Best interactive pets for kids: 15 gift ideas for children of all ages
From puppies to axolotls, take a look at our selection of the best interactive pets you can buy that are sure to be a hit with little animal lovers
From Furbys to robot dogs, and puppies to geckos, we round up the best interactive pets for kids. Even though we have included interactive pets in our round up of the best toys for six-year-olds, they actually make great toys for kids of all ages, teaching emotional intelligence, empathy and responsibility, while also instilling nurturing skills. Fostering these characteristics is hugely important, especially if your child wants a real pet, or you plan on introducing one into the family at a later date.
Interactive pets aren't a new concept, there are a few on this list that are classic toys that have been around for years. But advances in technology means that there are more interactive pets than ever to choose from.
For this list, we've chosen our favourites based on our in-depth experience and product knowledge, customer reviews and the bestsellers. Our selection is suitable for a variety of ages ranges, with prices from £9.99 to £66.99.
15 interactive pets for kids
Age suitability: 5+
If you're on the lookout for a great gift, then check out Cutie Cuts Lil' Snippers. These little fluff balls need a bit of TLC - use the special kid-friendly scissors to cut away the excess fur and give them a groom to reveal the adorable pet underneath.
Age suitability: 5+
Make a dough, then bake it in this colourful oven to create your very own adorable and sweet-smelling interactive pet. Who will you bake - Cinnamon Pooch, Fondant Feline or Strawberry Swirl the rabbit? Read our Cookeez Makery review to find out more.
Age suitability: 6+
Originally released in the late 1990s, the iconic Furby has had somewhat of a resurgence. The curious little creature responds to hugs and pats on the head, has five voice-activated modes and over 600 phrases, jokes and songs to the delight of kids everywhere. Check out Furblets for a more budget-friendly option.
Age suitability: 5+
A bestselling interactive pet, Bitzee is a digital pet that reacts to swipes, tilts and touch. Each Bitzee starts as a baby, and needs to be fed, played with and rocked to sleep to help them grow into an adult, and the more you play, the more Bitzees you can collect.
Age suitability: 5+
This puppy toy is more than just fun, it'll help boost a child's problem solving skills too as they assemble the dog house. Then their imaginations can run wild as they discover paw prints, and enjoy the magical surprise puppy reveal.
Age suitability: 8+
This electronic interactive pet was huge in the 90s and you can still buy them today, in a variety of colours and designs. Owners will need to feed them, play with them, clean up after them, care for them when they are poorly and even discipline them!
Age suitability: 3+
There are three pooping puppies to collect, including a husky, a dalmatian and a pug. Squeeze the puppy's ear to hear it bark, and feed it bones to satisfy its appetite. But what goes in, must come out. And we all know kids love gross-sounding stuff!
Age suitability: 5+
Another bestseller, this mini version of the larger Mama Surprise sets, features a mini bunny who needs looking after. Better still, she's expecting baby bunnies! And kids will love to repeat the surprise baby reveal again and again.
Age suitability: 4+
This interactive feline friend has a wagging tail, can be taken for a walk around the house (where she exhibits realistic feline movements), and will meow, purr and even emit 'mew-sical' sound effects.
Age suitability: 3+
With more than 50 light and sound effects, this is the perfect interactive pet for reptile fans. It has two walking speeds as well as a dance mode, and its eyes light up with five different colours to convey different emotions.
Age suitability: 6+
Through a special 'minting' process, Dog-E comes 'alive' and reveals a unique combination of lights, sounds, and personality traits. With 200+ sounds and reactions. You can use the app to teach it tricks and it can learn your name.
Age suitability: 3+
Cute, colourful and oh-so-soft, Hope the Rainbow Husky can move and talk, and she'll let you know if she's poorly or injured. Luckily, she comes with a syringe, thermometer, bone treat and recovery collar so her new owner can make her feel better.
Age suitability: 3+
Brave dino wranglers will love this walking, roaring, head-rearing T-Rex. It's also battle ready, with real firing weapons and body armour. This is not a pet for the faint of heart, but would go down a treat with those for whom a puppy is too tame.
Age suitability: 4+
If aquatic pals are more your thing, then this interactive axolotl, with its squishy texture, stretchy tentacles and fun water-activated features is a great buy. Pop it in water to watch it glow. You can even buy it its own aquarium!
Age suitability: 5+
An interactive monkey that reacts to touch thanks to sensors on their head, mouth and tummy, Fingerlings have more than 70 sounds and reactions for kids to enjoy. They can grip on to your finger, be shaken and flipped upside down to illicit more fun reactions.
Why are interactive pets good for children?
Interactive pets make great gifts for children as they really tap into imaginative play which is an important type of play for their development. GoodtoKnow expert panellist Dr Amanda Gummer explains: "Allowing children to engage in imaginative play and explore different scenarios, enhances their creativity and emotional intelligence."
These types of toys can also be enjoyed solo, which can be really beneficial in helping a child grow in their independence, practice their decision-making and concentration skills. Interactive pets can also help your child develop their nurturing side, and help expose them to the responsibilities that comes with real-life pet ownership.
For more interactive toys, check out our Tonies guide or our pick of the best mix and make toys. You can also take a look at this year's top toys to see the newest toys on the block.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Sarah is GoodtoKnow’s Consumer Writer & Money Editor - which means she writes about everything from this year's top toys and the newest toy releases, to discounts on days out and childcare costs. Sarah is passionate about helping mums save money wherever they can - whether that's spending wisely on the right toys and kidswear or keeping on top of the latest news around child benefit, the motherhood penalty. A writer, journalist and editor with more than 15 years' experience, Sarah is all about the latest toy trends and is always on the look out for toys for her nephew or Goddaughters so that she remains one of their favourite grown ups. When not writing about money or best buys, Sarah can be found hanging out with her rockstar dog Pepsi, getting opinionated about a movie or learning British Sign Language.
-
I've finally found the secret to happy family holidays: bring the grandparents along
The one thing you should never go on holiday without? Grandparents...
By Jennifer Barton Published
-
How to save money in the summer holidays - 20 easy ideas for parents
Try these quick tips to save money during the summer holidays, without compromising on fun
By Sarah Handley Published
-
De'longhi Coffee Machine toy review - an impressive replica, but is it worth your money?
I tested the De'longhi coffee machine toy from Casdon with a four year old - here's our verdict on whether it's worth the £25 price tag
By Sarah Handley Published
-
I tested the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit with a couple of kids - here's our verdict
We review the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit to see if it's worth your money
By Sarah Handley Published
-
5 most valuable vintage Lego sets, according to a Lego expert - do you own one?
These vintage Lego sets could be worth serious cash - here's what to do if you have one at home
By Sarah Handley Published
-
I had hours of fun testing this toy with a six-year-old, and now it's at its lowest ever price for Prime Day
Cookeez Makery is the toy I wish I had when I was a child, and now it's an absolute bargain in the Prime Day sale
By Sarah Handley Published
-
I'm a toy tester and these 35 Amazon Prime Day toy deals are still available, but not for long
These Amazon Prime Day toy deals are still live if you want to grab a last-minute bargain
By Sarah Handley Last updated
-
I tested the Cricut Joy Xtra and it turned me into a crafty mum in just one evening
This nifty little gadget can take you from zero to hero in all things crafting
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
Yoto audio player review - is it worth the money?
We tried and tested the Yoto 3rd generation audio player for kids to see if it's worth the price tag and how it compares to its mainstream competitor Tonie - here's how we got on
By Sarah Handley Published
-
5 benefits of messy play - plus, the best toys to encourage their creativity
Experts reveal the benefits messy play can have on your child's development and we share some great toy ideas for this kind of activity
By Sarah Handley Published