead. We’ll offer tips on crafting the perfect bedtime lineup, with characters they love whispering them to sleep.

And playtime? That’s where Tonies really shine. With an endless library—from fairy tales to science adventures—kids can explore new worlds every day. Pair a Tonie with some blocks or crayons, and suddenly playtime’s got depth. It’s not just noise; it’s a chance to learn, imagine, and grow, all with Elsa or Woody along for the ride. Look for our blog posts on mixing Tonies with hands-on fun—because play should feel valuable, not throwaway.

Join the Fun!

So here we are, April 1st, ready to dive into Beyond the Box with a laugh and a whole lot of excitement. The Kids Comedy Set is just the start. Pop it on your Toniebox, let Jane Lynch work her magic, and watch your kids turn into little comedians. Then stick around the blog for more—research you can trust, ideas you’ll actually use, and a peek at how that ever-growing Tonies library keeps the good times coming.

Happy April Fool’s Day, listeners! Let’s make this screen-free adventure one to remember.

Beyond the Box

View all articles
Get notified when your items are back in stock!
Get notified when your Tonie is back in stock!

By clicking "Get Notified", you agree to our Terms of Service, acknowledge our Privacy Policy, and agree that we may send you updates about this product and other tonies® products and services.

You need to create an account to save wishlist items.

Create an account Login