Tonie’s are little characters that play on a Toniebox. It’s kind of like a CD or playlist that’s on a character that plays stories or music for kids. This post looks into creative Tonies, how they’re made, and why they’re cool. A creative Tonie is a character that is a blank slate. You are able to put whatever you want on it, up to 90 minutes of content. Additionally, you’re able to change the content whenever you want via the app. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a creative Tonie, decorate or customize it, and upload custom content in a few simple steps.
What is a Creative Tonie?
Creative Tonies are blank, customizable figurines made to work with the Toniebox. Unlike the pre-loaded Tonies that come with professionally recorded content, Creative Tonies allow you to upload your own audio files. The options and opportunities with these are endless and open up a world of possibilities!
Supplies You’ll Need
- A Creative Tonie
- Toniebox
- Tonie app
- Wi-Fi connection
- Audio files or
- Audio recording tool (like the voice recorder on your phone)
- Audio editing tools, like Audacity or GarageBand, are also helpful, but not required.
As far as the creative tonie’s themselves go, there are a few generic options out there that you can buy from places like Target or Amazon. These little figurines look like characters. There are other options to create a “magic” creative Tonie, which is a Tonie with a completely custom look. Shameless plug- we sell a few options that are more aligned with content that isn’t available from standard Tonie characters, such as patriotic or religious content.
Planning Your Content
It helps to have an idea in mind for content before you buy your creative tonie. Ideas include:
- Music
- Audio books and stories
- Children’s podcasts
- Recorded messages from parents
- Recorded stories from grandparents or loved ones
- Educational content
- And more!
To try to make things easier for people, we actually create some content suggestions for some of the custom Tonies that we make. You can find what we use on our Tonie Content Suggestions page.
Recording and Editing Audio
Recording content or finding content to use isn’t as hard as you might think. If you don’t want to use something pre-recorded, you can use your phone’s voice recorder, or an app like Audacity to create your own mp3 media files.
We know there are ways to rip audio files from YouTube videos, or from other online content. We share this information because some content on those sites have creative commons licenses. We don’t teach how to do this because we do not condone any violations of copyright laws, as is most common with using these methods. Use any content from these sites at your own risk.
Uploading Audio to Your Creative Tonie
Once your files are ready:
- Open the Tonie app and sign in.
- Select your Creative Tonie from your library.
- Tap “Edit Content” and upload your MP3 files.
- Sync your Toniebox (place the Creative Tonie on it while connected to Wi-Fi).
- Wait for the LED light to turn green—your content is now ready to play!
Troubleshooting tip: If syncing doesn’t work, check that your Toniebox is connected to Wi-Fi and that the files are the correct format and size.
How To Program a Creative Tonie Video Tutorial
FAQs about Creative Tonies
Yes, you can play the content on a creative that was made by someone else, but you cannot edit the content on it. We have heard of instances where some folks were able to contact Tonie’s support and get the creative “unlocked” so they can access it, but I’ve also heard of people who have had these requests denied.
Yes, you can change the content on your Creative Tonie as often as you’d like. I know of people who update their content weekly for their children.
You can upload up to 90 minutes of content to your creative.
The creative Tonie uses MP3 or MP4A formats.
Conclusion
Creative Tonies open up a world of possibilities for parents, grandparents, and anyone looking to share meaningful, personalized content with the little ones in their lives. Whether you’re uploading bedtime stories, family messages, or fun educational tracks, the ability to craft something unique makes these Tonies more than just toys—they become cherished memory-makers.
With just a little effort and creativity, you can turn a blank figurine into a custom character that delights your child day after day. From recording your own audio to decorating a one-of-a-kind figure, the process is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding.
Whether you’re here to learn, get inspired, or pick up one of our themed Creative Tonies, we hope this guide helps you bring your ideas to life. Be sure to check out our Etsy shop for custom designs and our Content Suggestions page for ready-to-go ideas and inspiration.
Happy creating, and happy listening!
Disclaimer:
While we’re a big fan of Tonies and the Tonie Player, we are not affiliated or connected with them in any way. Other links on our site may be affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra charge to you from any qualifying purchases to help us further spread wholesome content.