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10 Best Small Pet Toys That Your Tiny Friend Will Actually Love
Interactive pet toys offer engaging options for small animal companions, with standouts like the Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey responding to over 50 sounds and the furReal My Minis Interactive Kitty providing lifelike movements. You'll find nurturing play value in the furReal Newborns Kitty's realistic eye movements and the Little Live Pets Lil Bird's voice recording features. Whether you're seeking sensory experiences or educational value, today's pet toy market includes choices that promote both fun and development. Let's explore the top selections that'll make your tiny friend's playtime more enriching.
Key Takeaways
- Interactive toys like Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey offer over 50 sound responses, making playtime engaging for small pets.
- Compact and portable toys, such as furReal My Minis, are perfect for pets to carry and play with anywhere.
- Look for toys with sensory features like light-up elements or sound effects to stimulate your pet's natural curiosity.
- Choose durable, non-toxic materials that can withstand rough handling and meet safety standards for small pets.
- Select age-appropriate toys that encourage natural behaviors while promoting exercise and mental stimulation through play.
Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey – Interactive Pet Toy
Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey Mango, 50+ Sounds and Reactions, Plush Interactive Monkey Toy Set...
- Interactive Baby Monkey Stuffed Animal: Meet Mango, a plush monkey with over 50 sounds and reactions; his expressive moving mouth, thumb-sucking, and bottle-feeding make...
- Interactive Plush Toy Design: This monkey plush toy has a realistic look and feel with soft fur, big monkey ears, and cute details; Mango the monkey comes with a bottle...
- Responds to Touch: Tickle your baby monkey doll on the tummy to hear giggles, lay him down to hear a sweet lullaby, or let him nap while hanging upside down; these boys...
Parents seeking an engaging and nurturing toy for children ages 4-15 will find the Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey, Mango, to be an ideal interactive companion. This expressive plush pet responds with over 50 sounds and reactions, including giggles when tickled and soothing lullabies when laid on its back.
With its soft-touch face and realistic fur, Mango offers authentic play experiences through its thumb-sucking ability, bottle feeding, and monkey-grip hands that can hang onto objects. Your child will develop nurturing skills while caring for their new pet, complete with an adoption certificate that reinforces responsibility. The toy's manageable size and included batteries mean it's ready for immediate playtime adventures.
Best For: Children aged 4-15 who enjoy interactive pets and nurturing play experiences, making it particularly suitable for kids who want a low-maintenance alternative to real pets.
Pros:
- Highly interactive with over 50 sounds and reactions, providing engaging and varied play experiences
- Soft, realistic fur and expressive features that enhance the authenticity of the toy
- Promotes nurturing behaviors and responsibility through feeding, care activities, and adoption certificate
Cons:
- Requires 3 AA batteries which will need periodic replacement
- Limited to predetermined responses and interactions
- May be too simple for older children in the recommended age range
furReal My Minis Interactive Kitty Toy for Kids
furReal My Minis Kitty Interactive Toy, Small Plush Kitty with Motion, Stuffed Animals, Kids Toys...
- Includes: 1 interactive toy kitty.
- Animated Pet Fun: Experience pet care with the furReal My Minis Interactive Toy Kitty, an adorable companion for cat lovers of all ages.
- Take A Pet Anywhere: This adorable 5-inch-long animated calico is designed with super soft fur, 1 blue and 1 yellow eye, and loads of on-the-go, pretend play animal fun.
Kids seeking a pocket-sized companion will find the furReal My Minis Interactive Kitty Toy to be an ideal choice for on-the-go entertainment. At just 5 inches long, this calico kitty features soft fur, unique heterochromatic eyes, and responds to your touch with tail wags and head bobs.
While it doesn't meow, your child will enjoy the toy's interactive features that encourage nurturing play. The compact size makes it perfect for backpacks, pockets, or lunch bags, and its durable design withstands regular handling. You'll appreciate how this battery-operated companion helps develop empathy through pretend pet care, whether at home, during recess, or at sleepovers.
Best For: Young children ages 4+ who want a portable interactive pet toy for imaginative play and collecting.
Pros:
- Compact and portable design perfect for on-the-go play
- Interactive features respond to touch with tail wags and head movements
- Durable construction with soft fur and unique two-colored eyes
Cons:
- No sound features or meowing capabilities
- Limited interactive features compared to larger interactive toys
- Requires battery replacement for continued operation
Pet Sensory Bin and Sandbox Play Set for Kids
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Carolart Pet Sensory Bin, Dog & Cat Sand Box Play Sand Kit, Sensory Toys
- LEARN TO CARE FOR PETS:This toddler sensory playset includes green magic sand,sand box,5 dog and cat figures,dog and cat food,1 fish,1 bone,1 chicken leg,1 pet house...
- LEARN MORE SKILLS:Sensory bins offer an opportunity for children to explore and learn through their senses.They can also tell their own story.This can increase their...
- TIPS FOR SAFETY:Environmentally-Friendly materials,safe,tasteless.Smooth surface can not hurt hands.Conforming To American Toy Standards.
The Pet Sensory Bin and Sandbox Play Set offers a thoughtful introduction to pet care through imaginative play, making it an excellent choice for young animal lovers ages 3-10. You'll find everything needed to create engaging pet-care scenarios, including five pet figures, feeding accessories, and play structures like slides and swings.
The set's environmentally-friendly magic sand and smooth-surfaced components meet American Toy Standards, while the compact 13.5 x 8.5-inch sandbox provides the perfect space for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. With consistently positive customer reviews and educational benefits focused on sensory development, this sandbox set delivers both entertainment and valuable learning opportunities for your child's growing understanding of responsible pet care.
Best For: Young children ages 3-10 who love animals and can benefit from hands-on learning about pet care through imaginative play and sensory exploration.
Pros:
- Comprehensive set includes multiple pet figures and accessories for diverse play scenarios
- Educational value in teaching pet care responsibility while developing motor skills
- Made with safe, environmentally-friendly materials that meet American Toy Standards
Cons:
- Relatively small sandbox dimensions may limit play space
- Some customers report concerns about sand texture
- At 2.71 pounds, might be too heavy for very young children to move independently
furReal Newborns Kitty Interactive Pet for Kids
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furReal Newborns Kitty Interactive Pet, Small Plush Stuffed Animal Cat with Sounds and Movement...
- Includes: 1 interactive pet kitty.
- Oh Baby, They’re Cute: Give a happy home to the sweetest kitten with the furReal Newborns Interactive Pet Kitty, which features adorable sound effects and motions.
- A Baby for Cat Lovers: This gray and white striped kitten entertains kids with fun newborn sound effects, eyes that close, and a bottle that helps put the baby animal to...
Designed for young pet enthusiasts ages 4 and up, furReal Newborns Kitty Interactive Pet brings the joy of caring for a baby kitten through engaging features and realistic interactions. This small plush companion comes equipped with adorable sound effects, lifelike eye movements, and a feeding bottle that helps it drift off to sleep.
You'll find that this interactive kitty encourages imaginative play while teaching basic pet care responsibilities. While some customers note its compact size, the toy's three distinct sounds and engaging features make it an ideal choice for children. You can even expand your furReal family by adding the Newborn Puppy or other furReal pets, creating a complete pretend pet care experience.
Best For: Young children ages 4+ who love animals and want to practice nurturing skills through interactive pet care play.
Pros:
- Includes engaging features like sound effects, eye movements, and bottle feeding interaction
- Perfect size for small hands and portable play
- Battery-operated with included batteries, ready for immediate play
Cons:
- Limited interactivity with only three sound effects
- Smaller size than some customers expect
- Could be softer and more plush according to some reviews
Little Live Pets Lil Bird & Bird Cage – Tiara Twinkles
Little Live Pets - Lil' Bird & Bird Cage: Tiara Twinkles, New Light Up Wings with 20 + Sounds, and...
- A CUTE BIRD CAGE TO DISPLAY: The bird cage can be displayed on their stand and have a swinging perch inside for your Lil' Bird to swing on!
- RECORDS & REPEATS WHAT YOU SAY: Lil' Birds can record your voice and repeat back what you say in their sweet, chirpy voice.
- REACTS TO YOUR TOUCH: Lil' Birds love to be pet! The more you pet them the more they will sing and brighten your day with their beautiful sounds.
Animal lovers seeking an interactive pet experience will find delight in Tiara Twinkles, a charming robotic bird companion that brings together classic play with modern features. Your feathered friend comes equipped with light-up wings and responds to your touch with over 20 different sounds, including chirpy tweets and whistles.
The bird's ability to record and repeat messages in a playful chirpy voice adds a personal touch, while its royal-themed cage provides both display and play options. You'll appreciate how the bird becomes more animated with increased interaction, making it an engaging toy that encourages nurturing behavior and imaginative play. Based on strong customer ratings, it's a reliable choice for children aged 5-15 who dream of having their own pet bird.
Best For: Young animal lovers ages 5-15 who want an interactive pet experience without the responsibilities of a real bird.
Pros:
- Interactive features including touch response, voice recording, and over 20 different sounds
- Light-up wings and royal theme add visual appeal and enhance play value
- High customer satisfaction rating (4.7/5) indicates reliable performance and durability
Cons:
- Cage design may not be as sturdy as previous models
- Limited to battery-powered operation requiring AAA batteries
- Higher price point compared to basic stuffed animal toys
Little Live Pets Lil Bird Interactive Toy (Tweet Twinkle)
Little Live Pets - Lil' Bird Single Pack: Tweet Twinkle | Interactive Toy Bird, 20+ Sounds, Light Up...
- RECORDS & REPEATS WHAT YOU SAY: Lil' Birds can record your voice and repeat back what you say in their sweet, chirpy voice.
- REACTS TO YOUR TOUCH: Lil' Birds love to be pet! The more you pet them the more they will sing and brighten your day with their beautiful sounds.
- BEAUTIFUL LIGHT UP WINGS: Lil' Birds have sparkly light up wings, inspired by the night sky and shiny ocean!
Interactive and engaging, Little Live Pets Lil Bird Tweet Twinkle offers young children aged 5-15 a delightful companion that combines technology with playful learning. This charming toy features light-up wings inspired by the ocean and night sky, along with a soft, flocked body that responds to touch.
With over 20 sounds and the ability to record and repeat voices in a chirpy tone, your child will love interacting with this electronic pet. You'll find that gentle strokes on the bird's back trigger singing and chirping, while the talk button allows for fun message recording and playback. At just 2.46 ounces, this portable companion is perfect for on-the-go entertainment and can be collected alongside other Lil Birds.
Best For: Children aged 5-15 who enjoy interactive toys, collecting themed items, or could benefit from a playful tool to encourage speech development and social interaction.
Pros:
- Interactive features including voice recording, light-up wings, and over 20 different sounds provide engaging entertainment
- Soft, touch-sensitive body design encourages gentle play and tactile interaction
- High customer satisfaction rating (4.6/5) indicates reliable performance and durability
Cons:
- Requires regular battery replacement (2 AAA batteries needed)
- Limited to a specific age range, may not engage older children or very young toddlers
- Sound repetition and chirping might become repetitive for parents or caregivers
Pets Alive Hamstermania Interactive Electronic Hamster Ball Toy
Pets Alive Hamstermania (Blue) by ZURU Hamster, Electronic Pet, 20+ Sounds Interactive, Hamster Ball...
- Scurry around: Hamster Mania pets can run in and outside of their ball!
- Real sounds: Listen close to hear 20 adorable hamster sounds.
- Smart technology: These clever pets can sense doors, walls and more!
The Pets Alive Hamstermania brings the joy of hamster ownership without the responsibility of caring for a real pet, making it an excellent choice for families wanting to test the waters of pet ownership.
You'll find this interactive toy comes with over 20 realistic hamster sounds and movements, and it can sense walls to avoid collisions while rolling around in its ball. While it works best on hard floors, you can choose from four different hamster varieties to match your style. The simple on/off button on the neck makes operation easy, though you'll want to turn it off periodically to preserve battery life. At just 4.5 inches wide, it's perfectly sized for little hands.
Best For: Children ages 3-15 who want to experience pet ownership without the responsibilities of a real pet, or families looking to test if their child is ready for a real hamster.
Pros:
- Features 20+ realistic hamster sounds and movements that keep children entertained
- No feeding, cleaning, or maintenance required unlike real pets
- Includes smart sensor technology to avoid walls and obstacles while moving
Cons:
- Limited functionality on carpet surfaces
- No auto shut-off feature to preserve battery life
- Some users report difficulty with ball assembly
TQQFUN 32 PCS Dog Figures Pet Pretend Play Toys Set
TQQFUN 32 PCS Dog Figures Play Set, Pet Care Center Pretend Play Set with Realistic Puppy Toys...
- FUN OF DIY- This dogs shop educational playsets toy can help children to build DIY skills, cultivate love for dogs, and includes everything kids need to train, exercise...
- DEVELOP IMAGINATION- Children can play with the animal toy set alone or with other small animals like puppies, cats, hamsters, etc. Different kinds of dogs and...
- SAFETY& DURABLE FOR KIDS- We use environmental protection material and print to produce vivid pet pretend play toys. Realistic puppy figures playset using non-toxic paint...
Little hands will delight in this expansive set of 32 miniature dog figures and accessories, perfect for children aged 3 and up who love pretending to care for pets. The set's durable, non-toxic materials guarantee safe play, while the smooth surfaces make cleanup easy with just water or mild detergent.
You'll appreciate how this toy set helps develop your child's coordination and nurturing skills through imaginative play. The realistic details on each figure encourage learning about different dog breeds, and the included accessories let kids create their own pet care scenarios. It's a thoughtful gift choice that combines entertainment with educational value, backed by responsive customer service if you need support.
Best For: Children ages 3-20 who love dogs and enjoy imaginative play with realistic animal figures and pet care scenarios.
Pros:
- Large 32-piece set provides excellent value and variety for extended play possibilities
- Made from safe, non-toxic materials with smooth surfaces that are easy to clean
- Educational benefits include developing hand-eye coordination and nurturing skills
Cons:
- Small pieces could be a choking hazard for children under 3 years old
- Size of figures (based on package dimensions) may be too small for some children's preferences
- At over 10 ounces, the set might be heavier than expected for very young children to carry around
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise Interactive Guinea Pig Set
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Little Live Pets Mama Surprise Guinea Pig Plush Toy, Interactive Stuffed Guinea Pig Hutch and...
- Interactive Mama Guinea Pig: Nurture your mama guinea pig toy for kids by patting her, feeding her, and brushing her to make her heart light up in joy – this guinea pig...
- Magical Birth Surprise: Our soft, interactive guinea pig plush toy for girls and boys comes with a deluxe hutch – witness the magic as our stuffed guinea pig figurine...
- Surprise Care Package: Open the hutch to discover our Mama Surprise guinea pigs and surprise care pack accessories; care for these interactive animal toys for kids by...
Packed with over 20 realistic sounds and reactions, Mama Surprise brings the joy of pet ownership to children ages 4 and up through an engaging, interactive guinea pig experience. This soft, interactive toy rewards your child's care with a delightful surprise, as patting, feeding, and brushing the mama guinea pig makes her heart glow before she reveals her babies in the hutch.
You'll find this toy provides excellent value through its replayability, as children can reload the hutch for multiple baby reveals. Each baby comes with themed accessories and care packages, making the experience feel fresh and exciting every time. The set's durability and high engagement levels make it a worthwhile investment for countless hours of nurturing play.
Best For: Young children ages 4+ who love interactive pets and surprise reveals, making it especially appealing for those interested in nurturing play and collecting themed accessories.
Pros:
- Highly interactive with over 20 sounds and reactions that reward care activities
- Reusable surprise element with multiple baby reveals and accessories keeps children engaged
- Durable construction and positive customer ratings suggest good long-term play value
Cons:
- Requires 6 AAA batteries which may need frequent replacement with regular use
- Higher price point compared to basic plush toys
- Limited to specific play pattern of nurturing/baby reveals which may not appeal to all children
Littlest Pet Shop Winter Besties Collector Set (Mystery Figures)
Littlest Pet Shop - Winter Besties Collector Set - LPS Gen 7, Authentic Mystery Figures, Surprise...
- WINTER-THEMED BESTIES: These bobblin’ cuties are all about the winter season! With their wintery-themed colors and accents, these pets can’t wait to celebrate their...
- 5 BOBBLIN’ PETS: This set comes with 5 new LPS pets, including #110 Penguin, #111 Cub, #112 Clydesdale, #113 Wolf, and #114 Bunny! Each figure stands about 2” tall...
- 7 ACCESSORIES: Immerse yourself into imaginative play with 7 different accessories, including a snowball pile, a scarf, a water bottle, a bucket, and some tasty treats...
Designed for young collectors and imaginative minds, Littlest Pet Shop's Winter Besties Collector Set brings together five adorable winter-themed pets that'll delight children ages 4 and up. The set features a penguin, cub, Clydesdale, wolf, and bunny, each standing about 2 inches tall with charming bobblin' heads.
You'll find seven winter-themed accessories, including a snowball pile and scarf, perfect for creating fun seasonal scenarios. Each set comes with a collector card revealing your pet's personality traits and rarity level, while a special code reveals five digital surprises for extended play value. These high-quality figures have earned impressive customer ratings, making them an excellent choice for gifting or collecting.
Best For: Young collectors and children aged 4-15 who enjoy imaginative play with cute animals and winter themes.
Pros:
- High-quality collectible set with 5 detailed winter-themed pets and 7 accessories
- Includes both physical and digital play value through collector cards and virtual surprises
- Strong customer satisfaction with 4.8/5 stars from nearly 800 reviews
Cons:
- Some reported quality control issues with paint and loose heads
- Limited to winter theme which may reduce year-round appeal
- Mystery format means specific figures aren't guaranteed when purchasing
Factors to Consider When Choosing Little Pet Toys
When you're choosing toys for small pets, there are several key factors you'll need to weigh to guarantee both enjoyment and safety. You'll want to match the toy's features to your pet's age and abilities, while also checking that it's made from durable, non-toxic materials that can withstand regular play. Educational value, interactive elements, and power requirements should all play a role in your decision, especially if you're selecting electronic toys that might need frequent battery changes.
Age-Appropriate Play Features
Selecting age-appropriate play features stands as an essential factor in choosing the right little pet toys for children. You'll want to match the toy's complexity to your child's developmental stage, ensuring both safety and engagement during playtime.
For children ages 4-15, interactive toys like the Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey offer sound effects and motion features that keep them entertained while supporting their growth. If you're shopping for younger kids around age 3, look for simpler toys that encourage basic nurturing behaviors, while older children will appreciate more complex features and collectible aspects.
Remember to check for toys that include adoption certificates or care tasks, as these elements help develop responsibility and caregiving skills. These interactive features aren't just fun – they're significant tools for fostering creativity and social development.
Interactive Response Capabilities
Modern interactive pet toys captivate children through their remarkable response capabilities, making playtime both engaging and educational. When you're choosing a toy for your small pet, look for features that offer multiple types of interaction and engagement.
Today's interactive toys can respond to different actions with over 50 unique sounds, from playful giggles to cheerful songs. You'll find toys that react to gentle pats with tail wags or head movements, creating a more realistic play experience. Many models include recording features that let your child create personalized messages, while others come with light-up elements and special accessories to enhance creativity. These responsive features don't just entertain; they help develop nurturing skills as children learn to care for their toy pets through feeding, cuddling, and other interactive activities.
Safety and Durability
Three essential safety features should guide your choice when buying little pet toys for children. First, you'll want to verify the materials are non-toxic and eco-friendly, protecting both your child and the environment during playtime. Second, check for smooth surfaces without sharp edges or small detachable parts that could cause injury or pose choking hazards.
When evaluating durability, look for toys that can withstand regular rough handling and meet American Toy Safety Standards. You'll know you've found a quality product when it carries proper safety certifications and receives positive customer reviews about its longevity. Before making your final decision, examine the toy's construction carefully, paying special attention to seams, joints, and potential weak points that might fail during active play sessions.
Educational Value
While choosing pet toys for educational benefit, you'll want to focus on options that develop multiple skills simultaneously. Interactive toys that promote nurturing behaviors can teach your child valuable lessons about pet care, including proper feeding and grooming techniques.
Look for toys with varied textures and sounds that enhance sensory development while improving your child's motor skills and coordination. Many pet toys come with accessories that create opportunities for storytelling and imaginative play, helping children develop creativity and language skills. You'll also find that these toys encourage social development as kids often engage in cooperative play with friends, sharing responsibilities and creating scenarios together.
Battery Life Requirements
Interactive pet toys with electronic features add an exciting dimension to playtime, but they do require careful attention to battery requirements. You'll need to check whether your chosen toy comes with batteries included, as this varies between manufacturers and models.
Most electronic pet toys use common battery types like AA or AAA, while more compact designs might require AG13 batteries. Depending on the toy's features, you'll need anywhere from 1 to 6 batteries to keep it running. If your toy includes sound effects or movement features, you should expect more frequent battery changes due to higher power consumption.
To guarantee your pet's play isn't interrupted, make it a habit to check battery levels regularly and keep spare batteries on hand. This simple maintenance step will help maintain consistent performance and engagement during playtime.
Size and Storage
Pet toy dimensions play an essential role in both playability and storage convenience. When you're choosing toys for your small pets, you'll want to take into account both the size of individual items and their storage requirements. Compact toys, like the furReal My Minis Interactive Kitty at 4.5 x 4.5 x 5.5 inches, are perfect for travel and easy storage, while larger sets need dedicated space.
Keep in mind that lightweight options, such as the 12-ounce Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey, are ideal for younger children who might struggle with heavier toys. If you're looking at sets with multiple pieces, like the Pet Sensory Bin, you'll need to plan for extra storage space. Don't forget to account for accessories too – toys that come with cages or additional components will require more room than standalone figures.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining a collection of little pet toys requires careful consideration of cleaning methods and materials. You'll want to choose toys that you can easily wipe down with water or neutral detergent, guaranteeing they stay hygienic for both your pets and family members.
When selecting toys, opt for those with smooth surfaces and environmentally-friendly materials, as they're not only safer but also simpler to clean. Look for products that offer clear maintenance instructions and consider those with available replacement parts, which can extend their lifespan and value. It's smart to pick toys made from durable, non-toxic materials that can withstand regular cleaning without degrading.
Remember to establish a regular cleaning schedule for your pet's toys, and always check for wear and tear during each cleaning session to guarantee continued safety and enjoyment.
Price Vs Play Value
When shopping for small pet toys, balancing cost against play value helps you make smart purchasing decisions. While some interactive toys may seem expensive at first glance, their features often justify the investment. For example, toys like the Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey offer over 50 different sounds and reactions, providing long-lasting entertainment value.
You'll want to evaluate customer ratings and popularity as indicators of a toy's worth. Products with high ratings, like the furReal My Minis Interactive Kitty at 4.4 stars, often deliver good value for their price point. Additionally, look for toys that offer multiple benefits, such as collectible sets that encourage imaginative play or educational items that develop pet care skills. The Littlest Pet Shop Winter Besties Collector Set, for instance, includes various figures and accessories that extend playtime possibilities and justify its cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Electronic Pet Toys Safe for Children Under 3 Years Old?
You'd need a million eyes to watch your under-3 child with electronic pet toys! They're not safe at all – small parts create choking hazards, and batteries can be dangerous if swallowed. Skip them entirely.
How Long Do Batteries Typically Last in Interactive Pet Toys?
You'll typically get 2-4 weeks of battery life from interactive pet toys with regular use. If you're using rechargeable batteries, they'll last about 4-6 hours per charge during active playtime.
Can These Toys Be Used in Water or Outdoors?
Nearly 65% of pet toys aren't waterproof. You'll want to check each toy's label carefully. Most electronic and interactive toys aren't safe for water or outdoor use unless they're specifically marked as water-resistant.
What Materials Are Used to Make These Pet Toys?
You'll find pet toys made from safe, durable materials like natural wood, non-toxic plastic, sisal rope, cotton fabric, and rubber. Many manufacturers also use pet-safe metals and BPA-free components for durability and safety.
Do These Toys Have Replacement Parts Available if Something Breaks?
Time is money when it comes to pet toys! You'll find replacement parts for most commercial toys, but they're not always cost-effective. You're often better off buying a new toy when something breaks.
