The Best Jack in the Box Toys for Kids

The Jack in the Box is a classic toy that kids of all ages love. The music, the surprises, and the characters make them so much fun. Meanwhile, they teach your kids lessons about cause and effect and they show them that even when you can't see something, it is still there. Here are our favorite Jack in the Box toys for your kids.

Curious George Jack in the Box

Durable and Safe

An adorable George pops out for some fun.
Best Overall

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Does your family love the cute and cuddly classic monkey character, Curious George, with all of his antics and fun? If so, your child will adore the Curious George Jack in the Box.

This Jack in the Box plays “Pop Goes the Weasel” while your child turns the handle. When the song is finished, a plush and cuddly George pops out of the beautifully decorated metal box. The heavy construction means it will last for years so all your kids will have a chance to love it. They can throw it, drop it, or carry it around and it will stay secure.

Pros:

  • Based on a classic character everyone loves
  • The metal box is decorated with simple scenes from the books
  • It is durable
  • Music plays clearly as your child uses the crank
  • Great for kids of all ages

Cons:

  • It may be tough to get George back in the box, so you may need to help your kids out at first
  • The tab that holds George in is visible so little finger may be able to get him out without the crank sometimes

Schylling Silly Circus Jack in the Box

The Classic

Give your kids a bit of your own childhood with this beautiful Jack in the Box.
Most Nostalgic

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If you are really into nostalgic pieces for your family and the classical clown Jack in the Box is right for you, you need the Schylling Silly Circus Jack in the Box. Then you can really take your own family back to your childhood.

This durably constructed metal Jack in the Box shows scenes from the circus on each side. Check out the dancing Hippo or the leaping lion. There is a character for everyone. Meanwhile, once the song, “Pop Goes the Weasel”, is over, the adorable clown puppet will jump out and surprise everyone much to the delight of your child.

Pros:

  • The box itself is made to be sturdy and last for a long time
  • Jack, the clown, is cute and loved by kids
  • It will take you back to your childhood
  • Easy to use and fun for hours
  • Kids of all ages will love this toy

Cons:

  • Small kids may need some assistance in learning to put Jack back in his box
  • The locking mechanism is plastic instead of metal so you may want to check it

Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Jack in the Box

Adorable and Fun

Sweet Minnie Mouse will provide lasting fun for your baby.
Best for Young Kids

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Do you have a baby, toddler, or preschooler who absolutely adores Disney and all of their clubhouse friends? If so, your child will love the Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Jack in the Box.

Minnie Mouse is a childhood favorite. She is sweet, kind, helpful, and sassy. She teaches girls that they can just adventurous and have as much fun as anyone else. This Jack in the Box brings her to life while your kid plays peek-a-boo and has fun with the music. Sing along to “You Are My Sunshine” and watch your child be delighted.

Pros:

  • The universally loved character will make any child happy
  • It is durably made and will last for a long time
  • Minnie is soft and very securely in the box so even if your child carries her, she won’t fall out
  • The crank is easy to turn for kids of all ages
  • You can sing right along to “You Are My Sunshine”

Cons:

  • It can be challenging for babies to get Minnie to go back down, but they get the hang of it pretty quickly
  • If you play the song too quickly it doesn’t sound as good, so keep it slow

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Jack in the Box

Literary Based

A lovely toy based on a classic children's book.
Most Versatile

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Some families love to read together. One story that parents and children enjoy is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. It is so much fun to have toys to go with your child’s favorite story, which is why your family will love the Very Hungry Caterpillar Jack in the Box.

The Jack in the Box is based on a fun story. The plush that pops out is the bright and colorful caterpillar. Meanwhile, the sturdy metal box is decorated all over with classic art from the book, which will delight you and your kids. It plays the classic “Pop Goes the Weasel” just like the classic Jack in the Boxes you grew up with.

Pros:

  • The box itself is made of durable metal so it can last for years
  • Kids love being able to match their toys and books, so it may even encourage them to read more
  • It is colorful and fun to look at, which holds the attention of young kids
  • The art is stunning and original
  • It plays a classic song

Cons:

  • Sometimes you may need to pop the caterpillar back into the box for your child
  • The “pop” isn’t as exciting as some of the noisier versions

Unicorn Jack in the Box

Heavy Duty

A strong metal box with a soft plush unicorn is sure to delight your child.
Most Durable

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To kids, nothing is more incredible than a unicorn. They are beautiful, magical, and full of surprises. This Unicorn Jack in the Box is everything your child could want and more.

The purple tin box holds a fantastical surprise. As your child cranks the handle they will here the song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, and when it reaches the end, Pop goes a cute pink unicorn with a rainbow horn. Each side of this Jack in the Box has a different art piece that centers around this mystical creature.

Pros:

  • Durable construction will last a long time
  • Unicorns are a favorite amongst kids of all ages
  • The bright and fun colors attract young kids
  • It plays “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” instead of the usual songs
  • The Unicorn is soft

Cons:

  • Sometimes the unicorn “pops” before you are ready
  • There is only one color option, although pink and purple do make the most sense for a unicorn toy

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Jack in the Box teach kids anything?

Jack in the Box toys teach kids about object permanence and cause and effect. Showing the child that just because they can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there is an important lesson.

What ages are appropriate for Jack in the box toys?

Kids of all ages love Jack in the Box toys, although most are marketed towards kids from 1 year old to early elementary age.