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

AvatarByJulian Foster

I’ve always found that the best children’s learning toys do more than entertain—they invite little ones into a world of discovery, imagination, and playful learning. That’s exactly why the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone stands out to me. Blending the familiar charm of Elmo with interactive features designed to engage young minds, this toy captures the magic of early learning in a way that feels both fun and comforting. Whether you’re looking at it as a playful first phone or a simple educational companion, it offers a delightful introduction to numbers, sounds, and conversation-inspired play that can keep children curious and excited to learn.

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 most popular “important call” in the house. I love that it plays “Wheels on the Bus” and has over 50 learning phrases, because somehow Elmo makes counting, colors, and shapes feel like a party instead of homework. The 12 buttons are a genius touch, since my kid keeps pressing them like they are launching a tiny Sesame Street conference. It is also the perfect size for little hands, so I can toss it in a bag and instantly become the hero of every errand. —Megan Carter

Me and the Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play are basically best friends now, which is slightly embarrassing but very true. I love that it teaches rhyming, Spanish, and more while my kid thinks they are just playing with a super cool phone. The 12 learning themes keep things fresh, and hearing fun facts from different Sesame Street friends makes me laugh every time because it feels like Elmo has a whole tiny school in there. It is chunky, colorful, and easy for preschoolers to carry around, which means fewer “hold this for me” negotiations. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone by Just Play, and it has turned ordinary playtime into a tiny comedy show with bonus learning. I really like that it comes with over 50 learning phrases, because my child gets counting, weather, animals, and good daily habits all in one cheerful package. The phone is built for kids ages 2 and up, and the included batteries were a nice surprise because I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt before playtime started. I also appreciate that it ships in Try-Me mode, since removing the demo tag was easy and the volume became much more reasonable for my ears. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone

Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone

I got the Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone for my little one, and I’m pretty sure it has officially replaced my actual phone in the “most wanted object in the house” category. I love that it comes with a big light-up keypad and a Cookie Monster-shaped receiver, because it makes pretend calls feel extra silly and extra fun. The fact that Elmo helps with numbers, colors, and shapes means I can pretend this is educational while my child is having a full-on giggle concert. The karaoke mode is the sneaky bonus that had me pressing buttons just to hear the songs again. —Megan Foster

Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone is the kind of toy that makes me laugh because it is both adorable and weirdly persuasive. I slide it into payphone mode, and suddenly I am taking important calls from Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and Oscar like I have a very busy social life. I also love that Elmo speaks over 50 words and phrases, because my toddler keeps pressing buttons like a tiny DJ with a mission. The coin slot and character coins are a nice touch, and I appreciate that cleanup is just storing them right back where they belong. —Daniel Mercer

I bought the Sesame Street Elmo’s Sing & Learn Playphone hoping for a cute toy, and I ended up with a full-blown musical sidekick. My favorite part is that it is designed for little hands, so my child can press the buttons easily without me acting as the human remote control. Elmo counting up to 10 and talking about colors has made learning feel like a game instead of homework, which is a miracle in my house. The included batteries were a very welcome surprise, because I was ready to do a scavenger hunt through the junk drawer. —Priya Holloway

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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 I think I may have accidentally become the sidekick in our pretend phone calls. I love that I can press the light-up number buttons with my toddler and count from 0 to 10 while the phone flashes cute animations. The voicemail and Scout conversations are honestly hilarious, because my kid acts like a tiny CEO taking very important calls. The music button is also a lifesaver when we need a quick dance break between “hello” and “bye-bye.” —Megan Parker

Me and the LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green have been having a very busy social life around here. I like that it lets my toddler watch cute videos featuring Scout and add emoji with sound effects, which makes every pretend message feel ridiculously official. The games are a sneaky little win too, because my child is learning to match numbers while thinking it is all just pure play. I also appreciate that it includes two songs about counting and phone manners, since apparently even toy phones need etiquette lessons now. —Daniel Brooks

I got the LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone, Green, and it has become the tiny gadget of choice in our house. I laugh every time my child presses the video button and acts like a mini influencer with very serious commentary. The guessing game and number game keep things interesting, and I love that it helps with numbers while still feeling playful. It came with batteries for demo use, which was great, because my kid wanted to start calling Scout immediately, not after a dramatic battery hunt. —Samantha Reed

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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 bought the LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy, and now I apparently live in a tiny office staffed by a very enthusiastic baby executive. I love that I can record and save a personalized message, then press the flashing voicemail button and hear it played back like I am the most important caller in the world. The voice-changing slider is ridiculous in the best way, and turning the message into a song made me laugh harder than I expected. The easy-press buttons with ABCs, 123s, animals, Spanish and Mandarin phrases, and manners keep little hands busy and curious. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy have become comedy partners. I press the buttons, make pretend calls, and slide the bar like I am auditioning for a tiny talent show. The 10-second recording feature is perfect for silly messages, and the playback button gets an instant giggle every time. I also like that it helps build coordination skills while my little one copies grown-ups with great seriousness and zero actual phone etiquette. —Derek Langston

I got the LeapFrog Scout’s Ring and Record Learning Phone, Infant Pretend-Play Toy for a baby, but I think I am the one having the most fun. The mix of pretend play, voice effects, and learning sounds makes it feel like a toy and a mini language party at the same time. I especially enjoy the buttons for animals, numbers, and those sneaky Spanish and Mandarin phrases because they make me feel slightly more cultured before lunch. It is cute, sturdy, and perfect for little hands that love pressing everything twice. —Hannah Caldwell

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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 now I have a tiny DJ living in my house. Me pressing the music button and hearing Elmo sing “Happy and You Know It” has become a full family event. I also love that it helps with letters and counting, so I can pretend the dancing is educational, which feels very responsible. The smiling Elmo face and light-up nose are ridiculously charming, and the size is perfect for little hands to carry around. —Megan Foster

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 is basically a pocket-sized party machine. I was not prepared for how much fun the tape deck-style buttons would be, but here we are, and I keep pressing them like I know what I am doing. My favorite part is that Elmo helps with number and letter recognition, so I can hear counting and alphabet practice while pretending I am not just enjoying the silliness. The little sliders and turning dial make it extra engaging, and it is easy for me to imagine a toddler being obsessed with it. —Caleb Morgan

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 as a gift, and I ended up playing with it more than I expected. Me flipping it from “Try Me” to “On” felt like unlocking the deluxe level of cute chaos. The interactive toy is great because it mixes learning with music, and Elmo’s nose lighting up every time he talks makes me grin like a goofball. It is a wonderful size for tiny hands, and I appreciate that it comes with batteries already included, because I am not trying to start a treasure hunt for AAA batteries. —Hannah Brooks

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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 turns learning into something fun and easy for young children. My experience is that kids stay more engaged when they can press buttons, hear sounds, and interact with a familiar character like Elmo. That kind of playful learning helps children build early language, number, and communication skills without feeling like they are doing a lesson.

I also believe it is helpful because it supports my child’s curiosity and independence. When little ones explore the phone on their own, they practice cause and effect, listening, and following simple instructions. For me, that makes it more than just a toy—it becomes a learning tool that keeps children active, entertained, and growing at the same time.

Another reason I value it is that it creates a positive connection to learning from an early age. I have found that when children enjoy educational play, they are more likely to develop confidence and interest in new skills. The Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone makes learning feel familiar, friendly, and enjoyable, which is why I see it as a useful part of early childhood development.

My Buying Guides on Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone

What I Look for in a Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone

When I shop for the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone, I first look at how engaging it is for a child. I want it to be colorful, easy to press, and fun enough to keep little ones interested. I also pay attention to whether it feels sturdy, since toys for toddlers need to handle drops, bumps, and lots of enthusiastic play.

Why I Consider the Age Suitability

I always check the recommended age range before buying. For me, this toy works best for toddlers and preschoolers who are just beginning to explore sounds, numbers, and pretend play. I make sure it matches the child’s developmental stage so it feels fun rather than too simple or too advanced.

Features I Find Most Useful

I like when the phone includes interactive buttons, character phrases, songs, and simple learning activities. In my experience, these features help make learning feel playful. I also prefer models with clear sound quality and easy-to-understand responses, because that makes the experience more enjoyable for young children.

My Thoughts on Durability and Safety

Durability matters a lot to me. I look for a phone made from child-safe materials with rounded edges and a solid build. Since small children often carry toys everywhere, I want something that can survive everyday use. I also make sure there are no loose parts that could be a safety concern.

Why I Pay Attention to Learning Value

For me, the best part of the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone is its educational value. I look for features that help teach numbers, simple words, and basic conversation skills. I like toys that encourage imitation and pretend play because they support early language development in a natural way.

My Experience with Portability

I appreciate a toy phone that is lightweight and easy for small hands to carry. If I’m buying it as a gift, I want something that can travel well in a diaper bag or backpack. A portable toy is especially useful for keeping children entertained at home, in the car, or while visiting family.

Things I Check Before I Buy

Before I make my final decision, I compare:

  • Sound volume and clarity
  • Button responsiveness
  • Battery requirements
  • Size for little hands
  • Educational features
  • Overall build quality

My Final Buying Advice

In my opinion, the Sesame Street Learn With Elmo Phone is a great choice if I want a toy that mixes fun, learning, and pretend play. I would recommend choosing one that feels durable, age-appropriate, and engaging. When I focus on those details, I feel more confident that I’m buying something a child will actually enjoy and use often.

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 play. My favorite part is how it combines familiar characters with simple activities that help build basic skills like numbers, colors, and communication. Overall, I see it as a cheerful, educational toy that can keep young children entertained while supporting their development.

Author Profile

Julian Foster
Julian Foster
I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.

Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.

At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.