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The '80s kids had Mr. Rogers, and the '90s kids had Steve from Blue's Clues. But these days, the newest crop of toddlers have an icon of their own: Ms. Rachel. Her Toddler Learning Videos YouTube channel has more than 13 million subscribers and she launched a new Netflix series this year — she's basically taken the preschool world by storm.
We've come across tons of Ms. Rachel toys that focus on the subjects Ms. Rachel cares about, like phonics, counting and social-emotional learning. Some have been tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute in advance of its Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards. Others are fan-favorites and bestsellers, or so new that they missed the testing window. A lot of these have sold out around the holidays, but they're finally back!
Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll
This toy impressed Good Housekeeping Institute experts and tester families alike. The doll is big and squishy — it's around 16 inches — so it's perfect for little ones to tote around. But when you press the hands, it sings one of four songs or says one of 16 phrases, which helps their language development. "[My child] enjoys the songs and that the doll is soft and likes to carry it around," one parent said. Ages 6 months +
Ms. Rachel Wooden Phonics Alphabet Sound Puzzle
This puzzle has all of the problem-solving benefits of a regular wooden puzzle, with a Ms. Rachel twist: Kids will hear her sound out the letters and say word when they remove a piece (two AAA batteries required), making it great for early phonics learning. You can also turn the voice off for quiet play.
"Ms. Rachel's voice makes this puzzle more engaging than a regular alphabet puzzle," said one parent tester. "[My child] loved pointing out the sun as she removed the 's.'" Note: the parent added that the puzzle only talks when the pieces are removed (not when they're put back) and warned that some of the letters can fit in the wrong slots. Ages 2+
This baby toy is tented, giving babies something engaging to look at and touch during tummy time. It's inspired by the "Wheels on the Bus," so adults can point out the doors that open and shut and the wheels that go round and round. The other side has a mirror — always a baby fave — and when it's unfolded, it can act as a play mat with a high-contrast pattern. Ages 0+
RELATED: In the Wake of Her Netflix Show, Is Ms. Rachel Leaving YouTube?
Blanket dolls are so sweet, and this Herbie one is eye-catching, with its orange fur on the outside and banana print on the inside. The size (14 inches) and color means it's easy to spot, and there's also a version that looks like Ms. Rachel herself. Ages 3 months+
Ms. Rachel Wooden Peek-a-Boo Jumbo Peg Puzzle
This beginner puzzle has knobs that are easy for little ones to grab. Kids can practice their shape recognition and color matching by putting in the four large pieces. And there's a special surprise under the sun — a kid-safe mirror! Ages 1+
Kids will have a fun, sensory experience pulling out surprises of different textures from this box. There's a teddy bear, a stuffed bunny, a plush carrot, a stuffed bus, a silky scarf and a bubblegum pillow that kids can pull from the box — a classic game about object permanence. The outside of the box also has fun flaps to lift. Ages 0+
Ms. Rachel Wooden Learning Blocks
These blocks offer more than meets the eye: there are numbers, letters and pictures on the blocks that help with phonics. There are also colors that kids can use as a matching game, as well as emotions, parts of the body and ideas for movement. Cards give families ideas for different activities to do and games to play with the block set. Ages 18 months+
These four finger puppets are perfect for role-playing and re-enacting Ms. Rachel's "Peekaboo Zoo" song. "My daughter found the familiar animals and Ms Rachel puppets exciting to hold and identify," said one parent, who noted that the finger holes were more parent-sized than kid-sized. Ages 6 months+
Inside this soft farm are eight different animal environments, each with different sensations for babies to explore. There are ribbons to grab, sections that crinkle, flaps to lift and a plush cow to hold. When not in use, it can fold up flat. Ages 3 months+
Now they can take Ms. Rachel with them wherever they go! The ring makes it easy to clip to a swing, activity gym or stroller. Also, the toy rattles when it's shaken and has a teething ring for babies to chew on. You can also get a Herbie version. Ages 3 months+
This toy can help families going through the potty training stage — no one's favorite — by role-playing and imaginative play. Kids can help Bean the bear go to the potty, use toilet paper, dress himself, wash his hands and more. It also comes with a visual chart that explains the potty-training steps, plus stickers. Ages 18 months+
For families who don't want dolls that sing or make noise, this Herbie is a quiet friend who is perfect for a good cuddle session. You can also get a (similarly quiet) Ms. Rachel doll to go with it. Both of them can be thrown in the washing machine as needed. Ages 6 months+
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
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