Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
While parents are busy looking for new and innovative toys for their kids, it’s time to bring back an age-old toy called yoyo, which has also evolved with the changing times since its invention in 500 BC. The best yoyos for kids available in the market don’t just entertain them like other toys but also improve their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Children can even tweak their yoyoing methods and try out many new ways to play with the help of professional response yoyos. For some, it can take the form of a hobby, and for some, yoyoing can be art. But as long as it does the job of cutting off your child’s screen time, it’s definitely worth giving a try. Moreover, these best-selling versatile toys can be used for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Check out our list of the best yoyos available for kids and pick a tried-and-tested one for your child.
Top Picks
13 Best Yoyo For Kids
1. Best Simple Design: Duncan Butterfly Yo-Yo
If you are looking for a simple design without whistles and bells, then this responsive yoyo for kids might be the one for you. The steel axle and the wide shape of the yoyo make landing it on the string a lot smoother.
Pros
- Crafted with a starburst response system
- Comes in four color variants
- Designed using durable plastic
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- String may get twisted easily
- May not retract well occasionally
"This Butterfly yo-yo's classic design took me back down memory lane. Although the string was longer than expected, it did not interfere with the yoyo's performance and held up well during long play sessions. Overall, it's been a handy toy for casual fun and beginner-level tricks."
2. Best For Tricks: Duncan Reflex Auto Return Yo-Yo
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 6,166 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
This plastic yoyo with a smart design is the perfect pick for beginners. It offers fun and engaging tricks for kids and someone looking to test or improve their yoyo spinning skills.
Pros
- Centrifugal clutch in the yoyo allows automatic return to hand
- Easy-to-use for beginners
- Easy to remove knots
- Comes in three different colors — red, green, and blue
Cons
- Some might find the string a little long
- May not withstand rough play
"These aesthetically pleasing yoyos have made playtime more vibrant for my child. Their auto-return feature has made it easy for me to teach her different tricks. Although not the most durable option, they serve their purpose well."
Did you know?3. Best For Fast Spins: Yoyo King Merlin
Looking for the best yoyo for kids? What sets apart the Merlin yoyo from the rest is that it can be easily turned into an unresponsive yoyo by putting a wide C bearing.
Pros
- Optimized to provide long fast spins
- Offers great balance and stability
- Has a yoyo string and ball-bearing axle
- Crafted with silicone response system
Cons
- Strings may be prone to knotting
- Bearing may make noise
"Although slightly wary if my purchase was nostalgia-driven, the functionality offered by this yoyo has me delighted. The bearing makes noise at times, but this minor issue does not dampen the overall performance of the yoyo. Plus, its sleep time and durability have been pretty impressive and have stood well to hours of spinning."
4. Best For Beginners: Magic YoYo N11 Yo-Yo
Image: Magicyoyo Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,115 positive reviews on Amazon.
Let’s be honest, the cool black color with a splash of metallic gold is enough to make anyone deem this as one of the best yoyos for kids. This unresponsive yoyo is a great option for beginners and intermediates alike.
Pros
- Includes 2 rubber weighing rings to accommodate finger spin tricks
- Steel axle offers smooth spin
- Made using high-grade material to stand the test of time
- Aluminum yoyo with zero recess
Cons
- String may break easily
- May not be well-balanced
"I got this vibrant yoyo for my son, a newbie to the world of yo-yo tricks. It has turned out to be a delightful way to bond with him. Besides, the smooth ball bearing makes the yoyo perform well, and the attractive design has my son and me hooked."
5. Best For Learning Basics: Yomega Brain Yoyo
Next on our list of the best yoyo for kids is the Yomega Brain Yoyo. The easy to throw and play design makes it easy and less frustrating for beginners to learn the basics.
Pros
- Centrifugal clutch makes it easy to return to the hand
- Clutch system on the downswing for longer spins
- Suitable yoyo for beginners
- Comes in many different colors
- Comes with a three-month warranty
Cons
- May not sleep long enough
- May not bounce back as smoothly
"The auto-return feature is what compelled me to buy this yoyo. And it's sure been a worthy purchase. The yoyo facilitates simple tricks in a frustration-free manner, and though it took me some time and a little bit of tinkering to get used to the short sleep time of this nostalgic model, the results have surpassed my expectations."
6. Best Boomerang Action: Prime Time Toys Glow Ball Light-Up Yo-Yo
Who said the best yoyo for kids should always come with typical features and design? We believe the Glow Ball Light-Up Yo-Yo is everything you want in a yoyo, and so much more! The battery-powered yoyo has entertaining lights that activate as it spins, offering endless fun.
Pros
- Lights up as it spins
- Features boomerang action
- Comes with batteries
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons
- May have a spherical shape
- May be difficult for younger children to operate
7. Best For Intermediate Players: Yomega Fireball Anatomy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,541 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
The Yomega Fireball Anatomy is a great yoyo for intermediate and advanced players. This transaxle yoyo would also make a great gift if you want to introduce someone to the basics of yo-yoing.
Pros
- Features high-performance transaxle that enables smooth long spins
- Fireball allows one to move to the advanced stage of yo-yoing
- Modular design makes it easy to lubricate the parts or untangle strings
- Easily returns to the user’s hand with a flick of the wrist
- Comes with a six-month warranty
Cons
- May not be a good choice for beginners
- Sleep time may not be adequate
"The responsive design of this yoyo has allowed me to perform so many classic tricks. Though its simplicity may not appeal to advanced yo-yo enthusiasts, its robust design and build are noteworthy. All in all, it keeps me entertained for hours on end."
Trivia8. Best Stress Buster: Yomega Power Brain XP Yoyo
If you are hunting for an entertaining yoyo with a badass design, then your quest for the best yoyo for kids ends right here. Known for its uber-cool design, the Power Brain XP is one of the perfect yoyos for anyone looking to purchase a stress buster.
Pros
- Two options to choose from: automatic return and manual function
- Includes two extra strings
- Crafted for beginners and intermediate-level players
- Comes in various colors
- Three-months warranty
Cons
- May not retract as well as it should
"I enjoy this yoyo's switch mechanism as it can transition between simple play and trick mode. This makes it easy to use across various skill levels. It's always fun to try new tricks and teach my young nephews and nieces a few basic ones with this yoyo. I am quite happy with my purchase."
9. Best For Adults: Yomega Raider
The Yomega Raider is geared towards anyone who is past the beginner’s level. This yoyo is not just restricted to kids but can be used by adults as well.
Pros
- Precision roll bearing system provides a perfect balance in response, speed, and spin time
- Perfect for looping tricks
- Designed for intermediate and advanced players
- Comes with a three-month warranty
- Comes in three different colors
Cons
- Can be tricky to use
- May not be a good choice for a beginner
"Besides being a hit with my little one, this yoyo has brought joy across generations. Its long sleep time allows my son to try different tricks, and the spinning keeps him fascinated for hours. Although the winding mechanism is slightly tricky to master, it's become my child's go-to yoyo."
10. Best Spinning Time: Spintastics Tornado 2
Finding the best yoyo for kids can be tedious. The Spintastics Tornado 2 from Spintastic is designed by none other than the world champion, Dale Oliver. Whether it is learning new yoyo tricks or honing your looping skills, the Tornado is all you need.
Pros
- Used by world champions such as Dale Oliver
- Well designed to perform all kidneys of looping tricks
- Comes with a size E ball bearing for longer spinning time
- Easy to learn and use
Cons
- May be too responsive
- Some may find the yo-yo light for their liking
"I appreciate this yo-yo for its versatility; it is user-friendly for both a novice and an expert. Although I initially struggled to get the hang of its responsive mechanism, with minor adjustments, I could accomplish a variety of classic tricks."
11. Best Personalized Gift: Yoyo King Custom Classic Natural Wooden Yo-Yo
This wooden yoyo is reminiscent of olden times and easy to use. This yoyo allows you to engrave your child’s name in it, making it one of the best yoyos for kids. This makes for a great personalized gift item as well.
Pros
- Made using durable, lightweight wood
- Can be customized up to 14 characters and in four different font styles
- Comes with a string attached
- Good for beginners
Cons
- String may tangle up easily
- May not be as well-balanced
"These classic wooden yo-yos are of good quality, with a nice weight and smooth finish, perfect for beginners and experienced users. Although I noticed some balance issues, the custom engraving adds a special touch, and they make great gifts."
12. Best For Advanced Tricks: Spintastics Dave Oliver’s Tiger Shark
These yoyos glow in the dark and come in 5 attractive colors. Featuring a sturdy plastic body, it is ideal for beginners and intermediate players as it can let them perform great yoyo tricks with ease.
Pros
- Ball bearing axle gives extra long spin times
- Flared shape makes it easy to hold on the hand
- Stable and balances well
- String can be changed easily
Cons
- Might be a little noisy
- May be smaller in size
"I recently tried out this glow-in-the-dark yoyo, and it has been a lot of fun. The classic design is suitable for both beginner and intermediate skill levels. While the included strings could be of better quality, adding an extra string makes it worth it. It feels durable and maintains good spin time and responsiveness. Go for it!"
13. Best For Kids : YoYoFactory Loop 360
Next on our list of the best yoyos for kids is the Loop 360 from YoYoFactory. Made with the intention of making yo-yoing easier, it is a great pick for beginners and little ones as well.
Pros
- Made with a stainless steel ball bearing
- Suitable for kids, beginners, intermediate, and advanced players
- Comes with an extra string
- Made from polycarbonate for increased durability
Cons
- Strings may be short
- May be slightly lightweight
"Here’s what I love about this yo-yo—it enables straightforward loops and tricks and has an easy-to-use design, a sturdy build, and a responsive mechanism. I wish it could accommodate complex maneuvers as well. Overall, a decent option!"
How To Choose The Right Yoyo For Kids?
Here are a few points you should bear in mind when buying a yoyo.
- If your child is a beginner, make sure to pick one that is beginner-friendly and easy to use.
- A yoyo that is crafted for beginners will help your child learn the basic yoyo tricks with ease.
- Another factor to take into consideration is the design and durability of the product. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a product that your child doesn’t find to be visually appealing or can’t withstand wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age can kids start playing with yoyos?
In general, most yoyos meant for beginners are meant for children eight years and above. Do read the product details provided by the manufacturer as the minimum age limit may vary from one brand to another.
2. How can I help my child learn yoyo tricks?
Firstly, get your child the right yoyo, like the one with a centrifugal clutch, which facilitates automatic return to hand. Secondly, let your child explore the yoyo on their own till they get used to its mechanism. Thirdly, go through and practice yoyo tips and tricks available on reputable websites and online channels, and then share the approved ones with your child.
3. What is the difference between a responsive yoyo and an unresponsive yoyo?
A responsive yoyo has a small gap and certain response points that allow you to bring the yoyo back into the hand with the help of a slight tug gesture. It’s ideal for beginners. An unresponsive yoyo has a wider gap and a longer string, which needs to be bound in order to bring the yoyo back into the hand. It’s more suitable for intermediate players and pros.
4. What are some yoyo tricks beginners can do?
Some beginner-level yoyo tricks are walk the dog, around the world, rock the baby or cradle, the sleeper, and breakaway.
5. My child is an intermediate yoyo player. Should I buy them one with a clutch system?
Yoyos with a clutch system can perform only a limited number of tricks, therefore it’s better to get your child an unresponsive yoyo to perform advanced-level tricks.
6. Does it matter what kind of axle my yoyo has?
Yes, the types of axles include fixed, transaxle, ball bearing, and clutch. All four have different spinning mechanisms and speeds, making each suitable for their corresponding set of tricks and different expertise levels. For instance, the clutch axle is ideal for beginners while a fixed one isn’t.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a product writer and reviewer whose focus areas are toys and gifts. Her knowledge in this field and research abilities help her guide prospective buyers to the right products. In this post, she has listed the best yoyos based on their user reviews and feedback. She has explained each product’s features, such as how fast it can spin and how comfortable it is to use. She also explains how to choose yoyos based on your child’s age to ensure their safety while playing.
The Bottom Line
Yoyo is a fascinating, evergreen toy that has been a part of every generation’s childhood. When you’re ready to introduce your child to a yoyo, consider that they’re new to this. So, it helps when you buy an easy-to-use, tried-and-tested yoyo designed for beginners so that your child grows to like the toy. While the best yoyos for kids offer entertainment and fun, they also help improve skills such as motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they master different yoyo tricks. Hence, you could pick the Duncan Reflex Auto Return Yo-Yo with its clever design and automated return feature, the quick-spinning Yoyo King Merlin, or the Magic YoYo N11 Yo-Yo with a stylish design and smooth spinning mechanism.
Infographic: Tips For Choosing Yoyos For Children
The first yoyo was developed roughly around 500 BCE and, thus, has rich cultural significance. Easy to use and fun, you can introduce this classic toy to your child to keep them engaged. So, check out this infographic to choose a suitable yoyo for your child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- No. 2796: THE YO-YO
https://www.uh.edu/engines/epi2796.htm
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