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10 Best Toy Vacuums for Kids in 2024

last updated May 31, 2019

To adults, vacuuming is a chore that we would like to forget about and never have to do, but for kids, it is a way to imitate our movements during a task performed quite often. They want to do things that grown-ups do, but they cannot handle a real vacuum cleaner, nor would we want them to try. This is why manufacturers have created toy vacuum cleaners just for kids. Toy vacuums get toddlers up and walking, which helps tune their gross-motor skills. The ones with bright colors will exercise their ability to recognize and name those colors. Toy vacuums may seem like just fun playthings to entertain children, but they do teach some valuable skills as they keep kids busy and excited. Here are our top picks for best toy vacuums for kids in 2019.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research

icon
Dyson Ball
95/100 our score
Design
95
Accessories
95
Physical Development
95
Dyson Ball
Why is it better?

Twists and turns like the real version

Designed with working suction

Stimulates the imagination and encourages pretend play

Lightweight and easy for young children to push

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Dyson Ball
Test Winner: Dyson Ball
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Researched Sources
17
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
16
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
16
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Angeline Mirenda:

Little ones love to play house just like their role models (that’s you!). Having toys that mimic popular household items allow them to develop social skills and explore their own creativity. We’ve used this update to replace two of the toy vacuums on our list that were low in stock or unavailable. Check out our new favorites: the Fisher-Price Light-Up Laugh and Learn and the Hello Kitty Vacuum.

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Design Accessories Physical Development By Default
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PictureProduct
Name
Rating
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#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
95 %
Accessories
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
$27.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Design
92 %
Accessories
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
$36.00
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Design
95 %
Accessories
92 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
$24.95
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
Design
90 %
Accessories
95 %
Physical Development
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.7
Design
87 %
Accessories
93 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
$19.97
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
Design
92 %
Accessories
85 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
$23.90
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90
Design
90 %
Accessories
90 %
Physical Development
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
Design
85 %
Accessories
90 %
Physical Development
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
Design
85 %
Accessories
90 %
Physical Development
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
Design
88 %
Accessories
84 %
Physical Development
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (25.04.24)
Amazon Link

10 Best Toy Vacuums Reviewed

1. Dyson Ball

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Dyson Ball
Amazon Link
Design
95
Accessories
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$27.99

Twists and turns like the real version

Designed with working suction

Stimulates the imagination and encourages pretend play

Lightweight and easy for young children to push

Batteries are not included

Your little mini-me can vacuum just like “mommy and daddy” with the Dyson Ball toy vacuum.

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Design

Designed to be a smaller replica of the Dyson Ball, your little one will have a blast as they pretend to tidy up. Just like the real one, this toy version has the ability to twist and turn, thus allowing your child to vacuum in those hard to reach places. When purchasing, you can choose from bright pink, yellow, or purple vacuum to match your child’s favorite color. Weighing under 5 pounds, the vacuum is lightweight enough for small children to push.

Accessories

Designed with realistic sounds and colored balls whirling around in the front clear cylinder, your child will feel like they are really vacuuming. With working suction, this toy can pick up small bits of paper. The removable debris drawer on the back makes it easy for your child to empty the vacuum.

Physical Development

The special features on this toy will stimulate your child’s imagination and encourage them to engage in pretend play. The bright colors of the vacuum will help stimulate their sensory development.

2. PlayGo 2-in-1

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
PlayGo 2-in-1
Amazon Link
Design
92
Accessories
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$36.00

Highly durable

Brightly colored

Equipped with a removable hand vacuum

Realistic sounds increase pretend play

Batteries not included

Children ages two and up can pretend to vacuum the whole house with the PlayGo 2-in-1 Vacuum cleaner.

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Design

The vacuum is a bright red, blue, and green. Composed of durable plastic, this toy is designed to survive countless pretend cleaning sessions.

Accessories

When it’s time to vacuum the furniture they can use the removable hand vacuum. Both the vacuums make real sounds to increase the fun.

Physical Development

The bright colors will appeal to your child’s sensory stimulation. Grasping the vacuum will increase your child’s fine-motor skills. Even though the vacuum is lightweight, pushing it will strengthen your child’s arm muscles as well as give them an opportunity to burn off energy.

3. Play Circle by Battat

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Play Circle by Battat
Amazon Link
Design
95
Accessories
92
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.95

Wheels easily glide over all floor surfaces

Converts into a dustbuster

Stimulates several areas of development

Sized perfectly for a toddler

Realistic vacuum sounds are loud

Battat’s Play Circle Vacuum is perfect for the next time the urge to clean hits your little fashionista.

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Design

This brightly colored pink pretend vacuum has the ability to transform between an upright vacuum and a handheld dustbuster. Your little one can use the attached hose and nozzle to vacuum in small spaces. The vacuum weights just a little over 3 pounds and is the perfect size for children ages 3 and up. The wheels will easily glide over carpet, wood, or tile thus allowing your little one to vacuum any room of the house.

Accessories

The realistic vacuum sounds and whirling beads will make pretend play seem much more realistic. Your little one can even pretend to empty the vacuum by popping out the removable dust cup. As they shake the cup, the beads will rattle around inside.

Physical Development

This pretend-play vacuum will not only encourage your child to keep things tidy but it will also stimulate their development. They will be motivated to engage in imaginative play while also improving their fine-motor skills.

4. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages
Amazon Link
Design
90
Accessories
95
Physical Development
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Features Smart Stage Technology

Has more than 30 tunes, sing-along songs, and phrases

Includes a manual switch to change the Smart Stages

Pushing the vacuum activates the phrases and songs – a child can push the buttons on the front of the vacuum to activate more songs

Promotes gross motor skills and introduces shapes, colors, letters, and more

Vacuum may be too short for some kids

Product does not stand on its own

This is so much more than just a toy to mimic pushing a real vacuum. It has so many activities, colors, lights, and sounds included that it will be hard for your child not to want to play with it constantly.

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Design

There are three levels of play designated by age and activity. Parents can select the stage that is most appropriate for their child as he or she grows. Stage one is the exploring level, and it is for ages six to twelve months old. First sounds and words are exercised at this stage. Level two is for encouragement, and it is for ages twelve to eighteen months. It covers simple directions and questions. Level three is for kids eighteen months and older to develop pretending. At this stage, toddlers begin role-playing and imaginative fun.

Accessories

The best feature of this toy vacuum by Fisher-Price is that it features Smart Stage Technology that advances the learning content as baby grows. More than thirty tunes, phrases, and songs are available for play, which are activated when the toy is pushed or by the light-up colorful buttons on the front of the vacuum. Get your child actively learning and developing their motor skills with this lovely toy from Fisher-Price.

Physical Development

The Laugh & Learn is one of the few toy vacuums on the market that is truly for the baby. Kids as young as six months old can interact with this toy to start developing their gross motor skills, listening abilities, and color recognition.

5. Fisher-Price Light-Up Learner

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.7
Fisher-Price Light-Up Learner
Amazon Link
Design
87
Accessories
93
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.97

Lights up and sings

Songs help with colors, counting, and opposites

Improves gross motor skills

Makes realistic vacuum sounds

Offers prompts for role-playing

Doesn’t stand upright

Vacuum is smaller than some parents expected

Fisher-Price’s Laugh and Learn Vacuum is a fun, stimulating toy for young children. It features bright, flashing lights as well as realistic vacuum sounds and songs that help children learn shapes, opposites, colors, and more. The more that children play, the more their vacuum canister ‘fills up’ with lively colors! This toy even tilts like a true vacuum handle and prompts children to recognize other typical household items and furniture.

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Design

This mini vacuum cleaner is a creative approximation of the real thing. It tilts and moves like a normal vacuum but it doesn’t lock in the upright position, so don’t count on it as a walking aid. It’s highly interactive and educationally beneficial and it’s easy for children to use with large buttons and over-sized dials.

Accessories

While the vacuum doesn’t come with many separate accessories, it does have a lot of included features. It flashes and lights up during use to keep young eyes engaged. It also plays fun songs that help children to learn. You can flip the switch to turn on more realistic vacuum sounds and prompts that direct children where to clean in their role-playing fun.

Physical Development

Children will see improved motor skills such as balance and coordination. The canister fills up with different colors as the song sings through their names. The vacuum also helps teach basic counting with numbers one through ten. Flipping the switch between songs and sounds helps teach children opposites and cause and effect.

6. Brilliant Basics Corn Popper

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.7
Brilliant Basics Corn Popper
Amazon Link
Design
92
Accessories
85
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$23.90

Is a durable design for kids just starting to walk

Perfect for all toddlers – boys and girls

Very colorful toy

Promotes walking, visual tracking and counting also entertain skids

Push handle is easy to grab

Some say wheels do not roll very well

Comments about a few parents receiving items in which the balls do not pop

Full of colorful balls that pop when the toy is pushed, the Corn Popper has been around for generations.

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Design

It is a simple basic toy that encourages toddlers to walk. The faster they walk, the faster the balls pop in the clear plastic dome. The colors are so vivid and bright with a pretty blue handle and wheels that are red and orange. It is a durable design great for all toddlers, boys and girls, as they learn how to walk. The push handle is very easy to grab, and the construction is quite sturdy.

Accessories

These poppers have been around for so long that adults had them when they were toddlers. Fisher-Price has a really good item with this popper because it is so effective for kids.

Physical Development

The toy promotes walking, visual tracking, and counting, plus it serves as entertainment for kids of all ages. It is so fun to watch babies with these toys because of their surprise and enjoyment of the toy. Toddlers can learn their colors with this cute toy as they perfect their walking skills.

7. Melissa & Doug Wooden Let's Play House

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90
Melissa & Doug Wooden Let's Play House
Amazon Link
Design
90
Accessories
90
Physical Development
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Great set of cleaning toys all in one bundle

Constructed from high-quality wooden materials

Just the best size for the little ones

Includes; mop, dustpan, duster, broom, vacuum, and a stand to hold it all

Promotes self-care development

Glue used to put parts together is not very sturdy

The mop is hard to get clean after use

This is the ultimate cleaning set includes everything that is needed to clean up, dust, mop, and sweep the house.

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Design

The “let’s play house” set is the bonus set of cleaning toys that every parent have been looking for. Each of the pieces has been constructed out of high-quality wood. They are durable and just the right size for the little ones. With their build to last construction, you will feel confident in having the set for many years to come. This ultimate cleaning kit is the perfect way to go for getting everything they need to help around the house at once.

Accessories

The set includes; a mop, dustpan, a duster, a broom, a toy vacuum cleaner with wooden debris pieces, and a stand to hold it all.

Physical Development

Toys that inspire children to complete activities or chores around the house are always a great way to have them start to understand the concept of self-care. As they get older the tasks become more complex, but starting them out with a great quality toy set of cleaning toys that they can actually up around the house with it is a great start.

8. Minnie Happy Helpers 2-in-1

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
Minnie Happy Helpers 2-in-1
Amazon Link
Design
85
Accessories
90
Physical Development
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Has realistic sounds and lights - features a light-up bow when moving

Batteries included for operation

Has a detachable mini vacuum for little clean-ups

Includes cute graphics of Minnie Mouse

Great for kids 3 to 6 years old

Small vacuum is hard for kids to put on and take off

Sounds only last a short while after button is pressed

Minnie Mouse adorns both of these vacuums with this toy.

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Design

Her bright shining face is a graphic on each, with a light-up bow on the smaller vacuum. The smaller vacuum is a lighter toy that is good for smaller clean-up jobs. It detaches and can be put back on to use the bigger vacuum toy. Children three to six years old will love playing with this delightful toy. It is the most charming shades of bright pink so that kids will be very attracted to it.

Accessories

Each has realistic sounds and lights to simulate operation. Batteries are included for function. An adorable plastic bow lights up on the mini vacuum when it is being used. Pearl-like beads twirl in the clear cylinder for simulated vacuum action.

Physical Development

With two types of vacuums in this toy, children will learn how to use a regular vacuum and also a “dustbuster” type too. Motor skills will get a workout with these two items.

9. Disney Minnie Bowtique

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89
Disney Minnie Bowtique
Amazon Link
Design
85
Accessories
90
Physical Development
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Decorated with great colors and graphics

Plastic bow twinkles and beads swirl in cylinder

Has realistic sounds and lights

Good for kids 3 to 6 years old

Batteries required and included

Some say item does not stay on, so kids get frustrated with it

A few parents received defective toys

Anything with Minnie Mouse on it will delight children because of her well-known image.

Read more

Design

The big bow at the top of the vacuum is what makes this such an adorable little vacuum. This product is the cutest colors of pinks and purple with the well-known face of Minnie on the vacuum.

Accessories

It lights up and twinkles as the toy is pushed, and there are colorful, plastic beads in the clear cylinder that spins around too. The vacuum makes authentic sounds and lights up when in action. Batteries are required for operation, and they are included with the purchase. Children three to six years old will most enjoy this toy.

Physical Development

Kids will enjoy the colors and sounds of this toy vacuum as they push it along and watch the beads swirl in the canister as they go. It develops their motor skills and cognitive abilities as they watch the operation of the toy.

10. Hello Kitty

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88
Hello Kitty
Amazon Link
Design
88
Accessories
84
Physical Development
92
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Fun bead popping filter

Midsection removes to become dustbuster

Makes mild, realistic vacuum sound

Adorable Hello Kitty Design

Some units have wheels that make screeching noise during use

Hello Kitty has visited many households all across the world to preach the importance of friendship and principles. Now she’s back and ready to help kids learn more about responsibilities around the house. This adorable vacuum lights up and makes realistic vacuum sounds when you push and pull it, or press the red heart button at the top. Tiny beads pop around inside where a vacuum would normally collect dust, helping to further stimulate young senses.

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Design

This vacuum is small but mighty. It’s intended for ages three and up. Children can enjoy pushing and pulling the vacuum at its full height or they can dismantle it and use just the small dustbuster to get to all those difficult nooks and crannies!

Accessories

This two-fold vacuum can be used as either a normal, upstanding vacuum or a dustbuster. It makes realistic vacuum sounds during play. Kids can also activate the lights and noises simply by pressing the red heart button at the top. The popping beads in the dust collecting cup area are a nice touch and a way to represent what occurs in that filter without having any actual dust present.

Physical Development

Kids will be able to exercise their gross motor skills with this vacuum. They’ll also enjoy the autonomy, creativity, and social exploration that role-playing allows. This vacuum is small, so make sure you check the size dimensions if you’re ordering for older children.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design

Children in the age group of 2 to 5 would most enjoy these toy vacuums. Kids younger than 2 may not yet have the skills to stand and push the toy or may not have the desire to do so yet.

Older children would not be interested in such a simple toy and would probably be too advanced in skills to be entertained. Toddlers of the right ages will delight in the fact that they can walk with the vacuum to mimic the adult motions of cleaning the rugs and carpets.

The bright colors and actions that the various toys perform will excite them because of the new experience of such a toy.

Accessories

Toy Vacuums that are designed with extra accessories will enhance your child's level of fun and imaginative play. We were sure to add a wide variety of vacuums that included realistic sounds and features.

Physical Development

The skills obtained do vary with each item, as they are all so uniquely different, but they all instill some basic abilities in toddlers, such as gross-motors skills of walking, balancing, pushing the toy, and direction awareness. Kids will be steering these items themselves, so they will learn where to go, how to go, in which direction, and how to stop. Pushing the toy will entail being able to hold the handle with a firm grip and walk forward at the same time.

This might be the first time that your child will have to coordinate muscles and brain activities to accomplish so much. Hand-eye functions will be enhanced too. Some of the toys have knobs to turn for sounds and noises, so verbal and listening abilities will be exercised.

Items such as the Corn Popper for the youngest kids will develop counting and color recognition skills with the colorful balls in the clear bubble. The toys that do actually pick up items in the vacuum will show children the mechanics of how a vacuum really works and why we use them.

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Parents Did You Know

The corn popper is one of the most popular toys for kids in history.

Parents Did You Know

Purchasing a toy vacuum that is composed of plastic makes it easier for you to clean.

Other Factors to Consider

Safety

These toy vacuums were created with the ultimate user in mind-–your child. There are no small parts that will come off in play for the child to swallow accidentally or parts that are loose to make the toddler fall when walking with the vacuum. Safety and peace-of-mind are incorporated into every item to ensure the safety and well-being of your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Do the handles extend on any of these vacuums to accommodate the growing stages of a child? Will the vacuums stand on their own? If so which ones do?

a:

All of the upright vacuums do not extend for child growth. Kids should be able to use these well into their older toddler years. The shorter models that do not stand up are the best if there is concern about the vacuum being able to stand on its own. Most of the stand-up models do require the child to hold it up while in use.

q: Are these toy vacuums just for girls, or do boy like to play with them too? Should boys be encouraged to play with toy vacuums?

a:

 Boys like to play with vacuums just as much as girls do. They will advance their motor skills just as much as the girls and toy vacuums are very fun for any child. The only ones that may be viewed as girl models would be the Minnie Mouse vacuums that we feature.
They are in shades of pink and have Minnie’s image on them, but they are certainly not just girl vacuums. Boys should be encouraged to play with vacuums because they have so many abilities to offer kids.

Motor skills are developed as well as some other skills that the various items have to offer. Some talk, make music and sounds, have moving features, and offer color and number practice abilities. Boys will most certainly benefit from these valuable toys.

q: Which vacuums are for toddlers, particularly in the 2- to 4-year-old ranges?

a:

Any one of these vacuums will be perfect for that age range as most of them are for the ages of 3 to 5 years old. The Fisher-Price vacuums are perfect for younger children as little as 6 months old.

Kids older than 5 would most probably not be interested in these simple toys because, at that age, they already possess the skills that these toys have to offer.

q: Do any of these vacuums require batteries or electricity to operate?

a:

All of the toy vacuums, with one exception, highlighted here run on batteries that are either included or not. We specific whether they are included or not with each item if the information was provided by the manufacturer.

The only vacuum that does not operate on batteries is the Corn Popper by Fisher-Price. It is powered by the child moving the product only to produce the movement of the colorful balls in the clear dome.

q: Do any of the vacuums listed have any small parts that would be a hazard to toddlers?

a:

The only vacuums that may concern parents as far as safety would be the removable parts of the Dyson DC14. Other than that one, all pieces of the toys stay together and should not come apart unless you need to store it away.

q: Which toy vacuums pick up dust or objects? Are there any that actually clean?

a:

The two Minnie Mouse vacuums and the Fisher-Price products do not pick up anything in the toy. They have either plastic balls in the clear cylinder of the vacuum or play lint to simulate the vacuum actually working. None of the toys do any real cleaning.

q: Do any of the vacuums have accessories? Do any do other things besides vacuum?

a:

The Minnie Bowtique vacuum has a smaller vacuum attached that comes off to use for small clean-up jobs. Depending on the various items, most of the vacuums offer more activities than just vacuuming, such as learning sounds, phrases, songs, colors, numbers, and operation activities. There is much to learn with these simple devices that manufacturers have crafted so incredibly well.

Sources

  1. Kids Health, What Your Toddler Is Learning, Informative Article
  2. Rachel Newcombe, Help Your Three Year Old Learn With Toys, How to Guide
  3. Laurel Bongiorno, 10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play , Information for Parents
  4. David Kohn, Let the Kids Learn Through Play, How Kids Learn
  5. Kathleen Alfano, What do young kids learn from playing games?, Informative Guide