The best yo-yos for kids provide a unique activity for children to master while teaching patience and techniques. Not only does the yo-yo have several learning benefits, but it’s also a perfect small gift without batteries or maintenance. It’s also an easy way for children to gain some confidence by learning a new skill and maybe even some tricks.
Find the best yo-yo for your child today from responsive to non-responsive, trick yo-yos, light-up yo-yos, and more. Moreover, find out what those terms mean too. Start shopping!
Best Yo-Yos for Beginners
The most popular Yo-Yo among Amazon customers is the 4.5 star, The Original Brain with the Responsive Yo-Yo is an Amazon’s Choice toy with popularity among shoppers. The Power Brain XP, the Yo-Yo for Beginners, and the Custom Classic Wooden Yo-Yo are not as popular but the majority of people who have reviewed these yo-yo’s think that they are great beginner yo-yo’s.
Yomega Power Brain XP Yo-Yo
Look inside the Yomega Power Brain XP Yo-Yo for an impressive view of the mechanics. Around the outside, find a feisty red shell making this a very modern yo-yo read to impress. One side also displays an X showing this is an XP model with tons of attention to detail.
Both beginners and intermediate yo-yo users will find stress reduction from this yo-yo. It also has a smart switch to allow users to choose between auto return or manual function. Simply flip a switch to change up the yo-yo.
Children ages eight and up can learn fun tricks with this yo-yo and can even choose when to advance their ability. It also comes with a three-month warranty too! All this for a low price and extra string too.
MAGICyo-yo Responsive Yo-Yo
The MAGICyo-yo Responsive yo-yo includes several extras to increase the value of this affordable yo-yo. Not only does it come with a glove, but it also comes with string, a bag, instructions, and caps. The whole yo-yo comes apart to change out the bearings or to remove stuck string.
Kids will love this responsive yo-yo with a bright blue color and edgy design. It’s a heavier yo-yo made out of ABS and comes with a flat bearing, also known as a slim bearing. Also, it’s ready to do tricks and teaches kids exactly what to do to get them started.
The glove is only for kids who want to put on shows, but it’s a nice touch. As it looks like a high-end yo-yo, even teenagers will love the easy to use and adjustable yo-yo. Time to spin!
MAGICyo-Yo-Yo-yo for Beginners Kids Auto Return
Enjoy color options with the MAGICyo-Yo-Yo-yo for Beginners Kids Auto Return. The symmetrical design and aluminum alloy material make this a great option for beginners and novice yo-yo users. Choose from a rainbow of color options all in a matte finish.
The set comes with several additional pieces for the low price, including a glove, colorful strings, and a storage bag too for easy travel. Furthermore, it’s a responsive yo-yo that will come back automatically. It’s an excellent option for beginners who want to work towards learning tricks.
Children ages eight-years-old and up will enjoy the easy-to-use yo-yo. It twists off to for easy re-stringing. Also, it works for single or two-handed string tricks and has a counterweight.
Developing Intelligence Unresponsive Aluminum yo-yo
The Developing Intelligence Unresponsive Aluminum yo-yo looks impressive with a cosmic style ready to make kids happy. Although, the patterns are random and you don’t get a lot of choices except you can pick a basic color theme. This one comes in green, yellow, and gray spackle.
Both boys and girls will love this unresponsive yo-yo because it has personality. The doodle pattern also comes with three string colors, too, for added fun. Also, the high-quality aluminum alloy will last a long time or until your kids lose it.
Furthermore, the yo-yo comes with trick strings perfect for beginners and novice users. It’s perfect for improving coordination, strength, intelligence, and more. For users ages eight-years-old and up.
Yomega Brain – The yo-yo with a Brain
The Yomega Brain – The yo-yo with a Brain looks amazing with a mechanical appearance ready to make kids happy. It comes with two extra sets of string and a green see-through body. Buy this if you want a yo-yo that’s easy to use and to learn.
Beginners will love the longest spinning auto return yo-yo. It opens on the downswing for very long and smooth spins. Once the spin time slows, the clutch engages, and the yo-yo returns to kids’ hands automatically.
The centrifugal clutch is what gives this yo-yo a brain so kids can easily learn the basics. Kids can even learn tricks too. Just a little practice and your kid can become a pro with this fun yo-yo.
yo-yo King Custom Classic Natural Wooden Yo-yo
Get the yo-yo King Custom Classic Natural Wooden Yo-yo if you want a personalized option for a low price. The yo-yo is wooden and comes with your child’s name engraved on the front. No garish colors or any chance of someone mistaking it as theirs unless they have the same names as your child!
It’s made with hard beech wood in Sweden, making it high quality. Add up to 14 characters for a gorgeous finish, unlike any gift your child has in their room already. You can also pick from four different fonts for a more customized finish.
Lastly, the yo-yo comes with a string installed and ready for kids to play with and try out new tricks. The company claims its best for kids ages 12 and up, but this seems far too old for a simple yo-yo, and six and up seems more appropriate for a customized yo-yo. It makes a perfect gift!
Mudpuppy Cat Donut Wooden Yo-Yo
Younger children ages six and up will enjoy the fierce Mudpuppy Cat Donut Wooden Yo-Yo with a cute cat donut painted on the side. It’s a wooden yo-yo with an incredible price, and it’s perfect for beginners. The classic toy will bring tons of entertainment and make a fabulous fidget toy for kids bored at home.
Furthermore, the yo-yo includes a guide with step-by-step instructions on how to adjust the yo-yo string for a perfect fit. Both experienced and new users will enjoy the adjustability and tactile fun. It may even keep your kids off the television or other screens too.
Even better, the picture comes from a well-known artist like Andy Warhol or Eric Carle – although the company doesn’t state which one. Either way, it’s a great toy made of solid material and ready to improve your child’s play along with their hand-eye coordination.
Best Yo-Yos for Kids
The The Original Brain, the Fireball, the Green Merlin, and the Professional Responsive Yo-Yo are Amazon Choice products, meaning that they have g00d reviews, are well priced, and can be shipped quickly.
Yomega Fireball – Professional Responsive Transaxle yo-yo
Kids beyond the beginner stage need the Yomega Fireball – Professional Responsive Transaxle yo-yo as it’s a high-performance transaxle yo-yo. It comes in three colors, ready to impress older users with a fun fireball design. However, it’s pricier than beginner yo-yos but extremely accessible price-wise and durable polycarbonate material.
The transaxle is a plastic sleeve or spool that goes over the axle and allows users to have longer, smoother spins. Users can simply flick their wrist and watch the yo-yo spin at the end of the string. Another flick brings it back to the hand. Both intermediate and advanced yo-yo-ers will love the high-end yo-yo.
Next, the yo-yo includes two extra sets of string for easy replacement. Kids can learn fun tricks, just like pros. The modular design allows it to unscrew in half for untangling and lubricating.
MAGICyo-yo Professional Responsive yo-yo V3
The MAGICyo-yo Professional Responsive yo-yo V3 is a monochromatic yo-yo with a simple design and tons of extras. Not only do you get extra strings in a variety of colors but also a storage bag and tools like a bearing removal tool.
Despite the fancy accessories, this is an entry-level yo-yo. It offers dual function with a responsive alloy ball with slim responsive bearings, which can turn it into an advanced yo-yo for leveled users. Simply switch out the bearings with the includes parts for the extra abilities.
Furthermore, the yo-yo comes with a high-speed and stable design with perfect symmetry for a longer spin. It’s also not made of plastic but with alloy 6061 to last longer. Do note, this is an unresponsive yo-yo for long spin and sleep times.
Yomega The Original Brain – Professional yo-yo
Get the Yomega The Original Brain – Professional yo-yo if you want a high-end yo-yo for beginners with a fantastic and simple design. It’s great for all ages and users, especially those looking for a stress-relieving way to fidget. Choose this yo-yo for the longest spin and return process and for kids ages eight and up.
The yo-yo opens on the downswing for long and smooth spins, ready to delight children. As the spin slowdown, the clutch engages automatically, allowing the yo-yo to return to the hand automatically. Thanks to a centrifugal clutch design, this auto-return will impress everyone with the fancy “brain.”
Kids can learn some basic tricks with this yo-yo, and it comes with extra string. However, it only comes in blue, so you don’t get a ton of color options. You do get a three-month warranty in case the yo-yo doesn’t work properly.
Supreme yo-yo Responsive Aluminum yo-yo
With the Supreme yo-yo Responsive Aluminum yo-yo, kid get a fun toy with high design. Pick from several color options in red and silver, red and black, blue and white, purple and black, and black and white. Also, pick this option if you want extra string as it comes with five strings in fun colors to work for any kid.
The yo-yo is made with pro aluminum ball bearings, and it’s responsive too. Both pros and beginners can enjoy the benefits of this rather expensive yo-yo as it’s high-quality. Moreover, it offers long sleep, spin, and wake. Snap your wrist to get the yo-yo to come back.
The pattern offers a fun splash of color that looks amazing when spun. It also comes in a professional size of 56mm, making it perfect for children and teenagers with more experience. Save this yo-yo for kids ages nine-years-old and up.
yo-yo King Green Merlin Professional Responsive Trick yo-yo
The yo-yo King Green Merlin Professional Responsive Trick yo-yo is bright green with black sides and the word merlin as the only decor. It comes with an ultra-long spin with a ball bearing axle to perform tricks like a pro. Also, the yo-yo wakes up too for added fun.
Next, the yo-yo includes extra parts for easy repair and a low price perfect for any budget. The yo-yo is easy to use, too, with optimized balance, longer spinning times, and easy to catch the string. This is the option for people who want a yo-yo for the spin.
Finally, the yo-yo is made with super durable plastic and a narrow C size bearing. It’s a responsive yo-yo ready to provide hours of fun. Kids can use this yo-yo to learn tricks and impress their friends.
Yomega Maverick – Professional Aluminum Metal yo-yo
Although the Yomega Maverick – Professional Aluminum Metal yo-yo is a little pricy, it comes with a high-end appearance and a few extras. It even includes a three month warranty. However, choose this for the deep polished purple design and simplistic wording.
The aluminum metal includes a responsive ball bearing. A wing-shaped body design improves the use too. Also, it has a standardized C size ball bearing.
Internal silicone response pads improve the experience and explain the price. Add in some extra strings for one amazing yo-yo. It a great choice for advanced string tricks, so make sure to buy it for a more advanced user.
yo-yo King Proteus Professional Responsive yo-yo
Not only is the yo-yo King Proteus Professional Responsive yo-yo absolutely beautiful but simplistic too, with no wording and a solid color. A simple lightning bolt on the side displays is power. All this with an aluminum body and just the right weigh and shape to work as a classic yo-yo.
The responsive trick yo-yo comes with a ball bearing axle to make the magic work. Also, the included string is a narrow C bearing for long spin times and a tug and wake play. It’s a perfect choice for children ages eight-years-and up.
If, for some reason, the blue doesn’t appeal to your child, you can also pick a bold metallic red color too. Although the price is high, it’s because you can customize the yo-yo by adding in your own wide C bearing, which is not provided with the purchase.
Yomega Raider – Professional Responsive Ball Bearing yo-yo
The Yomega Raider – Professional Responsive Ball Bearing yo-yo comes from a long line of fabulous yo-yos from this brand. This one is see-through with a fund spinning design ready to look amazing when spinning up and down. Choose from three colors perfect for both boys and girls.
With the Raider yo-yo, you have a yo-yo that champions and advanced players around the world use. It comes with a precision roller bearing system for perfect balance and response along with speed and spin time. Moreover, yo-yo-ers will choose this option for looping tricks, especially those who want to try two-handed tricks.
As with many professional yo-yos, this one includes a three-month warranty to guarantee the low price. Also, the yo-yo has a plastic body that’s lightweight and easy to carry. Gift this yo-yo to kids ages eight and up.
Yomega Magnetar Responsive Ball Bearing yo-yo
Choose the Yomega Magnetar Responsive Ball Bearing yo-yo if you want a superhero-style design. Honestly, the yo-yo looks like Captain America’s shield with a few minor differences like it’s a yo-yo and won’t protect your life. You can, however, pick from three different color options.
The yo-yo also includes a three-month warranty. However, you will choose this option because of the innovative roller bearing technology. This technology ensures there are no loose parts on the yo-yo and removes the need for rubber pads or spacers.
Now, the only spare parts you need are string, and this comes with two sets of spare strings. It’s great for kids ages eight and up with intermediate and above experience. Kids will be able to try advanced tricks and long smooth spins too.
Spintastics Space Monkey Bimetal yo-yo
The Spintastics Space Monkey Bimetal yo-yo is a designer yo-yo with a designer price. A metallic blue bi-metal aluminum construction also includes steel outer rings. However the fun space monkey on the side and silver accents may make this a viable option for those looking for a streamlined design.
Next, the full-sized professional yo-yo provides hours of fun with good balance, long spin times, stability, and also ease of string catching. A flared shape and outer rings add weight for longer and faster spins. Also, a silicone response system and ball bearing axle improve the long spin times too.
Both wide and narrow bearing come with the kit as does the yo-yo string. The narrow c bearing is already set up, so kids ages eight and up can start playing immediately. A simple switch allows the yo-yo to go from responsive to non-responsive as often as you like.
MAGICyo-yo Professional Unresponsive yo-yo
The MAGICyo-yo Professional Unresponsive yo-yo is a nice gift set with tons of accessories. As for the actual yo-yo, it comes in a fun black and gold batter, or you can choose from a couple of other neat options as well. You also get a storage bag, spare rings, strings, and a glove all for a low price.
Moreover, the non-responsive pro yo-yo features a concave bearing that requires a bind. It has a durable recovery system and a long idling time. Use this yo-yo for more advanced players along with intermediate and even expert.
Next, use the weight rings to get the right weight for your needs. It’s made of aluminum alloy perfect for longevity. Give this yo-yo to more advanced yo-yo players ages six years old and up.
Yomega Spectrum – Light up Fireball Transaxle yo-yo
With the Yomega Spectrum – Light up Fireball Transaxle yo-yo, you get a light-up yo-yo in a clear white. The see-through plastic makes it easy for kids to see all of the internal organs of the yo-yo for an epic appearance ready to steal attention. Moreover, they yo-yo lights up, and when it spins in the dark, kids will be mesmerized!
Next, the high-performance yo-yo features a transaxle made of plastic that allows for long smooth spins. It returns to the person automatically, making it perfect for intermediate, advanced, and pro-level yo-yo enthusiasts. Furthermore, it’s perfect for those who want to do tricks and put on a performance.
The yo-yo is affordable and comes with two sets of spare string. You can unscrew the yo-yo for easy untangling or lubricating. Also, it comes with a three-month warranty, and it’s perfect for children ages eight and up.
Best Duncan Yo-Yos
Duncan Reflex Auto Return Yo-Yo
The Duncan Reflex Auto Return Yo-Yo is a very mechanical looking yo-yo ready to appeal to younger and older children. Novice yo-yo-users will enjoy the automatic return feature as it will come back to your hand every time with correct use. You can even find a fun color combo from a few different options, including green, blue, or red.
With the Reflex, you get a centrifugal clutch that engages the axle allowing it to snap back for more effectiveness. Also, kids can throw normally for practice. It includes a take-apart design to handle knots quickly.
The classic design is perfect for beginners and novices, along with collectors. Anyone will love the fun look-through design. It’s made with high-quality polycarbonate and plastic, making it super durable.
Buy this yo-yo for kids and teenagers ages six and up.
Duncan Imperial Yo-Yo – String Yo-Yo for Beginners
The Duncan Imperial Yo-Yo – String Yo-Yo for Beginners, allows kids to start out with a basic yo-yo. With a fabulous price and classic design, it’s the go-to yo-yo for beginners. It’s the perfect size to add to a stocking or toss in a gift bag with other larger presents.
Kids can use this yo-yo as passive entertainment while watching tv until the movements become simple and easy. Furthermore, they can stand to learn improved hand-eye coordination. Also, both kids and teenagers are equally drawn to the original fidget spinner toy.
Once your child masters the basic yo-yo movement, they can start learning tricks with this yo-yo before they need to move on. It includes a modular design and high-quality plastic for durability with a steel axle for easy unscrewing to fix tangled string. Also, it fits comfortably in the palm of the hand.
Finally, the yo-yo comes in an assortment of colors, although, with this option, you get the luck of the draw.
Duncan BUTTERFLY YO-YO
The Duncan BUTTERFLY YO-YO comes in a variety of colors and a pretty butterfly perfect for nature lovers. It’s ready to provide hours of fun for kids ages eight-years-old and up. Also, it’s made with durable plastic with a steel axle for smooth spins.
Gift this classic toy to novices or beginners. They can enjoy a wide string gap. It doesn’t do any fancy tricks, but it’s a simple yo-yo ready to help people learn the basic movements. Maybe you can even remember how to use it from your youth to show your child.
Duncan Toys Limelight LED Light-Up Yo-Yo
The Duncan Toys Limelight LED Light-Up Yo-Yo will go over well with young kids as it lights up. First, pick your color from green, blue, or orange. Second, the yo-yo is a great choice for beginners so they can learn the basics with a time-honored design ready to do exactly what they need.
With a clear body, your kids get a look a the inner mechanism of the yo-yo. This allows you to see the special LED light technology. Moreover, the yo-yo includes a transaxle design with a replaceable plastic transaxle.
Now kids can try out tricks to master their fidgety behavior. All this with a durable polycarbonate plastic design ready to handle anything. It’s best for kids over the age of six years old, though.
Worlds Smallest Duncan Butterfly Yo-Yo
If you need a gag gift, stocking stuffer, or a new level of challenge for yo-yo enthusiast, you need the Worlds Smallest Duncan Butterfly Yo-Yo. The yo-yo is a fraction of the size of a traditional yo-yo and takes a new spin on the classic toy. It’s a fun gift perfect for children ages six-years-old and up.
The miniature yo-yo measures a very tiny 1.25 x 0.75 x 1.25 inches, and the color is random. Although you cannot pick the color, you do know the yo-yo will say Duncan and display a simple butterfly on the side. It’s made out of plastic, and it’s very affordable, however, it is more expensive than its normal size counterpart to accommodate the process.
Despite the small size, the yo-yo does work and provides a smooth yo-yo landing. Beginners will love the yo-yo as will collectors. Mind you; it’s not near as easy to use as a full-sized yo-yo!
Hornet Duncan Orange with Black Cap Looping Yo-Yo
The Hornet Duncan Orange with Black Cap Looping Yo-Yo doesn’t sting, but it does swing. It’s the perfect yo-yo for advanced looping tricks and even competition play. Not all yo-yos are made for looping tricks making this a great choice and value for kids with skills.
Next, the yo-yo features a perfect center to rim weight ration again, making it perfect for looping tricks. It also has a starburst response and ball-bearing axle for long spin times. Don’t buy this option for a beginner but for intermediate yo-yo enthusiasts.
Although it’s made of plastic, it includes superior technology for high performance. It’s for children over the age of six years old who know how to loop and want on sleep time. Advanced users will delight in a yo-yo capable of more.
Best Toddler Yo-Yo
BESPORTBLE Wooden Yo-Yo
The BESPORTBLE Wooden Yo-Yo comes in a pack of 2 and is the perfect size for little hands!
Each yo-yo measures 2.36″ by 2.36″ by .79.” A step-by-step guide is also included that explains how to adjust the string for a perfect fit around your child’s finger.
Comparing Yo-Yos for Kids
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
Buying Criteria for Best Yo-Yos for Kids
Durability and Material
Yo-yos are primarily made of three materials – plastic, alloy aluminum, and wood. While plastic is the most affordable, alloy aluminum will last the longest and withstand more play or weather as well. Kids aren’t gentle and tend to bang yo-yos around while learning, meaning the one that won’t break is the better choice.
Both wood and plastic can break with pressure, but aluminum stands up to more abuse with ease. Also, aluminum provides a better weight than plastic, which is a necessity for a yo-yo.
Fun Features
Yo-yos are very simple and come with very few added features. Some light up, but the main feature is the accessories or the color scheme and design. Try to find a design you think will look impressive when spinning as that’s what kids want.
As yo-yos come in two styles, you need to know which works best for kids with a serious interest. You can pick either a responsive or non-responsive yo-yo. Both have advantages, take a look.
A responsive yo-yo is the conventional option, and it goes up and down. They are very affordable and simplistic, making them fantastic for beginners. The unresponsive yo-yo is fancier and requires ball bearings in the center that allows the yo-yo to sleep longer and can support fancy tricks and moves.
The unresponsive yo-yo does not return to your hand like the responsive yo-yo when you pull on the string. Instead, it will stay down spinning at the bottom of the string and puts on a great show.
A bind is a trick used on unresponsive yo-yos to have them come back to your hand. Basically, the unresponsive yo-yos do more and are a better option for more advanced users.
Effectiveness of Yo-yos for Kids
Yo-yos need to work, but first, you have to decide how you want them to work. Most people picture a yo-yo and think of the responsive yo-yo that automatically returns to your hand. Advanced users want the unresponsive to manage tricks with ease.
However, if the yo-yo is missing parts or doesn’t work, it won’t be effective. It’s best to pick a yo-yo with spare parts or not need for taking apart for the easiest care. If you want to customize the yo-yo, then make sure to pick one that comes apart for easy maintenance.
Benefits
Yo-yos include many benefits for children. First, they can help to develop hand-eye coordination and focus. Second, they can promote bilateral integration or using multiple parts of the body at once. Next, it can help with mid-line function as well.
Kids can also improve finger strength, hand dominance, and spatial awareness. Not to mention, a yo-yo helps kids to set goals and learn determination. Mastering anything can teach kids the positive lesson of hard work and practice.
Finally, yo-yos can act as a fidget toy to keep fingers busy so the brain can think. Some people think better without a toy in their hands, while others find the movement reassuring, relaxing, and it allows their body to move so their brain can focus. If your kid tends to fidget, try a yo-yo as it doesn’t make noise but does move.
However, make sure children know not to distract others while distracting themselves! All this and yo-yos can even teach kids to multitask too!
FAQs About Best Yo-Yos for Kids
Why do yo-yos for Kids have so many bad reviews?
Yo-yos are a very personal item, and what works for one person may not work for another. You will often find that subjective items get mixed reviews. The same goes for yo-yos, and you may need to try a few to find the right one for your child, but at least they are affordable!
How can I help my child learn tricks for their yo-yo?
If you know anyone who plays with a yo-yo, it’s best to let your kid learn from another person. Also, you can pick a yo-yo with instructions or even find books online. Also, make sure to check on Youtube as it’s a great place for teaching and learning!
Are there other activities similar to playing with a yo-yo?
Yes! Kids who like yo-yos may also like hacky sacks, fidget spinners or fidget cubes, and even juggling as they all keep kids’ hands active. For outdoor play, you can try frisbees, boomerangs, and kites.
